Review: BYD Seal U DM-i

It’s appropriate that BYD has settled on a nautical theme as the naming practice for its young but rapidly growing range of models in the UK.

After all, it was the manufacturer that triggered a veritable sea change of new Chinese brands reaching these shores in recent years.

Indeed, BYD might have been the first full-scale manufacturer from China to make British landfall, but the tidal wave of new manufacturers that have followed the same path since owe a lot to their compatriot.

It’s not hard to see why other brands have followed suit, though. BYD only began UK sales in 2023, but three years down the line it already commands a significant market share, an achievement built on a foundation of value-for-money, eco-minded technology and a diverse line-up.

Of these models, however, it’s the BYD Seal U DM-i that best typifies those underlying traits, so it’s perhaps no surprise that it has since gone on to take up residence in the UK’s top ten best-selling cars.

So, is the UK buying public onto a good thing? It’s time to find out…

BYD Seal U DM-i Styling

There’s a strong chance you’ll have seen multiple examples of the BYD Seal U DM-i out on the road in recent months.

While the relative unfamiliarity of brand and product might be responsible for a degree of curious glances, another attention-grabbing feature is the Seal U’s sheer presence on the road.

Measuring 4,775mm in length, the Seal U is longer than a Skoda Kodiaq, yet comfortably undercuts its rival – and many others – in price.

It’s an elegant design for a family SUV too, the Seal U incorporating what BYD refers to as ‘oceanic aesthetics’ – as evidenced by the tapered window line and smooth creases that run from nose-to-tail - to give it a flowing overall look.

It’s the attention to detail that really sets the handsome Seal U apart from its rivals, however.

From the slatted light clusters positioned in the front air intakes, to the aerodynamic 19-inch alloy wheels, to the subtle use of chrome-like inserts, the Seal U presents a premium impression that belies its value-oriented price tag.

BYD Seal U DM-i Interior

Slip behind the wheel and the BYD Seal U DM-i presents a fuss-free design that’s dominated by the manufacturer's signature rotating central touchscreen.

At 15.6-inches on upper-end trims, the screen is particularly large compared to its rivals but this allows for a clear and logical layout for all of the major controls, while the operating system is quick to the touch and allows for easy navigation on the move.

The screen is supported by a well-designed driver display that houses the most important readings, while the touch points, including the chunky steering wheel – complete with a selection of easy-to-use controls – and drive mode joystick on the centre console, have a quality feel to them.

Much like the exterior, it’s the detailing that really elevates the interior feel and design, most notably the mix of brushed aluminium and piano-black trim on the door panels and dashboard.

The synthetic leather trim also has a premium finish to it and is lifted by some subtle but effective yellow stitching, while the seats are well-shaped and offer plenty of adjustment for drivers of varying sizes.

Moreover, the lofty driving position emphasises one of the Seal U’s more quietly impressive features too: the superb all-round visibility.

At a time when aerodynamic designs have led to modern cars with smaller glass areas, the Seal U’s deep windscreen allows for particularly excellent forward visibility. Better still, the wide rear screen means it is easier to place the Seal U on notoriously tight UK roads than other SUVs in its size bracket.

Even then, the Seal U presents a wealth of technology to help negate any concerns about its size, most notably its 360-degree radar-assisted parking that gives you a clear view of all obstacles around the car when completing low-speed manoeuvres.

Moreover, the Seal U comes with a vast panoramic sunroof, which allows for plenty of light to enter the cabin and can be opened easily via voice control.

Space Inside the BYD Seal U DM-i

When viewed in the context of its price tag, the spacious and practical BYD Seal U DM-i feels like an awful lot of car for the money.

Front passengers have plenty of adjustment to get comfortable, but it’s in the back where the Seal U is likely to find favour among families.

The Seal U is particularly long and wide compared to other family SUVs and this translates to a spacious rear passenger compartment where three six-foot adults can comfortably ride together.

It’s therefore plenty space enough for families with one or more children to transport to school, to the shops or on holiday.

It’s not just the amount of passenger space on offer that impresses though, as it gives parents plenty of space to move around when fitting an infant seat or securing a young child.

The well-shaped boot offers 425-litres of space, while there is some underfloor storage to stop small items from rolling around. Fold the rear seats, however, and there is an estate-rivalling 1,440-litres of boot space on offer.

How Does the BYD Seal U DM-i Drive?

As mentioned, the BYD Seal U DM-i’s high-set driving position allows for excellent forward visibility, which in turn alleviates any misgivings about its relative size, especially for those upgrading from a smaller model.

It’s an impression supported by the driving set-up, which prioritises light accurate steering to make the Seal U feel surprisingly agile and quick-witted in urban environments.

This is supported by a softly sprung ride that smooths out most bumps and accentuates a refined driving experience, especially at motorway speeds.

Indeed, while the input of the battery at low speeds ensures decibels are kept to a minimum, the arrival of the petrol engine at higher speeds is seamless, while the DM-i system that toggles between the two on the move is barely noticeable.

BYD Seal U DM-i PHEV Range & Running Costs

The BYD Seal U DM-i offers two plug-in hybrid options that go three ways.

Of the three trim levels – each of which is equipped with a 1.5-litre petrol engine - the 18.3kWh battery is offered in Boost and Design grades, while the larger 26.6kWh battery is offered in Comfort trim.

Even in standard Boost trim (18.3kWh battery mated to the 1.5-litre petrol engine) the Seal U DM-i offers a surprising turn of performance. Producing 215bhp in total, the two systems work together to ensure a quick sprint from a standstill that is noticeable when pulling away from traffic lights or accelerating for overtaking.

With the 18.3kWh battery, the Seal U can travel up to 43-miles on electric power alone (WLTP Combined) which should be sufficient if your daily driving involves commuting to work, school and/or the shops.

If you need the extra mileage, the 26.6kWh battery – available in Comfort trim – increases this up to 78-miles.

Opt for the flagship Design trim and though the 18.3kWh battery is the same as that on the Boost grade, it features motors on both axles that increases power to a meaty 319bhp and allows for a rapid 5.9-secs 0-62mph sprint.

Depending on your driving environments, BYD claims it is possible to get upwards of 600-miles of total range (electric and fuel combined) from your Seal U.

It means the Seal U – compared to other family SUVs of its size and positioning – can be considered a frugal daily driver.

BYD Seal U DM-i Reliability & Safety

BYD may be relatively new to the UK market, but the company has trust signalled a mark of confidence for reliability by offering a six-year/93,750-mile warranty across its range.

It’s one of the most generous offered by any manufacturer in the UK right now and goes a long way to backing up the strong driver satisfaction scores the BYD Seal U DM-i has been independently accumulating across the industry.

The Seal U was a recent double winner in the 2026 Autotrader Driver’s Choice Awards – decided for by over 160,000 UK car owners - in the Best Value New Car and Best In-Car Technology categories.

In terms of safety, the Seal U has a maximum five-star safety rating from EuroNCAP. The independent safety body awarded the Seal U with a 90% rating for adult occupants, 83% for child occupants and 83% for vulnerable road users (pedestrians).

BYD Seal U DM-i Trims

Vertu’s Verdict on the BYD Seal U DM-i

It’s not hard to see why the BYD Seal U DM-i has cut through a competitive marketplace to gain favour with the UK buying public.

With prices starting at under £35,000*, the Seal U immediately represents a lot of car for the money, especially at a price point largely comprising more compact SUVs and hatchbacks.

With this in mind, families who might not have anticipated having the option of such a versatile, lavishly appointed SUV in their budget range will find the Seal U is hard-to-beat.

Better yet, our impressions notwithstanding, perhaps the most striking endorsement for the BYD Seal U is how satisfied its (many) owners are with it too. A double win in the Auto Trader People’s Choice Awards – voted for by the public – is testament to that.

It demonstrates that the Seal U is resonating with the general populous, who are finding the flexible PHEV powertrain wrapped in a spacious, well-equipped and premium-feeling product is proving to be an irresistible combination.

* Prices correct at time of writing

Who is the BYD Seal U DM-i Best Suited To?

• Families who need the space for two or more children
• Growing families seeking practical car upgrade from a smaller model
• An ideal electric daily driver who commute from work, school and the shops
• Those who would benefit from the flexibility of a petrol engine for longer trips

BYD Seal U DM-i Technical Specifications