BYD Seal U DM i First Drive

I am living in Thailand where BYD dominated the EV market after just 2 years. BYD Seal U DM i costs here 30% less than a Honda CR-V. We own a BYD Dolphin (15 months, 38,000 km) and Atto 3 (12 months, 30,000 km) and I am very impressed of the quality.

[@atippon]

In Thailand, many testers found out that after 25% battery left and the car went in to pure HEV mode, the overall fuel consumption rate will be 14-15 Km/litre.Quite consuming but if you drive fewer than 50miles/day and use only EV mode,it's still save your money. The average consumption if you have full battery with using HEV mode after that will be about 20 km/litre on 90-100 km/hr speed and up to 24 km/litre if you drive at 70-75 km/hr.

[@nothingsurprisesmeanymore]

Yes it doesn't seem that great on fuel. I'm very hesitant to give up my old Renault diesel that has 7 seats and on a long journey gets 71mpg at 65mph and 53mpg combined. Weighing only 100kg less than the BYD it would be a hard fuel bill to swallow just to have a laptop screen in front of me.

[@NigelRudyard]

Excellent, looks really smart and good quality.

[@AutoBears]

Thank you Nigel. I think BYD have been really smart with the Seal U. Especially those who need to be frugal with their money. All that kit as standard is a massive draw to the brand.

[@NigelRudyard]

@@AutoBears Absolutely.

[@nothingsurprisesmeanymore]

Just poor MPG as I get 40% better with my old diesel. 🤷

[@AutoBears]

@ is that in hybrid mode or the battery depleted?

[@NigelRudyard]

@ If it's any help, I found my MPG was lowish 50s to begin with, then went up when I'd learned how to accelerate progressively and use "S' for pulling out of junctions etc. It's now mid-60s.

[@alanbarlow9030]

Picking mine up on Tuesday 👍🏻

[@AutoBears]

Thanks for the comment Alan. That’s great news. What spec did you go for? I hope you enjoy your new Seal U.

[@alanbarlow9030]

@AutoBears Boost spec. 👍🏻

[@YT-jt5te]

Hi Thanks good video, Is it worth having the paint protection?

[@kridgwell]

Good review as usual.

[@AutoBears]

Thank you for the comment. I try my best with the little time I have with the car.

[@marcwebster1913]

Great review thanks...I had a test drive to compare to my Tesla MYLR as changing in Q1 2025, and was pleasantly surprised, and I think that a PHEV is the way forward to avoid any range anxiety for the odd long journey...only challenge is getting the local Stratstone garage to respond/follow up with the exceptional BYD finance deals available

[@AutoBears]

Hey there Marc. Thanks for the comment. It’s a great all-rounder and the overall range of the car is a massive factor. I hope the dealership calls you back. I hate when the salesman don’t follow up. Always made sure my customers were happy.

[@Rosso101]

Great video! Have mine on order 😅

[@AutoBears]

Thank you. Glad you enjoyed it. Which trim have you ordered? A couple in the village I live actually came to my house for advice on a new car to replace their Mazda. I recommended the Seal U and there’s now a lovely Boost on their driveway! Gives me a warm fuzzy feeling knowing I’ve helped.

[@Rosso101]

I went with the boost! It’s due to come in February it’s brilliant the way it’s all fully loaded no matter what trim level you pick! Without videos like this people wouldn’t know about these new brands so well done sir 🎉

[@AutoBears]

@ you’re most welcome. That’s why I do it.

[@Hussain.ali787]

​@@Rosso101When did you place your order ? I ordered mine back end of October.

[@Rosso101]

@@Hussain.ali787October! Next boost shipment is February but they have comforts in now!

[@Murwaaaa]

Just got the car we have it but we r picking it up next week , do u thing the comfort was a good option😊

[@ashb8572]

Hi, excellent content! Do you know if this has a heat pump and you can run in EV mode whilst heating the cabin without the engine running. Also is the any remote preheating possible with an app? Also did you experience if the adaptive cruise control is good and not erratic like some other Chinese cars

[@bartdebaere1405]

The heat pump is standard. Preheating is possible with the BYD app.

[@ashb8572]

@bartdebaere1405 that's great, thanks 😊

[@AutoBears]

Sorry for the delay but what the other person said is true. Don’t forget to liaise with your dealership.

[@DaveDVideoMaker]

I hope BYD will enter the Romanian market in 2025.

[@AutoBears]

Fingers crossed Dave

[@RaulIoanPop]

Same, my wallet is prepared 😅

[@hameemmohideen1478]

i have ordered comfort 33550

[@Jeremy-di4ye]

Lol you got the name of the car wrong in the intro 😂😂

[@AutoBears]

Hey there Jeremy. I did not notice that, thank you. lol I’m sure everyone will know the car I’m driving. I’ll let everyone know in the description.