Last week, the Nevo team gathered at Motor Distributors Limited for another exciting vehicle launch from the powerhouse that is BYD. The model lineup, which includes the Dolphin, ATTO 3, and SEAL, now has a fourth family member—the SEAL U. Described as a ‘Super Hybrid’, this eye-catching SUV could very well be a game-changer in the highly competitive plug-in hybrid segment.

Performance and Innovation

With a blade battery capacity of 18.3 kWh and a self-developed 1.5-litre Xiaoyun petrol engine, the SEAL U's all-wheel drive system will take you from 0-100 kph in just 5.9 seconds. At the Irish launch, a tech expert explained how the BYD SEAL U Super Hybrid prioritises electric power with minimal reliance on the combustion engine. This technology, exclusively developed by BYD, is called Super DM (Dual Mode). Essentially, when charged, it allows the SEAL U to operate in pure electric mode. When the battery charge runs low, it transitions into hybrid mode, sipping just 6.4 litres per 100 km. Combined with the battery, the SEAL U boasts an impressive range of up to 1,080 km!

Design and Interior Features

What first caught our attention when the covers came off? Definitely the size and design! In keeping with the Ocean theme BYD is known for, the SEAL U features a stylish body available in four colours and sits on stunning 19-inch alloy wheels. Inside, the familiar oceanic crystal gear lever and control buttons remind us of the SEAL we tested earlier this year. Other highlights include the centre console with a double-layer storage compartment and a rotatable touchscreen with 4G connectivity paired with a premium Infinity sound system.

The interior is packed with high-end features like heated and cooled vegan seats, navigation, and intelligent voice control with access to the latest tech. Legroom is plentiful both in the front and rear, with the flat floor design enhancing the spacious feel. The rear boot button lifts to reveal 425 litres of cargo space, which expands to 1,440 litres when the seats are folded flat.

First Drive Impressions

After the presentation, we had the opportunity to take the SEAL U for a short test drive. Admittedly, it was just 20 minutes in mostly traffic, but it gave us a chance to explore its comfort, build quality, and overall feel—each of which left a strong impression. As with many modern vehicles, some standard safety systems like Blind Spot Detection, Adaptive Cruise Control, Lane Change Assist, and Rear Cross Traffic Alert can be a little distracting until disabled, but this is expected with today’s legally required ADAS systems. It’s also comforting to know that the SEAL U scored a 5-star safety rating in recent Euro NCAP tests.

Though our test drive was short, it gave us a taste of the SEAL U’s acceleration, quiet cabin, and robust build quality. We’re confident this SUV will be a strong contender in the market, and we look forward to a more extensive review.

Pricing and Availability

Two BYD SEAL U models are now available through six main dealerships across the country. The entry-level ‘Boost’ version starts at €42,150, offering incredible specs for the price. The all-wheel drive ‘Design’ version we tested is priced at €49,140, and a third ‘Comfort’ model, set to launch in 2025, will fall between these two price points.

This vehicle marks a pivotal moment for BYD in Ireland. Having already achieved a top-five position in Irish EV sales at the time of writing, we have no reason to doubt their ambitious plans in the plug-in hybrid sector. Will the SEAL U boost BYD’s market share against the established brands? We certainly believe it will!

What’s Next?

We look forward to bringing you a detailed Nevo review of the BYD SEAL U once we have more time to test its fuel efficiency, potential off-road capabilities, and more in the near future.