First drive with BYD Seal U electric SUV: Far Eastern dream makers

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BYD has a dream: to save the world with electric cars. The three-minute trailer before the presentation of the latest Seal U model reflects the apocalyptic atmosphere in the style of Bladerunner – but gloomy predictions can be avoided: all humanity has to do is buy the vehicles from the promising Chinese automaker. ! BYD doesn’t do this at the bottom.

The Seal U family SUV is the latest product from the Chinese manufacturer bearing the famous Build Your Dreams name. The car world’s number nine is dreaming big: It replaced Tesla as the world’s largest electric car maker for the first time in the fourth quarter – BYD will be in first place for the entire year in 2024. They are already leading in Sweden, and European vice president Brian Yang is setting his sights: “I want to be among the top five in Europe.” Seal U aims to help achieve the ambitious goal.

The 4.79 meter long SUV (U stands for service) is not on the platform of the Seal e-limousine launched last year. There is neither 800-volt technology nor all-wheel drive. Although cargo volume of 552 to 1440 liters isn’t impressive for a car this size, there’s plenty of room for it. The seats are suitable for long journeys, there is plenty of air in the second row even for tall people, and despite the standard glass roof. The craftsmanship of the vegan cockpit is also impressive; Cheap Chinese goods are a thing of the past. The responsive infotainment system impresses with its very successful menu navigation. But it remains a mystery why the touchscreen can be rotated 90 degrees when a button is pressed.

BYD officials say the SUV is designed to be comfortable, not sporty. It starts with the press of a button on the center console, then starts whisper-quietly; The interior acoustics impress us even at highway speeds. But the promised comfort is clearly too much of a good thing. While the Seal U compensates for bumps and potholes with precision during slow driving, the 2.1-tonne SUV rolls too much at higher speeds and over hard bumps. Combined with the lackadaisical and sloppy steering, many European customers are likely to turn up their noses. On the other hand, the 218 hp (160 kW) power of the electric motor on the front axle is enough for quick overtaking; only its delayed response and insensitivity to the accelerator pedal, while the grinding of the 19-inch engine still attracts a technical penalty. adjustment. Also, the two-stage recovery is very weak.

The Seal U “Design” we drove with a larger 87 kWh battery (alternatively it also has a 72 kWh battery) is said to have a range of 500 kilometers, according to BYD. After taking it for a spin around Lisbon, with sections of motorway and winding roads through the hinterland, we think the promised range is realistic. Like many Chinese brands, BYD cannot provide convincing DC fast charging performance: With a maximum of 140 kW, it takes exactly 43 minutes to charge the battery from 10 percent to 80 percent. After all: Wallbox and AC column are charged with 11 kW in three phases. Seal U can supply electricity to smaller electric consumers such as e-bikes thanks to its vehicle charging function.

There are still almost no affordable electric cars for families. This is exactly why the BYD Seal U could be successful: in Germany it starts with a “Comfort” version with a smaller battery for the equivalent of 39,200 francs. Standard equipment includes an extensive driver assistance package, glass sunroof, heat pump, heated and ventilated seats and a 360-degree camera. The “Design” version, which costs 2,800 francs more, has a large battery and offers an all-round, hassle-free package with an even larger touchscreen, Infinity sound system, head-up display or air filter system. At the Geneva Motor Show at the end of February, BYD announced when the models will be available, but this is expected to start in 2024. However, prices are not yet known. One thing is certain: we also offer Seal U with a six-year (or 150,000 km) warranty; BYD even gives the battery eight years; This is a real announcement.

We don’t (yet) see the often-touted technical superiority of Chinese manufacturers when it comes to software and battery technology in the Seal U. Neither the gauges nor the head-up display show navigation information, the system “forgets” the previously set route after each reboot, and the slow charging speed doesn’t exactly make the Seal U the long-distance king. But no glaring weaknesses can be identified, and the higher price will likely make local providers like VW or electric pioneer Tesla sweat. Especially if detailed bugs are still being fixed.

Source: Blick