First Impressions: Wait, This is a Chinese Car?
Okay, so when I first saw the BYD Seal U, or ‘Sealion 7’ as it’s known here, I was genuinely surprised. The design is super clean and sleek, not flashy or weird at all. It has this modern, minimalist vibe that feels very balanced. The front has these sharp headlights that aren’t overly aggressive, and the side has that popular coupe-SUV look with a smooth, sloping roofline. It feels like a design that pretty much anyone could get behind, which is a smart move. It doesn’t scream for attention, but it definitely looks put-together and premium.
Inside, it’s the same story. The first thing you notice is the massive 15.6-inch screen in the center. They got rid of most of the physical buttons, so everything is controlled through the display. It takes a minute to get used to, but the layout is pretty simple to learn. The huge screen makes using the navigation super easy, which is a big plus in the crazy Seoul traffic. Overall, it felt way more spacious and high-tech than I was expecting.
Hitting the Road in Seoul
Driving the Seal U was the real test. Let’s be real, looks are one thing, but performance is everything. And this is where the prejudice really starts to fall apart. The ride was incredibly smooth and stable. Even when I had to hit the brakes suddenly, the car didn’t lurch forward; it just slowed down gently. It feels solid and well-planted on the road, not light or flimsy. The power is there when you need it (0 to 100 km/h in about 6.7 seconds), which is more than enough for city driving and highways.
One cool thing is that BYD uses its own ‘Blade Battery’ technology. It’s an LFP battery, which has its pros and cons, but one big advantage they’ve shown here is its performance in the cold. You know how harsh Korean winters can be! The certified range is around 398 km, and even in low temperatures, it’s still rated for 385 km, which is a really small drop. That’s a huge deal because winter range anxiety is a real struggle for EV owners here.
The Price is Right
Now for the part everyone’s curious about: the price. In Korea, the Seal U is priced around 44.9 million won (roughly $32,000 USD) after subsidies. This places it in a super competitive spot, especially against popular local models like the Hyundai Ioniq 5. For a mid-size electric SUV with this kind of design, space, and tech, that price point is seriously aggressive. It has features like a huge panoramic sunroof and V2L (Vehicle-to-Load), which lets you power appliances from your car, as standard. That’s a ton of value for the money, and it seems to be working. The Seal U has already become a top-selling import EV just a few months after its release!
The Verdict: A Game Changer?
So, did the BYD Seal U completely shatter my prejudices? Pretty much, yeah. While there are some minor things, like the navigation speed display feeling a tiny bit laggy, the overall package is incredibly impressive. It’s stylish, comfortable to drive, packed with tech, and has a very competitive price tag.
BYD isn’t just trying to sell cheap cars; they’re aiming to change the perception of Chinese brands with solid technology and quality. Seeing how well it’s been received here already, it feels like this could be the start of a major shift in the Korean car market. It’s definitely a car to watch, and it proves you can’t judge a book—or an EV—by its cover, or its country of origin.
