15/06/2025

BYD Seal review can this Chinese EV rival Tesla and Polestar

Electric vehicles (EVs) are no longer novelties—they’re the new norm. As legacy automakers pivot toward battery power, a quiet storm has been brewing in China. BYD, one of the world’s largest EV manufacturers, is sending shockwaves across the global market with models that aim to reshape expectations around affordability, performance, and design. The BYD Seal, a sleek electric sedan directly challenging the Tesla Model 3 and Polestar 2, has recently captured widespread attention.

We spent a full week with the BYD Seal to understand whether this Chinese EV deserves a spot in serious conversations about premium electric sedans. Spoiler alert: the results might surprise even the most loyal EV enthusiasts.

BYD: A Brand on the Fast Track

One cannot discuss the Seal without understanding BYD (Build Your Dreams). Headquartered in Shenzhen, BYD started as a battery manufacturer in the 1990s. Fast forward to today, it’s the largest EV maker in the world by volume, outpacing even Tesla in some markets. BYD’s strength lies in its vertical integration, producing everything from batteries to semiconductor chips in-house—a rare model that grants it supply chain resilience and cost efficiency.

Founded: 1995
Headquarters: Shenzhen, China
Specialty: Electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles, battery technology
Noted Models: BYD Han, Tang, Dolphin, and now the Seal

The BYD Seal is part of their premium EV lineup and built on the company’s new e-platform 3.0, offering a dedicated EV architecture aimed at maximizing efficiency and range without compromising style or performance.

Design and Aesthetic Appeal

At first glance, the BYD Seal is nothing short of captivating. Its coupe-like silhouette, emphasized by a swooping roofline and subtle curves, places it firmly in the premium EV segment.

Exterior Styling

The Seal embraces a marine-inspired design language—a nod to its name. The front end showcases narrow, piercing LED headlights with a minimalist front grille design (typical of EVs), while smooth surfacing and distinctive side sculpting lend it a futuristic flair.

LED Matrix Headlights with sequential indicators
Flush-fit door handles contribute to aerodynamic efficiency
Panoramic glass roof for an airier cabin experience
19-inch alloy wheels wrapped in low-resistance tires

Interior Design and Comfort

Slip inside the Seal, and the attention to detail becomes even more impressive. The cabin combines minimalist luxury with high levels of tech sophistication.

12.8-inch Rotating Touchscreen infotainment system
Graphene-based vegan leather seating with massage functions
Sea wave-inspired ambient lighting system
Multi-level noise insulation for a serene drive

On the materials front, BYD has gone for soft-touch plastics and sustainable alternatives wherever possible, reinforcing its future-forward ethos.

Performance and Driving Dynamics

The BYD Seal is available in multiple variants that cater to a spectrum of user needs—from everyday practical drivers to performance enthusiasts.

On-Road Feel

We tested the Dual-Motor AWD variant featuring an 82.6 kWh battery pack and a dual-motor configuration, producing a combined output of 523 hp and 670 Nm of torque. The result? A blistering 0-100 km/h sprint in just 3.8 seconds.

Yet, speed is just one part of the story.

Highly balanced chassis for tight cornering
Regenerative braking with 3 adjustable levels
Adaptive dampers for improved ride quality
Selectable drive modes: Eco, Normal, Sport, and Snow

Whether in city traffic or on winding roads, the Seal delivered confident handling and remarkable stability usually reserved for vehicles in far higher price brackets.

Range and Charging

All BYD Seal variants boast substantial range. The Extended-Range RWD version, for instance, claims up to 700 km (CLTC) on a full charge. During our test, even with spirited driving, real-world range hovered close to 520 km—an impressive feat.

Battery Type: BYD’s signature Blade Battery (LFP configuration)
Charging: 0 to 80% in under 40 minutes using a 150kW DC fast charger
V2L (vehicle-to-load) support available for powering appliances

Technology and Infotainment

One of the most eye-catching features is the rotating touchscreen. It smoothly transitions between portrait and landscape orientation—a feature rarely seen in the EV segment.

Highlights include:

DiPilot: BYD’s Level 2+ autonomous driving suite (includes adaptive cruise, lane change assist, self-park capabilities)
360-degree camera system with high-definition imaging
OTA (Over-The-Air) software updates to enhance features
Premium Dolby Atmos 12-speaker sound system

The interfaces are responsive and intuitive, supported by voice commands and Apple CarPlay/Android Auto compatibility. The infotainment is built around BYD OS, a custom operating system seamlessly integrated with the vehicle’s functions.

Safety and Build Quality

Build quality is often the Achilles’ heel of up-and-coming automakers—but not here. The BYD Seal feels robust and well-crafted, with negligible panel gaps and a solid door-thud test to boot.

Safety Features

Safety credentials are strong, and the car is expected to receive a 5-star rating under Euro NCAP.

7 Airbags including a center airbag
Forward Collision Warning & Automatic Emergency Braking
Blind Spot Detection and Rear Cross Traffic Alert
Driver Attention Monitoring & Fatigue Detection

The Seal also boasts an intelligent battery thermal management system, which reinforces safety in extreme temperature conditions.

Affordability and Market Positioning

Possibly the most attractive feature of the BYD Seal is its pricing. While exact pricing varies by region, the Seal significantly undercuts its Western rivals without compromising on performance or features.

Comparative Price Points (approximate)

BYD Seal: starting near $30,000–$36,000 (region-dependent)
Tesla Model 3: from $39,000 upwards
Polestar 2: starting at approximately $48,000

This substantial price advantage opens the Seal to a wider consumer base, making premium EV ownership more accessible than ever.

Dealer Opportunities and Global Expansion

BYD’s international strategy is firming up. The company has begun exporting heavily into European markets and building local dealer partnerships across Asia, the Middle East, South America, and even emerging U.S. markets.

For dealers, BYD offers:

Attractive unit pricing with competitive margins
Marketing support and media collateral
After-sales training and supply chain reliability
EV infrastructure synergy through blade battery support structure

ENON Cars predicts increased interest from both private buyers and fleet partners looking for stylish, eco-friendly alternatives to traditional vehicles.

Final Verdict: Is the BYD Seal a Game-Changer?

After a full week with the BYD Seal, it becomes abundantly clear: this is not merely a “budget option.” It’s an EV that blends performance, aesthetics, and cutting-edge tech into a cohesive, surprisingly premium package—without the luxury-alert price tag.

What sets it apart?

Powerful and efficient EV performance rivaling global competitors
Cutting-edge tech with industry innovations like rotating screens and LFP Blade battery
High-quality craftsmanship and interior comfort
Compelling price-performance ratio hard to beat

While Western buyers may still harbor skepticism about Chinese cars, the Seal makes a compelling case—especially for those seeking a reliable step into the EV era without compromising on sophistication or performance.

Want to sell, buy, or export your car? ENON Cars is simple and perfect for you! Join now and get three free ads as a new user. Post your ads easily and find buyers or sellers fast!