The BYD Seal electric sedan is expected to be showcased at the 2022 Beijing Auto Show, which has been scheduled between April 21 and April 30 in China. The Seal will be part of the brand’s ‘Ocean’ series of future EVs, according to its product plan reported by d1ev on December 24, 2021.
Design
Don’t expect the BYD Seal to have any radical design elements. Like the Dolphin, expect it to be based on the brand’s new ‘Ocean Aesthetics’ design philosophy. Spy shots emerged on Chinese media sites, including CnevPost, revealing a flowing coupe-like roofline that would help with aerodynamics. Also visible are flush door handles, a glass roof, and wraparound tail lamps. The cabin has hexagonal cut-outs in the integrated headrests, fluorescent piping, and contrast stitching on the upholstery.
The BYD Seal sedan features a smooth coupe-like roofline that should help improve aerodynamics. Image:
Specifications
According to Chinese media reports, underpinning the BYD Seal would be the bespoke e-Platform 3.0, which supports both RWD and AWD electric drivetrain layouts. The platform would support short charging times, greater battery isolation from varying weather conditions, and long-range. Expect the RWD variants to have either a 150 kW or a 180 kW electric motor.
AWD variants would have a dual-motor set-up — one would produce 200 kW while the other would be tuned for 160 kW. The top speed is expected to be 180 kmph for both all models, but acceleration figures will naturally differ. The 150 kW and the 180 kW RWD variants would sprint to 100 kmph in 6.7 and 5.6 seconds, respectively. The AWD would blast to 100 kmph in just 3.4 seconds.
The BYD Seal would be 4770 mm long (187.8 inches), 1860 mm wide (73.2 inches), and 1460 mm tall (57.4 inches), with an incredibly long wheelbase of 2900 mm (114 inches). For perspective, it would be slightly longer than a Tesla Model 3. Chinese reports are also speculating a double-wishbone front suspension and a multi-link set-up at the rear.
BYD Seal AspectSpecificationLength (in. / mm)187.8 / 4770Width (in. / mm)73.2 / 1860Height (in. / mm)57.4 / 1460Wheelbase (in. / mm)114 / 2900E-motor (RWD)150 kW / 180 kW E-Motor (AWD)160 kW / 200 kW0-100 kmph (RWD)5.6-6.7 seconds0-100 kmph (AWD)3.4 secondsTop speed180 kmph
BYD Seal specifications as reported on Chinese media portals.
BYD Seal Price & Rivals
Expect BYD Seal price to be in the region of CNY 220,000 (USD 33,922) and CNY 280,000 (USD 43,173). At this price, expect the BYD Seal to lock horns with the Tesla Model 3, which retails from CNY 251,740 (USD 38,810) in China. It might also compete with the more affordable Xpeng P5, which retails from CNY 157,900 (USD 24,218).
BYD’s own Han EV sedan that starts at CNY 214,800 (USD 33,142) might get cannibalized. There would be competition from BYD’s Japanese partners as well. Toyota is developing a Corolla-like sedan (Toyota bZ3/bZ4) powered by the BYD Blade battery, becoming the Seal’s future rival.
Production & Release Date
The BYD Seal will break cover at the 2022 Beijing Motor Show (April 21-30). As per local Chinese media reports, it would hit the streets sometime in the first half of 2022 in the home market. As per D1EV’s report on February 8, 2022, the EV will be manufactured at the brand’s Changzhou plant in China, with a production capacity of 5,000 units per month or 60,000 units per year initially. The plant can roll out 400,000 units a year while running at maximum capacity. BYD also has three other manufacturing plants in Shenzen, Changsha, and Shaoguan.
BYD has entered Europe via Norway in 2021, launching its first passenger car, the BYD Tang EV. The Warren Buffet-backed Chinese automaker should expand its global range to include the BYD Yuan Plus (Atto 3) and the BYD Seal within a couple of years, while entering new EU markets.
Featured Image Source: BYD
Keyword: BYD Seal: What we know as of March 2022