The BYD Seal (Chinese: 比亚迪海豹; pinyin: Bǐyǎdí Hǎibào) is a battery electric mid-size fastback sedan produced by BYD Auto. It is the second passenger car of BYD's "Ocean Series",[4] after the smaller hatchback BYD Dolphin.[5] The Seal is built on the e-Platform 3.0 and BYD's new 800-volt electrical platform.[4]

BYD Seal
Overview
ManufacturerBYD Auto
ProductionAugust 2022 – present
AssemblyChina: Changzhou, Jiangsu; Xi'an, Shaanxi[1]
DesignerUnder the lead of Wolfgang Egger
Body and chassis
ClassMid-size car (D)
Body style4-door sedan
Layout
Platforme-Platform 3.0
Related
Powertrain
Electric motorAC Permanent magnet synchronous
Power output150–390 kW (204–530 PS; 201–523 hp)
Battery
Electric range460–570 km (286–354 mi) (WLTP)
Plug-in charging
  • 7 kW single-phase (AC)
  • 11 kW three-phase (AC) (Europe)[3]
  • 110–150 kW (DC)
Dimensions
Wheelbase2,920 mm (115.0 in)
Length4,800 mm (189.0 in)
Width1,875 mm (73.8 in)
Height1,460 mm (57.5 in)
Curb weight1,885–2,150 kg (4,156–4,740 lb)

Three unrelated vehicles produced by BYD also uses the Seal nameplate. The Seal DM-i is a larger sedan with plug-in hybrid powertrain, while the Seal 06 DM-i is a similarly sized sedan with plug-in hybrid powertrain. The Seal U is a renamed BYD Song Plus for export markets.

Overview edit

The BYD Seal was announced in China in May 2022, with deliveries in August 2022. Its design was previewed as the BYD Ocean-X Concept in September 2021.[6] As part of the "Ocean Series" line of products, the Seal adopts many ocean-inspired design features. The exterior design features low hood, pop-out door handles, and long taillamp unit. The dashboard air vents of the Seal have a wavy pattern.[7]

The battery of the Seal is structural, giving the unibody chassis higher torsional rigidity (40,500 Nm/deg compared with an industry average of around 25,000) and a lower floor compared to other electric cars.[8] The Seal has a drag coefficient of just 0.219 Cd. BYD claims a 50:50 weight distribution between the front and the rear for the Performance AWD variant.[9]

The Seal is available with a rotatable 15.6-inch infotainment screen, 10.25-inch digital instrument panel, 12-speaker Dynaudio audio system, panoramic sunroof, quilted vegan leather upholstery, dual wireless smartphone chargers and heated and ventilated front seats. The Seal also has a 53-litre front trunk (frunk).[10][11] Some models are equipped with Intelligent Torque Adaption Control (iTAC) system (a torque vectoring system) and adaptive dampers.[10]

Powertrain edit

The Seal is equipped with either a 61.4 kWh or an 82.5 kWh LFP blade battery pack, which can be charged by a 220 V AC power source at 7 kW (11 kW in Europe),[3] or a DC fast charger at 110 or 150 kW (depending on the model). BYD claimed a domestic driving range between 550 and 700 kilometres (340 and 430 mi).[12] The battery pack reportedly can be fast charged from 30%-80% in 30 minutes, and the car has vehicle-to-load capability.[5]

The Seal's top speed is limited to 180 kilometres per hour (110 mph),[13] and the 0–100 km/h acceleration is claimed to be around 7.5 seconds for the standard models and 3.8 seconds for its 4WD Performance model.[5] BYD claims the Seal AWD energy consumption is 12.7 kWh/100km.[7]

Type Battery Layout Electric motor Power Torque 0–100 km/h (0–62 mph) (claimed) Range (claimed) Calendar years Note
CLTC NEDC WLTP
Standard Range 61.44 kWh LFP Blade battery RWD Rear PMSM 150 kW (201 hp) 310 N⋅m (31.6 kg⋅m; 229 lb⋅ft) 7.5 seconds 550 km (342 mi) 510 km (317 mi) 460 km (286 mi) 2022–present
700 km Prestige 82.56 kWh LFP Blade battery RWD Rear PMSM 170 kW (228 hp) 330 N⋅m (33.7 kg⋅m; 243 lb⋅ft) N/A 700 km (435 mi) N/A N/A 2023–present China only[14]
Extended Range 82.56 kWh LFP Blade battery RWD Rear PMSM 230 kW (308 hp) 360 N⋅m (36.7 kg⋅m; 266 lb⋅ft) 5.9 seconds 700 km (435 mi) 650 km (404 mi) 570 km (354 mi) 2022–present
Performance 82.56 kWh LFP Blade battery AWD Front Squirrel cage induction asynchronous motor 160 kW (215 hp) 310 N⋅m (31.6 kg⋅m; 229 lb⋅ft) 3.8 seconds 650 km (404 mi) 580 km (360 mi) 520 km (323 mi) 2022–present
Rear PMSM 230 kW (308 hp) 360 N⋅m (36.7 kg⋅m; 266 lb⋅ft)
Combined: 390 kW (523 hp) 670 N⋅m (68.3 kg⋅m; 494 lb⋅ft)
References: [15][16][17]

Markets edit

China edit

The Seal went on sale in China in July 2022, with deliveries in the following month.[18] There were four models of powertrains offered in China, starting with a standard "Elite" model (精英型) powered by a 150 kW (204 PS; 201 hp) single-motor rear wheel drive (RWD), "Prestige" model (尊贵型) produces 170 kW (231 PS; 228 hp) with single-motor RWD, "Performance" model (性能型) powered by a 230 kW (313 PS; 308 hp) single-motor RWD, and the "4WD Performance" model (四驱性能型) with the 390 kW (530 PS; 523 hp) dual-motor (160 kW (218 PS; 215 hp) + 230 kW (313 PS; 308 hp)) all wheel drive.

In May 2023, BYD introduced the Seal Champion Edition in China. The version introduces lower pricing,[19] with adjusted and upgraded equipment list such as leather seats, rear privacy glass, an adjustable cup holder in the armrest box. It also received an additional "700 km Prestige" grade level with 700 kilometres (430 mi) of range.[20]

Europe edit

The Seal became available in several European countries in September 2023, occupying the D-segment.[21]

Southeast Asia edit

The Seal went on sale in Thailand and Singapore in September 2023. In both countries, available grades are Dynamic RWD, Premium RWD and Performance AWD. The former is equipped with a 61.4 kWh LFP Blade battery which powers a single 150 kW (204 PS; 201 hp) rear motor. The Premium RWD uses a larger 82.5 kWh LFP battery, powering a single 230 kW (313 PS; 308 hp) rear motor. The Performance AWD (badged '3.8s' denoting the 0–100 km/h (0–62 mph) acceleration time of 3.8 seconds) uses a dual-motor setup with a maximum output of 390 kW (530 PS; 523 hp), with the same 82.5 kWh LFP battery.[22][23]

The Seal was introduced in Indonesia in January 2024 alongside the Atto 3 and Dolphin, as part of BYD's entry to the Indonesian passenger car market.[24] Sales price were announced at the 31st Indonesia International Motor Show in February 2024.[25]

The Seal was introduced in Malaysia in February 2024, it is available in 2 grades, which are Premium RWD and Performance AWD.[26]

Australia edit

The Seal went on sale in Australia in October 2023. Available grades matches Thai and Singaporean market Seal, which are Dynamic RWD, Premium RWD and Performance AWD.[27]

Brazil edit

The Seal went on sale in Brazil in August 2023. The only variant available is the dual-motor AWD version with an output of 390 kW (530 PS; 523 hp).[28]

Sales edit

Year Sales Total production
China Australia Thailand Brazil
2022 51,200[29] 51,200[30]
2023 62,079[31] 471[32] 1,810[33] 1,040[34] 84,277[35]

References edit

  1. ^ "All about BYD". MarkLines Automotive Industry Portal. Retrieved 26 December 2023.
  2. ^ Opletal, Jiri (15 December 2023). "BYD Song L launched in China to compete with Model Y, starts at 26,700 USD". CarNewsChina.com. Retrieved 15 December 2023.
  3. ^ a b "BYD Seal's European versions detailed". ArenaEV.com. Retrieved 21 December 2023.
  4. ^ a b "BYD planning Model-3-like 800-volt sedan called Seal". electrive.com. 20 February 2022. Retrieved 29 March 2022.
  5. ^ a b c Schmidt, Bridie (15 March 2022). "BYD Seal electric sportscar to rival Tesla Model 3 confirmed for Australia". The Driven. Retrieved 17 April 2022.
  6. ^ "BYD LAUNCHES E-PLATFORM 3.0 WITH THE NEW CONCEPT CAR OCEAN-X". byd.com. 8 September 2021. Retrieved 30 March 2022.
  7. ^ a b Bobylev, Denis (20 May 2022). "BYD Seal With 517 HP And 650 KM Range For 43,000 USD Launched In China". CarNewsChina.com. Retrieved 10 January 2024.
  8. ^ "BYD Seal review – plus video twin test vs Tesla Model 3". CAR Magazine. Retrieved 19 December 2023.
  9. ^ Crawford, Anthony (19 December 2023). "2024 BYD Seal review". CarExpert. Retrieved 20 December 2023.
  10. ^ a b Ingram, Richard (16 November 2023). "New BYD Seal 2023 review: a high quality EV that's great to drive". Auto Express. Retrieved 19 December 2023.
  11. ^ "BYD Seal to go on sale in UK: New electric saloon with 354-mile range". CAR Magazine. Retrieved 19 December 2023.
  12. ^ "When the BYD Atto 3 Standard Range, Seal, Dolphin will hit Australia". carexpert.com.au. 7 September 2022. Retrieved 30 March 2022.
  13. ^ "BYD Seal, Geometry E, and more announced NEVs from China – March 2022 (Part 1)". CarNewsChina.com. 14 March 2022. Retrieved 29 March 2022.
  14. ^ Zhang, Phate (10 May 2023). "BYD launches revamped Seal with lower prices". CnEVPost. Retrieved 22 December 2023.
  15. ^ "BYD Seal 2023" (PDF). BYD Australia. Retrieved 24 December 2023.
  16. ^ "BYD Seal" (PDF). BYD Europe. Retrieved 24 December 2023.
  17. ^ "BYD Seal". BYD | Rever Automotive. Retrieved 24 December 2023.
  18. ^ "China: BYD Seal Enters The Market With Over 60,000 Pre-Orders". InsideEVs. Retrieved 19 December 2023.
  19. ^ McDee, Max (10 May 2023). "Refreshed BYD Seal goes on sale with lower prices". ArenaEV.com. Retrieved 19 December 2023.
  20. ^ Pandaily (10 May 2023). "BYD Seal Champion Edition Releases with A New 700km Luxury Version". Pandaily. Retrieved 12 November 2023.
  21. ^ Bobylev, Denis (4 September 2023). "BYD Seal to start deliveries in Europe in November for 44,900 EUR. The Seal U and Denza D9 will follow". CarNewsChina.com. Retrieved 15 December 2023.
  22. ^ Chan, Mick (2 October 2023). "2023 BYD Seal EV launched in Thailand (from RM170k) and Singapore (from RM834k) - Malaysia soon?". Paul Tan's Automotive News. Retrieved 15 December 2023.
  23. ^ "BYD Seal electric sedan launched in Thailand: Costs as much as MG ZS EV". The Times of India. 2 October 2023. ISSN 0971-8257. Retrieved 15 December 2023.
  24. ^ "China's BYD introduces 3 EV models in Indonesia". Xinhua. 18 January 2024. Retrieved 15 March 2024.
  25. ^ Widya, Arianti (15 February 2024). "BYD Reveals Prices of Three Electric Vehicles at IIMS Exhibition". viva.co.id. Retrieved 15 March 2024.
  26. ^ Lim, Anthony (22 February 2024). "BYD Seal EV launched in Malaysia – two variants, up to 523 hp/670 Nm, 570 km range; from RM179,800 - paultan.org". Paul Tan's Automotive News. Retrieved 30 March 2024.
  27. ^ Misoyannis, Alex (17 October 2023). "2024 BYD Seal price and specs: Tesla Model 3 rival starts from about $51,000 drive-away". Drive. Retrieved 19 December 2023.
  28. ^ Bobylev, Denis (31 August 2023). "BYD Seal EV launched in Brazil for 60,685 USD as BYD accelerates its overseas expansion". CarNewsChina.com. Retrieved 15 December 2023.
  29. ^ Kang, Lei (3 January 2023). "BYD Dec sales breakdown: Song 70,079 units, Han 29,468 units". CnEVPost. Retrieved 12 November 2023.
  30. ^ "【易车销量榜】全国2022年比亚迪纯电动批发量销量榜-易车榜-易车". car.yiche.com. Retrieved 25 February 2024.
  31. ^ "【易车销量榜】全国2023年比亚迪纯电动零售量销量榜-易车榜-易车". car.yiche.com. Retrieved 20 January 2024.
  32. ^ Waterworth, David (15 January 2024). "Australian EV Sales Steady in December — 2024 Looks Bright". CleanTechnica. Retrieved 20 January 2024.
  33. ^ A, Moo Teerapat (8 January 2024). "ยอดจดทะเบียนรถไฟฟ้า100% ในไทย ปี 2023 รวม 76,314 คัน (+684.4%) จากปีที่แล้ว | BYD Atto 3 อันดับ 1". Autolifethailand.tv. Retrieved 20 January 2024.
  34. ^ "BYD Dolphin foi o carro elétrico mais vendido do Brasil em 2023; veja ranking". InsideEVs Brasil (in Portuguese). Retrieved 8 January 2024.
  35. ^ "【易车销量榜】全国2023年比亚迪纯电动批发量销量榜-易车榜-易车". car.yiche.com. Retrieved 25 February 2024.

External links edit