BYD Seal (2024) Review: A Promising Tesla Model 3 Rival From China

BYD is rapidly expanding its lineup of electric vehicles in Europe, with the sleek new Seal sedan arriving as a direct challenger to the Tesla Model 3. As the first Chinese automaker to commit to local production with a factory in Hungary, BYD is taking the European EV market seriously. But does the Seal have what it takes to steal sales from Tesla and established European brands?

Stylish Yet Derivative Design
The Seal cuts a handsome shape on the road with its low-slung sedan proportions and smooth, aerodynamic body. There are unmistakable design cues borrowed from the Model 3, though BYD's designers have added some unique marine-inspired details like "gills" behind the front wheels. Overall, it looks more distinctive than some other Chinese EVs, but not revolutionary.

Premium Yet Quirky Interior
Step inside and you're greeted by an interior that aims for a premium vibe. The soft-touch materials and solid construction are a step up from BYD's more affordable models. However, the aquatic-themed design with light blue accents is certainly polarizing. Some will find it refreshingly different, while others may see it as over-styled. The odd chemical smell is also off-putting.

Excellent Performance And Range
Motivation comes from a rear-mounted permanent magnet electric motor producing 308 hp. Even in this base single-motor form, the Seal is seriously quick with a 0-60 mph time of 5.8 seconds. The 82.5 kWh lithium iron phosphate battery provides an estimated 354 miles of range - very competitive for the class. However, rapid charging speeds disappointed in cold weather testing.

A Driver's Car With Caveats

One of the Seal's strengths is its well-sorted chassis that delivers impressive handling composure and an impressively supple ride at higher speeds. The rear-biased weight distribution and mild rear-wheel-drive personality make it quite fun to drive. However, low-speed ride quality is quite poor, with the front suspension crashing through bumps. Odd steering wheel vibrations are also present at all speeds.

Maddening Touchscreen Tech
BYD fits the Seal with an enormous 15.6-inch rotating touchscreen that's eye-catching but ultimately frustrating to use. The convoluted menu structure buries basic functions like climate controls in sub-menus, making it distracting to operate while driving. Voice controls are of little help, struggling with simple commands. Compared to premium EV rivals, the multimedia experience feels half-baked.

The Seal looks promising on paper with a competitive price, generous warranty, long range, and respectable performance. It also shows flashes of genuine driving engagement behind the wheel. But obvious flaws with the low-speed ride, charging performance, and in-car tech hold it back from being a standout in the increasingly crowded EV sedan segment. Still, BYD has made impressive strides with the Seal and it will be fascinating to see how the brand evolves its European offerings from here.

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