BYD Seal U Car Showcased in India Ahead of Launch

BYD has taken a significant step towards expanding its portfolio in India by showcasing the Seal U DM-i plug-in hybrid SUV. The model introduces the company's proprietary DM-i Super Plug-in Hybrid technology to the Indian market for the first time. This marks BYD's entry into the plug-in hybrid segment in the country.

Unlike BYD's existing India models, which consist entirely of electric vehicles, the Seal U combines a petrol engine with electric motors and a battery pack. The SUV is expected to arrive in India by the end of 2026 and could be priced between Rs. 45 lakh and Rs. 50 lakh (ex-showroom).

BYD DM-i Technology Promises Over 1,200 km Combined Range

The Seal U is powered by BYD's DM-i Super Plug-in Hybrid system, which combines a 1.5-litre turbo-petrol engine and dual electric motors. The system is designed to prioritize electric driving in most situations, while the petrol engine either generates electricity or directly powers the wheels.

The company claims the powertrain can deliver a combined driving range of more than 1,200 km on a full tank and charge. Furthermore, the hybrid engine achieves a thermal efficiency of 43.04%, while the electric motors operate at an efficiency of up to 97.5%.

Seal U SUV: Features, Dimensions and Performance

The BYD Seal U is a plug-in hybrid SUV that combines a 1.5-litre turbo petrol engine, electric motors, and an 18.3 kWh Blade Battery. It produces up to 323 hp and 550 Nm of torque in global versions, offering strong performance with efficiency. The SUV can accelerate from 0–100 kmph in just 5.9 seconds, showing its performance focus. 

Inside, it focuses heavily on technology and comfort with features like a 15.6-inch rotating touchscreen, 12.3-inch digital cluster and a panoramic sunroof. Also, the car supports V2L functionality and offers an electric-only range of up to 70 km in showcase conditions, with Level 2 ADAS.

Specification	Details
Powertrain	DM-i Plug-in Hybrid
Engine	1.5-litre Turbo Petrol
Battery Pack	18.3 kWh Blade Battery
Power / Torque (Global)	Up to 323 hp / 550 Nm
EV-Only Range	Up to 70 km (showcase)
0-100 kmph	5.9 seconds
Expected Price	₹45 lakh – ₹50 lakh (Ex-showroom)

The introduction of the Seal U DM-i shows BYD’s aim to attract buyers who want electrified mobility but are not ready for a fully electric vehicle. It combines plug-in hybrid technology with a long claimed driving range and a premium feature set. This makes the Seal U a potential alternative in the premium SUV segment when it arrives in India later this year.