BYD Launched Its Sixth Model in Argentina: What It's Like and How Much It Costs
The Chinese brand of electrified cars presented the Seal U DM-i, a plug-in hybrid C SUV. It does not enter the tax exemption quota and positions itself at the top of the local offering.
BYD already commercializes six models in the Argentine market.
BYD Argentina presented on Monday night the Seal U DM-i, a plug-in hybrid SUV that becomes the sixth model that the Chinese brand of electrified cars sells in our market.
Equipped with BYD's Super Hybrid DM-i technology, this C SUV "offers a predominantly electric, smooth, and quiet driving experience, 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 trips," highlights the technology brand.
What is the New BYD Seal Like?
The BYD Seal U DM-i is a new SUV, in this case larger than the Song Pro, and therefore positions itself as the new top-of-the-line in the local lineup.
It measures 4.77 m in length and has a 2.76 m wheelbase, so it almost competes with family vehicles in the D segment, although it only has five seats and two rows of seats (there are competitors that offer three rows and seven seats).
Meanwhile, the trunk load capacity is 552 liters, expandable to 1,440 liters.
It arrives from China in a single version called GS.
It is sold in Argentina in a single GS version and with a plug-in hybrid powertrain that combines a 1.5-liter turbocharged gasoline engine of 130 hp, the first of its kind in BYD's vehicle range in Argentina, with a high-efficiency electric system of 204 hp, achieving dynamic and refined driving without sacrificing performance or range for long-distance trips.
The maximum combined power is 238 hp and torque of 300 Nm, associated with a DHT gearbox.
The Super Hybrid DM-i technology was developed to offer a predominantly electric, efficient, and adaptable driving experience for 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 trip.
To offer a comprehensive user experience, it comes with a 7 kW home charger, a portable charger, and a V2L (Vehicle-to-Load) cable, providing greater practicality and versatility both in daily routine and on long-distance trips.
The Vehicle-to-Load functionality allows using the energy stored in the battery to power external electrical devices (for example, in emergencies or camping trips).
In terms of equipment, it stands out from the other BYD models, offering higher quality and technology deployment: it includes a panoramic sunroof, integrated one-piece 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, 12.3" integrated digital dashboard, Head-Up Display, voice control system "Hi BYD" and Google Assistant "Hi Google", among other features.
Interior of the BYD Seal U DM-i GS, with panoramic roof.
In safety, it obtained the maximum five-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 and braking.
Launch price:
BYD Seal U DM-i GS: US$ 47,990
The color range consists of: Obsidian Black, Snow White, Time Gray, and Smoke Gray, while inside there are Black and Basalt Black and Red Hare Brown configurations.
It should be noted that, like the Shark pickup, it is imported from China outside the quota of electrified vehicles opened by the National Government, as it exceeds US$ 16,000 FOB.
The Seal joins the range that until now consisted of: Dolphin Mini, Yuan Pro, Atto 2, Song Pro, and Shark.
"This new launch in Argentina represents a new 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 arrives to redefine the experience in the plug-in hybrid SUV segment, combining efficiency, safety, connectivity, and comfort with a range designed for both daily use and long-distance trips," highlighted Christian Kimelman, Country Manager of BYD Argentina.
The Seal U is a C SUV that ranks at the top of the lineup in terms of price and equipment.
