BYD has now built up a large model range in the UK.
This latest model is the BYD Seal 6, which is now available as either a saloon or an estate.
Unlike the un-numbered BYD Seal, which is fully electric, the Seal 6 comes as a plug-in hybrid – although the electric motor is prioritised over the petrol engine.
The entry-level Boost model features a 10kWh battery for a 34-mile electric range, while the top-spec Comfort model has a 19kWh battery and 65 miles of EV driving. For the Touring estate model, the figures are 31 and 62 miles respectively.
As well as a larger battery, the Comfort model also gains faster charging speeds. Notably, you can plug a Comfort model into a public fast-charger, although it’ll only draw a maximum of 26kW and a 30-80% charge takes 23 minutes. Hardly pushing the envelope.
However, BYD quotes a maximum range of 935 miles for the entry-level saloon if both tank and battery are full.
On its own, the engine produces 96hp, while the e-motor produces double that. The result is a respectable 0-62mph time of between 8.5 and 8.9 seconds, depending on the version.
It’s the cheaper Boost model that BYD expects to be the biggest seller. Priced from £33,990, it certainly looks good value on paper – it’s some £13,000 less than an entry-level BMW 3 Series 330e, yet BYD has included a powered bootlid, vegan leather upholstery, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto (displayed on a 12.8-inch touchscreen), power-adjustable front seats and the ability to use your phone as the car key.
It’s a £3,000 jump to the Comfort trim. Do so and you’ll additionally get larger alloy wheels, tinted rear windows, a panoramic sunroof, wireless phone charging, a 360-degree parking camera, ambient lighting, heated and cooled seats and a heated steering wheel. Plus, the touchscreen swells to 15.6 inches, the audio system is upgraded and you get the aforementioned charging improvements.
On both grades, the estate model costs £1,000 more than the saloon. That means the Seal 6 comfortably comes in under the £40,000 luxury car tax threshold.
The estate model barely offers any more luggage space than the saloon with the seats up (500 in the estate versus 491 in the saloon), although the Touring has a much larger boot opening so it’s a lot easier to load awkwardly shaped items.
The BYD Seal 6 is available to order now, with first deliveries due to take place next month.
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