Video Summary
BYD is a battery technology company trying to enter the western EV market.The exterior is striking with cool LED elements and aerodynamic wheels, and it feels like a premium product.
Door handles are of excellent quality, they pop out and feel well-oiled.
It is available in various colours.
First impressions are that you can hop in and there are buttons available, rather than haptic controls.
The interior is well-made, with no squeaks or rattles and is effortlessly quiet. It benefits from double glazing glass.
It is possible to have a design model rear-wheel-drive single motor at 45 grand, with 300 horsepower, 0-60 in under 6 seconds and 354 miles range on WLTP.
At 48 grand, you can get the Excellence model; all-wheel-drive dual motor producing 523 horsepower and 500 pound-foot torque, 0 to 60 in 3.8 seconds.
On a day like today when it’s 4 degrees, the test driver has done a thousand miles and sees 250-270 miles range, though driving style affects it.
The throttle response is different from other EVs; progressive and takes getting used to. It’s mapped to give all power instantly when the throttle is attacked swiftly. It’s easy to modulate. The regen is not too aggressive.
Adaptive suspension gives an S class level of ride and the car always wants you to chill out.
On fast charge, the BYD Seal is capable of 150kWh which is 100 less than a model 3. It takes 25 to 30 minutes to get to 20-80% charge.
There is no range anxiety. The driver assistance has a nanny feel. Operations on the screen are fiddly.
8/10 review.
