BYD Seal Electric Sedan Launched in India at Rs 41 Lakh

BYD has launched its long-awaited electrified sedan —the Seal—in India, with a starting price tag of Rs 41 lakh (ex-showroom). Globally, the EV competes with the Tesla Model 3, but in our market, it faces off against the Kia EV6, and the Hyundai Ioniq 5. The India-spec sedan is offered in three trim levels: Dynamic, Premium, and Performance, and four exterior paint options: Arctic Blue, Atlantis Grey, Aurora White, and Cosmos Black. It measures 4,800mm in length, 1,875mm in width, and 1,460mm in height, and has a drag coefficient of under 0.21 cd. The EV sports a sophisticated and aerodynamic design complemented by a couple-like all-glass ceiling, crystal LED headlamps with boomerang-shaped LED DRLs, flush door handles, diamond-cut alloy rims, and full-width LED taillights. Now that the new BYD electric car has entered India's premium EV market, let's take an in-depth look at its key features.

BYD Seal: Powertrain

The recently introduced Seal EV is available in two battery pack sizes: 61.4kWh and 82.5kWh. The Dynamic Range (basic version) has a smaller 61.4kWh battery, while the other two variants (Premium Range and Performance) benefit from a bigger 82.5kWh battery. In terms of performance, the RWD Dynamic model delivers 201bhp and 310Nm, with a claimed range of 510 kilometres. Meanwhile, the Premium model produces 308bhp and 360Nm with a single electric motor and rear-wheel drive system. Its claimed range is 650 kilometres. The Performance variant, on the other hand, produces 523bhp and 670Nm and boasts an all-wheel-drive twin electric motor system with a claimed range of 580 kilometres. BYD states that the top-spec model can sprint from 0 to 100km/h in 3.8 seconds. 

The innovative BYD e-Platform 3.0, developed exclusively for electric cars, serves as the foundation for the brand-new BYD Seal. According to the manufacturer, the goal of this framework is to strengthen the safety, low-temperature driving range, and intelligent driving experiences of electrically powered cars.

BYD Seal: What’s Inside?

As a high-end electric vehicle, the BYD Seal has a luxurious and cutting-edge interior. The cabin boasts two key attractions: a rotating 15.6-inch touchscreen infotainment and a 10.25-inch digital driver panel. Among the other features, the BYD sedan includes a 360-degree camera, leather upholstery, a panoramic sunroof, two wireless charging pads, a head-up display, and motorized and climate-controlled front seats. It is essential to note that the model's feature list may vary depending on the trim level selected.

BYD Seal: A Glance at Safety Net 

In last year's Euro NCAP crash tests, the Seal sedan achieved a perfect 5-star safety rating. Numerous categories added to the excellent scores, including safety assistance (76%), vulnerable road users (82%) adult occupants (89%), and child occupants (87%). The BYD Seal comes equipped with multiple safety equipment, including ISOFIX child seat mounts, dual front airbags, belt pre-tensioners, belt load limiters, side airbags, a center airbag, seatbelt reminders, lane assist systems, autonomous emergency braking, and fatigue/distraction detection.

BYD Seal: How Much it Costs?

With a rear-wheel drive (RWD) setup, the Dynamic model costs Rs 41 lakh. The Premium model, also with the RWD capabilities carries a price tag of Rs 45.55 lakh. In contrast, the higher-spec Performance variant with an all-wheel drive (AWD) is priced at Rs 53 lakh. All these prices are ex-showroom. For Rs 1.25 lakh, reservations for the electric sedan are now being accepted in India. However, customers who book the car before March 31 can get extra benefits. These advantages include a free vehicle-to-load power supply device, a free 3kW portable charging box, a free 7kW charger installation, one free inspection, and six years of roadside assistance. The Seal is the Chinese automaker’s third product in India, after the e6 and the Atto 3. While the former (e6) starts at Rs 29.15 lakh, the latter (Atto 3) costs Rs 33.99 lakh in India. Both prices are ex-showroom.