ECO MOTORS NEWS tested the BYD Seal U Boost DM-i, the Chinese manufacturer’s plug-in hybrid SUV which aims to offer a balance between comfort, technology and range. For three days, we travelled around Paris, its ring roads, motorways and country roads to assess its handling, habitability and real-life everyday use.
An SUV inspired by the sea, but firmly rooted on the road
From the outside, the Seal U stands out with its generous proportions: 4,785 mm long, 1,890 mm wide and 1,668 mm high, with a wheelbase of 2,765 mm, which instantly explains the impression of space on board. The look is massive but not crude; the fluid lines are inspired by the elements of the sea, an aesthetic that BYD claims for the entire Seal family.
This desire to draw inspiration from the sea helps to ensure that this SUV is not a square, angular SUV, but rather a vehicle that lifts its stature, giving the profile a distinct visual identity. The rear end is particularly well executed, with clean, dynamic curves without going overboard. In terms of trim, and therefore colour, I had the opportunity to travel in the Seal U decorated with its Tianqing tint. It fits in perfectly with this visual philosophy: it’s discreet without being banal, it’s eye-catching without becoming flashy.
But obviously, a vehicle of this size can’t be perfect in every respect. On the road, it feels like a real SUV: the size is there, the width is noticeable (especially in town), but the silhouette doesn’t give that heavy impression you’d expect from a 2-tonne vehicle.
On board: light, quality and intelligent restraint
The interior benefits directly from the vehicle’s generous dimensions. Space is comfortable both front and rear, and the Seal U does not betray its family ambitions. The materials are of good quality for its class and price point, with welcome details such as the blue stitching on the door panels and dashboard.
At the rear, the generous wheelbase means there’s plenty of legroom, even if the middle seat is logically a notch down in terms of comfort. Light is a real highlight thanks to the generous sunroof, which floods the cabin with light, reinforcing the impression of space.
What I really appreciated was the ergonomic design, without overloading: the steering wheel and centre console are not covered in unnecessary buttons, and only the most useful shortcuts are present.
An unconvincing boot
In terms of boot space, the BYD Seal U DM-i is a little disappointing given its size. With 425 litres in five-seat configuration, the volume is not very generous for an SUV of almost 4.80 m, especially when compared with some direct competitors that are much more generous.
For everyday use, this is still sufficient, but it is far from a benchmark boot for the segment. However, once the rear seats are folded down, capacity increases significantly to around 1,440 litres, providing real versatility for busy journeys or weekend getaways.
Screen, technology and driving aids
One of the things that impressed me most was the technological interface. The Seal U is equipped with a 15.6-inch touchscreen, which can be oriented horizontally or vertically via a simple control on the steering wheel. It’s a detail that changes the user experience, because in my experience and taste, the vertical position is perfect for navigation and maps, while the horizontal is better suited to applications and media.
Connectivity is comprehensive: Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, voice assistant and easy-to-read digital instrumentation. The whole package gives an impression of coherence, where some SUVs in this segment are sometimes content to pile on options with no real concern for ergonomics.
In terms of driving aids, the Seal U is well equipped, with adaptive cruise control, blind spot detection, sign recognition, pedestrian presence monitoring, lane departure warning and other conventional aids.
While, on the whole, these aids are effective, some systems are less so. Pedestrian detection, although practical on paper, can be a little too cautious, resulting in sudden braking that can be surprising.
Driving and real-life use: DM-i logic comes into its own
On the road, the BYD Seal U DM-i strikes an interesting balance. It’s by no means a sports car, but it also avoids the pitfalls of a heavy, clumsy SUV. DM-i (Dual Mode – Intelligence) technology combines a 1.5-litre combustion engine with an electric motor to produce a combined power output of 218 bhp and around 300 Nm of torque, transmitted to the front wheels – a configuration perfectly in keeping with the vehicle’s size and purpose.
In town, the drive is smooth, fluid and silent, with electric mode naturally taking the upper hand during acceleration and low-speed phases. On fast roads and motorways, the power reserve is sufficient and, above all, well utilised. The transition between electric and internal combustion engine power is almost imperceptible, which is one of the real strengths of the DM-i system: electric power remains the preferred mode for day-to-day driving, while the petrol engine is discreet when the pace quickens, without ever breaking the coherence of the driving experience.
Mode management is simple and intuitive. A button on the central island allows you to switch quickly between EV and HEV mode, without unnecessary complexity. The Seal U is clearly not designed to attack, but it proves to be stable, comfortable and reassuring, with healthy behaviour whatever the conditions.
The only downside in urban environments is that its width of 1.89 m (excluding mirrors) makes itself felt on narrow streets or in heavy traffic. A little vigilance is required, particularly in Paris, but the whole thing is manageable with a minimum of practice.
In terms of range, the DM-i promise is fully borne out in use. In 100% electric mode, the Seal U can cover a distance of around 70 to 80 km, enough to cover most daily journeys without using a drop of petrol. In hybrid configuration, total range can reach up to 1080 km according to the WLTP cycle, which radically changes the approach to long journeys.
The system also recharges via regenerative braking, further improving efficiency in urban use. The logic behind this SUV is clear: you can drive electric every day without compromise, and go on holiday without having to plan compulsory charging stops.
Verdict: versatile, pragmatic and convincing
The BYD Seal U Boost DM-i is not here to revolutionise the SUV segment. It doesn’t have the agility of a sporty SUV or the technological purity of a 100% electric model. What it does achieve, however, is a real balance between comfort, intuitive technology, everyday range and unrestricted practicality.
In short, the Seal U DM-i may not be the one that impresses with spectacular figures, but it’s the one that convinces in real life, and often without hesitation.
