Words Federico Madia / Photos Andy Williams

Many define it as the anti–Tesla Model 3, but I believe that describing something — especially a car — by presenting it as the antithesis of something else is extremely reductive, particularly when it comes to what we are analyzing here. BYD, which has wisely dropped the full “Build Your Dreams” lettering, might sound like a newcomer, at least in the automotive world. In reality, the Chinese giant is one of the world’s largest manufacturers of rechargeable batteries — currently the most important in China — so it was only natural that producing 100% electric vehicles would be their next step.

The Seal we tested is a mid-size sedan. Compact on the outside yet very spacious on the inside, especially at the back, where up to three adults can genuinely sit comfortably. This is made possible by the absence of a transmission tunnel and by the placement of the batteries, which are housed beneath the floor. Some may tell you that rear-seats comfort is slightly compromised compared to competitors, but trust me: the sensation of having a more pronounced knee angle is practically imperceptible. At first glance, it’s clear that the Seal shares its design language with other models in the BYD lineup, all characterized by clean lines that are sharp but never overly aggressive. After all, the Seal is aimed at a fairly broad audience, so it plays it safe with a sleek three-box sedan layout, offering a 400-liter rear trunk and a 53-liter frunk, useful for storing charging cables.

The test car is the current flagship version named Excellence. Powered by two electric motors, each driving its own axle, it features all-wheel drive and delivers a total of 530 horsepower. Of course, weight increases by about 100 kilograms and range drops by roughly 50 kilometers, but performance is impressive and allows the Seal to indulge itself a bit, showcasing more than respectable precision in terms of road behavior. Limiting the discussion to performance alone when talking about electric cars — especially sedans — would be misleading, so let’s focus again on what this BYD really is.

Restrained and understated on the outside, the interior reveals a refined design, soft-touch materials and build quality that, all things considered, has nothing to envy from the rest of the market, not even European competitors. The synthetic leather upholstery of the seats is outstanding: the stitching pattern, softness and enveloping feel all highlight the car’s ability to cover long distances in comfort, further enhanced by heated and ventilated seats. The door panels and dashboard — at least in the upper section — feature soft surfaces and Alcantara trim, blending seamlessly with the massive 15.6-inch central touchscreen, which can be rotated at will to display graphics in either landscape or portrait mode. Smartphone connectivity is virtually instantaneous and the latest update has sped up menu navigation, landing somewhere between Tesla’s interface and that of a modern smartphone. Tech enthusiasts will love it and it’s worth noting that the screen can be split in two, allowing you to monitor different functions simultaneously.

In front of the driver there’s a second, smaller 10.25-inch display, but it summarizes basic information in a way that’s a bit too minimal and not very customizable. The head-up display is a welcome feature, while visibility at the front-left three-quarter angle and especially through the rear window is compromised by the pillars. This is where the numerous maneuvering cameras become extremely useful. In the center, you’ll find a few physical controls that are easier to reach while driving, along with the gear selector. There is no Brake Mode or one-pedal driving. You’ll have to make do with the three driving modes (Eco, Normal, and Sport), selected via a rotary dial that unfortunately offers no tactile feedback, making it easy to choose the wrong mode by mistake. Fortunately, the Seal genuinely changes its driving character, favoring energy efficiency or fully exploiting its considerable power depending on the selected mode.

It says it right there on the tailgate: 3.8 seconds from 0 to 100 kph. Top speed is wisely limited to 180 kph to avoid excessive and unnecessary battery consumption. In the Excellence version with the 82.5 kWh battery, the claimed range of 520 km seems quite realistic, while charging times proved to be quick — around 26 minutes to go from 20% to 80% thanks to a peak charging rate of 150 kW. The latest update has also optimized the satellite navigation system, now supported by Google Maps and most importantly has reduced the insistence of the warning jingle during maneuvers, which made me want to hide my head on more than one occasion.

Did someone say Tesla? Sure, comparisons are fair, we’re talking about two mid-size sedans in almost the same price bracket. The Model 3 costs slightly less and despite a lower power, offers greater range, along with the advantage of longer market presence and a dedicated support network. In my view, the situation is even simpler: where it once was Tesla versus everyone else, now it’s Tesla versus BYD versus everyone else. Because even though it’s still early in its automotive journey, the Chinese giant operates on a completely different level compared to brands like MG and Aiways, just to name a couple. The battle with Musk’s creation will be long and inevitably tied to a not-insignificant geopolitical level.

The Seal is not a perfect car, but it is a perfect beginning for a brand that I am certain will experience steady and exponential growth. BYD deserves credit for delivering a product with a clear identity, free of gimmicks and without blindly following trends set by others, such as Tesla’s total elimination of physical buttons. For €43,600, you get the entry-level rear-wheel-drive version with 313 horsepower, which is already more than enough for this type of vehicle. Both versions — naturally including the €50,390 Excellence — share a comprehensive standard equipment list, demonstrating that the Seal has a very clear goal: to make sense in the real world, where what drivers and therefore customers really need is a truly usable range, safety and comfort. Sure, 530 horsepower is undeniably fun, but that’s more of a statement that, beyond everything that matters in a daily car, China also knows how to build vehicles that can move pretty fast.

BYD SEAL EXCELLENCE

Engine Electric with 82,5 kWh batteries Power 530 hp Torque 670 Nm

Traction All-Wheel-Drive Transmission Single Speed Automatic Gearbox Weight 2.260 kg

0-100 kph 3,8 sec Top Speed 180 kph (limited) Price €50.390 Range 520 km (declared by the brand)