BYD has unveiled its Seal U DM-i – the Chinese brand’s first plug-in hybrid to be available in Europe – at the Geneva Motor Show.

The D-segment SUV, which is slightly taller and wider than the Seal electric saloon, will feature the brand’s new DM-i hybrid powertrain, which combines a 1.5-litre petrol engine and electric motor.

Its 18.3kWh battery can be charged from 30-80% in around 35 minutes (18kW DC charging) and will offer an electric-only range of around 68 miles. The PHEV will be available to European customers from Q2 this year.

In China, the Seal U is also available with a choice of two fully-electric powertrains, and these offer ranges of between 323 and 376 miles from its 71kWh and 87kWh batteries respectively. The BEV is expected to be available in the UK later this year.

Seal U measures 4,775mm in length, 1,890mm wide and 1,670mm tall. The rear seats can be split 60:40, allowing the 552-litre boot to be increased to 1,440 litres when both seats are folded.

Standard equipment, including ADAS, intelligent driver assistance with a multitude of features, with active and passive functionality.

It also features 19-inch alloy wheels, LED headlights, vegan leather upholstery, wireless phone charging, an Infinity premium sound system and a 15.6-inch rotating infotainment screen. 

In September, BYD told Fleet News it has an aspiration to capture 6% of the UK EV market over the next few years on the back of an accelerated model launch plan that has seen three cars already unveiled and another three or four expected in 2024.

Although reluctant to provide model-by-model registration targets, BYD’s sales strategy is to be present in every key channel, but over-exposed to none.