BYD Seal U: first road test and Italian prices (gets incentives)

With BYD SEAL U the range of Chinese manufacturers grows, and in addition to the sedan version, Seal, also an SUV model that will undoubtedly collide with the best-selling car in Europe, Model Y. BYD Seal U is actually a D-segment SUV, yes the reason is aimed at those who are looking for an electric car of important dimensions due to the length of 4.78 meters and a wheelbase of 2.76 meters.

The launch strategy involves offering two trim levels, Comfort with a 71.8 kWh battery and Model with 87 kWh. The engine, however, is always the same for both versions and the SEAL U is satisfied with 217 hp (160 kW), and torque between 310 and 330 Nm depending on the battery. There is no extreme, therefore, especially if we consider that the car should carry more than 2 tons with it.

TECHNICAL SHEET BYD SEAL U

• Engine: front, permanent magnet synchronous electric motor.
• Strong: 160 kW/217 cv at 310/330 Nm
• 0-100 km/h: 9,3s (Comfort), 9,6s (Design)
• Full speed: 175 km/h
• Dance: 71,8 kWh (Comfort), 87 kWh (Design), both LFP “Blade Battery”
• Front suspension: MacPherson
• Rear suspension: loose, many links
• Operating radius: 5.5 meters
• Tires: R19
• Brake: ventilation discs
• Empty weight: 2.020-2.147 kg
• Cargo space min/max: 552 – 1,440 liters
• Frunk (front trunk): no
• Heightwidth: 4.785 mm
• Heightwidth: 1.890 mm
• Heightwidth: 1.668 mm
• Stepswidth: 2.765 mm
• Cd: 0,32
• Reload: AC 11 kW, DC 115 kW (71.8 kWh battery) or 140 kW (87 kWh battery)
• Heat pump: yes, as usual
• Car-for-Loading? yes, 3 kW output and standard
• Declaration of Independence (WLTP): 420 km (Comfort) – 500 km (Design)
• Declared consumption (WLTP): 19.9 kWh/100 km (WLTP combined cycle, Comfort) – 20.5 kWh/100 km (WLPT combined cycle, Architecture)

The layout of the BYD SEAL U is clear from the start: it is a very spacious SUV, with plenty of room for even the tallest occupants to find space and comfort in the front and back. The balance between the wheelbase, 2.76 meters, and the boot, 552 liters, is the right one to provide an all-round experience compared to the usual “vices” of the Chinese to sacrifice carrying space for the need to create a large living room. in the second row of seats.

Within the height of 4.78 meters, which is certainly not a small amount and requires enough parking space, BYD SEAL U offers a division very close to European tastes.

Handling, also thanks to a similar and extreme bodywork that grows 5 centimeters higher than the Model Y, suffers when we try to push the car to the limit. There is one engine, the option is front-wheel drive (but 4×4 will also arrive given that the platform allows), and the suspension calibration is soft.

Excellent absorption, excellent acoustic comfort, moderate chassis response in tight corners and in the mixed area where the body roll is located. In some cases even I myself felt it as a driver and, usually, the driver notices it to a lesser extent than the passenger because his body, unconsciously, is preparing to deal with it and because he is “anchored” to the steering wheel with his hand. weapons.

As for performance, the 217 hp electric unit quickly produces 330 Nm of torque on the ground, and at this time perhaps a good adjustment in the “gas” range would be needed as it is done on the new Kona, to prevent aggression and “eating”. “Tyres of character”. Unless you are a fan of brutal power delivery, but beware of indirect steering: to be completely aimed requires more movement, and thrust on a printer with slightly curved wheels makes itself felt in terms of torque steering.

Torque steer is a drag, typical of front-wheel-drive cars with a good engine in terms of performance, of the engine’s torque at the steering wheel. The car is “pulling” us to one side and we must be quick to intervene against it. The character, however, is easily reduced even without being a pilot, just reduce the first volume, choose a quiet map or let off the gas immediately.

For charging options, BYD has reserved a standard of 11 kW in AC (alternating current), during direct current, in the DC fast charging station, there are two peaks depending on the battery used.

Of 71.8 kWh negotiates, through the BMS on board, a 115 kW peak and pillars supporting the same or higher authority, while The 87 kWh battery reaches up to a peak of 140 kW. However, it will be important to see the charge curve to understand if the work done in the thermal management of the battery pack is of good quality or not, and for this reason the appointments and measurements that follow. For both, the manufacturer advertises a charge time from 10 to 80% of 42/43 minutes.

The same with use: the first contact saw a mixed route with part of the road, but in lower limits than the typical Italian one of 130 km per h, climbing hills between urban and suburban roads without being too much. a chance to relax your car muscles and a quiet coastal road by the sea.

In this case BYD SEAL U recorded a average consumption of 18 kWh / 100 km. However, since this is the first strength test, it is clear that the actual usage test conditions will only be possible during the long-term test.

BYD doesn’t deviate from the strategy, especially for high-end products. The equipment list of the two versions, Comfort and Innovation, confirms this. On top of Comfort starts with Full LED headlights, fog lights, electric boot lid, two-tone alloy wheels, power folding and heated mirrors, tinted windows, vegetable leather interior, heated steering wheel, ventilated and heated seats with electric adjustment (8-way driver, 4-way front passenger), dual-zone automatic climate control, 12.3-inch display for instruments and a rotating display for infotainment and so on. Various ADAS (Level 2) including the assistant are unavoidable when changing lanes. .

The Design it has something more: multi-colored ambient light, PM2.5 purification system, large rotating screen (15.6″ instead of 12.8″ Comfort), more powerful sound system (Infinity from 10 speakers) and Head display -up. . Here we also have a 360° camera and directional lights as usual.

Both cars have one Warranty 6 years and 150,000 kmcone 8 years and 200,000 kilometers on the battery (at 70% capacity) and on the electric motor.

BYD Seal U Can you take advantage of the incentive? Yes, but only with the Comfort version. Here are the prices including road tax for the Italian market:

• BYD SEAL U Comfort (71.8 kWh): 42.890€
• BYD SEAL U model (87 kWh): 45.890€

Orders begin in April. The first customers will be able to have the new SUV within a few months thanks to European stocks. Those arriving later will have to wait for a new shipment from China. So we are talking about a 5-6 month wait. All colors are standard except emperor red which is paid for.

Both are front-wheel drive and the difference is basically the battery: 71.8 kWh Comfort stands for 115 kW in DC and has a low discharge power that affects the torque and acceleration of the engine, from 160 kW for both but limited to 310 .nm on the login version. The 87 kWh model reaches 140 kW of peak charge and 330 Nm of torque about the engine.

(Updated 04/18/2024 for Italian prices)