BYD SEAL U ESTATE

Name: BYD SEAL U 1.5 DM-i Comfort 5dr Auto
Brand: BYD SEAL U
SKU: 105489
Availability: InStock

1.5 DM-i Comfort 5dr Auto

8-14 Week Delivery Time

Images are for illustrative purposes only.

Fuel Type Hybrid

Range 78 miles

Real World Estimate 66 miles

Co2 9.00g/km

Transmission Automatic

Top Speed 105mph

WLTP Combined Range/Economy achieved under standardised test conditions.

Customise Deal

Lease Type

Personal Business

Contract Length

Initial Rental

Annual Mileage

Maintenance

An excess mileage charge will apply if you exceed the contracted mileage. The exact charge will be confirmed on the official quotation prior to your acceptance to proceed.

Important Information

Excess mileage charges will apply if you go over the stated contract mileage.
Vehicle damage charges may occur if the vehicle is returned outside BVRLA's Fair Wear and Tear guidelines.
All rentals are subject to the necessary finance acceptance criteria.
Prices shown are indicative and subject to change.
No ownership option is available on this lease.
Manufacturer’s maintenance schedule must be observed and additional charges may apply for failure to maintain servicing and any non fair wear and tear damage to the vehicle.
Quoted leadtimes are estimates based on information from the manufacturer and are subject to change. We will keep you up to date during the course of your order.
If you are ordering a Used Vehicle you acknowledge that some minor wear and tear or cosmetic damage may be present on the vehicle, such as small chips, scuffs, or scratches.

Fetching your price

Fuel Type Hybrid

Range 78 miles

Real World Estimate 66 miles

Co2 9.00g/km

Transmission Automatic

Top Speed 105mph

WLTP Combined Range/Economy achieved under standardised test conditions.

BYD SEAL U Review

- Independent review from Car and Driving

Performance
7
Handling
5
Comfort
7
Space
7
Styling
5
Build
7
Value
8
Equipment
8
Economy
8
Depreciation
6
Insurance
6

The BYD Seal U DM-i SUV was the first model to extend PHEV tech into BYD's range. Jonathan Crouch drives it.

Ten Second Review

The Seal U DM-i mid-sized SUV was BYD's first attempt at a Hybrid and is a PHEV that aims to broaden the brand's sales base beyond EVs. It's possibly not the most exciting or engaging segment choice you could make, but value and practicality are both strong points that make this a family car worthy of consideration if you're looking at electrification but aren't quite ready for an electric vehicle.

Background

Just when we got used to the idea of Chinese maker BYD being an all-electric brand, along came this car back in 2023, the Seal U DM-i - a Plug-in Hybrid mid-sized SUV. Back then, BYD was almost exclusively known as an EV maker. You'd have thought that if the Chinese maker was going to offer Plug-in Hybrid tech, it would have done it before selling us full-EVs (as rival Polestar did). But BYD has its own way of doing things - as the unusual design of its early EV models showed. One of these was also badged 'Seal', a mid-sized EV saloon that we really liked - and an electric car with premium aspirations. We're not sure why the Plug-in Hybrid Seal model we look at here also uses a 'Seal' moniker because it shares virtually nothing with its EV showroom stablemate in terms of looks, price, powertrain or market positioning. Instead, the Seal U DM-i is a five-door mid-sized SUV. The Seal U SUV can also be had as an EV in other markets, but here we only get the DM-i PHEV version, the 'DM' letters standing for 'Dual Mode', BYD-speak for designation of the fact that an engine assists the electric drivetrain. Let's take a closer look.

Driving Experience

It's a little-known fact that BYD was the first manufacturer to mass-produce a PHEV - a model called the F3DM back in 2008 that hardly anyone bought. But the Chinese learn quickly and BYD can justifiably claim cutting-edge Plug-in Hybrid technology with this Seal U DM-i. There's a choice of three versions of this front-driven four cylinder 1.5-litre petrol powertrain, things kicking off with an entry-level 'Boost' version offering an 18.3kWh battery with 50 miles of EV range and 215bhp of output from its front-mounted motor. Most Seal U DM-i customers though, choose the mid-level 'Comfort' version, which has the same output but uses a larger 26.6kWh battery that increases range to as much as 78 miles. Before a frugal normally aspirated 1.5-litre petrol engine cuts in as you cruise past the queues at your local charging station. Still want that EV? The other Seal U DM-i model is the top 'Design'-spec version, tuned very much for performance. Here, the 1.5-litre engine gets a turbocharger and switches to the Miller cycle aimed at high speed frugality. Plus an extra e-motor is added to the rear axle to create AWD. Power jumps to 319bhp, improving the 8.9s 0-62mph sprint time you get with the front-driven models to just 5.9s. The 'Design' version supplements the usual 'Eco', 'Normal' and 'Sport' drive modes with extra 'Mud' and 'Sand' settings too. The battery on offer though, is the smaller 18.3kWh one and is supposed to deliver up to 43 miles of EV range. Whatever kind of Seal U DM-i you choose, expect the drive experience to be very EV-like - the complicated powertrain ensures that there's always a minimum battery charge of at least 25%. But don't expect the engaging driving dynamics we enjoyed with the Seal EV saloon. The Seal U DM-i has a soft ride and light steering, but compensates with effective brakes and outstanding refinement.

Design and Build

After the avant-garde design that characterised the Seal EV saloon, the Seal U DM-i is surprisingly conservative to look at, though the Chinese maker insists that it's fashioned using the same 'Ocean aesthetics' design language. Which is supposedly highlighted by a prominent belt line that runs from the headlamps to the tail lights. Horizontal lines stretch across the nose, while the rear gets one of those currently fashionable full-width light strips. BYD has toned down the design aesthetics inside too. There's still that brand signature - an enormous rotating central screen, this one 15.6-inches in size. And you get the small bejewelled drive shifter from the Seal EV. But otherwise, things are a bit more class conventional - by BYD standards anyway. There's a large instrument screen that's slightly over-busy with information and a useful quick-access feature on the central monitor more easily turns off some of the more intrusive safety aids. A head-up display is standard, along with the usual parking aids, which you'll need because rearward vision is restricted by the small rear window. The long wheelbase means there's plenty of rear leg room, with space for up to three adults. The 450-litre boot isn't the biggest in the class and isn't supplemented with any extra under-floor space to store the charging cables, but it'll probably be sufficient for most owners.

Market and Model

The Seal U DM-i is priced quite a slug below the Seal EV saloon, but quite comparably to its almost identically-engineered Sealion 5 DM-i BYD showroom stablemate (though unlike that car, it can't be had in cheaper form with a smaller 13kWh PHEV battery). With the Seal U DM-i, there are no trim levels: just the three powertrain options, base 'Boost' (with the 18.3kWh battery), mid-level longer-ranging 'Comfort' (with the 26.6kWh battery) and top AWD 18.3kWh 'Design'. Think in terms of pricing starting from around £33,500 for the base 'Boost', around £35,000 for the volume 'Comfort' version and around £40,000 for the top 'Design' variant. That significantly undercuts obvious rivals like PHEV versions of the Volkswagen Tiguan and the Toyota RAV4. All derivatives come absolutely stuffed with equipment. Things like a head-up display, an enormous rotatable 15.6-inch infotainment screen, a Harmon Infinity premium audio system, heated and cooled seats and two wireless charging mats. There's also faux leather upholstery and vehicle-to-load functionality so that you can plug external devices into the vehicle's drive battery. In terms of safety and advanced driver assistance, the Seal U offers Forward Collision Warning, Automatic Emergency Braking, Rear Collision Warning, Rear Cross Traffic Alert and Rear Cross Traffic Brake, Lane Keep Assistance, Lane Change Assist and Emergency Lane Keep. There's also Adaptive Cruise Control and Intelligent Cruise Control, a Blind Spot Detection System, ESP, Traction Control, Hill Decent Control, Automatic Vehicle Hold, Intelligent Speed Limit Information and Intelligent Speed Limit Control.

Cost of Ownership

The 18.3kWh and 26.6kWh batteries used here can be either AC charged at up to 11kW or DC charged at up to 18kW. Charging from a DC public charger from 30 to 80% takes around 35 minutes using an 11kW charger. It's likely to take a bit longer than that (about 3 hours 30 minutes) with the 7.4kW wallbox your home is more likely to have. We gave you the drive range figures in our 'Driving' section: 50 miles for the 18.3kWh base 'Boost' model, 78 miles for the 26.6kWh 'Comfort' version and 44 miles for the AWD 'Design' derivative. The 'Boost' variant has a quoted combined consumption figure of 314mpg, but you're not likely to achieve that outside of a laboratory. A more realistic stat is that base variant's total range figure of up to 621 miles. The AWD top 'Design' flagship version will officially do 235mpg on the combined cycle and has a theoretical total range of 541 miles. There's a better warranty than you get from most rivals - up to six years or 93,750 miles, with an extra two years for the drive unit and the battery. That battery is covered for up to 125,000 miles and is guaranteed to retain at least 70% of its capacity throughout the warranty duration.

Summary

There's lots you might conceivably like here. The smooth powertrain should feel very much like the EV this Seal U DM-i will be on most commuting journeys. There's also lots of rear seat space, decent cabin quality and loads of equipment. Plus the EV claimed mileage of the longer-ranging 'Comfort' model is difficult to better in this class of mid-sized PHEV. We can't help being a little disappointed though, that the avant-garde design and sharp handling of the Seal EV saloon wasn't replicated here. Still, quite a few likely customers won't care very much about that and if you don't and want a family EV alternative, this Seal U DM-i certainly merits a place on your shortlist for mid-sized PHEVs.

Read Full Review

Vehicle information and specification is supplied by an industry leading third party provider and is to be used for guidance only. We encourage you to check all equipment on the manufacturer's website before you place an order.

Standard Equipment

Technical Data

Options

Charging info

Driver Convenience

12.3" TFT full LCD instrument panel
360 camera
Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) and Intelligent Cruise Control (ICC)
Automatic vehicle hold
Blind spot detection
BYD voice control assistant "Hi, BYD"
Controlled deceleration parking (CDP)
Drive mode select (Eco, normal, sport, snow)
e-Call (emergency call)
Electric tailgate release
Emergency Lane Keeping Assist (ELKA)
Forward collision warning
Front and rear parking sensors
Front cross traffic alert and front cross traffic brake
Head up Display
Indirect driver fatigue management
Intelligent speed limit control (ISLC)
Keyless system entry and start
Lane change assist
Lane Departure Assistant (LDA) and Lane Departure Warning (LDW)
Lane departure prevention
Lane keep assist
PAS
Predictive collision warning
Rear collision warning
Rear cross traffic alert and rear cross traffic brake
Rollover Control System (RMI)
Smartphone wireless charging, 2 x 15W
Traffic sign recognition (TSR)
Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) function

Engine/Drivetrain/Suspension

11kW on board charger
Home charging cable 3pin
Mode 3 Type 2 charging cable (3 phase)

Entertainment

15.6" Electrically rotatable touchscreen
FM/DAB+ radio
Front USB ports, 1 x 18W Type C, 1 x 60W Type C
Infinity sound system with 10 speakers
Rear USB ports, 2 x 18W Type C

Exterior Features

Aluminium roof rails
Auto dimming interior rear view mirror
Auto headlamps (on/off)
Dynamic welcome lights
Electric folding and heated door mirrors
Emergency tow hook
Exterior mirror footlights
Follow me home headlights (The headlights turned on in advance and delayed off function)
Front windscreen, UV protection, thermal insulation and sound proofing
High beam assist
LED 3rd brake light
LED daytime running lights
LED Headlights
LED taillights
One touch electric front/rear windows with pinch protection
Panoramic sunroof with anti-pinch sensor and electrically adjustable sunshade
Rain sensor windscreen wipers
Rear fog lights
Rear side wing doors
Rear window and rear windscreen with tinted glass
Rear wiper

Interior Features

12V power outlet
3 seat bench in 2nd row
8 way electrically adjustable drivers seat
Adjustable rear headrests
Boot parcel shelf
Driver and passenger sunvisors with illuminated vanity mirrors
Driver seat memory function
Front centre armrest with 2 cupholders
Front LED reading lights
Front passenger seat with 4-way electric adjustment
Front seat footlights
Heat pump
Heated front seats
Heated steering wheel
Integrated headrest in front seats
ISOFIX and i-Size for front passenger and outer rear seats
LED front door lights
Nylon floor mats
PM2.5 air filter
PM2.5 air purification system
Rear air vents
Rear armrest with 2 cupholders
Rear side LED reading lights
Rhythm-reactive multi-colour ambient lighting
Single front passenger seat
Split folding rear seats - 40/60
Vegan leather multifunction steering wheel
Vegan leather upholstery
Ventilated front seats

Passive Safety

3x3 point rear seatbelts
ABS/EBD
Automatic emergency braking system
Brake override system (BOS)
Child presence detection
Comfort stop
Door open warning
Driver airbag
Electric parking brake
Force limiting pre-tensioned front seat belts
Front centre airbag
Front passenger airbag
Front passenger airbag deactivation
Front side airbags
Hill descent control
Hill hold control
Hydraulic Brake Assist (HBA)
Hydraulic brake boost
Mechanical child safety lock
Rear middle seat force limiting seat belt
Rear seat belt pretensioners
Reflective vest
Side curtain airbags
Traction control system (TCS)
Tyre pressure monitoring system (TPMS)
Vehicle Dynamics Control System (VDC)
Warning triangle

Security

2 x Smart keys
Alarm and immobiliser (Thatcham category 1)
Automatic door locking
Locking wheel nuts

Wheels

19" Bi-colour alloy wheels
Tyre nut covers remover
Tyre repair kit

Electric Vehicle Data

Battery Capacity % guaranteed under warranty

70
Battery Capacity in kWh

26.6
Battery Charging Scenario 1 - Charge Time (Mins)

192
Battery Charging Scenario 1 - Percentage Change

15-100
Battery Charging Scenario 1 - Power Supply - kW

11
Battery Charging Scenario 2 - Charge Time (Mins)

55
Battery Charging Scenario 2 - Percentage Change

30-80
Battery Charging Scenario 2 - Power Supply - kW

18
Battery Charging Scenario 3 - Charge Time (Mins)

Not Available
Battery Charging Scenario 3 - Percentage Change

Not Available
Battery Charging Scenario 3 - Power Supply - kW

Not Available
Battery Charging Scenario 4 - Charge Time (Mins)

Not Available
Battery Charging Scenario 4 - Percentage Change

Not Available
Battery Charging Scenario 4 - Power Supply - kW

Not Available
Battery Leased

No
Battery Type

Lithium-ion
Charging Port Location

Right Side Rear
Coupler/Connector Type

CCS Type 2
Maximum Charging Rate - kW

18
Standard manufacturers Battery warranty - Mileage

125000
Standard manufacturers Battery warranty - Years

8
Usable Battery Capacity

26.6
WLTP - EC (kWh/100km) - City

14.5
WLTP - EC (kWh/100km) - Comb

17.8
WLTP - EC (miles/kWh) - City

4.3
WLTP - EC (miles/kWh) - Comb

3.5
WLTP - EC AC Weighted (kWh/100km) - Comb

17.8
WLTP - EC AC Weighted (miles/kWh) - Comb

3.5
WLTP - Equivalent AER (km) - City

169
WLTP - Equivalent AER (km) - Comb

126
WLTP - Equivalent AER (miles) - City

105
WLTP - Equivalent AER (miles) - Comb

78

Emissions - ICE

HC+NOx

Not Available
Particles

Not Available
Standard Emissions

EURO 6

Emissions - PHEV

WLTP - CO2 Weighted (g/km) - Comb

9

Engine and Drive Train

Camshaft

DOHC
Catalytic Convertor

Yes
CC

1498
Cylinders

4
Engine Layout

FRONT TRANSVERSE
Fuel Delivery

MULTI POINT FUEL INJECTION
Gears

1 SPEED
Number of Valves

16
Transmission

AUTO

Fuel Consumption - ICE

EC Directive 1999/100/EC Applies

No

Fuel Consumption - PHEV

WLTP - FC Ch Sus (l/100km) - Comb

5.6
WLTP - FC Ch Sus (l/100km) - High

5.1
WLTP - FC Ch Sus (l/100km) - Low

3.6
WLTP - FC Ch Sus (l/100km) - Medium

5.4
WLTP - FC Ch Sus (mpg) - Comb

50.5
WLTP - FC Ch Sus (mpg) - High

55.4
WLTP - FC Ch Sus (mpg) - Low

78.5
WLTP - FC Ch Sus (mpg) - Medium

52.4
WLTP - FC Weighted (l/100km) - Comb

0.4
WLTP - FC Weighted (mpg) - Comb

706.8

General

Alternative Fuel Qualifying

Yes
Badge Engine CC

1.5
Badge Power

218
Based On ID

Not Available
Coin Description

DM-i
Coin Series

Comfort
Insurance Group 1 - 50 Effective January 07

32E
Manufacturers Corrosion Perforation Guarantee - Years

12
NCAP Adult Occupant Protection %

90
NCAP Child Occupant Protection %

86
NCAP Overall Rating - Effective February 09

5
NCAP Pedestrian Protection %

83
NCAP Safety Assist %

77
Did at least one aspect of this vehicle's safety give cause for concern?

No
Service Interval Frequency - Months

12
Service Interval Mileage

10000
Special Edition

No
Special Order

No
Standard manufacturers warranty - Mileage

93750
Standard manufacturers warranty - Years

6
Timing Belt Interval Frequency - Months

Not Available
Timing Belt Interval Mileage

Not Available
Vehicle Homologation Class

M1

Performance

0 to 62 mph (secs)

8.9
Engine Power - BHP

218
Engine Power - KW

160
Engine Power - RPM

6000
Engine Torque - LBS.FT

221
Engine Torque - MKG

30.6
Engine Torque - NM

300
Engine Torque - RPM

4000
Top Speed

105

Test Cycles

Emissions Test Cycle

WLTP
RDE Certification Level

RDE 2

Tyres

Alloys?

Yes
Space Saver?

No
Tyre Size Front

235/50 R19
Tyre Size Rear

235/50 R19
Tyre Size Spare

TYRE REPAIR KIT
Wheel Style

Not Available
Wheel Type

19" ALLOY

Vehicle Dimensions

Height

1670
Length

4775
Wheelbase

2765
Width

1890
Width (including mirrors)

2085

Weight and Capacities

Fuel Tank Capacity (Litres)

60
Gross Vehicle Weight

2405
Luggage Capacity (Seats Down)

1440
Luggage Capacity (Seats Up)

425
Max. Loading Weight

410
Max. Roof Load

75
Max. Towing Weight - Braked

750
Max. Towing Weight - Unbraked

750
Minimum Kerbweight

1995
No. of Seats

5
Turning Circle - Kerb to Kerb

5.5

Exterior Features

Additional Metallic paint
Metallic paint

Paintwork

Additional metallic - Obsidian black
Additional metallic - Sky blue
Additional metallic - Snow white
Metallic - Time grey

Trim

Vegan leather - Black

Charging Speeds

3h 42min

Home

7kW Charger

0h 31min

Fast

50kW Charger

0h 15min

Rapid

100kW Charger

0h 10min

Ultra-Rapid

150kW Charger

Company car tax calculator

Tax Year	BIK	BIK Value	Tax Payable at 20%	Tax Payable at 40%
2026/27	7%	£214.81	£42.96	£85.93
2027/28	8%	£245.50	£49.10	£98.20
2028/29	18%	£552.38	£110.48	£220.95
2029/30	19%	£583.06	£116.61	£233.23

Your web browser is out of date.