BYD has revealed its Seal U plug-in hybrid SUV to European customers for the first time at the Geneva Motor Show.

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It’s the first BYD vehicle in Europe to use the brand’s plug-in hybrid ‘Super DM Technology’ – short for Dual Mode and providing an alternative to its fully electric offering.

The plug-in hybrid powertrain teams up a 1.5-litre petrol engine with an electric motor and a tailor-made version of the brand’s ‘Blade’ battery. The set-up is said to prioritise electric drive with less reliance on the engine for power, giving optimum efficiencies through ultra-low fuel consumption.

The 18.3kWh lithium-ion battery is expected to offer more than 60 miles of electric-only range and can fast-charge at a DC public charger to give a 30-80% charge in 35 minutes. It’s also able to power external devices thanks to vehicle-to-load functionality as standard.

BYD also says the five-seater SUV will deliver excellent ride comfort, high standard specification and comprehensive safety features, along with boot space of 552 litres and up to 1,440 litres with the rear seats folded.

Design is based around the brand’s ‘Ocean Aesthetics’ language, carried over to the interior with an ‘Ocean-heart’ centre console and a crystal gear selector, plus a 15.6-inch rotatable full LCD touchscreen, over-the-air updates, as well as an Infinity sound system, voice command and Bluetooth wireless charging.

The Seal U will go on sale in the UK and across Europe from later this year.