Chinese manufacturer BYD has officially expanded its portfolio on the European continent with the introduction of a new variant based on the Seal sedan. The new model, called Seal Touring, arrives to compete for space in the station wagon segment, a category that maintains strong commercial appeal in countries such as Alemanha and Suécia, offering a direct alternative to consumers who prioritize family versatility and energy efficiency to the detriment of the high height of SUVs.
The strategic launch aims to consolidate the presence of the Asian brand in traditional niches of the Velho Continente automotive market. By adapting the sedan platform to an elongated body, the automaker seeks to compete with established names in the local industry, such as the Volkswagen and Skoda, betting on a package that combines aerodynamic design with a mechanical package focused on long distances without the range anxiety common to pure electric vehicles.
Extended autonomy and Super DM-i system
The great technical highlight of the Seal Touring lies in its plug-in hybrid engine, equipped with the proprietary Super DM-i technology. Este system was developed to prioritize electric traction most of the time, using the 1.5 liter combustion engine mainly as an energy generator for the batteries. The engineering applied allows the vehicle to reach a combined range of up to 1,350 kilometers with a full tank and a charged battery, a number that positions the model as a viable option for long interstate trips.
The battery used is the Blade Battery, composed of lithium iron phosphate (LFP), known for its thermal stability and safety in cases of perforation or impact. In purely electric mode, the station wagon can travel around 150 kilometers, a distance sufficient to cover the daily urban journeys of most drivers without the need to run the gasoline engine, guaranteeing zero emissions in city centers.
סע כמו אלוף ב-BYD SEAL – זוכה בפרס העיצוב היוקרתי iF. 0～60インチ、最大3.8インチ、インチ、インチ、インチ。pic.twitter.com/pATEPjk2oI
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When the load level decreases or the demand for power increases, the combustion engine comes into action imperceptibly to maintain performance. Fuel consumption, according to data from the manufacturer, ranges between 23.5 km/l and 31.7 km/l in the combined cycle, depending on the driving mode and battery charge, reinforcing the vehicle’s efficiency proposal compared to competitors powered only by combustion.
Performance and load capacity
In terms of performance, the mechanical package delivers a combined power of 218 horsepower and a torque of 32.2 kgfm. Esses numbers allow the station wagon to accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in less than 8 seconds, offering enough agility for overtaking on highways and safe starts on expressways. Maximum speed is electronically limited to 180 km/h, following an industry trend towards energy conservation and safety.
The difference of the Touring body, however, is in the use of internal space. The trunk offers a volumetric capacity of 675 liters, greater than that of many medium sports utility vehicles available on the market. By folding the rear seats, which follow the 60/40 ratio, the space for luggage and bulky objects is significantly expanded, covering everything from monthly purchases to sports equipment for leisure trips.
Embedded technology and connectivity
The vehicle’s interior follows the modern visual identity of BYD’s Ocean line, with finishes that mix soft-touch materials and minimalist design. The center of attention on the dashboard is the infotainment system’s rotating screen, which allows you to switch between horizontal and vertical views according to the driver’s preference or the needs of the application in use, such as navigation maps.
Connectivity is guaranteed by integration with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, as well as an intelligent voice command system. The center console was designed to offer practicality, including high-power induction chargers (50W) for smartphones, multiple USB-C ports and strategically positioned cup holders, aiming for occupant comfort on long journeys.
Safety and driving assistants
In terms of safety, the Seal Touring incorporates a robust package of active driving assistants (ADAS). The vehicle is equipped with a network of cameras and sensors that monitor the surroundings in 360 degrees, providing data for systems such as autonomous emergency braking, lane keeping assistant and adaptive cruise control, essential for reducing driver fatigue on the roads.
The car’s structure has also been reinforced to meet stringent European safety standards. The battery-to-body integration technology (Cell-to-Body) contributes to the vehicle’s torsional rigidity, improving not only protection in the event of collisions, but also driving dynamics when cornering, making the driving experience more stable and safe.
