BYD Seal U Review

Price: £40,000 - £46,000 (est)

Electrifying.com score

7/10

BYD's relentless product offensive continues with the Seal U - another oddly-named model aimed right at the core of the electric car market. It gets everything just about right but doesn't excel in any area. Perhaps the price will be its killer blow to rivals?

Battery size: 72-82kWh
E-Rating™: B
Click here to find out more about our electric car Efficiency Rating.
WLTP range: 261 - 311 miles
Max charge rate: 115 -140kW

Battery size: 72-82kWh
E-Rating™: B
Click here to find out more about our electric car Efficiency Rating.
WLTP range: 261 - 311 miles
Max charge rate: 115 -140kW

Ginny Says

“BYD has big plans for the UK, and the Seal U is aimed squarely at the biggest sellers. It might not be the most interesting drive, but the technology is top-notch and that interior will be enough to convince many buyers. Especially if the price is right - and I suspect it will be very competitive. ”

Tom Says

“Remember those Nokia phones which had batteries which lasted for a week? They were powered by BYD cells. So are millions of electric buses and other EVs. The company is a battery expert which is now building cars, while the rest of the industry are car experts building batteries. It will be interesting to see who comes out on top.”

Got questions? We've put together the most frequently-asked topics below. If there's something we haven't answered here or in the review then let us know on our contact page.

How long is the range in a BYD Seal U?

The batteries in the Seal U are offered in two sizes - with 72 or 87 kWh, offering either 261 or 311 miles of range - although these figures are still to be verified officially.

What is the Blade battery in the BYD Seal U?

The cells in BYD's Blade battery are thin and long like the blades of a knife. This improves safety, reduces costs and makes the battery easier to package under the car as it's less bulky.

How fast does the BYD Seal U charge?

The DC rapid charging maxes out at 140kW on the bigger battery and just 115kW on the smaller pack. This is disappointing when you compare the Seal U to rivals.

How much power does the BYD Seal U have?

Unlike the Seal saloon, the U will only be offered with one version with front wheel drive. It produces 216bhp and sprints from a standstill to 62mph in just over nine seconds.

How much will the BYD Seal U ost?

We expect it to cost from around £40,000, but BYD could surprise us with something a bit keener.

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