BYD Seal U electric SUV confirmed for UK sales
BYD Seal U is slightly taller and wider than the saloon from which it takes its name
Taller and wider sibling of Seal electric saloon to bring competitive range and more interior space
The BYD Seal U will be sold in the UK, the Chinese brand has confirmed at the Munich motor show.
A slightly taller and wider sibling to the electric Seal saloon, the SUV is sold in China as the BYD Song Plus Champion Edition, with either a plug-in hybrid or a battery-electric powertrain.
The latter is expected to be the sole UK offering, with the choice of 71kWh or 87kWh lithium-iron-phosphate (LFP) batteries.
These yield a range of 323-376 miles on the Chinese CLTC test cycle, according to local media reports, but these figures are expected to change when the model undergoes European WLTP testing.
Charging capabilities are yet to be detailed, but the Seal saloon – based on the same e-Platform 3.0 – can replenish its battery at rates up to 150kW. This is on a par with many current models, although it falls short of the 350kW offered by the Hyundai Ioniq 5 and Kia EV6.
Two electric motors are offered in the Seal U, putting out 204bhp and 218bhp along with 229lb ft of torque.
The interior features the same 15.6in rotating infotainment touchscreen as the Seal saloon, as well as a digital instrument display.
The Seal U is likely to be priced a slight premium compared with its saloon counterpart, which is expected to arrive at around the £45,000 mark, mirroring the relationship between the rival Tesla Model 3 and Model Y.
The SUV represents the next stage in BYD's European expansion, which began with the Atto 3 electric crossover late last year. It will soon be followed by the Dolphin hatchback, priced from £25,490.
The firm is the world’s biggest manufacturer of plug-in hybrid and battery-electric cars, having sold 1.8 million such vehicles in 2022. It aims to more than double its volumes in 2023, pinning its hopes on a successful European launch.
Whether that will be achieved is yet to be seen: BYD recorded exactly 3000 new-car registrations in Europe during the first six months of the year, according to figures from Jato Dynamics.