Test: BYD Seal – the fastest seal in the world

Earlier BYD models, the Han and the Tang, are available in China for a while. What about here?

Unlike the larger models and the Dolphin, the Seal is completely new. It will be launched more or less simultaneously in China and Europe.

Where should we place that Seal in today’s automotive landscape?

As an electric, sport-oriented sedan, it is a car that primarily competes with the popular Tesla Model 3, although it is slightly larger on all sides. By the way, there are now more hijackers on the coast in this segment, such as the Hyundai Ioniq 6 and the necessary competitors from our own country. We previously threw the Seal to the lions in a first, purely theoretical comparison.

Special name by the way, that ‘Seal’. Is that from ‘Navy Seal’, or really such a happy hopping friend from the Wadden area?

That last thing. Like the Dolphin, the Seal is part of what BYD in China has dubbed the ‘Ocean Series’, as distinct from other model lines. You guessed it: all those cars are named after something in or around the sea.

Do we see that sea theme in something else?

We’ll beat it to you: you won’t get seasick aboard a BYD Seal. However, its smooth, rounded lines must refer to the sea. This also applies to the drop-shaped decorative elements in the rear lights and on the rear side window. Another nice detail: the recessed handles extend electrically if necessary. That sounds fragile, but fortunately they feel sturdy in this case.

Joining Tesla is not easy. Does the BYD Seal have the right papers?

The BYD Seal is on the very latest version of BYD’s platform and has a ‘Blade Battery’ that not only provides power, but also provides strength. The battery itself therefore serves as a basis and contributes to the rigidity of the carriage. The battery delivers a net 82 kWh, good for a range of – in the case of the rear-wheel drive – 570 km. That’s neat, although the Model 3 manages with less power up to the 600-kilometer limit. The rear-wheel drive version already has 313 hp, the four-wheel drive delivers even more with 530 hp. That version pops from 0 to 100 in 3.8 seconds.

Impressive numbers. How do you like it in practice?

During a short test run, the four-wheel drive Seal really achieves that 3.8 seconds time and time again, even with about 70 percent battery. This is easy to check, because the display behind the steering wheel also shows sprint times if desired. Without ‘launch control’ it is just a little less fast, but with 4.0 counts you will be gone quickly. Of course it feels that way. A Model 3 Performance is even faster, but of course this is already much faster than necessary. If we continue the comparison with Tesla, it is striking that the Seal feels less go-kart-like compared to a Model 3. The steering is less direct and the car leans a bit more, but there is more peace and comfort in return. He is also dynamic enough, so the balance seems well found. The sound insulation is also in order and with that the car leaves a high-quality impression in the few kilometers we made with it.

So it is a real sedan. Can I travel with my family?

With a length of 4.80 meters, the Seal is a large car, although that is not so much reflected in much luggage space. The trunk is really reasonable with 402 liters, but not groundbreaking. There is a handy extra compartment under the floor and in the nose too, but that is all less than with – there it is again – Tesla. As with so many EVs, more attention has been paid to the amount of seating space. We are fine in the back, thanks in part to the huge, standard panoramic roof that extends above the rear seat. The floor is a bit high, but that is almost normal in EV land.

Is there a nice atmosphere on board?

The Seal looks quite special from the outside and the rolling, undulating theme is continued inside. Like other BYDs, the Seal impresses above all with its interior, which combines special design with beautiful materials, beautiful finish and a logical layout. The seating position is pleasant, the seats themselves and the used ‘vegan leather’ wonderfully soft. BYD chooses special colors and applies them tastefully, for example with the combination of light blue upholstery with white and blue stitching of the test car. The car also seems to be doing well technologically. Something like this only really becomes apparent in a longer test, but the screen responds quickly, looks fresh and tidy and contains many functions. For example, the Seal has a real 360-degree parking camera, very handy.

What will it cost?

Unfortunately, that is not yet known. We are very curious about it, because since the last price reduction of the Tesla Model 3, it is very difficult to compete with that car in terms of price. If the Seal is slightly above it, it can at least be justified by that beautiful interior. Comfort is also an advantage, although we count the more limited interior space and possibly higher consumption as a disadvantage. One thing is certain: this will be an interesting comparative test.