BYD Seal Full Review: A Bold and Tech-Savvy Electric Sedan

The BYD Seal is the latest addition to the Chinese automaker’s rapidly expanding electric vehicle (EV) lineup. Positioned as a sporty and stylish sedan, the Seal offers impressive performance, cutting-edge technology, and solid range, making it a strong contender in the growing EV market. In this review, we’ll explore the Seal’s design, performance, interior, and overall driving experience to determine how it stands up against its competitors.

Design and Exterior

The BYD Seal features a sleek and futuristic design, which is more dynamic and athletic compared to the brand’s earlier models. With its low, wide stance, smooth curves, and sharp lines, the Seal is unmistakably a performance-oriented sedan. The front end is dominated by a wide, closed-off grille, flanked by sleek LED headlights that give the car an aggressive yet elegant look. The roofline gently tapers toward the rear, contributing to the vehicle’s aerodynamic profile, which is key for both efficiency and visual appeal.

The overall design is both modern and elegant, standing out in a segment often dominated by more conservative styling. The Seal’s exterior measures around 4.8 meters long, placing it in the mid-size sedan category. Its athletic proportions are complemented by 18-inch or 19-inch wheels (depending on trim), enhancing the vehicle’s sporty appeal.

Interior and Comfort

Inside, the BYD Seal continues its focus on modernity and technology. The cabin is spacious and well-appointed, featuring premium materials and a minimalist design. The dashboard is dominated by a large, 15.6-inch touchscreen infotainment system that offers sharp graphics and an intuitive interface. The system supports Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and voice controls, making it easy for drivers to stay connected without distraction.

The seating is comfortable, with high-quality leather and fabric upholstery available in different trims. Both the front and rear seats offer plenty of space, with ample headroom and legroom for passengers of all sizes. The rear seats are especially roomy, making the Seal a good option for families or those who frequently have passengers. The cabin also benefits from a large panoramic sunroof, which floods the space with natural light and adds to the sense of openness.

Storage space is generous, with a large boot offering ample room for luggage or cargo. The rear seats can also be folded down to expand the storage area further, making the Seal practical for longer trips or carrying larger items.

Performance and Driving Experience

Under the hood, the BYD Seal is equipped with a choice of two battery sizes: a 61.4 kWh and a larger 82.5 kWh, both based on BYD’s innovative Blade battery technology. This setup provides a strong range, with the larger battery offering an impressive 700+ kilometers (434 miles) on a single charge, based on the Chinese CLTC cycle. The smaller battery variant still provides a respectable range of around 500-600 km (310-372 miles), making it a practical choice for most drivers.

The Seal is powered by a rear-mounted electric motor that delivers up to 312 horsepower in the standard version, and up to 530 horsepower in the dual-motor all-wheel-drive performance model. This means the Seal can go from 0-100 km/h (0-62 mph) in just 3.8 seconds in the performance variant, offering thrilling acceleration and a sporty driving experience.

Handling is sharp and responsive, aided by the Seal’s low center of gravity, thanks to the placement of its battery pack. The suspension strikes a good balance between comfort and sportiness, absorbing road imperfections while maintaining a controlled ride. The car also features various driving modes to adjust performance characteristics, such as Eco for efficiency or Sport for a more engaging drive.

Charging the BYD Seal is quick and convenient. The car supports DC fast charging, which can charge the battery from 0% to 80% in approximately 30-40 minutes, depending on the charging station and battery size. On AC chargers, a full charge takes about 10-12 hours, making overnight charging at home a practical option.

Safety and Technology

The BYD Seal is equipped with a comprehensive suite of safety features, including adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, automatic emergency braking, and a 360-degree camera system. It also offers advanced driver-assist systems such as blind-spot monitoring, collision warning, and rear cross-traffic alert.

In addition to safety, the Seal is packed with advanced tech, including an advanced driver monitoring system that uses cameras to ensure the driver is alert and focused on the road. The car also supports over-the-air software updates, ensuring that the car remains up to date with the latest features and improvements.

Conclusion

The BYD Seal is a well-rounded electric sedan that combines sporty performance, impressive range, and a tech-rich interior, all at a competitive price point. Its bold design, combined with strong driving dynamics, makes it a compelling alternative to established electric sedans like the Tesla Model 3 or the NIO ET5. With its cutting-edge Blade battery technology, advanced safety features, and user-friendly tech, the Seal is an exciting addition to BYD’s growing lineup and a strong contender in the electric vehicle market. Whether you’re looking for a stylish commuter car or a performance-driven EV, the BYD Seal delivers on all fronts.