The 2024 BYD Seal was formally introduced in Australia and is anticipated by many to be a formidable rival to the much anticipated Tesla Model 3.
Three Seal variants will be available from BYD through Australian distributor EVDirect. The rear differential dynamics with a standard range of motion is priced at $31,457 for the lower-end model, $37,076 for the mid-range premium version with an additional range of motion, and $43,381 for the performance all-wheel drive. In contrast, the board version of the Tesla Model 3 costs $45,337, while the facelifted model costs $39,032.
A 61.44 kWh battery pack powers the lower seal BYD's electric motor at the back, producing 201 horsepower and 310 Nm of torque. It can accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in 7.5 seconds and travel 460 kilometers on a single charge. In spite of its low cost, the vehicle is packed with features, including 18-inch wheels, a 15.6-inch multimedia display, a 10.25-inch instrument panel, synthetic leather, a 12-speaker Dynaudio sound system, a smartphone wireless charger, and a suite of active and passive safety assistants.
A larger 82.56 kWh battery and an electric motor with 308 horsepower and 360 Nm of torque are features of the BYD seal premium. This variant can travel 570 km on a single charge and achieve 100 km/h in 5.9 seconds in static mode. In addition, the higher-end model features 19-inch wheels, a head-up display, leather upholstery on the steering wheel and seats, and an electronic driver's seat with four settings.
The performance model employs an additional 215 horsepower up front, for a total power and torque of 523 horsepower and 670 Nm. It still has the same 82.56 kWh battery and a 230 kW (308 hp) rear engine. Its range of motion is 520 kilometers, and its acceleration time from 0 to 100 kilometers per hour is 3.8 seconds. This variant features an electronic child lock, torque, and a heated steering wheel.
While the premium and performance models enable 150 kW charging, the base model only offers 110 kW fast charging. This means that 30 to 80 percent of the battery may be charged in just 26 minutes. Adaptive cruise control, a 360-degree camera, automated emergency braking, blind spot monitoring, front and rear vehicle crossing alerts with brakes, traffic sign recognition, and a vehicle maintenance assistant between the lines are features shared by all three models.