BYD Seal is the Chinese EV giant’s latest super sedan, which is being built on the BYD e-platform 3.0. It has a new battery pack design called CTB (Cell-to-Body) that enables BYD to implement its Blade battery cells directly into the vehicle’s chassis. The new battery-chassis design approach will allow BYD to build more efficient, less heavy electric vehicles. BYD will definetly sell its new electric sedan abroad starting with Australia and Japan.

The introduction of the BYD Seal should give us the answer to whether China is ready to compete with Tesla. High volume sales – comparable to the Tesla Model 3 – would be an indication that BYD did its homework well. Chinese customers will be judges in this race as China is expected to be the major market for the Seal.

The BYD Seal will be available also outside of China, potentially under a different name: Atto 4. The market launch of the Seal has been already confirmed in Japan.

We must remember that the BYD Seal brings also some very important upgrades to the BYD e-platform 3.0 platform, as it is the first model from BYD with CTB (cell-to-body) structural battery system. The battery cells are, of course, BYD’s in-house Blade Battery (long form factor, LFP chemistry).

BYD (Build Your Dreams)

BYD (“Build Your Dreams”) is the automotive subsidiary of the publicly-listed Chinese multinational manufacturer BYD Company headquartered in Xi’an, Shaanxi Province China. It was founded in January 2003, following BYD Company’s acquisition of Qinchuan Automobile Company in 2002.

The company produces passenger cars, buses, trucks, electric bicycles, forklifts and rechargeable batteries. The current model range of automobiles includes battery electric vehicles (BEVs) and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs), and the company also produced petrol engine vehicles up until March 2022.

BYD Auto is the largest EV manufacturer in the world, with sales of 641,000 EV’s in the first half of 2022. It is also the fourth largest plug-in electric vehicle (BEV and PHEV) company and fourth largest BEV company in the world, with 9.1% and 7% global market share respectively in 2021.

The company has mainly based its sales in Mainland China, but is undertaking rapid expansion into the global market, with sales hitting over 100,000 per month in March 2022, and is expecting to sell between 1.5 million to 2 million plug-in EVs in 2022, around 3 to 4 times the volume in 2021. In June 2022, BYD Auto announced that it had sold about 641,000 EVs in the first half of 2022, overtaking Tesla to become the largest EV manufacturer in the world.

The company also has an electric battery division, FinDreams Battery, which is the world’s fourth largest producer of electric vehicle batteries with a global market share of 8.8%, focusing mainly on the thermally safer lithium iron phosphate batteries. In March 2020, BYD introduced the new “blade battery”, which is going to be installed on its future electric vehicles.

BYD Seal Specifications 2022

Specifications	Base Variant	Mid-range Variant	Top-end Variant
Motors	1	1	2
Power	150 kW (201 hp)	230 kW (308 hp)	390 kW (523 hp)
Torque	310 Nm	360 Nm	360 Nm
Drivetrain	RWD	RWD	RWD
0-100 km/h	7.5 seconds	5.9 seconds	3.8 seconds
Top Speed	180 km/h	180 km/h	180 km/h
Battery	61.4 kWh	82.5 kWh	82.5 kWh
Range	342 miles	435 miles	404 miles
AC Charging Power	7 kW	7 kW	7 kW
DC Charging Power	110 kW	150 kW	150 kW
Charging Time (0-80%)	30 minutes	30 minutes	30 minutes
Length	4,800 mm	4,800 mm	4,800 mm
Width	1,875 mm	1,875 mm	1,875 mm
Height	1,460 mm	1,460 mm	1,460 mm
Wheelbase	2,920 mm	2,920 mm	2,920 mm
Tires	225/50 R18	235/45 R19	235/45 R19
Front Track	1,620 mm	1,620 mm	1,620 mm
Rear Track	1,625 mm	1,625 mm	1,625 mm
Front Overhang	885 mm	885 mm	885 mm
Rear Overhang	995 mm	995 mm	995 mm
Approach Angle	13°	13°	13°
Departure Angle	14°	14°	14°
Curb Weight	1,885 kg	2,015 kg	2,150 kg
Gross Weight	2,260 kg	2,390 kg	2,525 kg

Motor & Range

The 61.4 kWh battery pack is available in two 150 kW (201 hp) single-motor RWD configurations that deliver a range of 550 km (342 miles). A 0-100 km/h (0-100 km/h) sprint takes 7.5 seconds in the base variant. 110 kW is the maximum DC charging power, and in the peak rate, charging from 30 to 80% SoC takes 30 minutes.

The 82.5 kWh battery pack delivers a CLTC range of 700 km (435 miles) in a 230 kW (308 hp) single-motor RWD configuration and 650 km (404 miles) in a 390 kW (523 hp) dual-motor AWD configuration. The mid-range variant can accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h (0 to 62 mph) in 5.9 seconds, while the top-end variant can accomplish the same in just 3.8 seconds. These configurations allow DC fast-charging at up to 150 kW, but a 30-80% top-up takes the same time – 30 minutes.

Battery & Charging

The Seal is BYD’s first model to feature CTB (cell-to-body) battery technology. Integrating the battery into the body allows applying the sandwich structure, previously used for the battery pack, in the vehicle itself. The top cover of the battery pack is integrated into the floor of the vehicle’s body. CTB has led to a 100% increase in torsional stiffness (compared to conventional designs) – 40,000+ Nm/°.

The CTB layout has allowed raising the height of the chassis, which means the car is less prone to being damaged by bumps. Plus, the volume utilization is also better – 66%. Lastly, in case of a side collision, the higher stiffness should protect the car more.

Two battery pack capacity options are available to BYD Seal customers in China: 61.4 kWh and 82.5 kWh. The charging power (DC), depending on the configuration, is either 110 kW or 150 kW. The 30-80% charging time may not take more than 30 minutes.

Platform

Underpinning the Seal is the bespoke BYD e-Platform 3.0, which supports RWD and AWD electric drivetrain layouts. The platform would support short charging times, greater battery isolation from varying weather conditions, and long-range.

The company also has an electric battery division, FinDreams Battery, which is the world’s fourth largest producer of electric vehicle batteries with a global market share of 8.8%, focusing mainly on the thermally safer lithium iron phosphate batteries. In March 2020, BYD introduced the new “blade battery”,[9] which is going to be installed on its future electric vehicles.

The new BYD EV has a double-wishbone suspension at the front and a five-link independent suspension at the rear. Though smaller than the Han EV, it has the same wheelbase, thanks to the dedicated EV platform. Customers will get a comparable room in a smaller footprint, and the smaller dimensions would help in maneuverability and parking.

iTAC

The Seal is BYD’s first car to feature its new iTAC technology. Short for “intelligence Torque Adaption Control,” the system aims to offer more traction than a conventional stability control system that uses wheel sensors to monitor speed changes and brakes to intervene when needed.

A wheel-speed sensor divides each turn of the wheel end into 32 or 48 acquisition bits. In iTAC, the wheel end of each turn can be divided into 4,096 bits, which means the speed and accuracy of the information collected are significantly higher. iTAC can adjust the torque delivery of the motor(s) in real-time as required. It can transfer part of or all the torque to the wheel with more grip and avoid triggering the ESP. When BYD tested on snow, it observed that vehicles with iTAC can accelerate from 0-60 km/h (0-97 mph) 0.7 seconds faster. Plus, when drifting, these vehicles don’t require excessive direction correction.

BYD Seal customers

The BYD Seal is for customers who are on the market for a high-tech mid-size electric sedan like the Tesla Model 3 but with more affordable pricing. It’s also an attractive option against the electric SUVs like the Tang and the Yuan Plus (Atto 3) for customers who seek the comfort and driving dynamics of a sedan. The pricing is also such that it seems a cheaper alternative to the brand’s own mid-size electric SUV.

BYD Seal Design

The Seal may look familiar if you’ve seen the Han EV, but it wears a distinctive exterior design inspired by the BYD Ocean X concept. The most attractive design feature in daylight is the car’s athletic proportions, particularly the tight rear end.

Front

At the front, the Seal features a low hood, slim headlamps with a Renault-style C-shaped extension below it, a smooth bumper, slanted vertical side air inlets in an artistic design, and an A-shaped compact lower air intake.

Side

The Seal flaunts a four-door-coupe look with a sleek roofline and a bow-shaped greenhouse. Arrow-shaped applique on the front quarter panels, flush door handles, smooth sculpting on the doors, water drop-like motif on the C-pillars (view on YouTube), and shark gill-like inserts in the rocker panels are the other noteworthy aspects of the sides.

Rear

At the rear, the new electric sedan has a full-width taillamp reminiscent of the Mercedes EQE, vertical side air outlets, a diffuser-style bumper, and separate reverse lights positioned alongside fog lights on the bumper.

Overall, the only downside is that the silhouette isn’t unique compared to rivals like the Tesla Model 3 and Nio ET5. The aerodynamic exterior should have a positive impact on energy consumption and cabin comfort, though. It will likely lead to a longer range, and fewer charging cycles would also mean prolonged battery life.

BYD Ocean series vs Dynasty series

BYD’s Ocean series features a more fluidic and aerodynamic design than its Dynasty series, which includes the Han EV. The new design language aligns with global design trends, to make them more competitive in the export markets as well. We observe added aggression, sportiness, sophistication, and a sense of premium character that is different from the Dynasty models. The Seal should also be the most aerodynamic and efficient model in the Ocean line-up.

Interior

Seating and comfort

The BYD Seal offers premium seating for five occupants with sporty seats featuring ample side bolstering in the front and a luxurious bench in the back. Light blue dominates the interior, in line with the ocean theme of the model family, and the white seats feature light blue piping for a contrasting look. The door handles are shaped like a shell, and the Alcantara usage adds to the cabin’s premium appeal. Customers can load the luggage into the boot, which has a flat floor, comfortably, thanks to a low loading lip and a wide aperture.

Features

The electric sedan features a minimalist interior with ocean-themed blue colors on various elements. It has a sleek dashboard with wide and curvy (outer-end) AC vents, a large digital instrument cluster, a wavy, bridge-type center console that houses a stubby drive selector, parking brake, two scrollers, a park assist button, and other drive controls, and a panoramic glass roof. BYD-branded door sills, Qi wireless charging pad, and Dynadash audio system are other equipment highlights of the interior.

Infotainment

The Seal features a 15.6-inch tablet-style touchscreen infotainment system that tilts. The driver can change the orientation from landscape to portrait as per their preference. The 5G-enabled system will likely include BYD’s DiLink intelligent connected system that allows customers to install smartphone-like applications in the infotainment system. BYD is yet to release the complete feature list on its Chinese consumer website, which is when we will know more about this infotainment system.

BYD Seal Price, Release Date & Competitors

The BYD launched the Seal in China on July 29, 2022, with prices starting at CNY 209,800 (USD 31,059) and going up to CNY 286,800 (USD 42,458).

The BYD Seal competes with the Xpeng P5, the prices of which range between CNY 177,900 and 209,900 (USD 26,336 – 31,074). It rivals the Tesla Model 3 as well, which is available in a single-motor RWD variant for a price of CNY 279,900 (USD 41,437) and a dual-motor AWD variant for a price of CNY 367,900 (USD 54,464).

Configuration	Range	Price
Standard Range RWD Elite	550 km (342 miles)	CNY 209,800 (USD 31,059)
Standard Range RWD Premium	550 km (342 miles)	CNY 225,800 (USD 33,428)
Long Range RWD	700 km (435 miles)	CNY 262,800 (USD 38,905)
Performance AWD	650 km (404 miles)	CNY 286,800 (USD 42,458)

There would be competition from BYD’s Japanese partners as well. Toyota is developing a Corolla-like sedan (Toyota bZ4/bZ5) powered by the BYD Blade battery, and that model will be the Seal’s future rival.

BYD Seal Production

BYD makes the Seal in Changzhou (Jiangsu Province), China. The company could manufacture 15,000 units of the new electric sedan every month (180,000 units yearly). The Chinese publication has shared a picture of a Seal (demo unit) at a dealership, indicating customer deliveries could begin soon.

BYD has received more than 110,000 orders for the Seal since it started pre-sales in May 2022, pcauto.com.cn reported on July 29, 2022. In the event that this level of demand continues, BYD may have to expand Seal production considerably. At full tilt, the plant can produce 400,000 vehicles per year, so this shouldn’t be an issue. Furthermore, BYD has factories in Shenzhen, Changsha, and Shaoguan.

Analysts expect the Seal to create a splash and pose serious threats to popular electric mid-size sedans in China, as reported by CnEVPost. Xu Huixiong-led analyst team at Essence Securities has said that the Seal will likely be the most important BYD launch by far, potentially securing 30,000+ units in monthly sales. The upcoming model has significant advantages over Tesla’s Model 3, the team added.

BYD Seal global launch

BYD Seal Europe

The BYD entered Europe via Norway in 2021, launching its first passenger car, the BYD Tang EV. The Warren Buffett-backed Chinese automaker will next enter Netherlands, Germany and Sweden this year. On July 27, 2022, BYD announced that it will participate in the 2022 Paris Motor Show that will take place from October 17-23, 2022. Here’s where the Seal could celebrate its European debut.

Australia (BYD Atto 4)

The BYD Seal has been confirmed for Australia. It may be launched under the ‘Atto 4’ moniker, according to The Driven‘s report dated March 15, 2022. The Seal will join the Dolphin (possibly the Atto 2 in Australia), another BYD EV confirmed for the Australian market. BYD cars are imported to Australia via EV Direct, which has earned the distribution rights for BYD EVs on the continent. The company is targeting customer deliveries around March 2023, with pre-orders opening around October 2022.

According to a report from goauto.com.au, EVDirect wants to partner with Eagers Automotive for setting up a co-owned dealer group that sells and services BYD models through about 20 outlets. The two companies may create this joint venture dealer group under a franchise agreement with a validity of no less than five years.

EV Direct’s CEO, Luke Todd, stated that the Seal would not only rival the Tesla Model 3 but also take on electric sports cars, as reported by The Driven. It’s unlikely for the BYD Atto 4 to impact sports car sales in Australia or globally. EVs inherently pack strong acceleration, and the Seal doesn’t seem exceptional in this department. It’s unlikely to deliver the thrills of a Model S Plaid or even the Lucid Air Dream Edition, two EVs that pack top performance and are yet marketed as performance/luxury ‘sedans’ and not sports cars.

Japan

On July 21, 2022, BYD announced that it will enter Japan in 2023 and launch three models in the first year. The company plans to launch the Atto 3 in January 2023, then the Dolphin later in the first half of 2023, and finally the Seal in the second half of 2023.

What is the BYD Seal/BYD Atto 4 release date?

The BYD Seal is now on sale in China. Exports will begin in 2023.

What is the BYD Seal price?

The Seal’s prices start at CNY 209,800 (USD 31,059) and go up to CNY 286,800 (USD 42,458).

Which EVs are the BYD Seal’s rivals?

The BYD Seal/BYD Atto 4 competes with the Tesla Model 3 and the Xpeng P5.

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