At 30,000 euros, this BYD could disrupt the European market!

BYD continues its expansion in Europe with the arrival of a new plug-in hybrid model: the Seal 5 DM-i.

After the BYD Seal U SUV, a sedan now adds to the Chinese manufacturer’s offering on the Old Continent. A clear strategy: to provide a credible alternative to traditional internal combustion models, by focusing on hybrids.

The Seal 5 DM-i has been launched in Poland and Slovakia, two markets where sedans still hold some popularity. Measuring 4.78 meters long, it is positioned in the family car segment. Its technical specifications highlight a hybrid engine comprising a 1.5-liter gasoline engine with 101 hp and an electric motor with 163 hp. With a 13.6 kWh battery, it claims an electric-only range of up to 100 km (WLTP cycle) and a total range that can reach 1050 km thanks to its 65-liter tank.

The exterior styling, designed by Wolfgang Egger, former head of design at Audi and Lamborghini, who has been working at BYD since 2016, features fluid lines and careful aerodynamics. The interior focuses on comfort and space, with impeccable equipment levels and a generous trunk of 508 liters. In this regard, the Seal 5 proves very competitive against its European rivals of similar size.

Poland as a Gateway to Europe

But it’s mainly its price that surprises. In Poland, it is offered from 129,900 zlotys, or about 30,400 euros, the price of a decent but ordinary gasoline-powered sedan. With comparable equipment and performance, BYD’s offer is particularly aggressive.

By focusing on the plug-in hybrid, BYD distinguishes itself from its major competitor Tesla, which is fully electric. This strategic choice aligns with a strong trend in the European market, where hybrids are increasingly appealing.

The question remains as to whether and when this sedan will arrive in France? Nothing has been officially announced yet, but it seems unlikely that BYD will limit itself to Central Europe. The Seal 5 DM-i has everything it needs to succeed by offering an appealing alternative both to SUVs and to purely internal combustion or electric vehicles. In short, a well-thought-out model!

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