For years, the Tesla Model 3 ruled the electric sedan market, but a new predator has emerged from the depths: the 2024 BYD Seal. This sleek Chinese rival promises scorching performance, sumptuous luxury, and a price tag that will make its competitors cringe. Join us as we take a detailed look at BYD’s latest creation that competes with the likes of the Tesla Model 3, the Hyundai Ioniq 6, and the Polestar 2.
Exterior: A Fusion of Style and Sportiness
The BYD Seal boasts a captivating design, skillfully crafted to rival its Western counterparts. The optional colours, though slightly expensive, add a touch of personalization. BYD has wisely incorporated the expertise of designers from major German brands, resulting in a sleek and stylish appearance. Notable exterior features include full LED headlights, a prominent diffuser at the rear, and 19-inch alloy wheels, emphasizing its performance orientation.
Interior: Premium Comfort and Intuitive Design
Stepping inside the BYD Seal, the interior exudes a premium feel even in the base model. Soft-touch materials, suede accents, and a spacious, panoramic glass roof contribute to a comfortable and upscale cabin. Despite some minor design quirks, the interior impressively balances aesthetics and functionality.
Infotainment: A Tech Hub on Wheels
The infotainment system, featuring a nearly 16-inch display, takes centre stage in the BYD Seal. With the ability to rotate the screen for different orientations, the system offers a user-friendly experience. Notable features include built-in Spotify, voice recognition, and seamless integration with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The additional 10.25-inch display ahead of the driver, coupled with a head-up display, enhances accessibility and minimizes distraction.
Safety Tech: Comprehensive Protection for Every Drive
BYD leaves no stone unturned when it comes to safety. The Seal is equipped with a suite of semi-autonomous features, including autonomous emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, radar cruise control, and a 360-degree camera. The commitment to safety extends to thoughtful details like safe exit assistance, and preventing doors from opening in potentially hazardous situations.
Practicality: Connectivity, Comfort, and Storage
Connectivity is a highlight in the BYD Seal, offering a range of ports and wireless phone chargers. The well-thought-out interior provides ample storage options, including a spacious glove box, a centre console, and adjustable wireless phone chargers. Comfort is further enhanced with dual-zone climate control and heated, ventilated seats, even in the base model.
Range and Charging
The BYD Seal features an 84 kWh battery, supporting both AC and DC charging. While the DC charge rate may not match some competitors with 800-volt architecture, the advantage of an LFP battery lies in its ability to handle frequent charges to 100%. With a WLTP drive range exceeding 500 km, the Seal proves its capability for long-distance journeys.
On the Road: Performance and Handling Dynamics
Driving the BYD Seal Performance is an exhilarating experience, thanks to its twin-motor setup producing 390 kW of power. Acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h in just under 4 seconds rivals high-performance electric vehicles. The suspension setup, though slightly firm, strikes a commendable balance between sportiness and ride comfort. The torque vectoring system enhances stability through corners, showcasing BYD’s dedication to performance.
Driver Aids: Striving for Autonomy
While the Seal incorporates semi-autonomous features, there is room for improvement in the lane-keeping assistance. The system occasionally conflicts with the driver’s inputs, indicating a need for refinement. BYD’s commitment to software updates may address these concerns, ensuring a smoother and more intuitive driving experience.
Performance
The BYD Seal’s performance is nothing short of impressive. With a claimed 0-100 km/h time of under 4 seconds, the Seal lives up to expectations. Our performance testing recorded a 0-100 km/h time of 3.92 seconds, showcasing its capability to compete with higher-priced counterparts. The torque vectoring system, coupled with precise steering, contributes to an engaging and dynamic driving experience.
BYD Seal Price
In terms of Pricing, The top-spec version, priced just under $70,000, rivals the luxurious ambience of its $100,000 European counterparts.
