Chinese carmaker BYD will showcase a plug-in version of its Seal U SUV at the 2024 Geneva Motor Show. The new high-range plug-in hybrid should be sold in European markets with low EV demand.

In addition to a plug-in SUV, BYD will also present its Yangwang luxurious sub-brand to the public with the U8 full-size SUV. Denza, another of BYD’s sub-brands, will also be present with the N7 electric crossover and D9 minivan.

Plug-in after EV

At the 2024 Geneva Motor Show, BYD aims at making the news. However, for once, it won’t be about high-range electric cars with the famous Blade Battery. BYD is, in fact, bringing its first plug-in hybrid model in Europe. The company said it aims to attract buyers who aren’t ready to go full-EV yet.

The new model should be the Seal U DM-i, a version of the electric Seal U launched early this year. European specifications should be close to those from the Chinese version, the BYD Song Plus DM-i. Contrary to the EV, this plug-in Seal U uses an 18.3 kWh battery. Power comes from a 109 hp 1.5 liter four-cylinder gasoline engine and a 197 hp electric motor.

The electric range is set at 110 km, under the Chinese homologation. BYD also offers an optional 26.6 kWh battery, extending the range to 150 km. There are no words yet on which version will come to the Old Continent.

Denza and Yangwang

The new plug-in Seal U DM-i won’t be the only new model on the BYD stand at Geneva. The world’s largest zero-emission-vehicle manufacturers will also test the Europeans’ reaction to the Yangwang U8. This ultra-luxurious SUV from BYD’s sub-brand is a plug-in hybrid that can float on water and turn on itself using the ‘tank turn’ mode.

In addition to that massive and expensive SUV, BYD will bring its premium Denza brand to Europe. Geneva will showcase the N7 electric crossover, which should arrive on the market later this year, and the D9 minivan.