Latest new model to arrive here from leading EV manufacturer, BYD is their eye-catchingly sleek BYD SEAL. A four-door, all-electric, D-segment sedan whose dynamic and sporty appearance underline the appeal it is likely to have for Irish and European motorists, the BYD SEAL is the third model to launch here since BYD was introduced to Ireland just eight months ago.
With the recently-introduced BYD DOLPHIN and the BYD ATTO 3 – winner of the Continental Irish Small/Compact SUV 2024 award – the BYD SEAL is a model that its Irish distributor believes will ‘boost the awareness of BYD, help in attracting new dealers, and consolidate BYD’s growing reputation in Ireland as ‘the biggest car brand you’ve never heard of’.
Recent dealer appointments have increased the BYD network to five outlets all strategically located, and all exclusively dedicated to the brand. They are: BYD Dublin North, BYD Dublin South, BYD Cork, BYD Waterford and BYD Wexford. All have SEAL, DOLPHIN and ATTO 3 models for viewing, as will a number of additional outlets whose appointments will be announced shortly.
MODEL CHOICE
Here the model line-up will consist of two powertrain variants – ‘Design’ and an all-wheel drive ‘Excellence’ offering two trim levels, six body colours, two interior trim colours and several technological ‘firsts’ that Motor Distributors Limited says: ‘sets SEAL apart’.
Given its outstanding range of equipment and generous dimensions, with space for five occupants, SEAL launches at what is said to be ‘an attractively-competitive price’, beginning at €44,036 for the Design model and from €49,836 for the Excellence model (after State subsidies).
Like its predecessors, the BYD SEAL will be powered by BYD’s own, in-house developed 82.5 kWh Blade Battery with power outputs from 230 kW (Design) to 390 kW (Excellence) with a range (WLTP combined) of 570 kms (Design) and 520 kms (Excellence) and 0-100 km/h speeds of 5.9 seconds and 3.8 seconds respectively. Other key Blade Battery features include a 30% to 80% fast charging time of 26 minutes, when charged at a 150 kW DC charging point. Due also to its unique ‘sandwich’ design which, amongst other attributes, is safer and helps deliver added handling rigidity and more interior space, it has the environmental benefit of being 100% cobalt free.
DESIGN
Like the DOLPHIN before it, the new BYD SEAL is the second model from BYD’s ‘Ocean’ series and the latest to feature its innovative ‘Ocean Aesthetics’ design language. Created by a design team led by BYD’s Global Design Director, Wolfgang Egger, the BYD SEAL is a versatile four-door sedan with the appearance and feel of a sports coupé. Despite its low-to-ground body – with a drag coefficient of just 0.219 Cd – its 2,920 mm wheelbase provides occupants with what BYD says is ‘plenty of headroom and leg space similar to that of an executive saloon’.
Notable features are its smooth silhouette, low front, sloping A-pillar, rounded roof, sloping fastback and subtle upturned ducktail shape. Concealed door handles, flush with the door when in motion, helps reduce wind resistance and energy consumption. Save for model variances, drivetrain and performance differences, the BYD SEAL comes with an extensive range of standard features and specifications common to both Design and Excellence models.
INTERIOR
Inside, soft and firm padded front seats have a sporty appearance – the driver’s seat is electrically adjustable in eight directions with four-way power-adjustable lumbar support. Occupants can also count on plenty of light in the interior thanks to an oversized panoramic sunroof. Front doors are fitted with double layered laminated glass for excellent sound and heat insulation. Rear doors feature privacy glass, providing enhanced shade and privacy
Storage is amply provided: the luggage compartment of 400 litres is supplemented by a 53-litre under-bonnet space and more than 20 interior spaces. In addition to a centre armrest box, open-storage space and a wireless charging point for two mobile phones is provided beneath the sub-dash.
A smart connectivity and leading infotainment system are amongst a suite of high-tech features that include 4G intelligent connection and over-the-Air (OTA) updates; a 15.6-inch rotatable screen with intelligent voice control function and seamless smartphone integration via Android Auto or Apple CarPlay; a 10.25-inch LCD full instrument panel, and a 12-speaker Dynaudio Performance Audio System.
SAFETY
Safety-wise, an extensive range of advanced driver assistance features includes Forward Collision Warning, Automatic Emergency Braking, Rear Collision Warning, Rear Cross Traffic Alert and Rear Cross Traffic Brake, Lane Keep Assistance, Lane Change Assist and Emergency Lane Keep. Additional items are Adaptive Cruise Control and Intelligent Cruise Control, a 360-degree Panoramic Camera, Blind Spot Detection System, ESP, Traction Control, Hill Decent Control, Automatic Vehicle Hold, Intelligent Speed Limit Information and Intelligent Speed Limit Control.
Cutting-edge lighting technology provides a wider beam to aid visibility during night driving, with high beam assist, adaptive headlights and Follow-Me-Home as standard. An 11 kW 3-phase on-board charger for AC charging is also supplied as standard.
COMFORT
The first BYD model with independent suspension – double wishbones at the front and a five-link rear suspension – the new BYD SEAL boasts state-of-the-art vehicle architecture based on their e-Platform 3.0 with Cell-to-Body technology that delivers torsional rigidity and a low centre of gravity.
Four distinct driving modes that cater for a variety of driving preferences and conditions are: ECO mode (to prioritise energy efficiency and extend range); Normal mode (provides balanced driving for everyday use); Sport mode (emphasises performance through acceleration and handling) and Snow mode (to enhance traction and stability on slippery surfaces).
Other beneficial features include a high-efficiency heat pump system which regulates the battery temperature, controls the passenger compartment temperature, and absorbs waste heat from the electric powertrain; BYD’s innovative 8-in-1 electric drivetrain which integrates eight key components for propulsion, charging, control and management while optimising space utilisation and energy efficiency; during the charging process, a system to reduce heat generation of the charging and distribution assembly for more reliable performance.
A six-years manufacturer’s warranty and an eight years battery and electric motor warranty applies to all BYD SEAL models.
For more information, please visit www.bydauto.ie
