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Seal U confirms the strategy followed by BYD to expand its presence in Europe. In fact, the new SUV initially offered only in the full-electric version will be joined during the year by the plug-in hybrid Dmi variant, which will open up new horizons for the Chinese brand in Europe. In fact, thanks to the advent of this version, the Seal U range will be able to challenge those of many SUVs ranging in size from medium-large to large, even in the premium sector. The very long list includes, for example, the Tesla Model Y and the Audi Q4 e-tron to remain among the electric SUVs rather than plug-in hybrid models such as the Kia Sportage and the Ford Kuga or, again, those that use the engine petrol to power the electric traction one like those of the Nissan e-Power series. The new BYD SUV will be marketed in a few weeks in the Comfort and Design versions at prices which, respectively, should be 42,000 and 45,000 euros.
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Byd Seal U, harmonious and balanced line
The appearance of the new SUV features the characterizing features, especially at the front, of the sedan from which it takes its name, combining it with the letter U, referring to the term Utility. 4.78 meters long, 1.89 meters wide, 1.67 meters high and with a wheelbase of 2.76 metres, the Seal U has a line resulting from the BYD style center led by Wolfgang Egger in the past at the head of the Alfa Romeo team , Audi and Lamborghini (just to name a few) which determines a muscular but elegant personality. Overall, the appearance is harmonious and free from any unnecessary redundancy as is sometimes seen on models made in China, almost as if to confirm the Seal U’s mission of global conquest.
Byd Seal U, photos of the test of the electric SUV
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Byd Seal U, spacious interior, well finished and hi-tech
The generous dimensions of the bodywork create a spacious interior. The interior furnishings, designed by Michele Jauch Paganetti, previously responsible for Mercedes interior design, are modern and functional and feature the 12.3″ digital cluster and the rotating display of the responsive infotainment system, as on other Byds. 12.8″ for the Comfort version and 15.6″ for the Design. Following the widespread trend which is not at all in line with the dictates of ergonomics brought to the fore by Tesla, even on the Seal U the majority of the car’s functions and services are managed only from the central touchscreen. The environment is well made both for the care of the assembly and for the quality of the coverings, as well as the color combinations. Furthermore, it is well equipped because as standard the Seal U offers, among other things, electrically adjustable seats, an electrically opening panoramic roof and the Design also offers a wireless charging plate for two devices. The robust size of the Seal U has made it possible to reconcile the size of the passenger compartment with that of the loading area, whose capacity ranges from 552 to 1,442 litres.
Seal U DMi, because this plug-in hybrid could be the turning point in Italy
Byd Seal U, on x-ray
Like all Byd, the Seal U also uses technologies that are almost completely developed and produced in-house. Starting from the Cell-to-Body which integrates the e-platform 3.0 with the cell-to-pack type Blade series battery, made in blade-shaped modules which determine a flat and elongated layout, which becomes a structural element of the car because the bottom of the body and the top battery cover are combined into a single casing. Two types of battery are provided for the Seal U: one of 71.8 kWh for the Comfort version and one of 87 kWh for the Design which ensure, respectively, autonomy of up to 420 and 500 kilometres. The batteries can be recharged with three-phase alternating current at 11 kW and, obviously, with direct current from 30 to 80% in the case of the least capacious one with systems up to 115 kW and in that of the most capacious one up to 140 kW, but always in less than half an hour. Regardless of the type of battery, the two versions are driven by an 8-in-1 electric motor with 218 horsepower and 330 Nm of torque placed at the front which integrates the vehicle control unit, battery management, distribution unit of energy, the traction motor and its controller, the transmission, the AC/DC converter and the on-board charger.