BYD Seal, the new rival of Tesla in China

The race to create increasingly capable electric vehicles with more features is driving manufacturers to launch new models. China is a very dynamic market and one of the arenas where this technology race is being played out. The latest model presented is the BYD Seal, a vehicle that was previewed last year and is now a reality.

The model is based on the e-platform 3.0, which underpins several electric models. The naming stays consistent with the rest of the company’s electric models, which are named after marine fauna, such as the Dolphin, or after warships in the case of the plug-in hybrid models, such as the Destroyer.

A model derived from the concept

The differences between the concept model and the production car are there, but this one maintains a current and modern look. It keeps the LED lights. It has rounded lines, which helps bring its image closer to what buyers expect from an electric car. Its dimensions are 4,800 mm long, 1,875 mm wide and 1,460 mm high. The wheelbase is 2,920 mm, offering good interior space and allowing comfortable travel.

It is slightly larger than the Tesla Model 3 and in line with other similar models. As for the powertrain, it uses an electric motor producing 150 kW in the entry-level version and 230 kW, equivalent to 200 and 308 CV, although the top-of-the-range version offers all-wheel drive. This one has a 160 kW motor on the front axle and another 230 kW motor on the rear axle.

With these figures, the 0 to 100 km/h acceleration stands at 3.8 seconds. As for the battery, it is a 800 V Blade battery offering a range of up to 700 kilometres. Not bad, considering the car weighs between 1,885 and 2,150 kg.

One of the things that has surprised people is that the BYD Seal will not be limited to the Chinese market, but will arrive in Australia under the name Atto 4. It is therefore not ruled out that it will reach other markets over time, possibly Europe as well.