The BYD Seal, a Chinese electric sedan, debuted in 2022 as the first generation variant. Priced between INR 41 lakhs and INR 53 lakhs ex-showroom, the model in focus is the top-tier Performance variant. Esteemed designer Wolfgang Egger, known for iconic models such as the Seat Ibiza, Alfa Romeo 8C Competizione, and various Audi and Lamborghini cars, crafted the Seal’s design.
The BYD Seal is built on the advanced e-Platform 3.0, shared with models like the Dolphin, Atto 3, and Denza D9. This platform incorporates an innovative 800-volt electrical system. The Seal is available exclusively as an electric vehicle, featuring both dual motor all-wheel drive and rear-wheel drive configurations.
Design and Aesthetics
The Seal’s design is inspired by the Ocean-X Concept and is part of BYD’s Ocean Series product line. This series emphasizes ocean-inspired design features, with the Seal showcasing unibody chassis construction, an ocean wave ripple lamp, and double-U floating LED headlamps with high beam assist, LED DRLs, and a follow-me-home function. The vehicle has a low bonnet, rain-sensing frameless wipers, and NFC card key functionality for door opening and starting the car.
The exterior mirrors are waterdrop-shaped, electrically adjustable, retractable, auto-tilt, and heated, with memory function. The vehicle bears the BYD Design logo and features a balanced 50/50 weight distribution for enhanced control. Measuring 4.8 meters in length, 1.9 meters in width, and 1.5 meters in height, with a 5.7-meter turning radius and 145 mm ground clearance, the Seal weighs approximately 2200 kg with a gross weight of 2600 kg.
The car sits on 19-inch precision blade alloy wheels, with an option for 18-inch alloys. It is equipped with disc brakes on both front and rear, and rides on 235/45 R19 99V Continental EcoContact 6 Q extra load radial tubeless tyres. The Seal supports charging from 7 kW to 150 kW and includes a VTOL function, enabling the car to act as a mobile power bank.
Safety and Performance
The Seal has received a 5-star safety rating from both Euro NCAP and Australian NCAP. It features a drag coefficient of 0.219, regenerative braking, fog lights, a black diffuser, boundless LED tail lights with sequential turn indicators, and an LED high mount stop lamp. The rear windscreen is equipped with heating and defrosting functions.
Bookings made before March 31 offer additional benefits such as a 7 kW home charger, a 3 kW portable charging box, a VTOL mobile power supply unit, six years of roadside assistance, and the first service free. The car comes with a comprehensive warranty package: six years or 150,000 km on the vehicle, eight years or 160,000 km on the traction battery, eight years or 150,000 km on the motor, and six years or 150,000 km on electric controls.
Interior and Comfort
Inside, the Seal offers a sophisticated and comfortable environment. The interior is inspired by the Greek mythology sea god Thaumas, with genuine leather upholstery and a dynamic mood lighting system with rhythm function. The silver-plated panoramic glass roof features UV-resistant double glazing, and the car includes LED reading lights and 60/40 split folding rear seats. The air vents have a wavy pattern, adding to the aesthetic appeal.
The driver and passengers enjoy heated and ventilated sports seats, with the driver’s seat offering 8-way power adjustment and 4-way lumbar support. The passenger seat is 6-way power adjustable. Other features include a height adjustable cup holder, an electric power steering system, and a heart of ocean control center.
Technology and Infotainment
The Seal is equipped with a 15.6-inch rotating touchscreen infotainment system, boasting an 83.1% screen-to-body ratio. This system supports wireless Android Auto, USB Apple CarPlay, Bluetooth, the Hi BYD voice assistant, FM, and radio. Additional technological features include a 10.25-inch LCD instrument cluster displaying speed, power meter, regenerative braking, charge level, and range, along with a heads-up display showing speed and ADAS system status.
The car also features automatic dual-zone heat pump AC with a PM2.5 CN95 high-efficiency filter and a negative ion air purifier. The steering wheel, wrapped in genuine leather, includes controls for adaptive cruise control, instrument cluster, phone, volume, infotainment, and voice control.
Power and Performance
The top model of the BYD Seal is powered by an 82.56 kWh BYD Blade Battery, paired with a front squirrel cage induction asynchronous motor and a rear AC permanent magnet synchronous electric motor, producing a combined 523 horsepower and 670 Nm of torque. This setup allows the car to accelerate from 0-100 km/h in 3.8 seconds, with a top speed limited to 180 km/h and a range of 580 km.
Other options include a 308 horsepower variant with a 650 Nm torque and a range of 650 km, and a 201 horsepower variant with a 310 Nm torque and a range of 510 km. The Seal can be charged to 100% in 16 hours using a 7 kW AC charger or to 80% in 45 minutes using a 150 kW DC charger. The Blade battery is claimed to have a driving mileage of up to 1 million km.
The BYD Seal stands out as a technologically advanced and aesthetically pleasing electric sedan. With its ocean-inspired design, advanced safety features, luxurious interior, and impressive performance specifications, it promises to be a strong contender in the electric vehicle market.
