Why I’m impressed (and frustrated) with the BYD Seal U

The BYD Seal U is shaking up the family SUV scene, taking on popular names like the Nissan Qashqai, Peugeot 3008, and MG HS. I spent some time getting hands-on with its exterior, interior, tech, and performance to see if it really lives up to the hype – and whether the bold claims from China stack up in the real world.

Want to find out what I had to say about the Seal U? Check out our video here or read more below:

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Five things I loved about the BYD Seal U

1. What do you mean I can make toast in my boot?!

The coolest thing about this car is its “vehicle-to-load” system, which lets you power multiple household appliances from its battery. I tried running a hair dryer, kettle, toaster, and vacuum one by one – no problem. But turning them all on at the same time drained the battery to 27% and threw up a warning sign. Still, being able to power gadgets at once is super handy. I even used it to jump-start another EV when it ran out of juice!

2. It’s absolute tech galore for the price

I was genuinely impressed by how much tech comes as standard. You get everything from adaptive cruise control, heated and ventilated leatherette seats to a sunroof and ambient lighting. I especially liked the surround view system; being able to see all around the car, and even underneath it, makes tricky parking a breeze.

3. Child-friendly interior

If you’ve got young kids, this car is a dream. The rear seats have easily accessible ISOFIX points, making it simple to install child seats safely. The passenger-side airbag can be deactivated quickly if you want a baby seat up front, and there’s plenty of space for kids’ gear. I really appreciate how practical and well thought-out it is for family life.

4. Expect a smooth and comfy drive

Driving around town, I could feel how well the suspension soaks up bumps. Even on the motorway, the drive stayed smooth, and I never felt jolted over minor undulations. I could really relax behind the wheel, which is exactly what I want from a family SUV.

5. Decent performance and EV range

The acceleration surprised me… I clocked 0-60mph in 7.8 seconds, faster than the official claim of 8.9 seconds. Its 27kWh battery gives a solid electric-only range, which is perfect for most daily commutes. Braking felt confident, and overall, I felt the car was capable and reliable for everyday driving.

Five annoying things about the BYD Seal U

1. Weak regenerative braking

I was hoping for some one-pedal driving fun, but there’s barely any regenerative braking. Lifting off the accelerator just feels like coasting, and I found myself missing that “connected to the road” feeling you get in alternatives.

2. It feels heavy on twisty roads

While I was very comfortable in town, I felt the car become a little vague and disconnected on country roads. The suspension and heavy body don’t give much feedback in corners, which can be frustrating if you like driving a bit enthusiastically.

3. Interior glare and shiny plastics

Some of the shiny black trims reflect sunlight or roadside objects onto the windscreen. On bright days, I kept catching glimpses of it out of the corner of my eye. It’s not dangerous, but it can be a bit distracting.

4. Struggle to get completely comfy in the back

Sitting in the back, I noticed limited under-thigh support because of the battery under the floor. If the front seats are set low down, taller passengers in the rear may feel a little cramped because they can’t stretch their legs out under the seat in front. Raising the seat helps, but it’s really not ideal.

5. Practical quirks in everyday use

I was a little disappointed with the 425-litre boot – that’s smaller than almost all the alternatives. Six small cabin suitcases fit fine, but there are no tie-down hooks or 12V socket, which I’d missed for longer trips. Some climate controls also require using the touchscreen, which feels slower than physical buttons. Also, a few storage areas, especially in the boot, aren’t as convenient as I’d like.

My final verdict on the BYD Seal U

I’d put the BYD Seal U on your shortlist for a family-friendly, tech-packed plug-in hybrid. The interior feels solid, it’s comfy to drive, and the tech on offer is seriously impressive. Sure, regenerative braking is a bit weak, the handling isn’t razor-sharp, and a few quirks can get annoying – but for everyday life, it’s hard to beat the value.

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