BYD Seal U review

Let’s get this out the way first: the Seal U is a long way from being engaging to drive. But with such complex engineering beneath you – and the perils of family life likely crammed into the cabin above – a bit of disengagement might actually feel welcome.

Cutting a vast engineering story into bitesize, it drives just like a single-speed EV: simply engage Drive and pull away, driving it with two pedals (the brake regen is never strong enough to drive it on one pedal, sadly).

What’s the electric range like?

If the battery is topped up, you’ll achieve 40 or so miles in complete hush. If it’s down to 25 per cent charge – the minimum it allows itself to drop to – then the engine will frequently kick in, but it tends to do so pretty quietly. It tends to moo away gently in the background at odds to your throttle input, as per a number of range extender rivals.

It’s still reasonably economical in standard hybrid mode: we got around 40mpg out of it in cold weather.

Should I get the faster spec?

There’s little to tell between the two powertrains, to be honest. The quicker AWD Design is noticeably quicker if you really hoof the throttle, and there’s a bit more depth to its handling if you’re really pushing the car into corners.

But this is sensible family transport, and either instance is surely rare. Most buyers will be happy enough with the cheaper and cleaner Boost and Comfort models.

Indeed, this car’s lack of interest in being driven hard is evident from the satnav, which flags up ‘sharp bend ahead!’ warnings for gently sweeping curves that barely require a nudge of the overly light steering wheel.

Here’s a rare instance: a car whose steering improves by engaging its heavier Sport setup. You now at least get an impersonation of feel and feedback through the wheel and a bit more confidence into bends (sharp or otherwise). Happily, it remembers and retains your favoured settings each time you restart the car.

Will it off-road?

Funny you should ask, the AWD car comes with a bunch of off-road modes, with curiously twee names like ‘Snowfield’ and ‘Muddy land’. We can’t decide if it’s a gimmick or a welcome bit of charm in an otherwise studious and – dare we say it – slightly dull car.

Comfy, refined, smooth: the Seal U is all of these things. But would we trust it to go greenlaning? Hmm.

Okay, will it on-road?

That’s more the question. As we’ve said, it’s not an engaging car to drive, but it will do the job as long as you keep things relaxed. The suspension is very softly sprung and soaks up lumps and bumps in the road very nicely; it glides serenely about town, and sits nicely on the motorway too.

If you try to hustle it... it’s not very willing. And you'll have little confidence threading it down a country lane given the inherent body roll and perception of width. But then it’s a family SUV, what did you expect?