If you haven’t realized it yet, the world is gradually transitioning from a unipolar to a multipolar order, with China poised to be at the forefront. The next 100 years will be defined by China’s economic, industrial, and technological strength, and we are witnessing the beginning of this fundamental shift right now.

The future Chinese-dominated multipolar world can be seen in the form of a plug-in hybrid SUV, the BYD Seal U PHEV. Though it may appear to be a generic SUV, it is packed with technology that outshines BMW and Mercedes, all at a price that puts them to shame. Indeed, the BYD Seal U PHEV represents luxury far superior to the bloody awful Volkswagen Tiguan.

BYD claims that the interior is aiming for a premium experience, the 15.6-inch BYD-signature rotatable screen complimented by a 12.3-inch full instrument digital instrument binnacle. Features include 4Gconnection, integrated Spotify, smartphone integration via Android Auto or Apple CarPlay and intelligent voice control. The system uses Over-The-Air (OTA) updates to keep itself fully up to date.

There are three trim variants: Design, Comfort, and Boost. The entry-level Design variant is equipped with an in-house developed 1.5T hybrid engine and two high-power electric motors (front and rear), along with an 18.3 kWh BYD Blade Battery. The total system power is rated at 319 bhp and the total maximum torque is 550 Nm. Additionally, 4-wheel drive is standard.

The Boost and Comfort trim versions come with a front-wheel powered 1.5L hybrid engine that produces 72 kW and operates with a 145 kW high-power electric motor. The Boost version features the same 18.3 kWh Blade Battery as the Design model. The total system power for Boost and Comfort is detuned to 214 bhp, with a maximum torque power of 300 Nm.

The Comfort trim version is equipped with a larger 26.6 kWh BYD Blade Battery, providing an impressive pure electric range of 78 miles. On the other hand, the four-wheel-drive Design version offers a fully electric driving range of 43 miles, with an overall efficiency rating of 44 mpg.

Although BYD is yet to confirm pricing, the entry-level BYD Seal U PHEV will start from £34,000 when it goes on sale in the UK later this year.