BYD SEAL SALOON 390kW Excellence AWD 83kWh 4dr Auto

The BYD Seal has a compelling argument to offer customers in search of an executive EV sports saloon. Jonathan Crouch drives it.

Ten Second Review

The BYD Seal is the executive EV sports saloon you probably won't have considered but probably should. Most of what a BMW i4, Tesla Model 3 or Polestar 2 customer could want is also here - and then some. If you're browsing in this segment, a Seal simply has to be somewhere on your wish list.

Background

For BYD, this is where it starts getting serious. It's one thing for this Chinese giant to target the affordable end of the EV market where customers aren't particularly brand-conscious and expectations are fairly low when it comes to drive dynamics and interior audience. Quite another to go head-to-head with posher brands in the executive segment. Yet that's just what the marque's third UK launch model, the Seal, aims to do. Offered in either SUV form (the Seal U) or, as in this case, in saloon guise, it shares much of its fundamental engineering with BYD's first couple of EVs, the little Dolphin and the Atto 3 family hatch; namely the company's third generation electric vehicle architecture and its innovative long-range 'blade' battery design. As befits its ambitious remit though - to take on executive EV players like the Tesla Model 3 and the Polestar 2 - the Seal has more: clever 'cell-to-body' technology, which is supposed to maximise the battery's usable capacity and boost the car's structural integrity. In theory making it both efficient and sporty. Sounds promising.

Driving Experience

Could you really countenance choosing this Seal over well established premium EV sports saloons like the BMW i4 and the Tesla Model 3? We'll explain why you might in a moment. First though, the core info you'll need. Almost all Seal sales will be of the mid-range 'Design-RWD' model, which has a single rear-mounted 308bhp motor powered by an 82.5kWh battery good for 354 miles of range. The 62mph from rest sprint takes 5.9s, en route to 112mph. If you want more, there's the range-topping Seal 'Excellence-AWD' flagship variant which, as the name suggests, also includes an additional front-mounted motor for four-wheel-drive, hence a boost in power to 523bhp, providing for a 3.8s 0-62mph time that BYD's so proud of that it's advertised with a '3.8S' badge on the boot lid. The 82.5kWh battery of this range-topper is the same as the mid-range model, but the AWD system's extra weight means that here, it only takes the car 323 miles between charges. If these two Seal options are a little pricey for you, it's also possible to talk to the brand about an entry-level rear-driven 'Comfort'-spec variant with a smaller 61kWh battery. Earlier, we referenced what BYD hopes is its dynamic trump card here - class leading torsional rigidity. That comes courtesy of an innovative 'cell-to-body' battery installation that makes the 11cm-tall 'blade' battery pack part of the Seal's structure. The result is a level of torsional rigidity (40,000Nm/deg) that some competitors can only dream about; the industry average is around 25,000Nm/deg. You'll feel the benefit of that in the reduction of body roll around corners. Unlike lesser BYD models, mainstream Seals are rear-driven, with a double wishbone (front) and multi-link (rear) suspension set-up: this is upgraded on the AWD model with frequency-selective dampers to compensate for that top variant's extra 130kgs of weight. All Seals get four driving modes - 'Eco', 'Normal', 'Sport' and 'Snow'.

Design and Build

Here we're looking at the Seal saloon; there's also a 'Seal U' SUV body shape. In sedan form, this BYD is a fairly dramatic-looking thing, styled using the brand's current 'Ocean Aesthetics' design language, which includes a few gill and fin details to fit with the whole maritime theme. The penmanship comes from ex-Audi stylist Wolfgang Egger, whose CV includes the gorgeous Alfa Romeo Competizione 8C sports car. Seal measurements are 4,800mm in length, 1,875mm in width and 1,460mm in height; which makes the car 106mm longer, 58mm narrower and 17mm taller than its Tesla Model 3 arch-rival. Under the skin sits the same 'e-Platform 3.0' chassis as smaller BYD models, but the 'cell-to-body' battery installation that sits on top of it is different. Here, the battery pack is actually part of the vehicle structure - so there's no metal platform between the cabin floor and the lithium-ion cells. That means a thinner floor and a consequently lower roof height. You enter the cabin via neat retractable door handles and once inside, there's a smartly furnished interior with a 10.25-inch digital instrument panel and a big 15.6-inch infotainment touchscreen that, as with other BYDs, can be rotated between portrait and landscape layouts. The interior all feels suitably premium - more so than a rival Model S - and the seats (with their BYD-embossed headrests) not only look good but seem supportive. In the back, a 45mm advantage in wheelbase over that rival Tesla means a bit more leg-stretching space (though you can't push your feet very far under the front chairs). Headroom is a bit compromised by the sweeping rear roof line with its fixed panoramic glass top. Because this isn't a hatchback, you'll have to negotiate a rather narrow boot loading aperture, beyond which there's a reasonable 402-litres of capacity. Plus there's a further 53-litres in the 'frunk' beneath the bonnet - enough for a set of charging cables.

Market and Model

You'll pay around £46,000 for the Seal in 'Design-RWD' form. And around £49,000 for the top 'Excellence-AWD' version. Interestingly for an unknown brand, BYD isn't looking to substantially undercut its main competitors on price. But equipment levels are high. Across the range, the cabin gets a 15.6-inch rotatable screen equipped with an intelligent voice control function that can be activated with the voice command "Hey BYD"; and seamless smartphone integration via 'Android Auto' or 'Apple CarPlay'. It also features a 10.25-inch full instrument LCD panel, while the impressive 12-speaker Dynaudio Performance Audio System provides premium quality sound. In terms of safety and advanced driver assistance, the Seal offers Forward Collision Warning, Automatic Emergency Braking, Rear Collision Warning, Rear Cross Traffic Alert and Rear Cross Traffic Brake, Lane Keep Assistance, Lane Change Assist and Emergency Lane Keep. There's also Adaptive Cruise Control and Intelligent Cruise Control, a 360-degree Panoramic Camera, Blind Spot Detection System, ESP, Traction Control, Hill Decent Control, Automatic Vehicle Hold, Intelligent Speed Limit Information and Intelligent Speed Limit Control. Cutting-edge lighting technology provides a wider beam to aid visibility during night driving, with high beam assist, adaptive headlights and Follow Me Home as standard.

Cost of Ownership

The battery used here is of the unique-to-BYD lithium-ion-phosphate 'Blade' variety, which incorporates cells mounted in the strips directly to the pack. Which, the Chinese maker says, allows for a much higher cell density than a conventional battery could offer. So a much higher driving range then? Afraid not. The 354 mile range of the core 'Design-RWD' model is reasonably class-competitive, but way off being class leading. It's 323 miles for the 'Excellence-AWD' model). To preserve driving range in cold conditions, a heat pump is standard. Seal customers benefit from what the brand calls 'a high-voltage electric drive boost charging solution', which allows for faster charging. This technology innovatively uses the motor inductor to replace the boost inductor, to meet the 420-750V voltage range of charging piles with high-power DC charging. During the charging process, this BYD's drivetrain reduces the heat generation of the charging and distribution assembly for more reliable performance. The Seal offers an 11kW 3-phase on-board charger for AC charging, and can be fast-charged at a DC ultra-fast charging station with 150kW. With this amount of power, the battery can be charged from 30% to 80% in just 26 minutes. The AC charging time from a typical 7.4kW garage wallbox for both models is around 13 hours from empty to full. You'd think that BYD building, designing and owning this car's entire set of EV drivetrain components (including battery and semiconductors) would allow the company to make the Seal able to offer a truly modern 800V electrical architecture capable of allowing charging with the new breed of ultra-rapid DC public chargers - something we've already seen in this class with the Hyundai IONIQ 6. But no, it's the same conventional 400V system as everyone else uses.

Summary

This is the most convincing BYD model we've seen so far - and a worthy rival for the ambitious executive EV contenders it's up against. It's better value than a BMW i4, nicer inside than a Tesla Model 3, better to drive than a Hyundai IONIQ 6 and cleverer than a Polestar 2. That's a decent CV. Plus, because BYD manufactures virtually all the Seal itself in-house, there are fewer supply chain issues, so you're likely to get your car within weeks of your order, rather than months. Despite all of these attributes, the truth is that in the combustion era, this car would have struggled to make an impact in its segment. But things are different now. The average EV customer is much less badge-conscious and more likely to be attracted by the innovative technology being showcased here. It's all indicative of the current quite astonishing pace of Chinese automotive development.

Body Glass

Front and rear electric windows

Rain sensor windscreen wipers

Electric heated defroster rear windshield

Thermal insulation, sound proofing and double glazed front door windows

Thermal insulation privacy glass rear door windows

Brakes

Anti-lock brake system

Electronic Stability Programme

Electronic parking brake

Hill start assist control (HAC)

Automatic emergency braking system

Electric parking brake with auto hold function

Traction control system (TCS)

Vehicle Dynamics Control System (VDC)

Front drilled ventilated disc

Rear ventilated disc

Front fixed calipers

Communication

Apple CarPlay and Android Auto

Driver Aids

Power assisted steering

Forward collision warning

Driver attention warning

Rear collision warning

360 camera

Traffic sign recognition (TSR)

Blind spot detection

Rear cross traffic alert and rear cross traffic brake

2 x front parking radar

4 x Rear parking radar

Front cross traffic alert and front cross traffic brake

Predictive collision warning

Intelligent Power Braking System

Hydraulic Power Brake System and Hydraulic Brake Assist

Parking brake deceleration control

Automatic vehicle hold

Comfort brake system

Alcohol Detection System

Child Forgetting Detection

Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) and Intelligent Cruise Control (ICC)

Intelligent Speed Limit Information (ISLI) and Intelligent Speed Limit Control (ISLC)

Lane Departure Assistant (LDA) and Lane Departure Warning (LDW)

Emergency Lane Keeping Assist (ELKA)

Driver Convenience

Electric tailgate release

Wireless charging 15W (2 units)

Remote climate control and ignition

Keyless system entry and start

NFC card (1 pcs)

OTA Function

BYD voice control assistant "Hi, BYD"

Driver Information

Head up Display

Internet access

Traffic jam assist

e-Call (emergency call)

10.25" LCD main dashboard display

Driving Mirrors

Electric adjustment and defrosting, reverse auto-tilt, electric automatic folding, position memory, side turn lamp, foot light/blind spot indicator

Automatic anti-glare interior rear-view mirror

Embellishment Trims

Slush-molding plastic dashboard

Entertainment

USB 1 x Type-A (18W) + 1 x Type-C (60W) front

USB 1 x Type-A (18W) + 1 x Type-C (60W) rear

FM/DAB+ radio

15.6" Intelligent-Rotate Screen

12 speaker Dynaudio Sound System

Exterior Body Features

Body colour bumpers

Panoramic roof

Rear side wing doors

Rear boot

Electric hidden door handle

Front trunk with cover (53L)

Exterior Lights

Rear foglight

Automatic headlights

LED daytime running lights

LED Headlights

High beam assist

LED rear lights

LED third brake light

Follow me home headlights (The headlights turned on in advance and delayed off function)

Cut-through and dynamic rear taillights

License plate light

Heating/Cooling/Ventilation

Heat pump

PM2.5 air filter

Auto air conditioning with dual air conditioning zone

Foot and face rear air vent

Negative-ion generator

Interior Features

Leather upholstery

Heated steering wheel

Leather multifunction steering wheel

12V power outlet

Height and reach adjustable steering wheel

Front and rear centre armrest

Knitted fabric car roof lining

2 x front and 2 x rear cup holders

Metal side sill plate

Interior Lights

Tailgate light, glove box light, LED front reading light/LED rear reading light and door lights

Multi-colour gradient ambient light in all doors, dashboard and front foot space

Safety

Driver airbag

Front passenger airbag

Rear side airbags

Height adjustable front seatbelts + pretensioners

Front side airbags

Door open warning

Front and rear curtain airbags

Rear seat belt pretensioners

Front passenger airbag deactivation

Front and rear seat belt warning

Direct Tire Pressure Monitoring Systems

Electronic child safety lock

Seats

Heated front seats

ISOFIX on front passenger and rear outer seats

3 seat rear bench

Single front passenger seat

Driver seat 8 way electric adjustment with position memory/4 way electric lumbar support adjustment/ventilation and memorized adjustment

Front passenger seat 6 way electric adjustment and ventilation

Manual adjustment of rear headrests

Integrated headrest in front seats

Split folding rear seats - 40/60

Security

Alarm

Immobiliser

Vanity Mirrors

Driver and passenger visors with illuminated vanity mirrors

Wheels - Alloy

19" Twin colour aluminium alloy wheel with 235/45 R19 tyres

Wheels - Spare

Tyre repair kit

Electric Vehicle Data

Battery Charging Scenario 1 - Charge Time (Mins): 37

Battery Charging Scenario 1 - Power Supply - kW: 150

Battery Charging Scenario 1 - Percentage Change: 10-80

Battery Charging Scenario 2 - Charge Time (Mins): 26

Battery Charging Scenario 2 - Power Supply - kW: 150

Battery Charging Scenario 2 - Percentage Change: 30-80

Coupler/Connector Type: CCS Type 2

Standard manufacturers Battery warranty - Years: 8

Standard manufacturers Battery warranty - Mileage: 125000

Battery Capacity in kWh: 82.5

Battery Leased: 0

Battery Type: Lithium-ion

WLTP - Pure Electric Range (km) - City: 599

WLTP - Pure Electric Range (km) - Comb: 520

WLTP - EC (kWh/100km) - City: 15.9

WLTP - EC (kWh/100km) - Comb: 18.2

WLTP - EC (miles/kWh) - City: 3.9

WLTP - EC (miles/kWh) - Comb: 3.4

WLTP - Pure Electric Range (miles) - City: 372

WLTP - Pure Electric Range (miles) - Comb: 323

Battery Capacity % guaranteed under warranty: 70

Charging Port Location: Right Side Rear

Usable Battery Capacity: 82.5

Maximum Charging Rate - kW: 150

Emissions - ICE

CO2 (g/km): 0

Standard Euro Emissions: N

Noise Level dB(A): N

CO: N

HC: N

NOx: N

HC+NOx: N

Particles: N

Engine and Drive Train

Cylinders - Bore (mm): N

Cylinders - Stroke (mm): N

CC: 1

Cylinders: N

Cylinder Layout: N

Number of Valves: N

Camshaft: N

Fuel Delivery: N

Catalytic Convertor: N

Engine Layout: N

Compression Ratio: N

Transmission: AUTO

Gears: 1 SPEED

Engine Code: N

Fuel Consumption - ICE

EC Directive 1999/100/EC Applies: N

EC Urban (mpg): N

EC Extra Urban (mpg): N

EC Combined (mpg): N

General

Coin Series: Excellence

Coin Description: N

Standard manufacturers warranty - Years: 6

Standard manufacturers warranty - Mileage: 93750

Manufacturers Corrosion Perforation Guarantee - Years: 12

Did at least one aspect of this vehicle's safety give cause for concern?: 0

Special Edition: 0

Special Order: 0

Based On ID: N

Insurance Group 1 - 50 Effective January 07: 50D

Service Interval Mileage: 20000

Service Interval Frequency - Months: 24

Timing Belt Interval Mileage: N

Timing Belt Interval Frequency - Months: N

NCAP Adult Occupant Protection %: 89

NCAP Child Occupant Protection %: 87

NCAP Pedestrian Protection %: 82

NCAP Safety Assist %: 76

NCAP Overall Rating - Effective February 09: 5

Badge Power: 530

Badge Engine CC: 0

Vehicle Homologation Class: M1

AdBlue: 0

Generation Mark: 1

Alternative Fuel Qualifying: No

Performance

0 to 62 mph (secs): 3.8

Top Speed: 111

Engine Power - BHP: 530

Engine Power - PS: No

0 to 60 mph (secs): 0

Engine Power - KW: 390

Engine Power - RPM: 6000

Engine Torque - LBS.FT: 494

Engine Torque - NM: 670

Engine Torque - MKG: 68.3

Test Cycles

Emissions Test Cycle: WLTP

RDE Certification Level: N/A

Tyres

Tyre Size Front: 235/45 R19

Tyre Size Rear: 235/45 R19

Tyre Size Spare: TYRE REPAIR KIT

Wheel Type: 19" ALLOY

Wheel Style: TWIN COLOUR

Alloys?: No

Vehicle Dimensions

Length: 4800

Width: 1875

Wheelbase: 2920

Width (including mirrors): 2150

Height: 1460

Height (including roof rails): N

Weight and Capacities

Minimum Kerbweight: 2185

Gross Vehicle Weight: 2631

Fuel Tank Capacity (Litres): N

Max. Loading Weight: 446

Luggage Capacity (Seats Up): 400

No. of Seats: 5

Max. Roof Load: N

Turning Circle - Kerb to Kerb: 11.4

Exterior Body Features

Additional Metallic paint

Paint - Metallic

Metallic - Ice blue

Metallic - Space Black

Metallic - Indigo grey

Metallic - Polar white

Metallic - Atlantis grey

Trim - Leather

Leather - Black

Leather - Tahiti blue