BYD's brand expansion will be thanks to you. BYD Seal U DM-i — First Ride
I drove Poland’s first non-electric BYD model for several dozen kilometers around Warsaw, including on the highway. This was the Seal U DM-i hybrid SUV, and it both surprised and frightened me. Polish customers are likely to strongly support this Chinese brand’s expansion in Europe.
For years, BYD was a second-tier Chinese brand. They made boring sedans and small vans and dabbled in electric vehicles, but they were overshadowed by giants like Geely, Great Wall, and Chery. That changed dramatically in recent years, and the Chinese government likely played a major role. BYD suddenly overtook Volkswagen as the top brand in China, began rapidly expanding into Southeast Asia and South America, and became the world’s leading manufacturer in the NEV sector (New Energy Vehicles - electric and plug-in hybrid). They are now entering Europe and plan to build a factory in Turkey. This all happened at an astonishing pace.
A heads-up.
I’ve seen charts showing how fast BYD’s production is growing, but I won’t bore you with that, because frankly, the average customer doesn’t care much about a brand’s status or expansion plans. What matters to them is an affordable price, long warranties, and a reliable service network. So let’s get into the specifics:
The BYD Seal U DM-i is a mid-size SUV offered in two hybrid versions: one with a 1.5 naturally aspirated engine and front-wheel drive, and another with a 1.5 turbo engine and 4x4 drive, similar to the Toyota RAV4 — the rear wheels are driven by a second electric motor.
Both versions are plug-in hybrids, with a main battery capacity of 18.3 kWh, allowing a pure electric range of 70-80 kilometers.
Why not give it a simple name, like BYD XFJH887564P201X?
The more powerful version produces over 320 horsepower and accelerates to 100 km/h in under six seconds.
The trunk has a capacity of 425 liters, which expands to 1.440 liters with the rear seats folded down.
Brown interior is optional. The standard interior is all black.
Prices:
- FWD: 169.900 PLN
- AWD: 209.900 PLN
Its main competitors appear to be the plug-in versions of the Toyota RAV4 or Hyundai Tucson. So let's compare prices:
- Toyota RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid — starts at 223.000 PLN. BYD wins.
- Hyundai Tucson Plug-in Hybrid — 2WD version starts at 182.900 PLN, and 4WD version starts at 213.900 PLN. BYD wins, but just barely.
Interior Has a Vertical Screen
And a tick for horizontal layout.
BYD Seal U DM-i Pros
The car is very well soundproofed. I didn’t notice when I reached 120 km/h. BYD could accelerate further, but I didn’t want to push it to 140 km/h on the highway. I must admit that the Chinese have put more effort into soundproofing than many well-established manufacturers. As I get older, I appreciate driving a car that makes no noise at all. In the city, we mostly drove in electric mode, with the combustion engine only kicking in at higher speeds.
Another advantage is the hybrid system’s excellent calibration. Unlike many plug-in hybrids, which run purely on electricity until the battery is drained and then switch entirely to gasoline, consuming seven liters per 100 kilometers, this system intelligently manages energy consumption. Even during regular city driving, you may not need to charge the traction battery every day, as the combustion engine will support you when necessary.
In the city, the real fuel consumption is 5 liters per 100 km.
Unlike many plug-in hybrids, the BYD Seal U DM-i allows fast DC charging of up to 18 kW, meaning you can charge from 20% to over 90% in just under an hour. Specifically, it charges from 30% to 80% in just 35 minutes. This car is ideal for people who have their own garage and charging socket, making refueling with gasoline a rare occurrence. Speaking of refueling, it’s reported that the front-wheel-drive version (the cheaper one) can travel 1.080 kilometers on a full tank and battery. In today’s world, that’s impressive, though I once drove a Passat B3 1.6 TD for 1.259 kilometers between refuels.
The charging socket is on the right side.
Good Quality, Comparable to Korean Cars, Maybe Even Better
You notice small details, like fully covered door frames on the inside. Most cars have exposed metal in that area. BYD is so confident in its vehicle quality that it offers a 6-year or 150.000 km warranty. This is a strong point, and I wonder how it will be implemented in practice — the dealership and service network is still under construction, and for now, it’s limited to the largest cities. Over time, smaller cities like Kalisz or Olsztyn will be added.
BYD Seal U DM-i Problems
The automatic pedestrian and cyclist detection system works poorly. Unfortunately, to turn it off, you have to click through the menu every time you start the car, but I strongly recommend doing so, or you might become a victim of unintended braking. The electronics can detect threats that a normal person would not consider dangerous and slam the brakes in the middle of an intersection. I was driving through a green light while a pedestrian stood on the sidewalk waiting to cross. The system decided I needed to brake, almost giving me a heart attack. This feature should not be allowed.
The mirrors are too small.
The designers messed up with the mirrors, especially the right one. It’s like a Mercedes W124. But worse: no matter how you position it, you can’t see anything. The left mirror is slightly better, but the lenses have been made smaller to reduce air resistance.
Traditionally, the speed limit detection system shows its own ideas. At one point on a bypass, it decided that the speed limit was 50 km/h. On the other hand, there’s no audible warning if I drive too fast, which is now standard in European cars (though this system is also inconsistent).
This was done well.
And extended door handles.
Conclusion
It all depends on attitude — you’re either an adventure lover and will be happy to arrange a test drive of a BYD, and maybe even buy one because it’s worth trying new things in life, or you’re more cautious and will end up with a Dacia, Skoda, or Stellantis product. From a technical, price, or build quality standpoint (at least at first glance), the BYD Seal U DM-i is no different from its Asian competitors. Its target isn’t Mercedes or Audi, and that’s a good thing. Instead, it aims to win over customers deciding whether it’s better to choose a Kia or take a risk on the new MG HS.
Success in a country’s car market depends on one key factor: cars must be visible on the streets. If they aren’t, nothing will happen. BYD’s expansion will involve your participation because customers driving their cars and showcasing them to potential buyers are the brand’s best marketers. The Seal U DM-i will certainly support this expansion, although I still believe that BYD’s lineup (including three electric vehicles and a plug-in hybrid) is modestly suited for the Polish market. I’m waiting for competitors to the MG3 and Yaris Hybrid.
