BYD Seal, BYD's top-of-the-range electric sedan: price, performance, range, fuel consumption
Is the BYD Seal a high-performance car?
The BYD Seal is an electric car from the Chinese brand BYD (Build Your Dreams). Its performance depends on a number of factors, including the specific model version, technical characteristics, and the performance criteria under consideration.
In general, BYD is known for producing electric cars with good performance in terms of range, safety and technological features. However, to assess whether the BYD Seal is a high-performance car, it's important to consider specific criteria such as battery range, electric motor power, safety features, build quality and so on.
The BYD Seal is available in two versions. The rear-wheel drive version offers 313 hp and 360 Nm of torque, with acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h in 5.9 seconds. In contrast, the four-wheel-drive version boasts higher performance, with 530 hp, 670 Nm of torque, and acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h in 3.8 seconds. The rear-wheel drive version is responsive and well-suited to urban driving, while the four-wheel drive version offers a more intense sporting feel.
What is the real range of the BYD Seal? How long does it take to recharge?
The BYD Seal is available with two battery options. The 71.8 kWh version offers a range of 420 km, while the 82.5 kWh version offers up to 570 km. It should be noted that actual range may vary according to various factors such as driving style and environmental conditions.
The BYD Seal's energy consumption is around 16.6 kWh/100 km in the combined cycle, slightly higher than that of some of its competitors, such as the Tesla Model 3which consumes around 14.9 kWh/100 km.
All in all, the BYD Seal offers solid performance and respectable range. Although its energy consumption is slightly higher than average, this is offset by a more affordable price.
What's more, it features a 150 kW rapid recharging capacity, enabling 80% battery recovery in just 30 minutes. What's more, it's fitted with a heat pump, enhancing its autonomy in winter.
BYD Seal: how much does it cost in France?
The BYD Seal is a Chinese electric sedan positioned as a competitor to the Tesla Model 3. It is available in France from €46,990. This price is for the BYD Seal Comfort version with a 71.8 kWh battery and a range of 420 km. The BYD Seal Excellence version with 82.5 kWh battery and 570 km range starts at €53,990.
The BYD Seal is a high-performance, well-equipped car. It features a large rotary touchscreen, panoramic sunroof and advanced driving aids. It is also compatible with ultra-fast 150 kW recharging.
If you're looking for a high-performance, affordable electric sedan, the BYD Seal is an excellent option.
| Version | Battery | Autonomy | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| BYD Seal Confort | 71.8 kWh | 420 km | 46 990€ |
| BYD Seal Excellence | 82.5 kWh | 570 km | 53 990€ |
In France, the Seal U will not be eligible for the ecological bonus of of 5,000 euros because it is manufactured in China, which gives Tesla an advantage, since its electric vehicles are produced in Germany. Obviously, BYD is not discouraged by this situation. Instead, the company is planning to build a plant in Hungary to manufacture its vehicles for the European market.
BYD is about to start production at its plant in Hungary
This takes on particular significance given that this growth would occur prior to the start-up of the production line at the BYD plant in Hungary. This plant, specifically designed for the European market, will be capable of producing up to 150,000 vehicles a year initially, with the possibility of doubling this capacity in the long term to 300,000 vehicles. In addition, this local production should enable faster deliveries, which Mr. Shu believes will boost consumer confidence.
The next step for the Chinese automaker in Europe will be the June launch of the BYD Seal U, an electric SUV. Unveiled at the Geneva Motor Show at the end of February, this vehicle has the potential to rival the Model Y which remains one of the best-selling electric cars in France, despite competition from other manufacturers.
BYD aims to capture a 5% market share in electric cars by 2025
In 2021, BYD initiated vehicle sales in several European countries, starting with Norway. According to data from global data-gathering company DataForce, in 2023 only 15,644 BYD electric cars were sold on the Old Continent, representing a modest 1.1% market share in the European electric vehicle segment.
Despite this insignificant initial performance, Michael Shu, director of BYD in Europe, maintains in an interview with Automotive News that this is just the beginning for the company on the continent. He says that BYD is still in its infancy and is carefully observing how Europeans react to its products and services. This market is very different from the one in China, to which the company is accustomed, with its linguistic and legislative diversity across a population of 746 million, a feature unique in the world.
Michael Shu now expects his company's sales to increase, although he acknowledges in the interview that this will take time. Nevertheless, he expects market share to grow by 5% before 2025, stressing that this represents significant progress for BYD.
BYD SEAL vs Tesla model 3 comparison chart
| Criteria | BYD SEAL | Tesla Model 3 |
|---|---|---|
| Starting price (France) | From €46,990 | From €42,990 |
| Autonomy (WLTP) | Comfort: 420 km / Excellence: 570 km | Propulsion: 491 km / Long Range: 674 km |
| Acceleration (0 to 100 km/h) | Comfort: 5.9 s / Excellence: 3.8 s | Propulsion: 5.6 s / Performance: 3.3 s |
| Average fuel consumption (WLTP) | Comfort: 16.6 kWh/100 km / Excellence: 18.8 kWh/100 km | Rear-wheel drive: 14.9 kWh/100 km / Long Range: 14.9 kWh/100 km |
| Power | Comfort: 313 hp / Excellence: 530 hp | Rear-wheel drive: 353 hp / Performance: 513 hp |
| Highlights | More spacious, good value for money, decent fast charge | Tesla Supercharger network, longer range on Long Range version |
BYD Seal Excellence AWD test drive: should the Tesla Model 3 be worried?
Conclusion
In conclusion, BYD's strong entry into the European electric vehicle market represents a significant step forward in the automotive industry. With models such as the BYD Seal, offering solid performance, respectable range and competitive pricing, BYD aims to capture a significant market share in Europe.
Despite the challenges, including competition from established brands such as TeslaBYD is determined to succeed. Their strategy includes building a factory in Hungary for local production, which should facilitate deliveries and boost consumer confidence.
If you're interested in electric vehicles, Beev also offers attractive models with competitive features. For more information on our offers or if you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact us.
