BYD is aiming for competition with two Seal models

They are the largest electric car manufacturer in the world and are also taking a correspondingly aggressive course when it comes to conquering the European market. That is why almost a quarter passes in which BYD does not launch a new model. Now the Chinese strike a double blow.

After pitting the beautiful Seal sedan at the end of autumn against competitors such as the Tesla Model 3 or the VW ID.7, the Seal U now comes to market as a sibling SUV and wants cars like the Model Y or 4 to skin.

The Chinese have adjusted prices to drop again after the end of the e-car subsidy: The Seal now starts at 44,990 and the Seal U costs at least 41,990 euros.

No-frills design for minimal wind resistance

Both cars follow the understated, streamlined design that former Audi exec Wolfgang Egger designed for the Chinese and hails as streamlined and therefore versatile.

There’s also a well-equipped interior, including a mirrored mirror on what used to be the gear lever. There is also an infotainment system as standard in China with a rotating XXL tablet, a selfie camera and a karaoke app.

Drivers are immediately in their element: Of course, it is a bit tiresome that even adjusting the mirror or the steering wheel always has to be done using the touch screen.

But once everything is in line, you feel very comfortable: there is a lot of space in the first and second row. Despite the battery on the floor, the seating position is low and therefore more natural than most other electric cars.

And the choice of equipment is at least as elegant as in the BMW i4. Tesla’s Model 3, on the other hand, looks spartan in comparison and the new VW ID.7 can’t keep up either.

Two brothers on different platforms

The 4.80 meter long seal was designed as an electric vehicle and therefore stands on a platform known as a flat skateboard with a 2.92 meter wheel. And it also offers a little more space inside and also has a trunk (frunk) under the front hood.

In contrast, the Seal U uses architecture from the world of the combustion engine. Although it is also almost 4.80 meters long and its axles are at least 2.77 meters apart, so it gives them at least some rear knee room.

On the other hand, there is more air around the head and the luggage compartment is of an impressive size. Where the Seal swallows only 400 liters, Seal U holds 552 to 1440 liters. You can also get rid of the lack of frunk.

A driver’s car and a family car

Seal U is less rigidly handled and less closely connected to the road. Therefore, it is more open to drive than the low rise and is a comfortable family car. Arriving is more important than being in motion.

The Seal as an electric sports car, the Seal U as a quiet touring car – the data sheet also shows this difference. For the sedan, the Chinese have already put a 230 kW/313 hp engine behind the base model. And in the top model there is another 160 kW/218 hp on the front axle.

With a system output of 390 kW / 530 hp, the sprint from 0 to 100 km / h takes 3.8 seconds. The Chinese are just conservative when it comes to top speed and limit it to 180 km/h.

The Seal U, on the other hand, initially only comes with one engine variant with around 160 kW/218 standard hp. So the race lasts for an excellent 9.3 seconds and ends at 175 km / h.

With the blade battery down

The energy for this is provided by so-called blade batteries, which BYD wants to beat the competition. They should weigh less than normal cells, be flat and safe and should also contribute more to the vehicle’s rigidity. In the sedan, the battery has a capacity of around 83 kWh and should last up to 570 standard kilometers.

BYD offers either 72 or 87 kWh for the SUV and promises 420 or 500 kilometers. However, the charge is slower than in the competition: a maximum of 11 kW flows through the wall box and up to 150 kW in the DC range, depending on the configuration.

But it shouldn’t stop with electric drives: BYD has so far been seen as a battery-only brand. But because the joy of electricity in Europe is now decreasing significantly, the Chinese are making the need for a main platform important and will soon offer the Seal U as a plug-in hybrid, just like at home in China – and therefore. expand the column around the four figures.

Conclusion: An interesting alternative

The Chinese have already impressed many people with cars like the Dolphin. But with Seal and Seal U, they are now targeting the core of the European online market and offering an attractive alternative to the American bestsellers or rivals from Wolfsburg.

Regardless of whether it’s a sedan or an SUV – both look good, are updated inside, drive confidently and are competitively priced. And the fact that there will soon be a plug-in hybrid as a plug-in technology instead of an electric first drive may make the decision easier for many.

Data sheet: BYD Seal Excellence AWD | BYD Seal U design

Motor and car: Two electric motors E-MotorMax. Power: 390 kW/530 HP | 160 kW/218 HP Max. Torque: 670 Nm | 330 Nm Drive: All-wheel drive | Front wheel drive Transmission: 1-speed automatic Dimensions and weight Length: 4800 mm | Width 4785mm: 1875mm | 1890 mmLength: 1460 mm | 1668 mm Wheelbase: 2920 mm | 2765 mm Counterweight: 2185 kg | 2147 kg Payload: kA kg | 410 kg Trunk volume: 400+53 liters | 552-1440 liters Driving data: Maximum speed: 180 km / h | 175 km/h acceleration 0-100 km/h:3.8 s | 9.6 sAverage consumption: 18.2 kWh/100 km | 20.5 kWh/100 km Range: 520 km | 500 km AC/DC charging power 11 kW/150 kW | 11 kW/140 kW battery capacity82.5 kWh | 87 kWh Energy efficiency class: A+ Cost: BYD Stamp base price | Base price of BYD Seal U 44,990 euros | Base price of 41,990 euros for BYD Seal Excellence AWD | Base price of BYD Seal U Model: 50,990 euros | Euro 44,990 Type classes: KA car Tax: euro 0/year Standard equipment: Safety: Seven airbags, cruise control, LED lights, lane guidance Comfort: automatic climate control , rotating scroll monitor, centering | Automatic climate control, 360-degree camera, rotating navigation monitor, central locking.