BYD Seal U Plug In Hybrid India Launch This Year – Expected Price Rs 45 Lakhs

BYD is the world’s leading PHEV manufacturer, commanding around 25% market share and with approximately 2.29 million units sold in CY2025

BYD recently unveiled its advanced DM-i (Dual Mode Intelligent) plug-in-hybrid tech in India. In terms of the exact model launch, the possibilities included Atto 2 and Seal U. The latter is also sold as the Sealion 6 in select global markets. BYD has now confirmed that it is the Seal U/Sealion 6 that will be introduced in India. Launch is likely by the end of this year. Expected to be priced at around Rs 45-50 lakh, the Seal U will primarily take on the upcoming Jetour T2 PHEV SUV (JSW Motor).

BYD Seal U – Performance, range

In traditional PHEV systems, the internal combustion engine is the primary driver. The electric motor works in a supporting role. BYD’s DM-i PHEV setup is just the opposite, as it focuses on an electric-first architecture. It means that for most of the driving needs, the DM-i allows the vehicle to function like a pure electric vehicle.

BYD DM-i has three driving modes and switching between these modes is entirely automatic. In Pure EV mode, the engine is completely off. In Series Hybrid mode, the combustion engine is used to generate electricity to charge the battery. With the engine operating at a constant power, it can work at its optimal efficiency.

In the Parallel Hybrid mode, the combustion engine can directly power the wheels. This mode is best suited for use during highway cruising and longer journeys. BYD Seal U DM-i setup comprises a 1.5-litre direct injection, turbo-petrol engine. This works in combination with two electric motors, a traction motor and a starter generator.

For the 1.5-litre turbo petrol engine, the thermal efficiency is 43.04%. This is claimed to be the best in the world. Fuel consumption is 4.8 litres per 100 km, which means a mileage of around 20.8 km/L. The electric motors are also highly efficient at around 97.5%. BYD Seal U uses an 18.3 kWh Blade battery. With the tank full and the battery fully charged, Seal U can deliver a range of over 1,200 km.

BYD Seal U – Key features

BYD Seal U is a 5-seater, family-oriented SUV. It was earlier showcased at the 2025 Bharat Mobility Global Expo. Overall profile of Seal U is quite similar to that of the Sealion 7 electric SUV on sale in India. As part of BYD’s Ocean range, both SUVs feature ocean-inspired styling. Dimensionally, the Seal U SUV is 4,775 mm long, 1,890 mm wide and 1,670 mm tall. It has a wheelbase of 2,765 mm.

Key features include large 19-inch alloy wheels, a 15.6-inch rotatable infotainment system, Infinity premium sound system and vegan leather upholstery. Safety package includes a 360° view camera and a comprehensive ADAS suite. International spec models of Seal U deliver up to 323 hp and 550 Nm of torque. Both FWD and AWD options are available globally. In pure EV mode, the range is up to 126 km. The SUV can achieve 0 to 100 km/h in around 5.9 seconds. The specifications and equipment list for the India-spec version could be different.