BYD Seal: A Stylish and Range-Conscious Tesla Model 3 Rival
Chinese electric car brand BYD is expanding its presence in the UK with the introduction of its latest electric vehicle, the BYD Seal. As BYD’s most important EV to date, the Seal is designed to rival popular electric cars like the Tesla Model 3, Hyundai Ioniq 6, and BMW i4. With its stylish design and impressive range, the Seal aims to overcome the dominance of established brands in Europe.
BYD is a global company with a workforce of around 600,000 people across six continents. In addition to manufacturing cars, BYD also produces batteries, solar panels, trains, and buses. The company is known for its in-house production, including its cobalt-free, lithium-iron-phosphate Blade battery. In fact, one in five mobile phones worldwide uses a BYD battery.
The BYD Seal features a sleek design that draws inspiration from the Porsche Taycan and Genesis GV60. It is the most visually appealing model in BYD’s Euro-focused lineup, with subtle maritime-themed details like fins and gills. Set to arrive in the UK by the end of 2023, the Seal shares the same e-Platform 3.0 as the Atto 3 and Dolphin models. However, it comes with a larger 82.5kWh battery pack and offers rear-wheel drive in the single-motor version. With 308bhp, it can travel up to 354 miles on a single charge. The dual-motor Seal boasts an impressive 523bhp and a range of 323 miles according to the WLTP test. A rear-wheel drive 61kWh Comfort model will also join the Seal lineup in 2024.
Inside the Seal, BYD has created an appealing and high-quality interior that surpasses the minimalist design of the Tesla Model 3. The cabin features soft-touch faux leather and a suede effect on the doors and dashboard, giving it a traditional upmarket feel. The centerpiece is a rotating 15.6-inch touchscreen, which is relatively responsive and easy to use. However, some functions are buried in sub-menus, making them hard to find while driving. The Seal also offers ample storage space throughout the cabin, although taller passengers may find headroom in the back limited.
On the road, the BYD Seal delivers a comfortable ride with good suspension and isolation over bumps. The rear-driven version offers slightly softer springing than the Model 3, ensuring a smooth and supple ride. The all-wheel drive model features frequency-selective dampers that adjust firmness when cornering or absorbing bumps. However, the dual-motor Seal struggles with long-wave undulations and lacks the settled feel of its competitors. Wind and road noise are well suppressed in both versions.
With its impressive performance, the BYD Seal lives up to its “high performance sports sedan” label. The 523bhp version can accelerate from 0 to 60mph in under 4 seconds, making it a fun and exhilarating ride. However, the handling lacks feedback, with vague and inconsistently weighted steering. While sport mode improves steering feel, it still falls short of the engaging experience offered by the BMW i4.
BYD has yet to announce UK pricing for the Seal, but it is expected to undercut most rivals. With a starting price of around £45,000 for the single-motor Design and £50,000 for the dual-motor Excellence, the Seal offers a compelling option for buyers looking for a stylish and range-conscious electric car.
In conclusion, the BYD Seal is a noteworthy addition to the UK electric car market. With its stylish design, impressive range, and competitive pricing, it has the potential to attract buyers away from established brands like Tesla and BMW. While it may face challenges in building brand equity in the UK, the Seal’s capabilities and likability make it BYD’s most convincing model yet.