BYD Seal U DM-i Plug-in Hybrid Debuts at Geneva Motor Show 2024

BYD has revealed the plug-in hybrid variant (PHEV) of the Seal U SUV at the ongoing Geneva Motor Show 2024, which returns after a four-year hiatus. Called the Seal U DM-i, it will join the born-electric Seal sedan in the lineup, and will mark the entry of the company's Super DM (Dual Mode) technology in the European market. Different from other PHEV technologies, the Super DM tech is an electric-based hybrid system that incorporates a petrol engine, an electric motor, and BYD's Blade battery with a 'pulse heating' system improving thermal efficiency by 10 per cent.

BYD Seal U DM-i: Powertrain, Charging Capabilities

Although the powertrain specifications are not known, we anticipate the Europe-spec plug-in hybrid version to use a 1.5-litre, four-cylinder petrol engine (107bhp) as well as a 194bhp electric motor paired with a CVT. The manufacturer could offer an 18.3kWh battery pack with a 109km electric-only range (NEDC cycle), while a larger 26.6kWh battery with a 150km range is additionally available with the China-spec Seal U. A vehicle-to-load charging function comes standard with the Seal U DM-i. The model also supports DC fast charging that allows the battery to charge from 30 to 80 per cent in 35 minutes.

As for the electric variant showcased at the 2023 IAA Motor Show in Munich, the automaker offers either a 71.8kWh or 87kWh LFP (lithium-iron-phosphate) battery, having 520km and 605km range, respectively (CLTC cycle). In an all-wheel-drive guise, the car features two electric motors with two power outputs. 

BYD Seal U DM-i: Dimensions, Design

BYD's first PHEV for Europe measures 4,770mm in length, 1,890mm in width, and 1,670mm in height. It carries forward the BYD Ocean-X concept unveiled in 2021, and stands apart from its electric counterpart with slim air intakes. A pair of 19-inch alloy wheels is standard. 

BYD Seal U DM-i: Interior

On the inside, the vehicle features a 15.6-inch rotatable touchscreen, vegan leather upholstery, integrated headrests for the front row, an Infinity premium audio system, wireless phone charging, ambient lighting, and a crystal gear lever. Meanwhile, folding the rear seat backrests down in a 60:40 ratio gives you a luggage capacity of 552 to 1,440 litres.

BYD Seal Set for India Launch on March 5

The Chinese electric carmaker will launch the Seal sedan in India on March 5, 2024. It will be the company's third product in the India lineup. At the moment, BYD sells the Atto 3 SUV and the E6 MPV in the country. 

The India-spec Seal will have an 82.5kWh battery pack with a rear-wheel drive setup, yielding a claimed range of 570km (WLTP), while the electric motor is capable of producing 227bhp and 360Nm. A 0 to 100km/h dash takes 5.9 seconds (claimed).