Introduction
If you want to do something like that, a vehicle like the Skoda Octavia RS at a similar price point is actually a lot more competent.
Design and Interior
When it comes to the design and interior, the BYD Seal Performance 2024 certainly impresses. Unlike the new facelift Tesla Model 3, the Seal resembles a more conventional car, which may appeal to those who prefer a classic look. The comparison between these two electric sedans will be explored in a later review, but for now, let’s focus on the Seal.
The Seal Performance boasts a top-of-the-range interior, with high-quality finishes and attention to detail. However, it’s worth noting that even the middle-spec variant replicates most of the features found in the performance model. This means that no matter which grade you choose, you’ll still enjoy a well-appointed interior.
Power and Performance
Now, let’s talk about what truly sets the BYD Seal Performance apart – its power and performance. With almost 400 KW of power, this sedan holds its own against competitors like the Tesla Model 3 and the Pulstar 2. What’s truly remarkable, though, is the price point. With a starting price of approximately 68,000 before options and on-road costs, the Seal Performance offers an incredible value for a fully fledged sport sedan.
Real-World Range and Charging
One of the most crucial factors for electric vehicle buyers is the real-world range and charging capabilities. Fortunately, the BYD Seal Performance doesn’t disappoint. Its range and charging efficiency provide a hassle-free driving experience. Whether you’re planning a long road trip or simply commuting within the city, you can rely on the Seal Performance to deliver.
Running Costs and Verdict
Another important aspect to consider when purchasing an electric sedan is the running costs. Owning an electric vehicle usually translates to lower maintenance and fuel costs compared to traditional internal combustion engines. The BYD Seal Performance follows suit in this regard, offering a cost-effective option for those looking to make the switch.
In conclusion, the BYD Seal Performance 2024 offers an exciting alternative to its arch-rival, the Tesla Model 3. With its attractive design, well-appointed interior, impressive power and performance, reliable range and charging capabilities, and cost-effective running costs, the Seal Performance proves to be a worthy contender in the electric sedan market.
Remember to subscribe to Chasing Cars for more honest reviews and comparisons of your next car. Stay tuned for our upcoming comparison between the BYD Seal and the Tesla Model 3, where we’ll dive deeper into the strengths and weaknesses of each electric sedan.
The Sweet Spot of the Lineup
The BYD Seal Performance 2024 is making waves in the electric vehicle market with its extended range rear wheel drive. Many believe that this particular variant could be the sweet spot of the entire lineup. So, let’s dive in and explore what this electric vehicle has to offer.
Luxurious Features
One of the first things you notice when you sit inside the Seal Performance 2024 is the comfort of the leather seats. Not only are they made of genuine leather, but they also come with quilting for added style and sophistication. And as the temperature rises, the heating and cooling feature of the seats becomes even more critical. The ventilated seats are truly appreciated, especially on a hot day like today.
A Conventional Touch
Steering wheel enthusiasts will appreciate the genuine leather steering wheel featured in the middle and top-spec versions of the Seal. Unlike its arch-rival Tesla Model 3, which has shifted indicators and other functions onto the steering wheel, the Seal still retains its conventional design with stalks. However, this doesn’t mean that the technology is lacking in any way.
The Driver’s Display
The Seal provides its driver with a dedicated display, ensuring that all essential information is easily accessible. Although the graphics may seem a little immature at first glance, they are still legible. However, one drawback is the inability to customize the display with navigation or media options. To compensate for this, the Seal offers a massive 15-inch screen for all your infotainment needs. From built-in navigation to Spotify and Bluetooth audio, this screen has it all.
Old School Yet Practical
While the Seal embraces modern technology, there are still a few old school features that may surprise some. For instance, using Apple CarPlay or Android Auto still requires a cable connection, which some may find a bit outdated. On the bright side, the presence of wireless charging is a welcome addition. Overall, the interior of the Seal feels decent, though it falls slightly short of true luxury. It may be more accurate to describe it as a step above mainstream.
A Final Touch
This particular model of the Seal comes with a sleek black interior, adding a touch of elegance to the overall design. Considering its price point of 68 Grand plus onroad, the Seal Performance 2024 is relatively affordable compared to other electric vehicles in its class. And if you don’t need all-wheel drive performance, you can even find seals available for less. So, whether you’re seeking comfort, style, or affordability, the BYD Seal Performance 2024 is certainly worth considering.
Interior Materials
The interior materials of the BYD Seal Performance 2024 are a mixed bag. While some of the secondary materials, such as where the leg rests, feel a bit hard, others, like the Alcantara material on the dash, are quite nice. Personally, I would opt for the lighter interior, as it gives a more upmarket look, although it may not shine as much.
Storage Space
When it comes to storage, the BYD Seal Performance 2024 offers a decent amount of options. You have small cup holders for convenience, a large bin between the seats, and adequately sized door bins as well. However, the panoramic sunroof is fixed and cannot be opened. While this is fine in winter, it would be nice to have more light during that time.
Exterior Design
The BYD Seal is not an overtly large vehicle on the outside. Instead, it follows the classic midsize sedan format, which works well in Australia. However, as a dedicated electric vehicle, it benefits from a long wheelbase, resulting in ample space in the back. As a person standing at 6 feet tall (183 cm), I found the legroom to be immense. The only minor constraint is the headroom, which is good under the glass roof. Despite the hot weather, the glass roof seems to insulate heat better than the Tesla Model 3’s roof. However, I personally would have preferred the option of a slick top or a smaller opening sunroof for more flexibility.
Interior Comfort
The BYD Seal Performance 2024 offers a unique feature with its big fixed glass panel. However, this feature seems to be a combination of the worst qualities from both worlds. While it may be a personal taste preference, I find it rather unappealing.
Moving on to the seat comfort in the back, it is surprisingly decent. The seat base has a slight angle, which means you may need to splay your legs a bit, but it is not as uncomfortable as some other cars. Overall, the back seat feels roomier and more accommodating compared to the Tesla Model 3.
However, the upholstery in the back is excessively shiny. I can’t help but wonder if the car has undergone some strange preparation process. Personally, I would opt for a lighter interior color to reduce the intensity of the shine. On the bright side, there is a flip-down armrest with two cup holders, as well as air vents for added comfort. Additionally, there are two extra USB ports and soft materials, making the back seat quite pleasant.
Practicality and Design
The BYD Seal may look like a liftback, but it is actually a conventional sedan. This is worth noting as it affects the overall design and functionality. At the rear, there is a release for the power tailgate, although it is not the quickest system. In my opinion, a manual boot would have sufficed.
Once the boot is opened, you are greeted with a typical narrow sedan aperture. However, the boot space extends quite far back, offering decent practicality. Under the boot floor, there is extra storage space and netting on the left side. Furthermore, the sub for the din AIO sound system is also located here.
Performance and Conclusion
Unfortunately, the provided content does not include any information regarding the performance of the BYD Seal Performance 2024. However, based on its design and features, it appears to be a well-rounded sedan that prioritizes comfort and practicality.
In conclusion, the BYD Seal Performance 2024 presents itself as a contender in the electric sedan market. Its unique features, such as the fixed glass panel and spacious back seat, contribute to a comfortable and accommodating interior. Additionally, the practicality and design elements, including the power tailgate and ample boot space, make it suitable for everyday use. While performance details are lacking, the overall package of the BYD Seal Performance 2024 seems promising for those seeking an alternative to the Tesla Model 3.
Testing the Model 3’s Arch Rival! (BYD Seal Performance 2024 Review)
The Practicality Debate
When it comes to the practicality of a sedan versus a hatchback, opinions can vary. The Pulstar 2, for example, may look like a sedan, but it is actually a big hatchback. This hatchback design offers more convenience when it comes to loading bulky items into the back. Personally, I wish the BYD Seal Performance had adopted a similar design.
Range and Charging Performance
In terms of range and charging capabilities, our independent tests have revealed a mixed bag for the BYD Seal Performance. Equipped with an 82.5 KW usable LFP battery, this electric vehicle delivers a solid urban range, but falls slightly short on the highway.
During our urban test, the Seal Performance consumed 16.3 KW hours per 100 km, providing an urban range of 56 km. While this is respectable, the vehicle’s highway economy of 17.6 KW per 100 km translates to a touring range of 468 km. It’s not exceptional, but rather acceptable.
Interestingly, the Seal Performance’s highway efficiency is comparable to that of the Pulstar 2 Performance. However, the Seal simply cannot match the Pulstar’s charging speed.
The Bold Claim
BYD makes bold claims about the Seal’s charging capability, boasting a relatively high 150 kW DC peak charging speed for an LFP battery. To put this claim to the test, we conducted our independent highway recharging test.
This test aimed to determine how long it takes to recharge the battery from 50 to 350 km of highway range. Unfortunately, the BYD Seal Performance fell short in this aspect. The vehicle took 37 minutes and 35 seconds to put 300 km back into its battery on the highway.
The poor result can be attributed to the Seal’s charging speed, which quickly degrades at the beginning of the charge session.
In conclusion, while the BYD Seal Performance offers decent urban range and acceptable touring range, it falls behind in terms of charging speed. The practicality of a hatchback design, such as the Pulstar 2, is also something to consider for those looking to load bulky items into the vehicle’s back.
Charging Speeds and Battery Performance
The BYD Seal Performance 2024 boasts an 800-volt capability, which should translate to impressive charging speeds. However, during our testing, we observed a drop in charging speeds after reaching around 40 kW, plummeting to a mediocre 70 kW. The session average was a disappointing 87 kW. This means that during a road trip, if you were to stop every 300 km, you would need to recharge the BYD Seal for a lengthy 37 minutes. In comparison, the Pulstar 2 Performance would only require 27 minutes of charging, while the Hyundai Ioniq 6 All-Wheel Drive could be fully recharged in a practical 17 minutes. These vehicles utilize lithium-ion batteries with faster charging capabilities.
Battery Types and Charging Habits
It is worth noting that while the BYD Seal uses lithium-iron-phosphate (LFP) batteries, which can tolerate being charged to 100% more frequently, lithium-ion batteries are typically recommended to be recharged to around 80%. However, for most road trips, charging the battery to 100% would be sufficient. In terms of charging performance, the BYD Seal outperforms the BYD AO3, which can only charge at a peak of 90 kW. The AO3 took a considerable 57 minutes to recharge during our highway test, indicating that the Seal’s 37-minute charging time is a significant improvement. However, there is still room for further advancements and better cooling of the battery during charging.
Maintenance and Warranty
When it comes to servicing the BYD Seal, the manufacturer recommends 12-month or 20,000 km intervals, with a total maintenance cost of 138.4 over 5 years and 150,000 km. The vehicle comes with a warranty of 6 years and 150,000 km, while the battery is covered for 8 years and 160,000 km. These warranties provide reassurance to potential buyers, ensuring peace of mind regarding the longevity and performance of the vehicle.
Driving Experience
As someone who has driven the BYD AT3, a highly regarded small SUV, I was eagerly anticipating the opportunity to test the BYD Seal Performance 2024.
Exterior Design and Performance
The BYD Seal Performance 2024 is a small SUV that managed to impress in a recent test, beating 16 other cars to secure a second-place finish. While the manufacturer is relatively new to Australia, it has been established in China for quite some time. The Seal sits on the E platform 3.0, showcasing the brand’s experience and sophistication in EV platforms.
Driving Experience
When it comes to the driving experience, there are noticeable similarities between the Seal and the Model 3. The Seal prioritizes comfort over sportiness, with a tailored setup that caters to a more relaxed approach. However, with a model grade named “Performance,” one might expect a bit more of a sporty feel. It’s important to understand that the Seal is not specifically designed to be a sports sedan, although its exterior appearance may suggest otherwise.
Exterior Design
The Seal Performance shares the same alloy wheel design as the extended range rear-wheel-drive model. Its sleek and elegant exterior design gives it a sporty appearance, but it is essential to manage one’s expectations. Byd hasn’t attempted to completely transform this car into a sports sedan, so it’s important to keep that in mind.
Toura Experience
Upon closer inspection, it becomes clear that the Seal is more of a toura than a sports sedan. The EC Contact Continental tires give a glimpse into the car’s true nature. It is built to provide a comfortable and smooth ride, perfect for long journeys or city commutes.
Impressive Range and Performance
The BYD Seal Performance 2024 certainly boasts some impressive range claims, and our own testing revealed that it lives up to those claims in the real world. But what sets this electric vehicle apart is not just its range, but also its power. When you opt for the Dual Motor Performance model, you get the perfect combination of touring attributes, comfort, and an astonishing amount of power.
With 390 KW, the BYD Seal Performance 2024 enters BMW M5 territory when it comes to performance. It’s a beast on the road, and just in case you missed it, there’s a 3.8s badge on the back of this car, indicating its impressive acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h in just 3.8 seconds. It’s a bit flashy, but it certainly grabs attention.
Straight Line Speed
In the real world, the BYD Seal Performance 2024 lives up to its claims of incredible straight-line speed. Thanks to its powerful motor, this car delivers an exhilarating experience when you put your foot down. It’s a rush like no other, and it’s evident that this electric vehicle packs a serious punch.
Cornering Capability
However, while the BYD Seal Performance 2024 excels in straight-line speed, it’s a different story when it comes to cornering. Sports sedans are known for their ability to carve through backroads, but the Seal reminds you that it’s not its favorite activity. The suspension is clearly tuned for comfort, resulting in a lack of body control during aggressive cornering.
The main culprit behind this is the underdamped suspension, especially at the rear end. What this means is that the car tends to bounce a bit over more complex and serious bumps, which are quite common on Australian B roads. Hit enough of these bumps in succession, and the Seal becomes a bit unsettled. So, if you push it too hard, it may leave you feeling a bit perplexed.
A Relaxing and Competent Tourer
Despite its limitations in cornering, the BYD Seal Performance 2024 is still a very capable and relaxing tourer when you dial back the pace. Its comfortable interior and smooth ride make it a perfect companion for long journeys. Just don’t expect it to perform like a track car when you push it to its limits.
In conclusion, the BYD Seal Performance 2024 impresses with its range, power, and straight-line speed. While it may lack the precision and control of some of its rivals when it comes to cornering, it still delivers a comfortable and enjoyable driving experience. So, if you’re looking for an electric vehicle that combines range, power, and touring comfort, the BYD Seal Performance 2024 is certainly worth considering.
Power and Performance
Sure, it doesn’t have 390 kW of power like the BYD Seal Performance 2024, but ultimately, the Skoda Octavia RS offers much better body control while still delivering a supple ride quality. The BYD Seal, on the other hand, provides enormous power in the dual motor all-wheel drive version, but its suspension struggles to keep up with the performance of the powertrain.
The Sweet Spot
All of this leads me to believe that the extended range rear-wheel drive version of the BYD Seal is probably the sweet spot. While it may have less power, its efficiency is likely to be significantly greater. Moreover, the comfortable and laidback virtues of the rear-wheel drive version will be well-suited for those seeking a more relaxed driving experience.
All-Wheel Drive vs. Rear-Wheel Drive
Here at Chasing Cars, we often find that all-wheel drive versions of EVs deliver impressive performance, just like the BYD Seal Performance 2024. This kind of performance is a real novelty and caters to the desires of some consumers. However, in many cases, the platforms, suspension tunes, and overall persona of the car are more suited to the two-wheel drive rear-wheel drive formula. I’m eager to test this theory with the rear-wheel drive version of the BYD Seal once it becomes available in 2024.
Brakes and Regen
When it comes to the brakes of the BYD Seal Performance 2024, they actually perform pretty well. The regenerative braking, however, falls a bit short even on its high setting. Despite this, the pedal itself feels relatively natural. It’s worth noting, though, that the regen system lacks the strong responsiveness that some drivers may prefer.
Steering Feel
One area where the BYD Seal Performance 2024 falls behind is in its steering feel. It reminds me of a steering wheel you’d find on a gaming console like PlayStation or Xbox. When you turn the wheel off center, there’s a noticeable graininess and a sense of driving through a motor. While the feel does improve slightly once you pass that initial point, overall, the steering in this car feels quite artificial. It’s a peculiar deficiency that, for most people, wouldn’t be a deal breaker, but it’s certainly an aspect that needs serious reconsideration before it can rival the steering quality of a Tesla Model 3.
Stability Control and Handling
The stability control tuning on the BYD Seal is quite nice. It allows for a bit of fun and entertainment, especially on winding country roads. In terms of persona, the BYD Seal may even have a slight edge over the Model 3. However, when it comes to suspension tuning and refinement, the Model 3 feels more sorted, especially in its facelift form. The Seal’s suspension is decent, although there is some rumble that enters the cabin, but overall, it provides a relaxing and easy driving experience. Nonetheless, it seems that the sweet spot for this car’s handling and performance has not been fully achieved just yet.
Safety Features
The BYD Seal Performance 2024 boasts an extensive list of safety features, as is expected in a car aiming for high safety ratings. The crashworthiness ratings are commendable, indicating that the car is built to withstand potential collisions. However, despite these positive aspects, the tuning of some of the safety features is questionable.
Lane Support System
One of the notable concerns with the BYD Seal is its lane support system. Even when driving perfectly aligned in the center of the lane, the system tends to be overly sensitive, producing false positives and attempting to steer the car towards the edge of the lane. This counterintuitive behavior can be unsettling and even frightening for the driver, creating a sense of unease on the road.
Speed Sign Recognition
Another area where the BYD Seal falls short is in its speed sign recognition system. The accuracy of this feature is thoroughly imperfect, as demonstrated by its inability to accurately detect speed limits. For instance, during testing, the car continued to assume a speed limit of 5 km per hour after leaving the office, even when the actual limit was much higher. This led to unnecessary auditory alerts and chimes, causing annoyance and distraction for the driver.
Turning Off Safety Settings
To maintain one’s sanity while driving the BYD Seal, it becomes necessary to turn off some of the key safety settings. Luckily, this option is available, allowing the driver to deactivate the overly sensitive lane support system and the flawed speed sign recognition. While it is understandable that these measures are meant to enhance safety, their imperfections necessitate their deactivation for a smoother driving experience.
Superb Camera Quality
Despite the shortcomings in some of its safety features, the BYD Seal does excel in one area – camera quality. The car is equipped with an excellent bird’s-eye view feature, providing the driver with a clear and comprehensive view when parking. This feature greatly enhances maneuverability and makes parking a breeze. Overall, once the unnecessary safety settings are turned off, the BYD Seal proves to be relatively easy to live with.
Impressions of the BYD Seal
In conclusion, my initial impression of the new BYD Seal, especially in its top of the line performance trim, is mixed. While it offers a range of safety features necessary for achieving high safety ratings, the execution of these features leaves much to be desired. The overly sensitive lane support system and flawed speed sign recognition can create a sense of unpredictability and annoyance for the driver. Nevertheless, the superb camera quality and ease of use after disabling some safety settings are redeeming qualities of this electric vehicle.
Testing the Model 3’s Arch Rival! (BYD Seal Performance 2024 Review)
Performance: A Devilishly Fast Beast
The performance of the BYD Seal is undeniably impressive. It is difficult to find fault with its speed, as it effortlessly surges forward. However, it seems that the focus of this electric vehicle is not on being a sports sedan. The Eco tires it comes equipped with suggest that it is more geared towards offering an eco-friendly experience rather than a high-performance one.
Potential Sweet Spot: Extended Range Rear-Wheel Drive Version
Although the performance of the Seal is remarkable, the rear-wheel-drive version with extended range seems to be the ideal choice. While I haven’t had the opportunity to test drive it yet, on paper, it appears to strike the perfect balance between power and efficiency. The combination of extended range and rear-wheel drive is likely to offer an exceptional driving experience.
Comparison to Tesla Model 3 Highland
The new facelift Tesla Model 3 Highland seems to provide a more well-rounded driving experience. It may not match the sheer speed of the Seal, but its ride is more settled, making it an excellent choice for those seeking comfort on their journeys. Moreover, the handling of the Model 3 Highland is similar to that of the BYD Seal, with one notable difference – the steering. The Tesla’s steering stands out as particularly sweet, adding an element of joy to the driver’s experience.
Price Comparison
When considering the cost of purchasing either the Seal or the Model 3, it is worth noting that the Tesla is slightly more expensive. However, when factoring in servicing costs, the overall expenses for both vehicles become quite similar.
Final Thought: Which One Would You Choose?
It is now time to hear your opinion. Given the choice between the BYD Seal and the Tesla Model 3, which one would you go for? Each offers its own set of advantages, from the Seal’s devilish speed to the Model 3’s well-rounded driving dynamics. Share your thoughts, as I am very keen to know.
Conclusion
Through our testing and review, it is evident that the BYD Seal Performance 2024 offers a unique and enjoyable driving experience. Its exterior design gives the impression of a sporty sedan, but it prioritizes comfort and sophistication. Whether you’re looking for a smooth toura or expecting a sports sedan, the Seal offers a well-rounded package with its impressive performance, advanced EV technology, and elegant design. Overall, it’s a strong contender in the ever-growing market of electric vehicles.
In conclusion, while the BYD Seal Performance 2024 offers impressive power and performance, there may be other vehicles in the market, such as the Skoda Octavia RS, that offer a better balance of power and control. However, the rear-wheel drive version of the BYD Seal holds promise for those seeking a more comfortable and laidback driving experience. I eagerly await the opportunity to test this theory in 2024.
In conclusion, testing the BYD Seal Performance 2024 has revealed some strengths and weaknesses. The brakes perform well, but the regenerative braking system could use some improvement. The steering feel is quite artificial and needs a total rethinking to come close to the quality of a Tesla Model 3. On the other hand, the stability control and handling offer a bit of enjoyment on country roads, although the Model 3’s suspension tuning feels more refined. The BYD Seal may not have found its sweet spot in terms of performance and handling, but it still offers a relaxing and easy driving experience.