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Photo of a BYD Seal U

BYD Seal U

Seal U DM-i: Britain's best-selling plug-in hybrid of 2025.1

Researched October 30, 2026 from 30 sources

At a glance

0200400
181–355 hpPower
0510
5.5–9.6 s0–100 km/h
0100200
169–180 km/hTop speed
0300600
280–550 N·mTorque
01,2502,500
1,560–2,425 kgWeight

The coral arc spans the family, from its mildest version to its wildest.28910

Engine
Petrol: 1.5 L turbo I4; DM-i: 1.5 L I4 or turbo I4; EV: electric2
Layout
FWD: petrol, EV and DM-i; AWD: dual-motor DM-i2
Gearbox
Petrol: 7-speed DCT; DM-i: E-CVT2
Built at
BYD: Xi'an, China / Rayong, Thailand; UzAuto Motors: Jizzakh, Uzbekistan25
Units built
Song Plus NEV: 1 million produced by July 20, 2024 (DM-i + EV)2

The story

Created in 2020 as a larger, more upmarket alternative to the Song Pro, the Song Plus became Europe's Seal U and Australia's Sealion 6. The U means Utility; European EV and DM-i versions use LFP Blade batteries.23

2020: Song Plus launches above the Song Pro20202021: DM-i and EV join the family20212023: Seal U debuts at IAA Mobility · 90% adult protection at Euro NCAP20232024: 1 million Song Plus NEV sales · DM 5.0 reaches the Song Plus20242026: Brazil's MY2027 gains turbo and DC2026 BYD Song: 2015–2022BYD SongBYD Song Pro: 2019–presentBYD Song ProBYD Song Plus / Seal U / Sealion 6 (SA3): 2020–presentSA3BYD Sealion 06: 2025–present 2014201620182020202220242026
GenerationsBefore and afterMilestones223
Show the numbers
YearWhat happened
2015–2022BYD Song
2019–presentBYD Song Pro
2020–presentBYD Song Plus / Seal U / Sealion 6 (SA3)
2025–presentBYD Sealion 06
2020Song Plus launches above the Song Pro
2021DM-i and EV join the family
2023Seal U debuts at IAA Mobility
202390% adult protection at Euro NCAP
20241 million Song Plus NEV sales
2024DM 5.0 reaches the Song Plus
2026Brazil's MY2027 gains turbo and DC
  1. 2020

    Song Plus launches above the Song Pro

    September brings the Song Plus, a larger, more upmarket alternative to the Song Pro, with a 1.5 L turbo engine and 7-speed wet dual-clutch transmission.2

  2. 2021

    DM-i and EV join the family

    March adds the Song Plus DM-i in 51 km and 110 km versions; April brings the EV with a 71.7 kWh LFP Blade battery.2

  3. 2023

    Seal U debuts at IAA Mobility

    Europe meets the electric SUV in Munich on September 5. U means Utility; 71.8 and 87.0 kWh Blade batteries promise up to 500 km WLTP.3

  4. 2023

    90% adult protection at Euro NCAP

    The electric, left-hand-drive Seal U scores 90% for adults and 86% for children; side-barrier and side-pole tests award it full marks.4

  5. 2024

    1 million Song Plus NEV sales

    By July 20, the Song Plus DM-i and EV together pass 1 million cumulative sales, becoming China's first new-energy SUV to reach that mark.5

  6. 2024

    DM 5.0 reaches the Song Plus

    July 25 brings fifth-generation DM technology to the Song Plus DM-i: five versions, with 12.9–26.6 kWh batteries and 75–160 km CLTC electric ranges.6

  7. 2026

    Brazil's MY2027 gains turbo and DC

    Brazil's 2027 Song Plus adopts turbo power and a 26.6 kWh Blade battery, lifting PBEV electric range to 99 km; 30–80% DC charging takes 55 minutes.7

Every generation

  • BYD Song
    BYD Song2015–2022
  • BYD Song Pro
    BYD Song Pro2019–present
  • BYD Song Plus / Seal U / Sealion 6
    SA32020–present
  • BYD Sealion 06
    BYD Sealion 062025–present

Power over the years

From 182 hp to 355 hp in 1 year.

0100200300400 202020222024 hp 2020 · 182 hp · Song Plus 1.5T petrol2021 · 181 hp · Song Plus EV2021 · 355 hp · Song Plus DM-i 100 4WD2023 · 201 hp · Song Plus EV 5202023 · 215 hp · Song Plus EV 6052024 · 215 hp · Europe: Seal U EV (maximum)2024 · 215 hp · Europe: DM-i Boost / Comfort2024 · 319 hp · Europe: DM-i Design AWD 355 hp Song Plus DM-i 100 4WD 182 hp Song Plus 1.5T petrol
28911
Show the numbers
YearHorsepowerModel
2020182Song Plus 1.5T petrol
2021181Song Plus EV
2021355Song Plus DM-i 100 4WD
2023201Song Plus EV 520
2023215Song Plus EV 605
2024215Europe: Seal U EV (maximum)
2024215Europe: DM-i Boost / Comfort
2024319Europe: DM-i Design AWD

Versions

8 versions worth knowing, with their power.

  • Standard

    Song Plus 1.5T (China)

    2020–2021

    182 hp
  • Song Plus DM-i 51 / 110 (China)

    Standard

    Song Plus DM-i 51 / 110 (China)

    2021

  • Standard

    Sealion 6 Essential / Dynamic / Premium (Australia)

  • Standard

    Song Plus DM-i DM 5.0 (China)

    2025

  • Standard

    Song Plus 2027 (Brazil)

    2027

  • Song Plus Champion Edition EV / DM-i (China)

    Special

    Song Plus Champion Edition EV / DM-i (China)

    2023

  • Special

    Song Plus Honor Edition EV / DM-i (China)

    2024

  • Special

    Song Plus Smart Driving Editions (China)

    2025

How to spot one

Look for

  • Seal U models pair an X-shaped nose with U-shaped, twin-lens headlights.8
  • Seal U rear lights form one continuous bar with water-drop-style LED details.19
  • Seal U wheels are 19-inch alloys with polished black spokes.9
  • Seal U rear bumpers use contrasting black and silver trim.9
  • 2021 Song Plus DM-i: a silver nose strip with a raised Chinese character.213

Year by year

  1. 2021 (China, DM-i)

    The first DM-i nose combines a conventional grille with a silver strip and raised Chinese badge; LED running lights have a claw-like shape.213

  2. 2025 (China, DM-i)

    Small headlight revisions accompany an illuminated BYD rear emblem, replacing the spelled-out Build Your Dreams badge.56

  3. 2025 (Australia)

    Azure Blue disappears from the Sealion 6 paint palette.15

  4. 2026 (Brazil)

    The global-look update brings sharper headlight outlines and new 19-inch wheels.20

Don’t confuse it with

  • Photo of a BYD Seal U
    Seal U
    Photo of a BYD Seal
    BYD Seal

    BYD Seal

    The Seal is a four-door sedan; the Seal U has a tall, chunky five-door SUV body.21

  • Photo of a BYD Seal U
    Seal U
    Photo of a BYD Song L DM-i
    BYD Song L DM-i

    BYD Song L DM-i

    Look for the Song L's hidden door handles, rounded-rectangle wheel arches and Chinese-knot rear-light motifs.6

  • Photo of a BYD Seal U
    Seal U
    Photo of a Skoda Kodiaq
    Skoda Kodiaq

    Skoda Kodiaq

    The side profile is similar; the Seal U is longer, with a smooth nose and a light bar across the tailgate.22

Against its rivals

  • VW ID.4

    Seal U vs VW ID.4

    Starting price lower is better

    Seal U41,990 €
    VW ID.440,335 €
    16

  • Seal U vs Volkswagen Tiguan eHybrid Match

    Starting price lower is better

    Seal U35,205 £
    Volkswagen Tiguan eHybrid Match42,730 £
    24
  • MG HS

    Seal U vs MG HS

    Starting price lower is better

    Seal U42,150 €
    MG HS40,995 €
    21
  • Toyota RAV4 PHEV

    Seal U vs Toyota RAV4 PHEV

    Fuel consumption lower is better

    Seal U7.4 L/100 km
    Toyota RAV4 PHEV5.3 L/100 km
    21

Prices

Value today $28.6K–$32.4K29

Price when newAuction saleValue today
$0$20K$40K$60K 20202022202420262028 Value today: $28,600–$32,400 2020 · $17,000 · China petrol base, approx. USD2021 · $22,600 · China DM-i 51 km, approx. USD2023 · $22,300 · China Champion DM-i, 110 km2023 · $23,700 · China Champion EV, 520 km2024 · $17,800 · China Honor DM-i, 71 km2024 · $20,500 · China Honor EV, approx. USD2024 · $42,500 · UK Boost OTR, approx. USD2024 · $51,100 · UK Design OTR, approx. USD2025 · $18,800 · China DM-i 75 km Deluxe2025 · $20,500 · China EV Smart Driving, approx. USD 2020 · 115.800 · China petrol base, 2020; approximate CNY-to-USD 2025 · $36,410 · 2025 87kWh Design, 1,359 km, fees included, VPauto Marseille $36.4K VPauto Marseille, 2025
25611121314171830
Show the numbers
YearPriceAmountDetail
2020Launch price$17,000China petrol base, 2020; approximate CNY-to-USD
2020Price when new$17,000China petrol base, approx. USD
2021Price when new$22,600China DM-i 51 km, approx. USD
2023Price when new$22,300China Champion DM-i, 110 km
2023Price when new$23,700China Champion EV, 520 km
2024Price when new$17,800China Honor DM-i, 71 km
2024Price when new$20,500China Honor EV, approx. USD
2024Price when new$42,500UK Boost OTR, approx. USD
2024Price when new$51,100UK Design OTR, approx. USD
2025Price when new$18,800China DM-i 75 km Deluxe
2025Price when new$20,500China EV Smart Driving, approx. USD
2025Auction sale$36,4102025 87kWh Design, 1,359 km, fees included, VPauto Marseille
2026Value today$28,600–$32,400

The rest of the story is in the app

The full file tells why each version matters, the legend behind the car and what to check before buying one.

  • Versions

    • Why each of the 8 versions matters

  • Legend

    • 14 stories from its legend
    • “One million electrified Song Plus sales”
    • “Britain's best-selling PHEV in 2025”

  • Generations

    • The story of each of the 4 generations

  • Market

    • 6 things to check before buying one
    • Where prices are heading, and why
Read the full file in SPOT

SPOT is free on iPhone. Full car files come with SPOT Plus.

Sources

Every fact on this page links to the source it rests on.

See all 30 sources
  1. BYD UK records record-breaking sales in 2025 and becomes sixth best-selling brand in the UK - BYD UK Media Site bydukmedia.com
  2. BYD Song Plus - Wikipedia en.wikipedia.org
  3. BYD SEAL U: Pure-Electric Family SUV Debuts at IAA Mobility 2023 - BYD UK Media Site bydukmedia.com
  4. Euro NCAP | BYD SEAL-U euroncap.com
  5. BYD Song Plus series tops one million sales carnewschina.com
  6. BYD Song L and Song Plus launch with DM 5.0 PHEV powertrain - range up to 1,500 km carnewschina.com
  7. BYD Song Plus 2027 alcança um novo patamar com motor turbo, bateria ampliada e carregamento rápido byd.com
  8. BYD presents SEAL U DM-i:  ideal for eco-conscious mobility and long-range journeys - BYD media.byd.com
  9. BYD expands European portfolio with new BYD SEAL U: practical, spacious, comfortable, family-oriented and eco-conscious electric SUV - BYD media.byd.com
  10. BYD Seal U review | Carbuyer carbuyer.co.uk
  11. BYD Reveals OTR Prices for SEAL U DM-i Family-Sized SUV with Next Level PHEV Technology in the UK - BYD UK Media Site bydukmedia.com
  12. BYD apresenta o primeiro SUV de médio porte da China, o Song PLUS – BYD Brasil | Energia Limpa e Mobilidade Elétrica bydbrasil.com.br
  13. 【图】售14.68万元起 宋PLUS DM-i正式上市_汽车之家 autohome.com.cn
  14. BYD Song Plus Champion Edition launched in China. EV version starts at 23,700 USD carnewschina.com
  15. 2025 BYD Sealion 6 price and specs | CarExpert carexpert.com.au
  16. BYD launching its new Seal U on VW's home turf to rival the ID.4 electrek.co
  17. 12.98 万元起，比亚迪宋 PLUS DM-i / EV 荣耀版车型上市 - IT之家 m.ithome.com
  18. BYD expedites smart driving era with sweeping updates to 21 models - CnEVPost cnevpost.com
  19. BYD SEAL U DM-i - BYD UK Media Site bydukmedia.com
  20. Novo BYD Song Plus chega ao Brasil com design global, NFC e head-up display; Versão Premium tem, agora, recarga rápida e bateria maior byd.com
  21. BYD Seal U DM-i AWD PHEV (2025) review | CompleteCar.ie completecar.ie
  22. BYD Seal U review 2026 - price, interior & boot space | Auto Express autoexpress.co.uk
  23. BYD Song - Wikipedia en.wikipedia.org
  24. Volkswagen Tiguan vs BYD Seal U: can this new arrival beat a firm favourite? | Auto Express autoexpress.co.uk
  25. BYD SEAL U: Spacious, comfortable and practical SUV | BYD Europe byd.com
  26. Used BYD Seal U prices — UK market data | Torq gettorqing.com
  27. Com invasão chinesa, valor dos SUVs médios seminovos desaba; confira a desvalorização - Motor Show motorshow.com.br
  28. O que incomoda os donos do BYD Song Plus? Veja tr�s principais reclama��es - AUTOO autoo.com.br
  29. Used BYD Seal U prices in Spain (2026-08) — 30 listings analysed | SonarDeals sonardeals.com
  30. BYD SEAL U 87KWH DESIGN Black metallic | VPauto.fr vpauto.eu
  • bydukmedia.com
  • en.wikipedia.org
  • euroncap.com
  • carnewschina.com
  • byd.com
  • media.byd.com
  • carbuyer.co.uk
  • bydbrasil.com.br
  • autohome.com.cn
  • carexpert.com.au
  • electrek.co
  • m.ithome.com
  • cnevpost.com
  • completecar.ie

Photo credits

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