New BYD Seal U confirmed for UK market

• 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. 

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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.

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.

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.

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