THE irony was noted when BYD chose to reveal their latest model on a day that was wetter than a haddock’s swimsuit.

The aptly named Seal completes the Chinese manufacturer’s current European line-up. But rest assured there will be more to come.

The Seal is their all electric sports saloon, sleek of line and offering impressive performance and handling.

In the UK, the BYD SEAL will be offered with a choice of two drivetrains, both with a battery capacity of 82.5 kWh. The single-motor version (Design) with rear-wheel drive (RWD) has a power output of 230 kW (309bhp) and accelerates from 0-62 mph in 5.9 seconds.

If you want even quicker, then ‘Excellence’ is the four-wheel drive version with an electric motor on the front and rear axles (160 kW + 230 kW), giving a total power output of 390 kW (523bhp). This powerhouse accelerates from 0-62 mph in just 3.8 seconds,

Its cell to body construction means the Blade battery forms the underfloor of the Seal, which gives it much better side impact protection, and frontal too.

Seal has an impressive full length panoramic roof

And as everything sits as low as a rattlesnake’s belly the aerodynamic figures are better too –its drag co-efficient is just 0.219Cd.

Its 82.5kWh battery can charge from 30 to 80 per cent in 26 minutes, reducing the lengths of your spells at the side of the road, and it has a lane assist set up that is less sensitive than some others – it doesn’t ‘tug’ so much and gets a definite tick in my box.

The centre console has BYD’s large trademark rotatable 15.65 multimedia touchpad. Air conditioning settings are electronically adjusted and operated on the central display interface.

There is also a 10.25-inch full instrument LCD panel. The crystal gear selector mirrors a large water droplet (keeping up the ‘Ocean’ theme of the range) and is the control lever for all the key driving commands for the SEAL.

The front seats, finished in leather with intricate stitching detail, have a sporty look and offer excellent support. The driver’s seat is electrically adjustable in eight directions, so users of all sizes (Richard Osmond to Warwick Davies) will find a comfortable driving position behind the four-way adjustable multi-function steering wheel.

Everyone inside can also count on plenty of light in the interior thanks to an oversized panoramic sunroof above their heads.
BYD’s game-changing Blade Battery has just been awarded ‘Innovation of the Year 2024’ by electrifying.com, a leading authority on electric vehicles in the UK. Ginny Buckley, Founder and CEO said; “As the electric experts we know that battery technology is developing at a dizzying pace, but with an increased focus on safety and sustainability over the long term BYD Blade

Battery technology offers something genuinely new that pushes boundaries and will give confidence to car buyers looking to make the switch to an electric car.”

All versions of the SEAL come exceptionally well equipped and with a six-year manufacturer’s warranty and eight years for the battery and electric motor.

BYD SEAL Design

Price: £45,695
Engine: 82.5 kWh battery with single motor
Power: 309bhp
Transmission: single speed
Top speed: 112mph
0-62mph: 5.9 seconds
Economy: 354 miles
CO2 emissions: 0 g/km

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