BYD Seal DM-i: plug-in hybrid with 200 kilometers range

BYD’s European and Dutch model range consists of a colorful collection of cars from BYD’s Dynasty and Ocean model lines. For example, the electric Seal and Dolphin cars from the Ocean family and the Atto 3, Han and Tang models from the Dynasty series. We recently wrote about the brand new BYD Song L, a new EV6-style electric crossover from the Dynasty line that could theoretically come to Europe. Today we pay attention to another newcomer from BYD that we have a more concrete suspicion that he will come to the Netherlands.

BYD Seal DM-i

The sedan that plays the leading role in this article was initially presented to the public as Chaser 07, but is now known as Seal DM-i. Seal. That makes it a model of the Ocean family. Although its name suggests otherwise, the Seal DM-i is not another variant of the electric Seal known here. The BYD Seal DM-i is a plug-in hybrid sedan, but one that closely matches its electric namesake with its design. Despite the external similarities between the two Seals, in this case the two literally have nothing to do with each other.

The external similarities with this electric Seal are evident.

The Seal DM-i has its own body and is also one size larger than the electric Seal. The BYD Seal for sale in the Netherlands has a wheelbase of 2.92 meters and extends over a distance of 4.8 metres. With its car length of 4.98 meters, this BYD Seal DM-i is almost 20 centimeters longer and also has an extra 10 centimeters between the front and rear axle. The ‘DM-i’ part of the name is important. That is BYD’s designation for a plug-in hybrid powertrain. And not just any. The BYD Seal DM-i is available with an atmospheric 1.5 and with a blown petrol engine with the same capacity. The plug-in hybrid part of the powertrain should give the 5-meter-long sedan an electric range of up to 200 kilometers. There is also a variant that kicks it up to an electric range of 121 kilometers. Please note: all these values ​​are NEDC figures and are therefore less realistic than WLTP figures communicated in Europe.

The voluptuous interior of the BYD Seal DM-i.

The interior of the BYD Seal DM-i is designed in the same style as that of the Seal, but is not interchangeable. Although organic shapes are also well represented in the Seal DM-i, the concrete interpretation of the dashboard is really different. However, the plug-in hybrid, just like the electric Seal – and the Atto 3 and Dolphin – has a large rotatable infotainment screen.

The BYD Seal DM-i could also come to Europe just like that.

BYD has now also registered the design of the Seal DM-i in Europe, according to patent drawings surfaced by AutoWeek. So there is certainly a chance that the BYD Seal DM-i will come to Europe. But whether the Netherlands is also one of the countries where the asphalt gets under its wheels? We don’t expect it. For the time being, BYD only profiles itself in the Netherlands as an EV brand.