The invasion of the Chinese automotive industry in Europe is intensifying and BYD, the world’s leading manufacturer of Electric and Plug-in Hybrid Vehicles, is launching the SEAL U DM-i this time in Greece, further strengthening its product range .
It was presented by the Sfakianaki Group presentation in Athens, announcing a starting price of €38,900, with immediate availability. Its main weapon: it is the company’s first Plug-in Hybrid vehicle (PHEV) with BYD’s Super DM (Dual Mode) technology in Europe.
The SEAL U DM-i offers, according to the company, an efficient, practical, affordable and environmentally friendly solution for daily commuting needs as well as carefree long-distance travel. It has a clear family orientation, but as a D-segment SUV with dynamic and luxurious features it can easily expand its clientele. It is aimed at those looking for an environmentally friendly vehicle, without giving up autonomy, practicality and economy.
In particular, as highlighted, BYD’s Super DM technology prioritizes electrical energy with little dependence on fuel, which makes it more environmentally friendly, with greater energy efficiency and lower fuel consumption. When the battery is fully charged and the driver selects EV mode, the vehicle becomes purely electric, while when the state of charge (SOC) is low, the BYD SEAL U DM-i transforms into a hybrid, consuming ultra-low fuel, eliminating any concerns about electric range. Offering a quiet, comfortable ride, high power and throttle response, this innovative hybrid system redefines the driving experience.
Available in two versions. In the Design version, it has two high-power electric motors (150 kW – 204 hp for the front and 120 kW – 164 hp for the rear motor) and a “Blade Battery” with a capacity of 18.3 kWh, which is supported by the 1.5-liter four-cylinder turbo gasoline engine, developed by BYD itself. This engine produces 96 kW (131 hp) and works with the two electric motors. The maximum total power of the system is 238 kW (324 hp) and the maximum total torque is 550 Nm.
BYD SEAL U DM-i Design has four-wheel drive. The Boost version is front-wheel drive and is offered with a 1.5-liter hybrid engine that produces 72 kW (98 hp) and works with a high-power 145 kW (198 hp) electric motor. The Boost version has the same BYD Blade battery with a capacity of 18.3 kWh as the Design version. The total system power for the Boost version is 160 kW (218 hp). Maximum torque reaches 300 Nm.
The new model has two driving profiles for all versions: EV and HEV. In the first profile, the driver can select the “EV only mode” function for relaxed daily commuting or city driving. In the second profile, the vehicle will mainly use the energy supplied by the battery. The gasoline engine delivers additional power to the wheels only during acceleration, thus supporting the battery. Switching between different functions is done smoothly, giving the feeling of a purely electric car. Plus, drivers won’t have to worry too much about range or charging methods. The engine charges the battery (between 25% and 70%, range can be adjusted) so that electric mode is always available, while the battery is also charged with regenerative braking technology.
The hybrid structure of BYD DM-i technology, based on electric power, prioritizes ultra-low fuel consumption, a quiet and seamless driving experience, and high efficiency. The vehicle can achieve fuel consumption of just 0.9 l/100 km in the Boost version and 1.2 l/100 km in the Design (combined values based on WLTP). Combined electricity consumption for the Boost version is 21 kWh/100 km and for the Design 23.5 kWh/100 km.
The corresponding figures for urban driving are 14.5 kWh/100 km for the Boost version and 16.1 kWh/100 km for the Design. Plus, the BYD SEAL U DM-i offers worry-free commuting. The Design version with all-wheel drive has a pure electric range of 70 kilometers (WLTP), guaranteeing a total range of 870 kilometers (WLTP). The front-wheel drive Boost version offers 80 kilometers of all-electric driving, guaranteeing a total range of 1,080 kilometers (WLTP).
Equipped with cobalt-free
Like all BYD passenger cars offered in Europe, the BYD SEAL U DM-i is equipped as standard with BYD’s cobalt-free Blade Battery technology, which was developed by the company with the primary objective of optimizing safety, durability, longevity, performance and space utilization. . The battery consists of many thin, elongated cells, which actually look like blades.
Additionally, it uses lithium iron phosphate (LFP) as the cathode material to increase safety, durability and thermal stability. The excellent level of safety of the “Blade Battery” type battery is demonstrated by the fact that it exceeds the requirements of the test procedure called “Nail Penetration Test”. These are the most rigorous ways to test battery thermal drift, simulating the consequences of a serious car accident. All BYD SEAL U DM-i versions offer three-phase AC charging at 11 kW and DC at 18 kW. DC charging time (30-80%) is only 35 minutes.
Planning
The BYD SEAL U DM-i – as the all-electric member of the SEAL family – is characterized by the X-shaped front, which is accentuated by the rounded, curved design. The U-shaped headlights fit perfectly into the hood, creating a striking and distinctive identity exclusive to the Ocean Series, while the dual lamps further enhance its high-tech appearance. The balanced proportions continue on the sides, where the strong top line extends from the headlights to the taillights. The side view is adorned by 19-inch alloy wheels with elaborately polished black spokes and a high-gloss finish. The rear design, which enhances the sensation of width, complements the curved aesthetic approach of the front, resulting in a harmonious silhouette with well-balanced proportions. The rear bumper is accentuated by black and silver accents, while the clear LED taillight design takes inspiration from water droplets, referencing the company’s “Ocean Aesthetics” design identity.
In the cabin, the BYD SEAL U DM-i exudes a premium feel with a tasteful blend of sleek, modern design, soft-touch surfaces, high-quality finishing and colorful ambient lighting. The seats, as well as parts of the dashboard, door panels and center console are upholstered in ecological “vegan” leather with contrasting double stitching. The “Legacy Gearshift Panel”, which includes an ultra-sleek crystal gear lever, is inspired by the ocean. The main features such as comfort, convenience and well-being inside the SEAL U DM-i are also reflected in the large front seats, which feature multi-directional electrical adjustment, heating and ventilation as standard. The two large digital screens demonstrate the brand’s high-tech DNA. Both contribute to ergonomics and comfort, with clear displays and intuitive touch operation.
At the same time, the panoramic electric sliding sunroof makes the cabin bright and airy, while the PM2.5 cabin particle filter – including an air purification system in the top version. The SUV has everything to stand out as a comfortable and practical family car. The five-seater D-Class SUV is 4,775 mm long and 1,890 mm wide. and a height of 1,670 mm. Due to the wheelbase of 2,765 mm. and the flat floor design, there is ample legroom for rear passengers. At the same time, the SEAL U DM-i offers a particularly quiet cabin experience with excellent NVH (noise, vibration, whiplash) levels. Thanks to its family orientation, the SUV has received a lot of attention to improve practicality. The rear seat, which can be folded down in a 60/40 ratio, makes it easy to increase the boot capacity from 425 to 1,440 liters.
Functionality is further supported by useful storage spaces, two practical cup holders in the center console, four USB ports and the possibility of wireless charging for two smartphones at the same time. Something particularly functional and useful in areas where an outlet is not available is the BYD SEAL U DM-i battery’s ability to support V2L (Vehicle-to-Load) charging, allowing the car to be used as a portable power source to run . electrical devices. With a wide range of smart equipment and technologies as standard, the BYD SEAL U DM-i offers excellent value for money in its class. SEAL U DM-i offers smart connectivity, information and entertainment, even remotely, through the BYD smartphone app.
BYD’s Intelligent Cockpit System operates through the 15.6″ rotating screen characteristic of BYD models – with which you can choose whether you want horizontal or vertical orientation – while a wealth of useful driver information is displayed on the 12.3″ inches of the LCD instrument panel. In terms of connectivity, the BYD SEAL U DM-i goes a step further by offering remote control of multiple vehicle functions via the BYD app for a smartphone or other mobile device.
Security
In addition to the extensive use of high-strength steel and an extremely strong panel with honeycomb structure to protect the battery, the BYD SEAL U DM-i also offers a dynamically stable chassis combined with top-notch driving characteristics thanks to the support MacPherson. front suspension and multi-link rear suspension. To monitor traffic, alert the driver or even intervene to prevent a traffic accident, the BYD SEAL U DM-i is equipped as standard with a wide range of advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) using five radars and a central camera . Others include: Forward Collision Alert, Automatic Emergency Braking, Adaptive Cruise Control, Rear Collision Alert, Rear Cross Traffic Alert, Lane Change Assist, Intelligent Speed Limit Control, Blind Spot Detection and more . The Design version also has a Head Up Display.
When driving at night, you can count on full LED lighting technology for improved visibility, including high beam assist and adaptive headlights as standard. To assist the driver in maneuvering safely, a camera system provides 360-degree peripheral visibility on the central display, including above and around the car, with the help of an animated car. By intelligently combining images from multiple wide-angle cameras, it appears as if you are observing the maneuvers you perform in the car from a short distance away.
Important: The SEAL U DM-i was rated with the highest distinction of 5 stars in crash tests carried out by the independent organization Euro NCAP.
Deliveries of the new BYD SEAL U DM-i Boost and Design begin immediately in our country. The SEAL U DM-i is available with very sophisticated equipment. in five colors, Delan Black, Time Grey, Snow White, Tian Qing (blue) and Boundless Cloud, while for the interior there are two configurations (shades of seat upholstery and doors in black or black/brown). Both versions have a pre-tax price of less than €40,000, with a clear benefit for the business user. Finally, the model comes standard with a full manufacturer warranty of 6 years/150 thousand km, a warranty of 8 years/200 thousand km for at least 70% of the original battery capacity and a warranty of 8 years/150 thousand km for the electric motor. .
