BYD Seal U DM-i 2025 review
Photo: iMoD Official (CC BY 3.0), via Wikimedia Commons
Overview
The BYD Seal U DM-i is the plug-in hybrid version of the Seal U, the mid-size family SUV that spearheads BYD's assault on the UK market. Launched from £33,205, it pairs a 1.5-litre petrol engine with BYD's Super DM plug-in hybrid system — the same proven technology that has made the brand dominant in China.
Two versions are offered. The front-wheel-drive Boost uses an 18.3kWh battery for around 50 miles of electric-only driving, while the all-wheel-drive Design combines two electric motors with the petrol engine for 323bhp and 405Nm, sprinting from 0–62mph in just 5.9 seconds. The Design officially emits only 37g/km of CO2 and manages a 43-mile electric range, with a 112mph top speed.
Equipment levels are lavish: a rotating 15.6-inch touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, heated and ventilated front seats, a panoramic sunroof, adaptive cruise control and a full suite of driver-assistance systems all feature. The cabin feels a class above the price point, with soft-touch materials throughout.
For company-car drivers the low CO2 figure means a 5% benefit-in-kind rate, while private buyers get hot-hatch pace with the security of a petrol engine for long trips. It is a compelling alternative to the Toyota RAV4 Plug-in and Mitsubishi Outlander — quicker, better equipped and often cheaper.
Related reviews: BYD Atto 3 2024 review · BYD Dolphin 2024 review · BYD Seal 2024 review
UK price from: £33,205
Specifications
| Engine | 1.5L petrol + electric motors (Super DM plug-in hybrid) |
| Power | 323 bhp (Design AWD) |
| Torque | 405 Nm (Design AWD) |
| Battery | 18.3 kWh |
| Electric range | Around 50 miles (Boost); 43 miles (Design) |
| 0-62 mph | 5.9 seconds (Design AWD) |
| Top speed | 112 mph |
| CO2 emissions | 37 g/km (Design) |
| Transmission | E-CVT automatic |
| Drive | Front-wheel drive / all-wheel drive |
| Seats | 5 |
Features
- 1.5-litre petrol engine with Super DM plug-in hybrid system
- 18.3kWh battery; around 50 miles of electric range (Boost)
- 323bhp and 405Nm in all-wheel-drive Design trim
- 0–62mph in 5.9 seconds (Design)
- Only 37g/km of CO2 for low company-car tax
- Rotating 15.6-inch touchscreen
- Heated and ventilated front seats
- Panoramic sunroof and full driver-assistance suite
Common parts & prices
| Part | Price (GBP) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Cabin pollen filter | £26.99 | |
| Front wiper blades (pair) | £29.99 | |
| Front brake pads (set) | £74.99 | |
| Engine air filter | £21.99 | 1.5L petrol |
| Oil filter | £13.99 | |
| Type 2 charging cable (5m) | £149.99 | 32A single-phase |
Pros
- Hot-hatch pace (5.9 seconds) from a family SUV
- Around 50 electric miles covers most daily driving
- Lavish kit: rotating screen, ventilated seats, pano roof
- Just 37g/km means tiny company-car tax bills
Cons
- The BYD badge still carries little weight in Britain
- No seven-seat option for larger families
- Electric range is modest next to the latest rivals
- Some rivals feel more polished on the road
