The BYD Seal is a striking electric sports sedan that’s making waves in the EV market. This Chinese challenger boasts a stylish design, a feature-rich interior, and impressive performance, all at a competitive price point. Let’s dive into the details and see if the Seal lives up to the hype.
Exterior Design: Head-Turning Looks
The BYD Seal grabs attention with its bold and futuristic exterior design. Sharp creases, a sloping roofline, and sleek LED headlights give it a dynamic and sporty presence. Some might find the design a bit too busy, but there’s no denying it stands out from the crowd. Having said that, there are aspects of exterior design that are reminiscent of its arch-rival.
Interior: Modern with a Tech Twist
Step inside the Seal and you’re greeted by a modern and spacious cabin. High-quality materials and comfortable seating create a premium feel. The focal point is the massive 15.6-inch touchscreen infotainment system. It can be rotated between portrait and landscape modes, a unique feature, but some reviewers find it a bit gimmicky. The system itself is responsive and feature-rich, but the user interface can be confusing at times, especially while driving. It does support Android Auto and Apple Carplay which is a definite advantage over Tesla.
While the focus is clearly on tech, some physical buttons for essential functions like climate control would be appreciated. Overall, the interior feels comfortable and well-designed, but the infotainment system might take some getting used to. The materials are mostly soft but the cabin still has some scratchy plastic bits which feel a bit cheap.
Build Quality: Solid and Reliable
The BYD Seal feels well-built and sturdy. Tight panel gaps and quality materials throughout the cabin inspire confidence in the car’s long-term durability. While some rivals might boast even more premium materials, the Seal delivers a solid feel that punches above its price tag.
Driving Performance: Power and (Mostly) Composed Handling
The BYD Seal comes in two main flavors: a rear-wheel-drive version with a single motor and an all-wheel-drive variant with dual motors. Both offer impressive acceleration, with the single-motor model hitting 0-62 mph in a respectable 5.9 seconds. The AWD Performance model rockets to 62 mph in a mind-blowing 3.8 seconds, making it seriously quick off the line.
However, handling isn’t quite as impressive as acceleration. The Seal feels composed and comfortable during everyday driving, but it doesn’t offer the sharpest handling dynamics. This is where it feels a bit lacking vs the competition. The steering can feel a bit numb at times, especially around the center point. If you prioritize a truly engaging driving experience, there might be better options out there.
Range and Charging: Competitive Numbers, Questionable Efficiency
The BYD Seal offers a competitive driving range, with the base model boasting a WLTP-rated range of up to 354 miles. The AWD version sacrifices some range for performance, offering around 323 miles on a single charge. These figures are competitive with other electric sedans in its class.
Charging is facilitated by a CCS2 port, allowing for fast charging at compatible stations. It supports 150 kW DC fast charging which is considerably lower than its rivals. While charging times will vary depending on the charger’s speed, you can still expect to replenish a significant portion of the battery in under 30 minutes with a DC fast charger.
However, some reviewers have noted that the Seal’s real-world efficiency might not quite live up to the WLTP figures. This means you might need to charge more frequently than expected, especially during highway driving.
Space and Practicality: A Focus on Fun, Not Family
The BYD Seal prioritizes sporty looks over maximum passenger space. While the front seats offer ample legroom and headroom, the rear seats are a bit tight, especially for taller passengers. Cargo space is decent, but not class-leading. If you regularly have passengers in the back or need a lot of cargo space, the Seal might not be the most practical choice.
Verdict: A Feature-Packed EV With Room for Improvement
The BYD Seal is a compelling option for those seeking a stylish, feature-rich, and surprisingly quick electric sedan. It offers impressive performance, a competitive driving range, and a comfortable interior at a competitive price. However, the infotainment system can be frustrating, the handling isn’t the sharpest, and the rear seat space is a bit cramped.
Ultimately, whether the BYD Seal is the right car for you depends on your priorities. If you value cutting-edge technology, thrilling acceleration, and a head-turning design, the Seal is definitely worth considering. However, if you prioritize user-friendly controls, sharp handling dynamics, or a spacious interior, there might be better options out there. It’s a great first effort from BYD in the electric sedan segment, but there’s still some room for improvement.