Video Summary
The BYD Seal is a strong Tesla Model 3 competitor, especially appealing if leasing is considered. The car is priced around £42,000 to buy, with lease options around £300-£400 a month, cheaper than a Tesla. It is a pretty, arguably the prettiest EV on the market, although it looks like a Model 3. The lights resemble a Porsche Taycan, adding to its premium feel. The design is commended for its gloss black finishes and aerodynamic snout; the car has minimal wind noise. There are two trim levels: Design and Excellence. The Excellence model has all-wheel drive and dual motors.The car has front trunk storage, eliminating messy cables. It features 19-inch diamond-cut wheels, disc brakes, and drilled/vented front discs. A favorite design element is the back end, with a lip and unique LED light bar. There are fake wheel vents but some people dislike them. The double-glazed windows contribute to its quiet ride. The interior features premium finishes and lots of tech.
The steering wheel is chunky and has controls. There is alcantara on the door cards and leather is used throughout. There are two wireless charging ports. Its Dynaudio surround sound system has quality audio. The car has snow mode and three driving modes.
There is a 400-liter boot with a button for electronic operation. A panoramic roof lets in lots of light but has a blue tint to avoid too much light. The center screen is about 15.6 inches. The vents are electronically controlled. The reviewer personally misses some engine noise and has to learn new driving techniques.
The car has about 300 miles of range per charge. Charging costs in the UK are around 70-90 pence per kilowatt-hour and around £5 to charge to full if using a home Octopus Energy charger, and £66 if using a rapid charge station. It has child presence detection.
The BYD’s toughest challenge will be convincing people to buy Chinese, but it's a real Tesla competitor.
