SUVs have become more and more common every year, with almost every brand having one in their fleet. Their benefits are well established and their popularity indisputable, but with so many in the market and their features being so eerily similar, it takes a lot for the car world to become excited about a new addition to the lineup.
That might change with the introduction of these two new models, the Xpeng G9 and the BYD Seal U. They are both new Chinese models, both electric, both SUVs and both “bigger” SUV models, and while one might think that there is nothing exciting amongst the sameness, there are a few features that set them apart both form previous models and from each other, making them great contenders for those who are aiming to upgrade their ride.
How these two SUVs compare
The design of either of them is nothing to write home and nothing we have not seen before. They are both designed with both function and aesthetics in mind, but whether or not you like them will come down to personal preference as they really do not stand out from the pack. Having said that, the BYD has a fun touch in their light design that could set it apart if you are looking for a bit of personality in your car.
Being standard SUVs their dimensions are as expected, bigger than a car, but smaller than some of the newer pickup trucks we have also seen flood the market in later years. Having said that, one is clearly bigger than the other, and it might be something to take into account if you need to fit two cars in your garage and have little room to spare.
The BYD measures 4,785 mm in length, 1,890 mm in width, and 1,668 mm in height, with a wheelbase of 2,765 mm. The Xpeng, on the other hand, reaches 4,891 mm in length, 1,937 mm in width, and 1,670 mm in height, with a wheelbase of 2,998 mm. This would make the Seal U a mid range SUV and the G9 a big SUV, so choose wisely if you are short on space. The difference also becomes apparent when we are talking about cargo space, so if that is a priority for your family (the main reason many choose to upgrade to an SUV) the difference between models may be the thing that makes or breaks the purchase. The Seal U offers 552 liters of trunk space that can go up to 1.440 liters when the rear passenger seats are collapsed. The G9 boasts 660 liters of trunk space that can go up to 1.576 liters when the rear passenger seats are collapsed. This is where a bigger SUV shines.
Another important feature is the engine. The BYD Seal U is available with a single powertrain delivering 218 horsepower and 330 Nm of torque, allowing it to accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in 9.3 seconds and reach a top speed of 175 km/h. Buyers can choose between two battery options depending on the trim level: a 72 kWh battery offering a range of 420 km or an 87 kWh battery providing a 500 km range. This means that the car starts at 42.990 euros, making it a safe reliable option for those with a lower budget.
In contrast, the Xpeng G9 offers a bigger lineup with three configurations. The entry-level Standard Range version features a 313-horsepower motor paired with a 75.8 kWh battery, enabling a range of 460 km. The Long Range version uses the same motor but adds a larger 93.1 kWh battery, achieving the highest range of 570 km. Finally, the Performance variant adds a second motor for a combined output of 551 horsepower. While it uses the larger battery, its enhanced performance reduces its range to 520 km. This level of custom choice raises the entry price, with models starting at 58.970 euros.
