Seal saloon review

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【Summary】The BYD Seal is a sleek and stylish electric saloon car that offers good performance and range. It competes with the Tesla Model 3 and Hyundai Ioniq 6. The car has a range of 354 miles and can charge from 30% to 80% in 26 minutes. It comes with a rotating infotainment screen, heated and cooled front seats, and "vehicle to load" capability. The pricing is expected to be around £44,000, making it a compelling option in its segment.

FutureCar Staff Sep 02, 2023 4:22 PM PT

The BYD Seal is a sleek and stylish car that offers impressive performance and range. It competes with popular electric vehicles like the Tesla Model 3 and Hyundai Ioniq 6. The Seal has a smart interior and exterior design, drives well, and the dual-motor version provides rapid acceleration. It is considered BYD's best car yet.

The BYD Seal is a departure from the trend of SUVs dominating the market. It is a conventional, low-slung saloon that prioritizes range, performance, and style over spaciousness and a commanding driving position. It joins the Atto 3 and Dolphin in the UK market, offering a competitive alternative to cars like the Hyundai Ioniq 6 and Tesla Model 3.

The Seal's low drag design and 83kWh battery pack contribute to its impressive range. The Seal Design model offers a range of 354 miles, while the high-performance Seal Excellence-AWD offers a range of 323 miles. 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 cold weather.

The BYD Seal Design model comes equipped with a range of features, including a 15.6-inch rotating 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 competitive with the Tesla Model 3 and Hyundai Ioniq 6.

The BYD Seal offers a range of alternatives for customers, including the Tesla Model 3, Hyundai Ioniq 6, Polestar 2, and Kia EV6. Its range is competitive with rivals at a similar price point, offering more miles than the Tesla Model 3 and Hyundai Ioniq 6.

The BYD Seal is available in two motor options: a single-motor variant with 308bhp and a dual-motor variant with a combined 523bhp. Both models offer impressive performance, with the dual-motor variant achieving 0-62mph in just 3.8 seconds. The Seal provides a comfortable and refined ride, with low levels of road and wind noise.

The interior of the BYD Seal is of high quality, with tactile materials and soft-touch surfaces. The infotainment system is impressive, featuring a 15.6-inch display that can rotate between landscape and portrait layouts. However, there are some drawbacks, such as the heating controls disappearing when using Apple CarPlay or Android Auto.

The BYD Seal offers a spacious cabin with comfortable seating. The clever battery placement allows for a lower roofline without compromising headroom, and the long wheelbase provides ample legroom. The lack of a hatchback may limit practicality, but the cabin and boot space are still good.