BYD to launch bigger electric SUV – known as Seal U – in international markets

BYD has revealed that it will be sending a larger electric SUV, which it calls the Seal U, to international markets such as Europe in the coming months. 

According to a report from CNC, the Seal U will be officially launched in the continent in September at the Munich Motor Show.

This previously unknown Seal U model is expected to be larger than the BYD Atto 3, which is one of Australia’s best-selling EV, coming in at:

• 4,785 mm in length (330 mm longer)
• 1,890 mm in width (15 mm wider)
• 1,660 mm in height (45 mm taller)

Drivetrain-wise, the Seal U will come with two motors, a 152 kW and a 163 kW motor setup. The latter is only slightly more powerful than the BYD Atto 3 which comes in with 150 kW. This makes sense given the larger vehicle it’s powering.

The car is also paired with two battery packs. The first is a 71 kWh blade battery pack offering 520 km of CLTC range. This variant is expected to have a WLTP range of over 400 km.

A larger 87 kWh battery pack is also on offer which provides 605 km of CLTC range.

On the inside, there is a 15.6-inch rotatable screen which is 3.3 inches larger than what’s found in locally delivered BYD Atto 3 EVs. The infotainment screen also has a DiLink operating system and dual-zone climate control access.

The Seal U in its home market of China is called the BYD Song Plus Champion Edition, so we are glad that BYD is keeping the naming convention the same as the Seal EV.

On another note, the rear does not have “Build Your Dream” badging according to the latest report, which would be a relief for some who would prefer a cleaner look at the rear.

Meanwhile, locally, the BYD Seal sedan has been spotted multiple times this year with a recent sighting showing two Seal EVs charging at a public charger in Victoria.

the Seal U is expected to go on sale in Europe in late 2023, which could be pushed out to early next year in some countries.

It’s too early to tell if this model will land in markets outside of Europe but we will be keeping a close eye on it, afterall, BYD is the second best-selling EV brand in Australia.

BYD Seal U Initial Drive Test on YouTube via NEVO Review