2025 BYD Seal PHEV Showcases Impressive Competitiveness in the Compact Utility Vehicle Segment
**BYD Seal U DM-i Plug-in Hybrid CUV Surprises Rental Customer in Scotland**
In an unexpected turn of events, a customer renting a Nissan Qashqai from Hertz at the Edinburgh, Scotland, airport was offered a BYD Seal U DM-i Plug-in Hybrid CUV instead. This Chinese-made vehicle, not available in the U.S., proved to be a surprising and intriguing drive for the customer.
The Seal U DM-i is a 5-seater vehicle that offers a combination of performance, efficiency, and value. Its home-screen button provides access to numerous apps, with the Apple CarPlay option found after some exploration within the menu. Just about everything, including the heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC), is controlled on the vehicle's screen, with no knobs.
Powered by a 1.5L naturally aspirated gas-powered engine with a front-mounted synchronous electric motor paired with an e-CVT, the Seal U DM-i delivers between 214bhp (Boost model) and up to 319bhp (Design model), with 550Nm torque on the top variant. Acceleration is notable, with the AWD Design model capable of 0-62 mph in 5.9 seconds, making it a brisk drive, especially for a fairly heavy CUV over 2.5 tonnes.
Efficiency is a priority in Scotland due to high petrol prices, and the Seal U DM-i does not disappoint. It achieves a combined efficiency of 80 mpg NEDC, and the electric range of the tested vehicle is 34 miles (55 km). The vehicle produces 163 hp and 155 lb.-ft. (210 Nm) of torque.
The Seal U DM-i shines in electric-only range, a key advantage. The Comfort trim provides a 78-mile electric range, thanks to a 26.6 kWh battery, whereas the Design trim offers 43 miles with an 18.3 kWh battery due to space taken by the second motor. These electric-only ranges are substantially longer than many competitors, providing almost double or more electric range compared to typical plug-in hybrids like the Ford Kuga/Escape or Kia Sportage PHEVs, which usually offer around 20-30 miles electric range.
The vehicle's infotainment and telematics setup has some real, annoying weaknesses, such as an irritating lag between the 360-degree view and the resumption of the navigation screen. The native nav system worked well about 85% of the time but had lags and misfires that led to going the wrong way a handful of times. However, volume for the audio system is best accessed on the vehicle's steering wheel controls.
The Seal U DM-i comes well-equipped even in base trims, with features such as 19-inch alloys, LED headlights, vegan leather interiors, a massive 15.6-inch rotatable infotainment touchscreen, wireless charging, head-up display, adaptive cruise control, heated and ventilated seats, and a premium Infinity sound system. Pricing is competitive at around £40,000 for the top trims, offering strong value for the technology, electric range, and power on offer.
Scotland's network of curvy roads, some of which have "Slow" signs due to blind curves, provided a challenging yet enjoyable driving experience. An owner of the Seal U DM-i would need to develop cognitive muscle memory to find all the frequently used apps and controls in the system.
In conclusion, the BYD Seal U DM-i Plug-in Hybrid CUV offers exceptional electric-only range, strong powertrain output, and a richly featured, modern cabin at a competitive price. It is a compelling choice for those prioritizing efficiency, electric range, and interior technology. However, the driving dynamics may lack some sharpness compared to established European and American rivals. For those emphasizing sporty driving feel, competitors might still edge it out.
- The unexpected rental of a BYD Seal U DM-i Plug-in Hybrid CUV in Scotland introduced the customer to a Chinese-made automotive offering in the telematics industry.
- With a 1.5L gas-powered engine and e-CVT, the Seal U DM-i offers impressive power, delivering between 214bhp and 319bhp, as well as notable acceleration, especially for a CUV.
- The Seal U DM-i caters to the Scottish market by focusing on efficiency, with a combined NEDC efficiency of 80 mpg and electric ranges of up to 78 miles in the Comfort trim.
- The BYD Seal U DM-i Plug-in Hybrid CUV stands out in the automotive industry with its extensive features, competitive pricing, and exceptional electric-only range, making it an attractive choice for consumers prioritizing efficiency, electric range, and technology in their lifestyle.
