BYD Seal sedan assessment

author: FutureCar Staff    

The BYD Seal is an impressive addition to BYD's range in Europe. With its sleek looks and good driving performance, it is set to compete with the likes of the Tesla Model 3 and Hyundai Ioniq 6. The Seal offers a mix of performance, range, and stylish design, making it a convincing rival in the market. It is smartly styled both inside and out, and the dual-motor version provides rapid performance. The Atto 3 and Dolphin are also competitive offerings from BYD, but the Seal may be their best car yet.

The BYD Seal is a sleek and stylish car that stands out in a market dominated by SUVs. It can be compared to cars like the Hyundai Ioniq 6 and Tesla Model 3, prioritizing range, performance, and style over luggage space and driving position. It joins the Atto 3 and Dolphin in the UK market and offers a refreshing alternative for car buyers.

The Seal boasts a low drag design, contributing to its impressive range. With an 83kWh battery pack, it offers a range of 354 miles in the Seal Design model and 323 miles in the high-performance Seal Excellence-AWD model. Charging is fast, with 150kW capabilities allowing for a 30% to 80% charge in just 26 minutes. The Seal also features a heat pump to preserve range in colder weather conditions.

The BYD Seal Design model comes packed with equipment, including a rotating 15.6-inch infotainment screen, a 10.25-inch driver display, a 12-speaker audio system, heated and cooled front seats, and "vehicle to load" capability. Pricing for the Seal has not been confirmed yet, but it is expected to be around £44,000, making it a competitive option compared to the Tesla Model 3 and Hyundai Ioniq 6.

The BYD Seal offers alternatives to popular electric cars such as the Tesla Model 3, Hyundai Ioniq 6, Polestar 2, and Kia EV6. Its range, charging capabilities, and running costs make it a strong contender in the market.

The Seal is available in two power options: the Design model with a single 308bhp electric motor and the Excellence-AWD model with dual motors and 523bhp. Both models offer impressive performance, with the Excellence-AWD achieving a 0-62mph time of just 3.8 seconds. The Seal handles well and provides a comfortable ride, making it suitable for various driving conditions.

The interior of the BYD Seal is of high quality, with tactile materials and soft-touch surfaces. The infotainment system, featuring a 15.6-inch display, is responsive and impressive. However, the rotating screen may be seen as a gimmick, and the heating controls disappear when using Apple CarPlay or Android Auto.

The Seal offers a spacious and quiet cabin, although rear passengers may have to compromise on foot space due to the low-mounted front seat bases. Overall, the Seal provides good cabin and boot space, despite not having a hatchback.

FutureCar Staff