Skip advert
Advertisement

New BYD Seal U confirmed for UK market

BYD Seal U will be brand’s fourth model to launch in the UK; a mid-size SUV alternative to the Tesla Model Y

BYD Seal U
  • New rival for Tesla Model Y
  • 300-plus mile range
  • 218bhp front-mounted motor

The BYD Seal U has been confirmed for the UK, and will be the brand’s fourth new electric model in less than two years when it arrives in 2024.

An alternative to SUV mainstays like the Tesla Model Y, Skoda Enyaq and Volkswagen ID.4, the Seal U will sit above the existing BYD Dolphin supermini and BYD Atto 3 crossover, and alongside the Seal saloon, which is due on sale later this year. 

Best electric SUVsTop 10 best electric SUVs – the ones to buy in 2024

Visually, there are plenty of similarities between the Seal and Seal U. The headlights are almost identical, albeit sitting much higher on the SUV. The lower bumper design is similar, but the inserts on either side of the number plate are quite different. Both cars get a full-width light bar at the rear, but the U’s higher roofline should make it the more practical option.

Advertisement - Article continues below

Inside, it looks as if the Seal U will use the same rotating touchscreen as other models in the BYD range. Like the Seal saloon, there is no fighter jet-style gear lever – as found on the Atto 3 – instead, the maker has fitted a slimline gear selector, presumably to save space on the centre console. Elsewhere, we can see the cabin comes covered in leather trim, with contrast stitching on the seats and dashboard.

BYD Seal U interior

While UK specifications for the Seal U remain under wraps, the car is already on sale in other markets known as the ‘BYD Song Plus Champion Edition’. Assuming the battery and motor numbers will remain largely unchanged, we can expect the Seal U to be offered with a choice of 71kWh and 87kWh blade batteries – with the latter capable of more than 300 miles on a charge.

Speaking of which, BYD has confirmed that Chinese-market models with the 71kWh battery can top up from 30-80% in around 28 minutes, though again, it’s unclear whether these figures will translate unaltered to UK cars. The bigger battery takes only a minute longer to perform the same task.

BYD Seal U rear

Both battery sizes are mated to a 218bhp electric motor powering the front wheels. The smaller-battery model is slightly lighter, which means performance is marginally more sprightly – 0-62mph in the 71kWh car takes 9.3 seconds, versus 9.6 seconds in the long-range model. No other numbers are available at this stage.

As we understand it, the Seal U will make its official European debut at the Munich Motor Show in September, with more information due around the same time. Expect the first cars to arrive in the UK early next year, possibly with a starting price of around £40,000.

Can't wait for the BYD Seal U to arrive? Read our in-depth reviews of the BYD Atto 3 and BYD Dolphin 

Skip advert
Advertisement

Richard is a former editor of Carbuyer, as well as sister site DrivingElectric.com, and he's now Deputy Editor at Auto Express. Having spent a decade working in the automotive industry, he understands exactly what makes new car buyers tick.

Skip advert
Advertisement

Recommended

New Tesla Model 3 Long Range ups the ante with 436-mile range
Tesla Model 3 Long Range RWD
News
8 Oct 2024

New Tesla Model 3 Long Range ups the ante with 436-mile range

Renault 5 review – iconic supermini reinvented as an EV
Renault 5 front quarter
In-depth reviews
7 Oct 2024

Renault 5 review – iconic supermini reinvented as an EV

The 10 cheapest electric cars you can buy today
Cheapest electric cars
Best cars
7 Oct 2024

The 10 cheapest electric cars you can buy today

Like the new Skoda Elroq? Our alternative picks cost over £10k less
Skoda Elroq front quarter
News
4 Oct 2024

Like the new Skoda Elroq? Our alternative picks cost over £10k less

Most Popular

New Skoda Elroq revealed! Family EV gets 355-mile range, costs from £31,500
Skoda Elroq front quarter
News
1 Oct 2024

New Skoda Elroq revealed! Family EV gets 355-mile range, costs from £31,500

Best new car deals 2024: this week’s best PCP finance offers
Carbuyer best new car deals hero
Deals
4 Oct 2024

Best new car deals 2024: this week’s best PCP finance offers

Like the new Skoda Elroq? Our alternative picks cost over £10k less
Skoda Elroq front quarter
News
4 Oct 2024

Like the new Skoda Elroq? Our alternative picks cost over £10k less

Tips & advice

View All
Car dashboard warning lights: the complete guide
Car dashboard symbols and meanings
Tips and advice
26 Mar 2024

Car dashboard warning lights: the complete guide

Electric car charging stations: public networks, charger types, apps and maps
Charging station
Tips and advice
23 Jul 2024

Electric car charging stations: public networks, charger types, apps and maps

PCP vs HP – which type of car finance is right for you?
PCP vs HP
Tips and advice
17 May 2022

PCP vs HP – which type of car finance is right for you?

Average speed cameras: how do they work?
Average speed cameras: how do they work?
Tips and advice
21 Mar 2024

Average speed cameras: how do they work?

Best cars

View All
Top 10 best car interiors
Peugeot 208 hatchback
Best cars
25 Jun 2021

Top 10 best car interiors

Top 10 best electric cars 2024
Best electric cars
Best cars
16 May 2024

Top 10 best electric cars 2024

Top 10 best cheap-to-run cars 2024
The best cheap-to-run cars 2023
Best cars
2 Jan 2024

Top 10 best cheap-to-run cars 2024

The UK's top 10 fastest hot hatchbacks 2024
Fastest hot hatchbacks hero
Best cars
2 Jan 2024

The UK's top 10 fastest hot hatchbacks 2024