BYD launches its sixth model in Argentina: what it's like and how much it costs
The Chinese electric vehicle brand presented the Seal U DM-i, a plug-in hybrid C-SUV. It does not qualify for the tax exemption quota and positions itself at the top of the local lineup.
BYD Argentina presented the Seal U DM-i on Monday evening, a plug-in hybrid SUV that becomes the sixth model the Chinese electric vehicle brand sells in our market.
Equipped with BYD's Super Hybrid DM-i technology, this C-SUV "offers a predominantly electric driving experience, smooth and quiet, with more than 105 kilometers of range in 100% electric mode and up to 1,105 kilometers of combined range, making it an ideal alternative for both daily city use and long-distance travel," the technology brand highlights.
What is the new BYD Seal like?
The BYD Seal U DM-i is a new SUV, larger than the Song Pro, and therefore positions itself as the new top of the line in the local lineup.
It measures 4.77 meters in length and has a wheelbase of 2.76 meters, so it competes almost with family cars of segment D, although it has only five seats and two rows (some competitors offer three rows and seven seats).
The trunk has a capacity of 552 liters, expandable to 1,440 liters.
It is sold in Argentina in a single GS version with a plug-in hybrid powertrain that combines a 1.5-liter turbocharged gasoline engine with 130 hp, the first of its kind in BYD's Argentine lineup, with a high-efficiency electric system of 204 hp, achieving dynamic and refined driving without sacrificing performance or range for long-distance travel.
The maximum combined power is 238 hp and torque is 300 Nm, coupled with a DHT transmission.
The Super Hybrid DM-i technology was developed to offer a predominantly electric driving experience, efficient and adaptable to different usage scenarios. The BYD Seal U DM-i offers up to 105 km of range in 100% electric mode, and also obtained the maximum 5-star rating in Green NCAP.
Furthermore, thanks to this configuration, in hybrid mode it achieves a consumption of 5.1 l/100 km, while the intelligent energy management system maximizes efficiency and optimizes performance on each journey.
To provide a comprehensive user experience, it comes with a 7 kW home charger, a portable charger, and a V2L (Vehicle-to-Load) cable, offering greater practicality and versatility for daily routine and long-distance trips.
The Vehicle-to-Load function allows using the energy stored in the battery to power external electrical devices (e.g., in emergencies or camping trips).
In terms of equipment, it stands out from other BYD models, offering higher quality and technology deployment: it includes a panoramic sunroof, one-piece integrated front seats with electric adjustment for driver and passenger and ventilation system, premium Infinity audio system with 9 speakers + subwoofer, dual 15 W wireless phone charger, dual-zone automatic climate control, 360° panoramic cameras, 15.6" multimedia system, 12.3" digital instrument cluster, Head-Up Display, "Hi BYD" voice control system, and "Hi Google" Google Assistant, among other features.
For safety, it obtained the maximum 5-star rating in Euro NCAP tests, partly due to its six airbags and a package of more than 20 advanced driver assistance systems, including autonomous emergency braking, intelligent cruise control, forward collision warning, lane keeping and centering assist, blind spot detection, and rear cross-traffic alert with braking.
Launch price:
BYD Seal U DM-i GS: US$ 47,990
The color range includes Obsidian Black, Snow White, Time Gray, and Smoke Gray, while interior configurations are Black and Basalt Black and Red Hare Brown.
It is worth noting that, like the Shark pickup, it is imported from China outside the electric vehicle quota opened by the national government, as it exceeds US$ 16,000 FOB.
The Seal joins the lineup that previously consisted of: Dolphin Mini, Yuan Pro, Atto 2, Song Pro, and Shark.
"This new launch in Argentina represents a further step in our growth strategy in our country and reaffirms our commitment to bringing increasingly innovative and accessible technologies to the local market. This model comes to redefine the experience in the plug-in hybrid SUV segment, combining efficiency, safety, connectivity, and comfort with range designed for both daily use and long-distance travel," highlighted Christian Kimelman, Country Manager of BYD Argentina.
