With more and more Chinese car brands popping up in the UK, BYD is one of the few that’s starting to feel familiar. You might’ve heard of their electric cars—the Atto 3, Dolphin, and Seal. But now they’re branching out into hybrids, and leading the charge is the Seal U—a mid-size SUV that’s all about value for money.
Despite sharing a name with the sleek Seal saloon, the Seal U is a different beast altogether. It’s a hybrid, not fully electric, and it’s designed to be practical, affordable, and easy to live with.
Looks That Blend In
BYD has built a reputation for bold, sometimes quirky designs. But the Seal U takes a more toned-down approach. It’s neat, tidy, and wouldn’t look out of place next to a Hyundai Tucson or VW Tiguan. That might disappoint those looking for something eye-catching, but for many drivers, it’s a plus—it’s a car that blends in, not shouts for attention.
Driving Feel – Built for Town, Not Thrills
If you’re after a sporty drive, the Seal U probably isn’t for you. The steering is light, and the suspension is soft, which makes it great for city driving and school runs—but less exciting on twisty country roads. It’s comfortable, though, and that’s what most families want in a daily driver.
Hybrid Tech That’s Actually Clever
Here’s where the Seal U gets interesting. Most plug-in hybrids use the electric motor to help the petrol engine. BYD flips that idea. In the Seal U, the electric motor does most of the work, and the petrol engine acts more like a generator—charging the battery when needed, rather than powering the wheels directly.
BYD reckons the car can run on electric power 90% of the time, which is impressive for a hybrid. That means lower fuel bills and fewer emissions, especially if you’re doing short trips or commuting.
Three Versions to Choose From
There are three versions of the Seal U, all with the same interior features but different power setups:
- Boost: 218 bhp, 1.5-litre petrol engine, 18.2 kWh battery, 50 miles of electric range
- Design: 324 bhp, same battery but slightly less range (43 miles) due to the extra power. It also adds all-wheel drive thanks to two motors.
- Comfort: Same engine as Boost, but with a bigger 26.6 kWh battery, giving you up to 77 miles of electric range.
For a plug-in hybrid, those electric ranges are seriously good—especially the Comfort model.
Interior – Premium Feel Without the Premium Price
This is where BYD really shines. The Seal U’s cabin feels far more upmarket than you’d expect for the price. You get soft-touch materials, leather-style seats, and a clean, modern layout.
The centrepiece is a 15.6-inch touchscreen that can rotate between landscape and portrait. It’s paired with a 12-inch digital driver display, and the system is easy to use with big, clear buttons. It supports Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and you can tilt the screen towards the driver or passenger.
Standard kit includes:
- Heated and ventilated front seats
- Panoramic sunroof
- 19-inch alloys
- 360-degree camera
- Wireless phone charging
- Powered tailgate
- Head-up display
- 10-speaker stereo
In short, it’s loaded.
Space and Practicality
Inside, there’s plenty of room for passengers, especially in the back. Head and legroom are generous, and there are loads of storage compartments dotted around the cabin.
The boot holds 425 litres, which is decent, though not class-leading. Fold the rear seats down and you’ll get even more space. It’s not quite as roomy as a Kia Sportage, but it’s not far off.
Safety – Top Marks All Round
Safety is another strong point. The Seal U comes with a full suite of driver aids, including:
- Lane-keeping assist
- Traffic sign recognition
- Fatigue detection
- Adaptive cruise control
- Door opening warning (to avoid hitting cyclists or kerbs)
It’s also earned a five-star Euro NCAP rating, which is the highest score possible.
Price and Running Costs
Starting at £33,315, the Seal U is £6,000–£9,000 cheaper than rivals like the Tucson and Tiguan. All versions come in under the £40,000 mark, which means lower road tax and less company car tax thanks to its efficient hybrid setup.
BYD also offers a six-year or 93,750-mile warranty, which adds peace of mind.
The BYD Seal U might not be the most exciting SUV to drive, but it’s a smart, sensible choice for families and commuters. It’s packed with features, has a clever hybrid system, and offers serious value for money.
If you’re looking for a well-equipped, efficient SUV that won’t cost the earth, the Seal U is well worth a look.