BYD Seal Review: Stylish and Comfortable Mid-Market EV Saloon
The BYD Seal is a stylish, comfortable, and smart electric saloon that competes in the mid-market segment, offering good range and efficiency. Despite facing tough competition from brands like Tesla, Hyundai, and VW, the BYD Seal holds its ground with a range of impressive features. The saloon comes fully equipped with heated, ventilated, and electrically adjusted seats, Apple CarPlay, a 12-speaker stereo system, and wireless phone charging, all as standard.
While there is an option for a dual-motor variant that provides extra performance at an additional cost of £3,000, experts suggest sticking with the standard model. The Seal offers a decent acceleration, making it a comfortable cruiser with a pleasant interior. However, some drawbacks include limited rear seat space and a slightly frustrating infotainment system compared to competitors like Tesla’s Model 3.
The BYD Seal has a base price ranging from £45,495 to £48,695, with a claimed range of 354 miles. The saloon is rated 7/10 for its up-market styling, good range and efficiency, but it can be pricier than some rivals. The Seal is equipped with an 82.5 kWh battery, offering a maximum charging rate of 150 kW and a miles per kWh rating of 4.5. The lower-priced model has a single motor, providing 305 bhp to the rear wheels, while the higher-priced AWD version offers a total output of 517 bhp with all-wheel-drive.
In terms of interior design, the BYD Seal features a modern and stylish cabin with a mix of touch and tactile controls. The 15.6-inch touchscreen display adds to the premium feel of the car, although the interface of the infotainment system may take some getting used to. The Seal boasts features like wired Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, a 12-speaker sound system, onboard 4G connectivity, and a head-up display projected onto the windscreen.
One of the Seal’s selling points is its competitive pricing, offering great value in the EV market. Despite being a more conventional option compared to models like the Tesla Model 3, the BYD Seal aims to impress with its performance, comfort, and low running costs. The Seal’s battery warranty covers eight years or 125,000 miles, ensuring peace of mind for buyers.
Overall, the BYD Seal presents a promising option for those looking for a mid-market electric saloon with style, comfort, and decent performance. While facing stiff competition, the Seal’s blend of features, range, and efficiency make it a contender worth considering in the EV market.