There is a shortcut for AC control, three finger swipe on the screen up or down adjusts temperature and left or right to adjust fan speed. It works no matter what screen you’re on including CarPlay. Super easy. It’s also a shame you didn’t explore the steering and braking mode options in the menu, both can be switched from comfort to sport which improves the feedback and driving experience greatly.
If you this same model of this car, would you highly recommend for me to buy it. Liked the design and luxurious interior so much for the price they are giving.
Thanks for the review, which goes into more detail than most. I test drove the FWD version today. All the positives came through. It really is very good in so many respects. I've driven German marques for decades and my wife drives Japanese so I have a reasonably keen sense of quality. The repeated mentions of 'disconnect' are somewhat exaggerated. Others have already commented on the option to change the steering feedback setting. Even in the standard setting the steering and suspension feel similar a big German saloon. Those manufacturers know that some drivers do just want to feel cocooned and not 'on rails'. Many drivers are also now getting used to semi-autonomous cars and the other brands you mention are aspiring to those levels of automation. How 'connected' do drivers want to be when they're not even holding the steering wheel? If you want the best of both worlds you can now specify air suslension and AWD in large German saloons and SUVs but it will cost you around three times the price to drive one out of the forecourt. So, overall a helpful and informative review, but in relation to evaluation of driver experience it somewhat misses the mark.
Thank you so much. I really appreciate that comment. I know a little of people don’t like long videos, but I want to try and bring the same quality and detail that magazines used to do with their extensive road tests to video, very much aimed at car buyers. Thank you for watching and taking the time to comment. Bryan.
This is a very compelling offering from BYD, showing just how value-laden the company really is. After owning a Kia Niro PHEV, smaller but very similar in functionality, I have enjoyed the value over the last 60,000 miles, and can say with confidence that a minimum of 80% of those miles were powered by electric motor ONLY. The only issue we had was the limited range of 25 miles each day, which was often used up. If we had 50 to 80 miles of electric only range, and over six hundred miles combined range like this BYD, it would have been much much better suited to our driving needs. This car is much better, and it costs as much as we paid (34,000 U.S.D.) six years ago, ($29,000 after tax credits were applied.) I would gladly put out the full $34,000 for this larger, more refined, car with advanced features offered on the base model. It's a huge deal, and if it were offered here is the U.S., I would probably buy it. By the way, to all of you newbies to the PHEV experience, I can say that it is the smartest way to go electric, with no downsides really, and you'll never regret your decision to jump into the fray if you go for it!
I'd like to add that the BYD hybrid system is different from others, it has no internal combustion engine directly powering the wheels. Its engine works as the generator which powers motors to keep the wheels spinning.
Great review. Clever thinking by byd to keep the price below 40k thus avoiding that dreadful extra tax . The standard equipment level is awesome but it would have been good to see a factory fitted dash cam or at least a c socket at the top of the windshield. I will certainly have to visit my local dealer.
In fairness, I believe the first half of your verdict was spot on (minutes 48:29 - 48:50). However, the verdict from minutes 48:51 - 48:54 is somewhat flawed because it's based on having driven the standard model and WITHOUT driving the top spec model. The top spec model has AWD instead of FWD, two e-motors (150kW/300Nm front and another 120kW/250Nm e-motor at the rear) and a "turbo-petrol" 1.5-litre engine contributes 96kW/220Nm and combined outputs are 238kW/550Nm. The top spec model has a claimed 0-100km/h time in 5.9 seconds vs the base model you reviewed 0-100km/h in 8.5 seconds. If you had driven the top spec model with the better specs and quicker acceleration, it may have addressed/altered the views you expressed at minutes 48:51 - 48:54. You also stated at minute 49:00, "...I'm afraid there are better cars in this class and they are worth the extra money over this car." Please, do tell. BTW, I really enjoy your review.
Have you tried sport mode on "smart chassis" to improve handling and ride???: "Steering assist mode setting ● The hand feeling of steering assist differs among people, and different users have different evaluations and demands on the feeling. ● Choose Comfort or Sport mode via →Vehicle Settings→Smart Chassis."
I’m in Australia and paid $54,877 AUD for the Seal U drive away for the AWD. (btw they call it a Sealion 6 in OZ) That’s £28,350 at today’s rates. We changed from a 2019 Tiguan 162 ps allspace and this is much faster in a straight line but suspension is too soft and as you say no driver feel. But non the less we have only used 14 litres of petrol in 2500km (1550 odd miles) and charged at home overnight on a 3 pin socket. We get 75km ev only range which is enough for a day or two. But we can drive 1000 km without having to ever use a public charger. This car will sell like hotcakes. The Toyota hybrid system is in the stone ages by comparison.
There's an option to change the settings for the steering and brakes. Makes a lot more difference in terms of "driver engagement and communication" with the vehicle.
Oh don’t get me wrong, there is a lot of reasons to like this car. The tech is brilliant and the price is superb. It’s just a shame it isn’t a bit more involving by to drive. And BYD can do it as the Seal saloon is a brilliant car. Better steering calibration and some rethink of the spring and damper rates and this eliminate most of my criticism. Thanks for watching and taking the time to comment.
I don't know if I'm quite ready for a full EV at the minute so I'm thinking a self charging hybrid would be a good transition for me. However I'm a little confused by this car I know it's says it's a plug in Hybrid but in your review you say that the battery can be recharged by the ICE so if I didn't want to have a wall charger installed could still use this car in EV mode or is a wall box essential?
You will see a huge reduction in fuel (almost never use it) if you plug in the car to recharge. It comes with a slow AC charger, but its enough to fully charge it overnight.
Just looked at one of these today, seriously considering one, just doing my due diligence Are they as good a deal as they seem ? Many Thanks Garry B in Manchester UK
As a package, it is very hard to fault. It is roomy, very well equipped, priced super-competitively, and comes with a great warranty. I also think its quite a handsome looking car too. My view is that it is a bit bland to drive, but if you just need a decent, comfortable, value-for-money family car, its hard to fault it.
@houseofcars1973 Thank you for your reply 🙏 just waiting for confirmation of the pricing for the sealion ( looks awesome) hope it's within my budget 😀 Many Thanks - Garry B in Manchester UK
Competent and inoffensive, by the looks, has a very slight look of the Macan on the front quarter. I do like the refinement, from what you said. I have avoided SUVs so far. I don't really like them. (My current car is an Ioniq HEV saloon, and I love it - 65 mpg, reliable comfortable.)
I’ve not seen anything about the larger battery I configured the car yesterday and it never gave the option on this is it on the design as standard? Also can it drive in electric AWD like outlander of does the engine have to start to drive the front wheels ? Thanks
The Comfort model (bigger battery) comes on stream early 2025. And the Design (AWD) model is dual motor, so yes, the car will drive in 4WD with just EV power.
He definitely is, bit silly to criticise a car for how he chose to have it set up. It's like criticising a car's off road capability without engaging the 4wd, lol.
"Steering assist mode setting ● The hand feeling of steering assist differs among people, and different users have different evaluations and demands on the feeling. ● Choose Comfort or Sport mode via →Vehicle Settings→Smart Chassis."
Thank you for the review of the BYD-well done! I had a brief drive in the BYD, just a few kilometres, before seeing your review. In that short test drive, I didn’t notice the lack of response from the steering wheel, though I’m sure I would in a more extended drive. These days, I’m driving a BMW i4, which is highly engaging and pleasant, as you might know. Switching to a car like the BYD would likely be disappointing for me, and I imagine I’d regret the decision for the next few years until the car is fully paid off. I found it curious that you didn’t compare this car with the BMW X3, Volvo XC60, or Mercedes GLC. Is there a specific reason for that, or am I mistaken in thinking they belong to a similar segment? Also, to clarify, the BYD doesn’t offer autonomous parking, correct? This is a feature available with the BMW, Volvo, and Mercedes models, though typically as paid options. That said, I understand these are generally more expensive cars with shorter warranty periods. BYD certainly poses a threat to European manufacturers, Volvo aside, as it’s partly, if not wholly, a Chinese-owned brand. By the way, I’ve subscribed to your channel! 👍
THE single most important point about this car is the CO2 emissions level, which is minuscule, I believe, when compared to others, opening up a Benefit in Kind tax saving window for company owners/employees.
I’m considering this car were I live can’t have PHEV chargers but I could use this as a petrol and charge up once a week at work or in shopping centres supermarkets etc
I guess a lot of reviews are subjective I took out the boost model for an hour and had no issue with the steering whatsoever, suspension yes a bit fidgety at some lower speeds, but taking down twisty lanes I did not notice any body lean at all, and I am used to a bmw x3, could I have this as my daily driver? With out doubt, the comfort model in tan interior if that does come to the uk Enjoy all your reviews keep them coming
Comfort isn't open to order yet afaik which is why it won't be on Carwow. Only Boost and Design (AWD) for now. Design is already 150kg heavier than Boost so likely putting a bigger battery in that would make it ridiculously heavy.
Alternate settings for both steering feel and braking effort in vehicle settings…….. BYD need to highlight this to reviewers and reviewers also should explore before they review…..
If you are a keen driver I said. If you are willing to forsake the dynamics for the technical aspects of the car, it’s very good. I do like the car, I just don’t like the detached driving experience. Thank you for watching and taking the time to comment.
36:30 American car steering is a lot lighter and I liked it when I drove my brother's GMC in the Middle east. BYD steering is not that light in my opinion
Sorry, but it’s a C-segment hatch. Same size as an ID.3 and BYD themselves have said its target market is the C-segment against the VW, Cupra Born and Renault Megane.
@@houseofcars1973 Correct, if you haven't driven the AWD version, how can you in good faith make the below comment in your verdict when speaking about the base model? "but for those of us that enjoy driving a little bit more for those of that expect a little bit more you know when it comes to sort like we're spending our money on and what we want to experience from a car then I'm afraid there are better cars in this class and they are worth the extra money over this car it's good it's just not great"
@@user-qn7me7vq2y Because that is the verdict based upon the car I have driven. That is my verdict on that car. No journalist will not deliver a verdict by saying "of course, we will have to drive the entire range before we say what we think about the particular car we have just driven". The point is to deliver a verdict on the car we test, and that is what I have done. If the Boost model is "night & day different" then I will say so if and when I drive that one.
There is a shortcut for AC control, three finger swipe on the screen up or down adjusts temperature and left or right to adjust fan speed. It works no matter what screen you’re on including CarPlay. Super easy.
It’s also a shame you didn’t explore the steering and braking mode options in the menu, both can be switched from comfort to sport which improves the feedback and driving experience greatly.
If you this same model of this car, would you highly recommend for me to buy it. Liked the design and luxurious interior so much for the price they are giving.
Thanks for the review, which goes into more detail than most. I test drove the FWD version today. All the positives came through. It really is very good in so many respects. I've driven German marques for decades and my wife drives Japanese so I have a reasonably keen sense of quality.
The repeated mentions of 'disconnect' are somewhat exaggerated. Others have already commented on the option to change the steering feedback setting. Even in the standard setting the steering and suspension feel similar a big German saloon. Those manufacturers know that some drivers do just want to feel cocooned and not 'on rails'. Many drivers are also now getting used to semi-autonomous cars and the other brands you mention are aspiring to those levels of automation. How 'connected' do drivers want to be when they're not even holding the steering wheel? If you want the best of both worlds you can now specify air suslension and AWD in large German saloons and SUVs but it will cost you around three times the price to drive one out of the forecourt.
So, overall a helpful and informative review, but in relation to evaluation of driver experience it somewhat misses the mark.
As someone who’s looking to buy a seal been looking for reviews and this is by far the best and most detailed one iv seen bravo 👏🏻 subscribed 🎉
Thank you for watching, taking the time to send in a lovely comment, and for subscribing! All very much appreciated.
I love this kind of long format video !! Great job. Super informative. Especially for a new to the UK brand like BYD
Thank you so much. I really appreciate that comment. I know a little of people don’t like long videos, but I want to try and bring the same quality and detail that magazines used to do with their extensive road tests to video, very much aimed at car buyers.
Thank you for watching and taking the time to comment. Bryan.
This is a very compelling offering from BYD, showing just how value-laden the company really is. After owning a Kia Niro PHEV, smaller but very similar in functionality, I have enjoyed the value over the last 60,000 miles, and can say with confidence that a minimum of 80% of those miles were powered by electric motor ONLY. The only issue we had was the limited range of 25 miles each day, which was often used up. If we had 50 to 80 miles of electric only range, and over six hundred miles combined range like this BYD, it would have been much much better suited to our driving needs. This car is much better, and it costs as much as we paid (34,000 U.S.D.) six years ago, ($29,000 after tax credits were applied.) I would gladly put out the full $34,000 for this larger, more refined, car with advanced features offered on the base model. It's a huge deal, and if it were offered here is the U.S., I would probably buy it. By the way, to all of you newbies to the PHEV experience, I can say that it is the smartest way to go electric, with no downsides really, and you'll never regret your decision to jump into the fray if you go for it!
I'd like to add that the BYD hybrid system is different from others, it has no internal combustion engine directly powering the wheels. Its engine works as the generator which powers motors to keep the wheels spinning.
@@arminius6506the petrol engine works as a generator but it also drives the front wheels when required.
Great review. Clever thinking by byd to keep the price below 40k thus avoiding that dreadful extra tax .
The standard equipment level is awesome but it would have been good to see a factory fitted dash cam or at least a c socket at the top of the windshield.
I will certainly have to visit my local dealer.
In fairness, I believe the first half of your verdict was spot on (minutes 48:29 - 48:50).
However, the verdict from minutes 48:51 - 48:54 is somewhat flawed because it's based on having driven the standard model and WITHOUT driving the top spec model.
The top spec model has AWD instead of FWD, two e-motors (150kW/300Nm front and another 120kW/250Nm e-motor at the rear) and a "turbo-petrol" 1.5-litre engine contributes 96kW/220Nm and combined outputs are 238kW/550Nm. The top spec model has a claimed 0-100km/h time in 5.9 seconds vs the base model you reviewed 0-100km/h in 8.5 seconds.
If you had driven the top spec model with the better specs and quicker acceleration, it may have addressed/altered the views you expressed at minutes 48:51 - 48:54.
You also stated at minute 49:00, "...I'm afraid there are better cars in this class and they are worth the extra money over this car."
Please, do tell.
BTW, I really enjoy your review.
Have you tried sport mode on "smart chassis" to improve handling and ride???:
"Steering assist mode setting
● The hand feeling of steering assist
differs among people, and different
users have different evaluations and
demands on the feeling.
● Choose Comfort or Sport mode via
→Vehicle Settings→Smart Chassis."
"Average car" are you expecting a Rolls Royce for £31k?
The AWD version and steering set to sport is much better. I drove the FWD but the AWD is a vastly better car.
I’m in Australia and paid $54,877 AUD for the Seal U drive away for the AWD. (btw they call it a Sealion 6 in OZ) That’s £28,350 at today’s rates. We changed from a 2019 Tiguan 162 ps allspace and this is much faster in a straight line but suspension is too soft and as you say no driver feel. But non the less we have only used 14 litres of petrol in 2500km (1550 odd miles) and charged at home overnight on a 3 pin socket. We get 75km ev only range which is enough for a day or two. But we can drive 1000 km without having to ever use a public charger. This car will sell like hotcakes. The Toyota hybrid system is in the stone ages by comparison.
There's an option to change the settings for the steering and brakes. Makes a lot more difference in terms of "driver engagement and communication" with the vehicle.
I personally love the BYD's DMI concept you can always drive as electric car and don't need to worry about charging.
Oh don’t get me wrong, there is a lot of reasons to like this car. The tech is brilliant and the price is superb. It’s just a shame it isn’t a bit more involving by to drive. And BYD can do it as the Seal saloon is a brilliant car. Better steering calibration and some rethink of the spring and damper rates and this eliminate most of my criticism.
Thanks for watching and taking the time to comment.
For it's price point, pretty hard to beat.
I don't know if I'm quite ready for a full EV at the minute so I'm thinking a self charging hybrid would be a good transition for me. However I'm a little confused by this car I know it's says it's a plug in Hybrid but in your review you say that the battery can be recharged by the ICE so if I didn't want to have a wall charger installed could still use this car in EV mode or is a wall box essential?
You will see a huge reduction in fuel (almost never use it) if you plug in the car to recharge. It comes with a slow AC charger, but its enough to fully charge it overnight.
Great informative and well balanced review.
Thank you.
Great video. I’m also looking at a 2020 or 2021 bmw 530e, would be great if you could do review on that. Cheers
Just looked at one of these today, seriously considering one, just doing my due diligence
Are they as good a deal as they seem ?
Many Thanks
Garry B in Manchester UK
As a package, it is very hard to fault. It is roomy, very well equipped, priced super-competitively, and comes with a great warranty. I also think its quite a handsome looking car too. My view is that it is a bit bland to drive, but if you just need a decent, comfortable, value-for-money family car, its hard to fault it.
@houseofcars1973 Thank you for your reply 🙏 just waiting for confirmation of the pricing for the sealion ( looks awesome) hope it's within my budget 😀
Many Thanks - Garry B in Manchester UK
Competent and inoffensive, by the looks, has a very slight look of the Macan on the front quarter. I do like the refinement, from what you said.
I have avoided SUVs so far. I don't really like them. (My current car is an Ioniq HEV saloon, and I love it - 65 mpg, reliable comfortable.)
This is a bargain at £31K, I put in order for a boost model in grey, £320 a month on PCP, the saving in fuel will pay for the car, happy days 🎉
It is a lot of car for the money, isn’t it?
@@houseofcars1973I still think anything over £25k sold in UK is overpriced.
I’ve not seen anything about the larger battery I configured the car yesterday and it never gave the option on this is it on the design as standard? Also can it drive in electric AWD like outlander of does the engine have to start to drive the front wheels ? Thanks
The Comfort model (bigger battery) comes on stream early 2025. And the Design (AWD) model is dual motor, so yes, the car will drive in 4WD with just EV power.
Great information 👍
Glad you liked it
Isnt there settings for the responsive of the steering wheel ? You might be driving it on the comfort setup!
He definitely is, bit silly to criticise a car for how he chose to have it set up. It's like criticising a car's off road capability without engaging the 4wd, lol.
"Steering assist mode setting
● The hand feeling of steering assist
differs among people, and different
users have different evaluations and
demands on the feeling.
● Choose Comfort or Sport mode via
→Vehicle Settings→Smart Chassis."
There's a toggle to switch between light and dark modes on both screens. You don't have to wait for the darkness...
Good to know. Apologies, I didn't have long with the car to find that out, so thank you for letting me know.
I crack up every time he starts talking about the "hit-and-miss" BYD designs... so true, LOL!! 😂
Similar technology as the Nissan Qashqai E-Power. That uses the engine as a power generator. Great car.
Advantage this has is at high speeds the engine can direct drive if required instead of just being a generator
Thank you for the review of the BYD-well done!
I had a brief drive in the BYD, just a few kilometres, before seeing your review. In that short test drive, I didn’t notice the lack of response from the steering wheel, though I’m sure I would in a more extended drive.
These days, I’m driving a BMW i4, which is highly engaging and pleasant, as you might know. Switching to a car like the BYD would likely be disappointing for me, and I imagine I’d regret the decision for the next few years until the car is fully paid off.
I found it curious that you didn’t compare this car with the BMW X3, Volvo XC60, or Mercedes GLC. Is there a specific reason for that, or am I mistaken in thinking they belong to a similar segment?
Also, to clarify, the BYD doesn’t offer autonomous parking, correct? This is a feature available with the BMW, Volvo, and Mercedes models, though typically as paid options. That said, I understand these are generally more expensive cars with shorter warranty periods.
BYD certainly poses a threat to European manufacturers, Volvo aside, as it’s partly, if not wholly, a Chinese-owned brand.
By the way, I’ve subscribed to your channel! 👍
THE single most important point about this car is the CO2 emissions level, which is minuscule, I believe, when compared to others, opening up a Benefit in Kind tax saving window for company owners/employees.
The title is bit misleading... Average car VS he said "it's GOOD, just not great".
I’m considering this car were I live can’t have PHEV chargers but I could use this as a petrol and charge up once a week at work or in shopping centres supermarkets etc
That would be perfect. Its a slower DC charge, but you can still get 30%-80% in around 30 minutes from a fast charger.
I guess a lot of reviews are subjective I took out the boost model for an hour and had no issue with the steering whatsoever, suspension yes a bit fidgety at some lower speeds, but taking down twisty lanes I did not notice any body lean at all, and I am used to a bmw x3, could I have this as my daily driver? With out doubt, the comfort model in tan interior if that does come to the uk
Enjoy all your reviews keep them coming
Thank you.
So it’s the comfort that has the bigger battery but no AWD that’s backwards the comfort is not showing on car wow website
Comfort is single motor so just FWD. If you want all wheel drive, you have to have the Design trim, and that gets the smaller battery, but more power.
Comfort isn't open to order yet afaik which is why it won't be on Carwow. Only Boost and Design (AWD) for now. Design is already 150kg heavier than Boost so likely putting a bigger battery in that would make it ridiculously heavy.
Alternate settings for both steering feel and braking effort in vehicle settings…….. BYD need to highlight this to reviewers and reviewers also should explore before they review…..
Is the trunk 425L standard for both the 18 or 26kwh battery?
Yes.
Look else where you say? Where? No one else does this yet, and Toyota when they offer it eventually it will be the BYD with their bodies stuck on it.
If you are a keen driver I said. If you are willing to forsake the dynamics for the technical aspects of the car, it’s very good. I do like the car, I just don’t like the detached driving experience.
Thank you for watching and taking the time to comment.
No maker offers what this car does. I’m upset the 2,000 klm sedan won’t be made in RHD.
Dual model intelligence？
"Mode" - ie, hybrid and petrol.
36:30 American car steering is a lot lighter and I liked it when I drove my brother's GMC in the Middle east. BYD steering is not that light in my opinion
Can it heat the cabin without triggered the engine? Does it have any electric only preheat options
I think it does, yes.
Seal U, a funny name? It's SeaLion 6 in Aus.
Yes, agreed. “U” for Utility apparently.
Dolphin is B segment, not C.
Sorry, but it’s a C-segment hatch. Same size as an ID.3 and BYD themselves have said its target market is the C-segment against the VW, Cupra Born and Renault Megane.
Reviewer needs to do more homework. There is a huge difference between the two models. The AWD is a delight to drive.
But I’m not reviewing the AWD car. So if I haven’t driven that car, I can’t review it.
@@houseofcars1973 Correct, if you haven't driven the AWD version, how can you in good faith make the below comment in your verdict when speaking about the base model?
"but for those of us that enjoy driving a little bit more for those of that expect a little bit more you know when it comes to sort like we're spending our money on and what we want to experience from a car then I'm afraid there are better cars in this class and they are worth the extra money over this car it's good it's just not great"
@@user-qn7me7vq2y Because that is the verdict based upon the car I have driven. That is my verdict on that car. No journalist will not deliver a verdict by saying "of course, we will have to drive the entire range before we say what we think about the particular car we have just driven". The point is to deliver a verdict on the car we test, and that is what I have done. If the Boost model is "night & day different" then I will say so if and when I drive that one.
How is the experience of driving the AWD?
Great hybrids have always been average cars.
Another Ugly Humdrum SUV.
And yet here you are on a review of one.
not sure you can afford to buy one.