Hybrid / PHEVSUVValue-led PHEV

BYD Seal U DM-i

A generously equipped plug-in hybrid SUV sold under several names, with useful electric range and petrol backup for longer trips.

Also sold as Sealion 6 DM-i, Song Plus DM-i.

Compare with Toyota Prius Estimate a charging session

Electric range

70–125 km electricWLTP

Rapid charging, as claimed

35 min30%80%

Manufacturer claim, peak 18 kW. Real sessions slow as the battery fills and vary with temperature and charger.

Drawn from the manufacturer figures below. Scale shared with every hybrid in the file.

Official range

70–125 km electricWLTP

Market or version specific

Battery

18.3 or 26.6 kWh

Market or version specific

Rapid charging

up to18 kW

Published reference

Efficiency

6.4 L/100 km

Market or version specific

Is the BYD Seal U DM-i worth considering?

Our view. One of the strongest equipment-for-money PHEVs to understand. It works best when charged routinely; range, battery size, and even its name vary by market.

How far can it go?

The published reference is 70–125 km electric (WLTP, version dependent). Compare it only with figures from the same test cycle. For a plug-in hybrid this is the electric-only range before the engine takes over.

Against other hybrids in the file, on a 0–200 km scale

BYD Seal U DM-i 70–125 km electric
Toyota Prius Up to 86 km electric
Toyota RAV4 Hybrid Not published Market dependent
Honda CR-V Hybrid Not published Market dependent

Speed, temperature, wind, elevation, tyres, load and cabin heating or cooling all change real-world range. How EPA, WLTP and CLTC differ.

How quickly does it charge?

The highest published DC figure is Up to 18 kW. 30–80% in about 35 minutes claimed. A peak rate is reached briefly; the average across a session is lower.

Home charging time depends on the energy added, the car’s AC limit, the charger and the supply. Estimate a session with this car’s battery.

What to check before buying

Who is it for?: Drivers balancing electric commuting with petrol flexibility.
What needs checking?: The electric benefit depends on charging regularly and choosing the right version.
What is the evidence?: 1 cited source, with range cycles and regional variations kept visible.

Evidence record

4 figures, each linked to where it starts. A published value is not automatically the right value for every trim or country.

Figure	Value	Condition	Source
Official range	70–125 km electric	Market or version specific WLTP, version dependent	Official manufacturer overview Checked 28 July 2026
Battery	18.3 or 26.6 kWh	Market or version specific Capacity and availability can change by version	Official manufacturer overview Checked 28 July 2026
Rapid charging	Up to 18 kW	Published reference 30–80% in about 35 minutes claimed	Official manufacturer overview Checked 28 July 2026
Efficiency	6.4 L/100 km	Market or version specific Official figure; testing standard can differ by market	Official manufacturer overview Checked 28 July 2026