Speculation is swirling regarding the potential entry of the BYD Seal U into the Malaysian automotive market. The Seal U, loved for its fusion of cutting-edge technology, spacious interior, and advanced tech, has captured the imagination of Malaysian drivers seeking sustainable transportation options. 

Compounding the anticipation is the presence of the BYD Seal AWD and RWD models which are already making waves in Malaysia, laying the groundwork for the Seal U’s imminent arrival.

Currently available in Europe, the BYD Seal U offers two variants: Comfort and Design. The Seal U boasts double U-shaped headlights with light clusters for enhanced visibility, while its rear showcases a continuous taillight with a waterdrops matrix pattern.

Dimension-wise, the Seal U stands 4,785mm long, 1,890mm wide, and 1,668 mm tall, with a wheelbase of 2,765mm, slightly larger than the Atto 3. The Seal U rides on 19-inch aerodynamic wheels which supposedly help to improve range.

Inside, the Seal U presents a futuristic interior, featuring a floating centre console and double-layer storage compartments. A large rotatable touchscreen serves as the central control hub for connectivity and infotainment, complemented by head-up display technology for essential information projection.

With GPS as standard and a variety of Apps, including Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, the BYD Seal U’s 4G connectivity system provides an ultra-smart driving experience with modern infotainment and intuitive voice control. It also includes over-the-air (OTA) upgrades.

Cargo-wise, the Seal U offers 552 litres of boot capacity, expandable to 1,440 litres with rear seats folded down, catering to various storage needs.

Charging is swift, with 140 kW DC rapid charging enabling 30% to 80% State of Charge in just 28 minutes. The Comfort variant houses a 71.8 kWh battery, providing up to 420km of range, while the Design variant boasts an 87 kWh battery, offering up to 500km of range. 

BYD Blade lithium iron phosphate batteries power both variants. The total power output is 217PS and 330Nm of torque with a top speed of 175km/h and power is sent to the front wheels.

Safety-wise, the Seal U has a five-star Euro NCAP rating and features a range of active and passive safety features essential for families, including top scores in various impact tests and child seat installation ratings.

While the BYD Seal rivals the Tesla Model 3, the BYD Seal U is up against the Tesla Model Y, which is priced from RM199,000 to RM288,000. So BYD has to play its cards right to outsell Tesla, but judging by its pricing strategy of late, BYD Malaysia may not be too concerned about Tesla.