BYD Seal: First drive review | Better than the Tesla Model 3?
The Seal is testament to the growing competition in the EV space, and offers a well-rounded package of style, tech and performance at an attractive price point. It's worth a closer look.
BYD has been making waves. A few short years ago, it didn’t even have a presence on the UK market. The Seal is now just one of several appealing options the brand has for those looking to lease. So what is it? In short, it’s BYD’s answer to the Tesla Model 3.
A swoopy electric EV fastback saloon that sits apart from its other models. We recently took one for a spin to see what’s what. Should you plump for one over the Tesla?
Styling
If you’re after a car that commands attention, the Seal will fit the bill. It’s designed to be functional while offering a futuristic appeal too. It’s got a sporty, low stance that gives it a really sharp silhouette.
Up front, things are kept rather minimalist, with fascia dominated by sleek LED headlights stretching towards the front wheel arches.
It’s a look we’ve seen on many premium EVs and, with the absence of a traditional grille, it gives it a clean appearance.
Overall, the Seal’s styling cues have been inspired by other cars in the range including the ocean-inspired Dolphin. Unlike that car, however, the Seal has a distinctly more premium persona.
Interior and tech
Stepping inside, you’re greeted with a tech-focused cabin. It’s a pleasant place to spend time, and the quality of the materials used are more impressive than those found in more affordable BYD models.
The centre-piece is a 15.6in touchscreen infotainment system, which rotates from portrait to landscape at the touch of a button. We found it to be clearly laid out, although a little fiddly to use compared to some rivals’ systems. You find you can’t do things too quickly – especially when you’re on the move.
Overall, build quality feels premium, with soft-touch materials used throughout the upper parts of the cabin. There’s some nice details too, like stitched leather seats and brushed metal accents. In terms of practicality, there’s usable storage areas throughout the cabin, including a cubby in the floor.
Passenger space impresses too, with the only negative being the rear headroom; this is a sleek fastback-style car, so as you’d expect it’s not exactly great for tall passengers in the rear. Legroom is impressive though, and all occupants have access to USB C chargers – a useful touch that isn’t always a given.
The boot is pretty much average for its class – offering 400 litres of capacity, it’ll suit more families fine. You do get significantly more in the Tesla Model 3, which gets an extra 200 litres of storage.
It’s worth remembering you do also get a 53-litre “frunk” – great for storing oddments and those all-important charge cables.
Driving
The Seal really shines through out on the road. Not only does it offer a smooth and refined driving experience commonly associated with EVs, but it can also be fun to drive when you want it to be too. It feels at home on twisty country roads, handling bumps and undulations with ease.
The car’s suspension strikes a good balance between comfort and sportiness. While it’s not as stiff as some performance-oriented EVs, it absorbs road imperfections well, making it a comfortable option for longer drives. The steering is light but accurate, offering
There’s not much body roll, and it’s a world away from more humdrum electric SUVs that have a higher centre of gravity. We’d say in a lot of ways it’s like-for-like with a Model 3 in terms of road feel and, in terms of performance, it’s actually a little quicker.
Two versions are offered: a 310hp rear-wheel drive model and a potent 530hp all-wheel drive variant. Most people will be more than happy with the lesser powered model, which can still get from rest to 60mph in under six seconds, while offering upwards of 350 miles from its 83kWh battery.
Plump for the more powerful all-wheel drive model and 0-60mph drops to 3.8 seconds, although range also falls to around 320 miles.
Should you lease a BYD Seal?
Leasing an EV like the Seal is an increasingly popular option. But is it a smart lease choice? We’d say yes. Monthly prices are on par with rivals like the Model 3, and the Seal offers something a little different. Its combination of style, performance and advanced tech ensure it provides good value for money.
Its strong range stats also make it a practical choice for those looking for an EV that’ll handle longer journeys with ease. What’s more, the interior comfort and space make it a relatively practical proposition – whether for family use or daily motorway commuting.
The bang for buck factor becomes more apparent when you consider standard features. Equipment and tech-wise, you do get more for your money than you would with a Tesla. In short, it’s worth serious consideration if you’re planning to lease.
Check out BYD lease deals right now and compare prices across the Seal range by hitting the button below.
