BYD Seal U SUV India Entry Being Considered, to Rival Tata Curvv EV

After confirming the launch of the eMAX 7 MPV next month, BYD is reportedly evaluating bringing its Seal U DM-i SUV to India by the second half of 2025. The world’s second-largest EV maker currently sells cars above Rs 25 lakh and with this midsize electric SUV, BYD aims to ride high on the green mobility wave. While other models are also under consideration, the Seal SUV, if launched, will compete against the Tata Curvv EV, upcoming Hyundai Creta EV and Maruti eVX.

“There are many auto companies in India doing some small or big research, including ours. There is a plan to introduce an SUV priced between Rs 20 lakh and Rs 50 lakh, which will be decided based on the study's outcome,” Autocar Professional reported BYD Electric Passenger Vehicle Business Head Rajeev Chauhan as saying.

“Our products are not positioned in the Rs 15 lakh to Rs 25 lakh market – that is a large market, and we are on that journey. We need these learnings to develop the right business case to enter the next orbit,” he added.

BYD Seal U SUV DM-i: Exterior and Interior in Brief

Built on a 2,765mm wheelbase, the B-segment SUV runs 4,775mm long and has a width and height of 1,890mm and 1,670mm, respectively. With the 60:40 seats split and folded, the boot space can be increased to 1,440 litres from 552 litres. The SUV is built on BYD’s ‘Ocean Aesthetics’ design philosophy and comes with an X-shaped front look with integrated LED headlights. Its alloy size has been kept at 19 inches. 

Inside, the cabin comes with a 15.6-inch rotatable touchscreen infotainment unit, sound system powered by Infinity, crystal gear lever, wireless charging, voice command support and vegan upholstery. 

BYD Seal U SUV DM-i: Global Battery Specs

First showcased at the Geneva Motor Show 2024, the five-seater electric vehicle has two versions: all-electric and plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV). Notably, the latter marked BYD’s PHEV debut in Europe. Talking about its electric iteration, it is available in two trims – 71.8kWh and 87kWh lithium-iron-phosphate (LFP) batteries. According to the China Light Duty Vehicle Test Cycle (CLTC), the 87kWh battery offers a maximum range of up to 605km and supports DC fast charging from 30% to 80% in 28 minutes. This goes down to 520km in the 71.8kWh unit. For reference, the Tata Curvv EV’s range lies in the 502km (45kWh) to 585km (55kWh) bracket and takes 40 minutes to charge from 10% to 80% with a 70kW fast charger. BYD eMAX 7 is likely to come equipped with the smaller 71.8kWh cell in the domestic market.

Also read - BYD eMAX 7 Launching on October 8 - Panoramic Sunroof, 652 Litre Boot Space