Complete Buying Guide: BYD Seal

The Indian market is currently packed with EV options, but none quite like the BYD Seal. This Chinese EV has entered the Indian market as an affordable alternative to the expensive luxury electric cars from established European brands while retaining all of the performance and range. If you are considering a luxurious electric sedan, the BYD Seal should be high on your list. This complete buying guide for the BYD Seal will give you the complete details you need to make your decision.

BYD Seal Specifications

BYD Seal Variants

The BYD Seal is available in three variants: Dynamic, Premium and Performance. Its variants are broadly divided based on the powertrain choices. The base Dynamic variant is available in a RWD configuration and a 61.44 kWh battery pack. 

The mid level Premium variant is also offered in a RWD configuration, albeit with a larger 82.56 kWh battery pack. Of all the three variants, it offers the maximum range.

The top Performance variant features the same battery pack. It features an additional motor on the front axle, boosting overall output and giving it AWD capabilities. However, the additional motor means that the Performance variant has a 100 km lower range.

Best BYD Seal Variant to Buy

Primarily, picking between the three variants of the Seal will come down to the powertrain choice. While the base Dynamic variant features a tempting price tag, it misses out on important feel good features such as a genuine leather interior, 150 kW DC charging and a Head-Up Display. We recommend that you skip this variant.

The mid spec Premium variant is the best bet for those who want all the best features and maximum range, without shelling out an additional Rs. 8 lakh for the top variant. This is a suitable variant for most buyers as it offers the most value for one’s money.

If it’s speed you are chasing, you are better suited opting for the top spec Performance variant. The additional electric motor on the front axle bumps up the power figures into supercar territory. However, it comes at the cost of overall range. The Performance variant also features Intelligent Torque Adaption Control (ITAC), which helps in effectively putting down all the power to the ground via both the front and rear wheels.

BYD Seal Warranty and Service Costs

BYD offers a comprehensive warranty for the Seal, however, the number of years and total mileage differs for the electric powertrain and the rest of the vehicle. 

• The battery pack is covered by a 8 years / 1,60,000 km warranty.
• The electric motors and motor controller are covered for 8 years / 1,50,000 km.
• The rest of the vehicle is covered by a 6 year / 150,000 km warranty.

Certain vehicle parts such as the multimedia system and PM 2.5 air purifier are covered by a 3 years / 1,25,000 km warranty.

BYD India hasn’t yet revealed the service costs for the Seal. For reference, the Performance variant of the Seal is also sold in Malaysia, where a 3 year service package is priced at RM 2,888 or Rs. 57,000 (approx.).

An EV like the Seal undergoes fewer service jobs than ICE vehicles. Common service jobs for EVs include brake pad inspection and replacement, brake fluid replacement, powertrain inspection, and topping up of fluids like the windshield washer. BYD also conducts a transmission oil and filter replacement at certain intervals.

Why should you consider the BYD Seal

The BYD Seal is a great EV for many reasons. It marries the efficiency and performance of an electric vehicle with the elegance and luxury of a sedan. The Seal, then, promises to offer a great ownership experience for the following reasons:

Performance

The BYD Seal is quick on its feet. The Dynamic variant of the Seal can sprint from 0 – 100 kmph in 7.5 seconds. The Premium variant cuts that time down to 5.9 seconds. Finally, the Performance variant, with one motor on each axle, achieves it in 3.8 seconds! With a 530 PS/670 Nm output, the Performance variant of the BYD Seal offers an adrenaline pumping driving experience. Furthermore, the Performance variant has an NEDC certified range of 580 km, making it great for highway trips.

Features

For its price tag, the BYD Seal is handsomely equipped. The highlight feature is the silver-plated panoramic glass roof that covers the entire roof area. It floods the cabin with natural light, making it feel airy. Sitting on the dashboard, you will find the 15.6 inch HD display with a slick user interface and great touch response. What’s more, this display has the ability to rotate, and can be oriented vertically or horizontally depending on driver preference. Other premium features on the BYD Seal include flush door handles, electrically adjustable front seats, height adjustable cup holder for the driver, 12 speaker audio system and all around LED lighting.

Safety

The Seal has been crash tested by Euro NCAP and ANCAP, both of which afforded it a 5 star safety rating. Both these NCAP organisations follow more stringent guidelines for crash testing compared to Global NCAP. BYD has also equipped the Seal with 9 airbags, 360 degree camera, front and rear parking sensors, ISOFIX anchorage points, ESP and traction control. Additionally, the BYD Seal also features a level 2 ADAS suite with a wide range of features that give it certain autonomous abilities.

Design

Design is subjective, but there is no denying the fact that the BYD Seal is a handsome car. The front end features a smooth chiselled finish and it has the ability to turn heads on the road. The slim LED headlights and the additional lighting elements on the front bumper give it a highly sophisticated demeanour. The roofline tapers towards the rear, giving it a coupe-esque look, when the BYD Seal is actually a sedan. The rear end features connected elliptical tail lights with all around LED lighting. The BYD Seal looks unlike any other car on the road, barring maybe the Porsche Taycan, but you won’t see many of those on the road either, especially at this price point.

Price

The performance, safety, features and design of the BYD Seal point towards it being a highly priced electric sedan. However, a price range of Rs. 41 lakh to Rs. 53 lakh is more indicative of an entry level luxury car. Add to it the fact that the BYD Seal is a CBU import into the country which only adds to the cost, and the BYD Seal’s price tag becomes all the more digestible.

Why should you not consider the BYD Seal

While the BYD Seal has many strengths, some aspects may not suit all buyers.

Rear Seat Space

The rear seat of the BYD Seal is highly comfortable and the long seat base also offers great comfort over longer journeys. However, the tapering roofline means that taller passengers (about 6 ft. tall) will face headroom issues. Also, the space underneath the front seats is limited and those with large feet will struggle to position themselves comfortably. Ultimately, while the rear seat experience is rather luxurious and well cushioned, space constraints mean that the experience is not on par with luxury sedans.

Low Ground Clearance

The 145 mm ground clearance is another trait of the Seal that can be problematic for some owners. Its battery pack is positioned in the base of the car, which limits the overall available ground clearance. While the Seal manages to tackle the usual speed breakers without grazing its bottom, its low ground clearance will always remain a worry, especially if you frequent areas with poorly constructed roads.

Summary

Overall, the BYD Seal is an exceptional electric sedan. The performance on offer will worry many supercar owners, the features and safety tech on offer are cutting edge and the price tag will have you believing that it’s made in India when it’s actually sold here via the CBU route. The BYD Seal will appeal to adventurous drivers, while their families will appreciate its unique offerings.

FAQs about BYD Seal