Chinese electric automaker BYD has just announced plans to officialy launch the new Seal U electric SUV in the European market in February 2024.
As per BYD’s Denmark website, the BYD Seal U’s Danish premiere will kick off at Terminalen from February 3 to 4, 2024.
BYD’s expanding portfolio in Europe
It is worth noting that the BYD Seal U is the all-electric version of the Seal electric sedan, which hit Europe in September 2023.
The BYD Seal rides on the brand’s e-Platform 3.0. It features an 82.5 kWh Blade Battery and cell-to-cell body tech, enabling a WLTP-rated 354 mi (570 km) range. It also supports 30%-80% charging in just 26 minutes and V2L features.
The Seal e-sedan became the brand’s fifth electric vehicle offering for European customers, following the Han, Tang, Atto 3, and Dolphin. Therefore, the new Seal U will mark BYD’s sixth model addition to its current lineup in the region. It will penetrate a key market segment, which Volkswagen ID.4 currently leads.
BYD Seal U’s design and features
The upcoming BYD Seal U mirrors the elegance of other BYD cars’ designs but with a stronger, muscular appearance. It offers six body pain options, including Delan Black, Sky Blue, Time Grey, Emperor Red, Cloud Grey, and Snow White.
It is also a practical all-electric SUV with generous cabin and cargo space. Notably, the “U” in its name stands for “utility.”
The BYD Seal U’s 4.79 m (189″) length enables it to offer a maximum trunk space of 570 litres (20 cubic feet). It can even further increase to 1,449 litres (51 cubic feet). In comparison, the popular VW ID.4 is 4.59 m (180.5″) long with 19.2 cubic feet to 55.6 cubic feet of trunk space.
It boasts a modern and elegant interior design, with a similar imitation crystal trim as BMW. It offers a wide range of entertainment features, including a selfie camera and a karaoke microphone. It also offers wireless charging pads for mobile phones and four USB ports.
“When developing this family-friendly SUV, great importance was attached to implementing particularly practical solutions.”
BYD
Technical details
BYD offers two battery options for the Seal U, including 72 kWh and 87 kWh. Depending on the battery capacity, it can enable up to 261 miles (420 km) or 310 miles (500 km) WLTP-rated range.
It has a permanent magnet synchronous motor that generates a maximum power of 160 kW and 330 Nm on the front axle. It boasts a top speed of 175 kph and an acceleration of 0-100 kph in 9.3 seconds.
BYD announced that the Seal U will have a base price of 41,990 euros ($45,000) in Europe, making it a strong competitor of the upgraded VW. ID.4 costs 40,335 euros ($43,600). The Chinese NEV giant aims to kick off the Seal U’s European deliveries as early as next month.
