BYD SEALION 7 and SEAL U DM-i review: Our first impression

BYD is bringing new models to Austria. While the BYD SEAL U DM-i has been available for a month, the BYD SEALION 7 will be available from January. We were able to look at the cars for a morning.
In addition to the release of the two new vehicles, BYD also updated two older models.
The ACT 3 Facelift will be launched in the coming quarter. It offers a black interior option, a maximum charging capacity of 110 kilowatts (DC) and a maximum supported trailer load of 750 kilograms. The "NEW TANG" has also been available since October. The highlights of this are the 108,8 kilowatt-hour battery, which can be charged with 170 kilowatts (DC), the 5.0 UI platform and V2L with up to four kilowatts.
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BYD SEAL U DM-i in the first impression
The BYD SEAL U DM-i is the plug-in hybrid version of the SEAL U. The two cannot be distinguished from each other from the outside. You can only tell which model you are sitting in by looking at the center console. In the "DM-i" version, there is a switch there to switch between hybrid and electric mode.
- Picture: TechnikNews
- Picture: TechnikNews
On the software side, everything felt pretty similar to the BYD DOLPHIN However, it was noticeable that things like sign recognition had been greatly improved. In addition, CarPlay can now be used without a cable, which worked very reliably.
The driving experience in the BYD SEAL U DM-i is very unique - in a positive sense. According to BYD, even in hybrid mode it should feel like you are driving a purely electric car. After just a few meters you notice what the manufacturer means by this. The electric motor does a fairly large part of the work, while the combustion engine only has a supporting effect. That is why the system also ensures that the battery level never drops below 20 percent. The only criticism I have to make is the chassis, because it felt a little spongy.
- Picture: TechnikNews
- Picture: TechnikNews
Depending on the variant, the range of the BYD SEAL U DM-i is between 870 and 1080 kilometers.
BYD SEALION 7 first impression
With a length of 7 meters, a width of 4,83 meters and a height of 1,92 meters, the BYD SEALION 1,62 is a bit more compact than the SEAL U DM-i. Nevertheless, the interior feels very spacious.
There is a large panel at the front, which contains a display with information about the current journey on the driver's side and shows light effects on the passenger side. It is interrupted by the infotainment screen, which can also be rotated in this BYD model. What we didn't like so much about this part is that it takes up a lot of the view to the right when it is in the upright position. Below the display in the center console there is a 50-watt wireless charger with fan, various controls and a spacious storage space under the armrest. In general, everything is excellently made. The steering wheel in particular left a very lasting impression on us.
BYD's new UI version is already running on the infotainment system. It features a new layout, a revised navigation app and a few other features. In addition, all warning sounds while driving are now much more subtle. The performance of the operating system is just as good as in other models.
Apropos Driving: The SEALION 7 also scored points here. It sits very quietly and comfortably on the road and the inputs from the steering wheel are implemented precisely. The range forecast showed just over 93 kilometers with 400 percent of the battery. The WLTP figure is between 482 and 502 kilometers, depending on the variant.
BYD SEAL U DM-i and SEALION 7: Prices and availability
As already mentioned, the BYD SEAL U DM-i is already available, while the SEALION 7 will go on sale in January. The starting price of the SEAL U DM-i is 37.890 euros, that of the SEALION 7 is 44.890 euros (including subsidies).