The BYD Seal, an all-electric sedan offering from the Chinese EV manufacturer, marked its India debut at last year’s Auto Expo. Currently, the vehicle is undergoing rigorous testing in preparation for its imminent market launch. According to a fresh media report, the Seal electric sedan is slated to hit the market in the early weeks of March 2024, with pre-bookings already underway at dealership levels. Positioned as a competitor against the Hyundai Ioniq 5 and Kia EV6, priced at Rs 45.95 lakh and Rs 60.95 lakh – Rs 65.95 lakh, respectively, the Seal is expected to fall within the price bracket of Rs 50 lakh – Rs 55 lakh.
Let’s delve into its powertrain specifications: the BYD Seal is benefited with the brand’s Blade battery technology, offering two battery pack options – a 61.4kWh variant available with both single and dual motor setups, and an 82.5kWh variant exclusively with a dual motor setup. The smaller capacity battery delivers a claimed range of 550km and supports charging rates of up to 110kW, while the larger 82.5kWh battery promises a range of up to 700km and charges at rates of up to 150kW. In the Indian market, the Seal is expected to be introduced with a dual motor setup and an AWD (all-wheel drive) system.
In terms of performance, the BYD Seal outshines its competitors with a staggering 530bhp output. The Hyundai Ioniq 5, equipped with a 72.6kWh battery and an electric motor generating 217bhp with 350Nm of torque, offers a claimed range of 631km on a single charge. On the other hand, the Kia EV6, featuring a 77.4kWh battery pack, single motor, and RWD setup, delivers 229bhp and 350Nm of torque, boasting a maximum range of 528km. Notably, the BYD Seal accelerates from 0 to 100kmph in just 3.8 seconds, surpassing its rivals, as the Ioniq 5 and EV6 achieve the same feat in 5.2 seconds.
Stepping inside the cabin, the Seal boasts a rotating 15.6-inch infotainment system and a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster, reminiscent of the BYD Atto 3. It also features a HUD (head-up display), two wireless charging pads, a 12-speaker Dynaudio audio system, luxurious quilted vegan leather upholstery, a panoramic sunroof, and heated and ventilated front seats, among other premium amenities.
