Already here with their impressive C-segment SUV, the ATTO3, BYD have just given
the world a glimpse of their next full EV, the friendly-named, D-segment saloon,
SEAL. The first BYD SEAL’s will be in dealerships in O4 2023 with end-user
customer deliveries from November. Customers can choose from two powertrain
variants, two trim levels (BYD SEAL Excellence-AWD and BYD SEAL Design), six
body colours and two interior trim colours.
Final prices will be announced in the run-up to the market launch, but it is expected
they will start from €40,567 for the COMFORT model, arriving in 2024, based on
current subsidies.
First model to arrive in Ireland will be the DESIGN model, expected to be the most
popular choice, and the EXCELLENCE model, both due here in Q4 2023 and starting
from €44,036 and €49,836 respectively.
All versions of the BYD SEAL are offered with impressive warranty conditions as
standard, consisting of a six-year manufacturer’s warranty and eight years for the
battery and electric motor.
BYD is the fastest growing automaker worldwide, with a number of models already
on sale to our European neighbours, the BYD HAN (E-segment sedan), the BYD
TANG (E-segment SUV), and the BYD DOLPHIN (C-segment hatchback).
The BYD SEAL is a sporty and dynamic D-segment saloon, the second in the BYD
Ocean series, using BYD’s new ‘Ocean Aesthetics’ design language. It combines a
sleek and athletic appearance with a high level of comfort and practicality for five
occupants, an outstanding range of equipment, and dimensions that perfectly match
the needs of European car buyers. Beyond that, the BYD SEAL features several
technological firsts, resulting in countless benefits clearly distinguishing it from its
competitors.
Cell-to-Body technology
Like the BYD ATTO 3 and the recently launched BYD DOLPHIN, the new BYD SEAL
is based on BYD’s e-Platform 3.0, which is designed exclusively for pure-electric
vehicles. Notably, the BYD SEAL is the first vehicle to implement BYD’s highly
advanced Cell-to-Body (CTB) technology, which is an essential difference and
ensures unprecedented levels of safety, torsional rigidity, driving dynamics and space
utilisation.
Cell-to-Body means the battery is incorporated within the entire vehicle structure. It
integrates the battery pack’s top cover with the traditional body floor structure. This
forms a sandwich-like structure incorporating the top cover, the Blade Battery and
the tray. In addition, the CTB architecture uses a high-strength honeycomb-like
aluminium panel structure, further enhancing vehicle safety.
The CTB battery system serves as a source of energy, as well as a structural
component. It contributes to the BYD SEAL’s torsional stiffness of a massive 40,500
Nm/degree, increasing handling limits and offering an excellent platform for
comfort, cabin quietness, safety and performance. Furthermore, CTB technology also
improves space utilisation as the battery is combined directly with the body, lowering
the vehicle to the floor by about 15 mm. While reducing the body height, the CTB
technology increases the axial height inside the vehicle, creating interior space. This
has enabled the BYD SEAL to adopt a lower, sleek shape, with improved
aerodynamic performance and striking visual impact, as well as more cabin space.
BYD Blade Battery
The BYD SEAL is equipped as standard with a Blade Battery, which BYD has been
pioneering for over two decades. Now, 28 years on, with over five million new energy
vehicles (BEV+PHEV) produced for customers, BYD is firmly established as a market
leader in this field. Its revolutionary Blade Battery is born out of BYD’s relentless
research and development, and considered as a major advancement for the EV
industry.
The Blade Battery was developed in-house by BYD with the primary goal of
optimising safety, durability, longevity, performance and space utilisation. The
battery pack consists of 172 thin elongated cells that actually resemble blades. In
addition, the Blade Battery uses lithium iron phosphate (LFP) as a cathode material,
which offers a higher level of safety and durability compared with conventional
lithium-ion batteries.
Free of Cobalt
LFP batteries are 100% free of cobalt, a material that raises ethical and
environmental concerns in the mining industry. In addition, LFP batteries are more
resistant to extreme temperatures. They have better thermal stability and are less
sensitive to temperature fluctuations, while they can withstand more charge and
discharge cycles with hardly any loss of capacity. This makes these batteries
particularly durable. With a height of only 110 mm for the entire battery pack, the
Blade Battery also contributes to the efficient vehicle packaging and optimised
interior space of the BYD SEAL.
The BYD SEAL is offered as standard with a high-efficiency heat pump system. This
allows for efficient regulation of the battery temperature via direct cooling and direct
heating of the refrigerant, as well as control of the passenger compartment
temperature with low energy consumption. The heat pump can also absorb waste
heat from the electric powertrain, while it can withstand temperatures ranging from -
30°C to 60°C. BYD’s battery technology also supports V2L (Vehicle-to-Load),
allowing the BYD SEAL to be used as a portable power supply for electrical devices
(total output up to 3,000 W).
Range and performance
Available in two trims, Design and Excellence-AWD, the all-new BYD SEAL will be
offered with a choice of two drivetrains, both with a battery capacity of 82.5 kWh.
The ‘Design’ single-motor version with rear-wheel drive (BYD SEAL Design) has a
power output of 230 kW (313 PS). The range is set at 570 kilometres (WLTP
combined).
The BYD SEAL is also available with four-wheel drive (BYD SEAL Excellence-AWD)
with an electric motor on the front and rear axles (160 kW + 230 kW), resulting in a
total power output of 390 kW (530 PS). The Excellence-AWD version has a range of
520 kilometres (WLTP combined).
The BYD SEAL offers an 11 kW 3-phase on-board charger for AC charging as
standard and can be fast charged at a DC ultra-fast-charging station with 150 kW.
With this amount of power, the battery can be charged from 30% to 80% in just 26
minutes.
Drivers of the BYD SEAL Excellence-AWD will benefit from a newly developed
Intelligent Torque Adaption Control system (iTAC). Thanks to the improvement of
recognition speed and the change of adjustment method, iTAC can integrate the own
state of vehicles, as well as the driver’s horizontal and vertical control needs to
advance power distribution and adjustment, thereby, fully utilising the vehicle’s
power potential, improving safety and driving comfort while expanding handling
limits.
Four Driving Modes
ECO mode, which prioritises energy efficiency and extends the driving range.
Normal mode, providing a balanced driving experience for everyday use.
Sport mode, emphasising performance through aggressive acceleration and
sharper handling.
Snow mode, designed to enhance traction and stability on slippery surfaces
like snow or ice.
The practicality is further reflected in the luggage compartment of 400 litres and an
additional 53-litre ‘frunk’ under the bonnet (RWD-version). In addition, the BYD
SEAL offers more than 20 flexible storage spaces for small items in the interior. At
the front of the sub-dash, there is a wireless charging point for two mobile phones. In
addition to the standard centre armrest box, there is a functional semi-open storage
space under the sub-dashboard.
The driver’s seat is electrically adjustable in eight directions, while users of all sizes
can find a comfortable driving position behind the four-way adjustable steering
wheel. The driver’s seat has four-way power-adjustable lumbar support. The rear
seats provide a comfortable seating position for three adult occupants. The seat back,
cushion padding, as well as the angles of the rear seat back and cushion, have been
ergonomically designed and fully optimised, easing any fatigue on long journeys.
Occupants can also count on plenty of light in the interior thanks to an oversized
panoramic sunroof. T the front doors are fitted with double layered laminated glass
for excellent sound and heat insulation. The rear doors feature privacy glass,
providing enhanced shade and privacy for rear occupants.
Infotainment and ADAS
Smart connectivity and leading infotainment, with a 4G intelligent connection
system that brings leading technology experiences and Over The Air (OTA) updates
as a way to update infotainment features, are integrated in to the BYD SEAL. Drivers
will have access to a 15.6 rotatable screen equipped with intelligent voice control
function that can be activated with the voice command “Hey BYD”, and seamless
smartphone integration via Android Auto or Apple CarPlay. The driver will look onto
a 10.25-inch full instrument LCD panel, while a 12-speaker Dynaudio Performance
Audio System provides premium quality sound.
Safety & Assistance Systems
ADAS, the BYD advanced driver assistance system, on the SEAL, offers an extensive
range as standard, including:
Forward Collision Warning
Automatic Emergency Braking
Rear Collision Warning
Rear Cross Traffic Alert
Rear Cross Traffic Brake
Lane Keep Assistance
Lane Change Assist
Emergency Lane Keep
Adaptive Cruise Control and Intelligent Cruise Control
360-degree Panoramic Camera
Blind Spot Detection System
ESP
Traction Control
Hill Decent Control
Automatic Vehicle Hold
Intelligent Speed Limit Information
Intelligent Speed Limit Control.
Cutting-edge lighting technology provides a wider beam to aid visibility
during night driving, with high beam assist, adaptive headlights and Follow
Me Home as standard.
Specifications BYD SEAL
Items BYD SEAL Design BYD SEAL Excellence-
AWD
Dimensions (L/W/H) 4,800 / 1,875 / 1,460
mm
4,800 / 1,875 / 1,460 mm
Wheelbase 2,920 mm 2,920 mm
Drivetrain RWD AWD
Top speed 180 km/h 180 km/h
Max. power 230 kW (313 PS) 390 kW (530 PS)
Wheel size 19 inch 19 inch
Range (WLTP
combined)
570 km 520 km
Trunk volume 400 litre (Rear trunk)
+ 53 litre (Front trunk)
400 litre (Rear trunk) + 53
litre (Front trunk)
Seating capacity 5 5
Battery type BYD Blade
Battery (LFP)
BYD Blade Battery (LFP)
Rated capacity 82.5 kWh 82.5 kWh
Charging power 11 kW AC (3-phase) /
150 kW DC
11 kW AC (3-phase) / 150
kW DC
DC charging time (30-
80%)
26 min 26 min
Heat pump Standard Standard
V2L function Standard Standard