2024 BYD Seal U confirmed for Australia: Toyota RAV4 Hybrid and Nissan X-Trail e-Power on notice as plug-in hybrid SUV nears

February 16, 2024February 28, 2024 Andrew Chesterton 4684 Views BYD, Seal U

BYD has confirmed its first plug-in hybrid model in Australia will be the Seal U, with the petrol-electric SUV now just months away from arrival.

The official announcement came via the confirmation the brand’s importer, EVDirect, has a new CEO, with David Smitherman replacing Luke Todd, the latter of which remains as chairman.

But within the release was news that the brand’s next launch would be the Seal U, a mid-size plug-in hybrid SUV that will compete with models like the RAV4 Hybrid, X-Trail e-Power and Mitsubishi Outlander.

“BYD is the most exciting automotive brand in the world, we have huge plans for 2024 and our product portfolio. The Dolphin, Seal and Atto3 will be complemented by the hotly anticipated Seal U in Q2 and a further three product launches before the end of 2024,” the brand said in a release.

The Seal U will be the first vehicle to feature BYD’s DM-I (or Dual Motor Intelligence) technology, and is expected to pair a 1.5-litre petrol engine with a 18.3kWh battery and a 145kW electric motor.

BYD suggests a 100km EV-only driving range will be on offer, with total range (petrol and electric combined) closer to 1000kms.

If BYD can convince its EV-only fans that plug-in hybrids make sense, too, then the Seal U has the potential to be the brand’s best-selling vehicle, given its dimensions (4785mm long, 1890mm wide and 1660mm tall, and with a wheelbase of 2765mm) place it in one our most popular segments.

Andrew Chesterton

Andrew began his career as a journalist at Sydney’s The Daily Telegraph and The Sunday Telegraph, before he was lured into the fast-paced world of supercars at TopGear Australia. He has also held senior roles at The Daily Mail, which involved spending time at HQ in London, and on the other side of the automotive divide with FCA Australia. As one of Australia's best-read freelance writers, Andrew now contributes to Robb Report, Wish in The Australian, Domain in The Australian Financial Review, CarsGuide, Wheels, The West Australian, GQ, Men's Health and more. His love for writing has carried him around the world and back again, writing for clients in Asia, Australia, New Zealand, Europe and the USA. He secretly enjoys it so much he’d probably do it for free, but he hopes his editors never find out that bit...