BYD has launched the new Seal EV in Australia, the price of which undercuts the rival Tesla Model 3 by a whopping $12,000 AUD signaling an early threat to the globally renowned electric sedan.
Available in 3 trim levels, the entry-level Seal Dynamic Standard Range RWD kicks off from $49,888 AUD, is joined by the Seal Premium Extended Range RWD priced from $58,798 AUD and the Seal Performance AWD offered from $68,798 AUD. In comparison, the facelifted Tesla Model 3 is available from $61,900 AUD in entry-level guise and $71,900 AUD in Long-Range form.
BYD Seal is powered by a 61.44 kWh battery pack driving a rear electric motor with 150 kW (201 hp) of power and 310 Nm of torque. It can hit 100 km/h in 7.5 seconds and travel 460 km on a full charge. Despite bearing a cheaper price tag, it comes loaded with features including 18-inch wheels, a 15.6-inch touchscreen infotainment display, a 10.25-inch instrument cluster, synthetic leather seats, a 12-speaker Dynaudio sound system, wireless phone charging, rear-privacy glass, and a host of passive and active safety features in the entry-level variant.
The BYD Seal Premium Extended Range RWD benefits from a larger 82.56 kWh battery and has an electric motor mounted at the rear with 230 kW (308 hp) and 360 Nm. This variant can hit 100 km/h from a standstill in 5.9 seconds and travel 570 km on a full charge. It also adds larger brake calipers and discs, 19-inch wheels, a head-up display, genuine leather on seats and steering wheel, a 4-way power adjustable driver’s seat with lumbar support, and memory functions for the driver’s seat and side mirrors.
Lastly, the Seal Performance AWD gets a dual motor 4WD setup. At the rear, it has the same 82.56 kWh battery and 230 kW (308 hp) motor but also sports a 160 kW (215 hp) motor up front, making for a combined 390 kW (523 hp) and 670 Nm of power output allowing it to do 0-100 km/h in just 3.8 seconds. It has a driving range of 520 km and also comes with BYD’s trick frequency-selective dampers, torque vectoring, an electronic child lock, and a heated steering wheel.
The base BYD Seal supports 110 kW DC fast charging while the Premium and Performance variants offer 150 kW charging, meaning the battery can go from 30% to 80% in 26 minutes. All three versions have adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, autonomous emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, front and rear cross-traffic alert with braking, door exit warning, traffic sign recognition, and a 360-degree camera.
BYD’s recent addition to its export lineup consisting of models such as the Atto 3 crossover, Dolphin hatchback, and Seal sedan are doing wonderfully well in markets where they have been launched. The company already introduced its premium Tang and Han models in key markets, however, these are pricier options.
BYD is literally shaking up electric vehicle markets with Atto 3, Dolphin, and Seal due to the lower price tag, an array of features, and impressive driving range, in countries such as Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore, Philippines, Australia, New Zealand, India, Brazil, Mexico etc and is set to disrupt the Japanese market soon.
A computer animation professional with over 23 years of industry experience having served in leading organizations, TV channels & production facilities in Pakistan. An avid car enthusiast and petrolhead with an affection to deliver quality content to help shape opinions. Formerly written for PakWheels as well as major publications including Dawn. Founder of CarSpiritPK.com
