The BYD Seal is shaking up the global EV market as one of the most compelling alternatives to the Tesla Model 3. With blistering performance, cutting-edge tech, and aggressive pricing, this Chinese-built electric sedan is winning over buyers in Europe, Australia, and beyond.
As an EV expert and car blogger, I’ve tested the Seal extensively—here’s everything you need to know about BYD’s flagship electric sedan in 2025.
1. BYD Seal 2025: Key Specs & Pricing
Powertrain & Battery Options
- Dynamic (RWD):
- 61.4kWh LFP Blade Battery
- 150kW motor, 310Nm torque
- 0-100km/h: 7.5s
- WLTP Range: 460km 5
- Premium (RWD, Extended Range):
- 82.6kWh LFP Blade Battery
- 230kW motor, 360Nm torque
- 0-100km/h: 5.9s
- WLTP Range: 570km 5
- Performance (AWD):
- 82.6kWh LFP Blade Battery
- Dual motors (390kW, 670Nm)
- 0-100km/h: 3.8s (faster than Model 3 Performance!)
- WLTP Range: 520km 5
Pricing (2025 Updates)
- Australia: Starts at A46,990∗∗(Dynamic)upto∗∗A61,990 (Performance) 5
- UK: £42,500 (Design RWD) to £48,705 (Excellence AWD) 1
- India: ₹48.9–54.9 lakh (ex-showroom) 3
Why It Matters?
The Seal undercuts the Tesla Model 3 by ~A$10K while offering more luxury features and similar (or better) performance 9.
2. Design: A Mix of Hyundai Ioniq 6 & Tesla Model 3
Exterior Highlights
- Coupe-like roofline with LED light bars (similar to Peugeot 508) 1
- Panoramic glass roof (now with electric sunshade in MY25 models) 5
- “3.8s” badge on the Performance variant (a cheeky nod to its acceleration) 1
Interior & Tech
- 15.6-inch rotating touchscreen (with wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto) 5
- 10.25-inch digital cluster + head-up display (Premium & Performance) 5
- Quilted leather seats (heated & ventilated) 1
- Suede door panels & ambient lighting (premium feel for the price) 1
Downside?
- Over-reliance on touchscreen controls (even vent adjustments require screen taps) 1
- No spare tyre (only a puncture repair kit) 5
3. Driving Experience: Fast but Not a True Sports Sedan
Performance
- AWD Performance model (3.8s 0-100km/h) feels like a “warp drive” 12
- RWD models are smooth but lack excitement (better for efficiency-focused buyers) 9
Ride & Handling
- Soft suspension tuning (comfort-focused, not sporty) 9
- Light steering (great for city driving, lacks feedback for enthusiasts) 12
- iTAC torque vectoring (AWD only) improves grip but doesn’t make it a BMW rival 5
Real-World Range
- Expect ~75% of WLTP claims (e.g., ~390km for the 520km AWD model) 12
- Efficiency: 18.6kWh/100km (Performance) to 15.2kWh/100km (RWD) 9
4. BYD Seal vs. Tesla Model 3: Which is Better?
| Feature | BYD Seal | Tesla Model 3 |
|---|---|---|
| Price (AUD) | A46,990–A61,990 | A54,900–A75,900 |
| 0-100km/h | 3.8s (AWD) / 5.9s (RWD) | 4.4s (LR) / 3.3s (Perf) |
| Range (WLTP) | 460–570km | 513–629km |
| Charging | 150kW DC (30-80% in 32 mins) | 250kW DC (27 mins 10-80%) |
| Interior | Rotating screen, physical buttons | Minimalist, no buttons |
Verdict:
- BYD wins on value & luxury feel
- Tesla leads in charging speed & tech 15
5. Should You Buy the BYD Seal?
Pros ✅
- Affordable (undercuts Tesla by thousands)
- Luxury cabin (premium materials, quilted seats)
- Blade Battery (safer, longer lifespan than NMC) 5
Cons ❌
- Touchscreen overload (too many functions buried in menus)
- No spare tyre (puncture repair kit only)
- Slower charging than Tesla (150kW vs. 250kW)
Final Verdict: 8.5/10 ★★★★☆
The BYD Seal is a high-value Tesla alternative with luxury, performance, and solid range. While it’s not as sharp to drive as a BMW i4 or as tech-forward as a Tesla, it delivers where it counts—price and real-world usability.
🚗 Would you pick the Seal over a Tesla Model 3? Let me know in the comments!