BYD expands model line with Seal U DM-i

27.06.24 08:21 - By Andy Dickens

BYD SEAL U DM-i: BYD’s first vehicle in Europe with Super DM Technology offers pure electric ranges from 43 to 78 miles depending on trim

BYD, the world’s leading manufacturer of New Energy Vehicles (NEVs), launches the SEAL U DM-i. This is BYD’s first Plug-in Hybrid vehicle (PHEV) with BYD’s Super DM (Dual Mode) Technology in Europe. SEAL U DM-i provides an efficient, practical, accessible, and eco-conscious solution for daily mobility needs and long worry-free journeys. The D-segment Family SUV will be available as from this summer for European customers that embrace an environmentally friendly vehicle without compromising on range, practicality, and affordability.

BYD Super DM Technology prioritises electric power with minimal reliance on fuel, making it kinder to the environment, with greater energy efficiencies and lower fuel consumption. When the battery is fully charged and switched to EV mode, the vehicle becomes pure-electric, and when State Of Charge (SOC) is low, in transforms into an ultra-low fuel consumption hybrid vehicle alleviating concerns about electric range. Producing a quiet and comfortable ride, exhilarating high power performance and responsiveness, this innovative hybrid system redefines the driving experience.

SEAL U DM-i in Design-trim features two high-power electric motors (150 kW front and 120 kW rear) and an efficient 18.3 kWh BYD Blade Battery, complemented by the in house developed 1.5L four-cylinder turbo powered petrol engine producing 96 kW to work in conjunction with the two electric motors. The total system max power is 238 kW and the total max torque 550 Nm. The BYD SEAL U DM-i Design has a four-wheel-drive configuration.

The Boost and Comfort-trim versions are offered with a front-wheel powered 1.5L hybrid engine producing 72 kW to operate together with the 145kW high-power electric motor. Boost features the same 18.3 kWh Blade Battery as in Design. The total system power for Boost and Comfort is 160 kW. The maximum torque power is 300 Nm. The Comfort trim-version has a larger 26.6 kWh BYD Blade Battery offering an uncompromising pure electric range of 78 miles. More details of this version will be revealed later.

BYD SEAL U DM-i has 2 driving modes for all trim levels: EV and HEV. In the first mode the driver can select ‘EV only mode’ for smooth daily commuting, or city driving. In the second mode the vehicle will mostly use the power that is delivered by the battery. Only whilst accelerating, the petrol engine boosts extra power to the wheels supporting the battery. SEAL U DM-i smoothly shifts through the different modes so it feels like that of pure electric vehicle experience thanks to its unique technologies. Additionally, drivers will not worry about the cruising range or where to charge. Also, the engine charges the battery (between 25 to 70 % which is adjustable) so electric driving is always available. The battery is also charged by regeneration technology.

The BYD DM-i super hybrid electricity-based structure prioritizes on ultra-low fuel consumption and a quiet and smooth driving experience and excellent power output. The vehicle can achieve an attractive fuel consumption of just 313.8 mpg for Boost and 235.4 mpg for Design WLTP (weighted combined). The electric combined consumption for Boost is 21 kWh/km and for Design 23.5 kWh/km.  The electric consumption during city driving for Boost is 14.5 kWh/100 km and for Design 16.1 kWh/100 km.

Also, BYD SEAL U DM-i offers worry-free mileage. The four-wheel-drive Design version has a full electric driving range of 43 miles (WLTP) securing a range of 540 miles (WLTP). The front wheel powered Boost version offers 50 miles pure electric range, securing a total range of 671 miles (WLTP). The BYD SEAL U DM-i in Comfort-trim – which will be available after the summer – has a 26.6 kWh Blade Battery with a reassuring pure electric range of 78 miles securing a total range of more than 684 miles (WLTP).

BYD SEAL U DM-i combines power and efficiency for every journey. With a system total power of up to 238 kW, expect a dynamic driving experience with high power performance; fast acceleration and agile responsiveness. In terms of acceleration time BYD SEAL U DM-i sets the pace. With a staggering 0-62 mph acceleration in just 5.9 seconds the SEAL U DM-i Design is much faster than similar fuel vehicles.

All BYD SEAL U DM-i trim versions offer 11 kW 3-phase AC charging and 18 kW DC charging 11kW AC capabilities. With this the DC charging time (30-80 percent) takes only 35 minutes. 


Inside, the BYD SEAL U DM-i exudes a premium atmosphere with a tasteful mix of modern and elegant design, soft-touch surfaces, high-quality finishing, and wrap-around multi-colour ambient lighting. The seats, parts of the dashboard, door panels and centre console are upholstered in vegan leather with double contrasting stitching.

BYD’s Intelligent Cockpit System is operated by the 15.6-inch BYD-signature rotatable screen - with which you can choose whether you want the screen in landscape or portrait format - while a variety of driver information is displayed on the 12.3-inch full instrument LCD panel.

As with all BYD’s in the line-up, the brand sets high standards for passive and active safety. The BYD SEAL U DM-i has therefore been developed to be one of the safest electric family SUV’s in its class. In addition to the extensive use of high-strength steel and an ultra-strong honeycomb panel structure to protect the battery pack, BYD SEAL U DM-I also offers solid chassis dynamics and a safe road holding with its MacPherson front suspension and multi-link rear suspension.

UK deliveries will begin in autumn 2024. The Comfort is to be expected after the summer of 2024. SEAL U DM-i will be available in five colours: Delan Black, Time Grey, Snow White, Tian Qing (Blue) and Boundless Cloud. Pricing of the vehicle will be announced in the run-up to the market launch. The BYD SEAL U DM-i will be offered with a 6 year/150,000 km (93,750 miles) full manufacturer’s warranty, 8 year/200,000 km (125,000 miles) warranty on at least 70% of the battery’s original capacity, as well as 8 year/150,000 km (93,750 miles) warranty on the electric motor as standard.

Andy Dickens