2023 BYD Seal: What to expect from the upcoming Chinese EV

It was only recently that we discussed the Malaysian EV market in detail, covering all the recent additions to the segment. Now joining the troop is a Chinese electric car, going by the name SEAL.

Coming from BYD which in Malaysia is managed by Sime Darby Motors, auto enthusiasts have high expectations from the EV. Why? Well, there are several supporting reasons, for instance, the company's goodwill, performance of BYD products, and quick service response.

With BYD Seal joining the Malaysia EV troop, the buyers will have a new, exciting option to look at. Though the new BYD EV is a few days away from its local launch, the company has opened its ordering books.

In case you are looking to buy a new electric car, the BYD Seal is a new option to look at. However, before making a booking here are a few key details to look at -

Electric excellence

The upcoming BYD EV, the Seal, holds the tagline ‘Innovation Meets Acceleration’ as the car offers a delightful and smooth driving experience. The driver feels in control thus enjoying every aspect of the drive.

Powertrain configurations

The base Dynamic variant features a single e-motor on the rear axle that pumps out a maximum power output of 203 hp along with a peak torque of 310 Nm. A 61.4 kWh battery pack supplies power.

The mid-spec Premium trim, on the other hand, gets a single motor that drives the rear wheels and makes a total output of 313 hp and 360 Nm. All this is made possible thanks to an 82.5 kWh battery pack.

The range-topping Performance trim, unlike the other two, gets a dual-motor AWD setup making a maximum power of 530 hp along with a peak torque of 670 Nm.

Performance figures

The electric setup under the hood is capable of a maximum power of 390 kW. The setup allows the Seal to complete a century sprint in just 3.8 seconds and attain a top speed of 610 km.

Range

Specs/Variants	Dynamic	Premium	Performance
Electric driving range	460 km	570 km	520 km

Charging

All the BYD Seal variants feature the same 7 kW single-phase onboard AC charger. It takes 8.6 hours and 15.2 hours to fully charge the battery on the Dynamic and the other two trims respectively.

As for the DC charging, the Dynamic variant showcases a capacity of 150 kW and the other two of 150 kW.

World’s safest batteries

Making the upcoming Seal EV extra special is its battery setup which is developed in-house. Yes, the car features BYD-made CB technology which incorporates the Blade Battery into the body which not only is an energy source but also an integral structural component. The setup offers a robust ‘sandwich’ construction which is responsible for achieving torsional rigidity of 40,500 Nm. Thus making it compatible with modern-day luxury cars.

Modern-day sporty appeal

The BYD Seal features a four-door coupe-like body style which is an amalgamation of practical features and advanced technology. Helping the car transcend from the ordinary is its sleek design and innovative advancements. Focusing on the car’s dynamic sporty character is the car’s X-shaped front fascia.

Excellent driving experience

The BYD Seal offers a practical and exhilarating driving experience to the passengers, all thanks to the EV's style and substance.

Marine aesthetics

As mentioned above, the Seal is a distinct blend of flair and sportiness. It is an iF Design Award-winning car that promises an out-of-the-ordinary experience. All thanks to its exceptional design design language and pioneering ingenuity.

Impressive lighting units

The X-shaped front fascias present remarkable avant-garde design headlights featuring a twin U-shaped light cluster layout. The setup is smartly positioned to offer a stunning stereo effect.

Variants

Once launched, the BYD Seal will be offered in three trim levels namely, Dynamic, Premium, and Performance.

Specs

Specs/Variants	Dynamic	Premium	Performance
Battery capacity	61.44 kWh	82.56 kWh	82.56 kWh
Drivetrain	Rear-wheel drive	Rear-wheel drive	All-wheel drive
Range	510 km	650 km	580 km
Acceleration	7.5 sec	5.9 sec	3.8 sec

Color options

BYD Malaysia will offer the Seal EV in two color options - Aurora White and Cosmos Black.

Competition

Once launched the new BYD will go against the likes of the Tesla Model 3 and the upcoming Lighting Cat/Ora 07.

Price & booking

The BYD Seal holds a booking fee of RM 1,000 and though we still don’t have the exact price tag, the car is expected to sell for somewhere close to RM 190,000.

Bottom line

The Seal without a doubt is an eye-pleasing car with some pretty impressive driving performance. Surely, a solid contender to make it to the list of potential EVs a potential customer must check out.