BYD Seal: First impressions onboard

Direct competitor of the Tesla Model 3, the BYD Seal hits our roads. We had the chance to take the wheel.

The first impression when approaching this BYD Seal is impeccable and carefully finished. The body alignments are accurate to the thousandth of a millimeter, and the whole vehicle exudes seriousness.

Materials, technology, a 12-speaker audio system, ultra-thick door seals—the sense of quality is confirmed as you tour the vehicle. The sport seats are heated and adjustable, welcoming, and the rear passenger space is larger than that of the Tesla Model 3 thanks to a longer wheelbase. The flat floor is a delight for the three rear passengers, who won’t suffer cramps after the 500 kilometers of range announced by the manufacturer.

The weight difference observed between the BYD Seal and the Tesla Model 3 can be explained here, as the Seal is slightly larger and more spacious despite its imposing rear doors.

The seats are electric, heated, and ventilated. A luxurious detail: they come standard with leather upholstery. While it doesn’t align with current Vegan trends, the tactile feel is incomparable. The same goes for the steering wheel.

The multimedia system is based on two screens: a small but practical one behind the steering wheel (which the Tesla doesn’t have), and a large 15.6-inch central display that tilts as needed. The panoramic roof is fully glazed as standard. It only lacks a blackout mode, but BYD assures it’s in the pipeline.

Two trunks are available: a 53-liter front Frunk, and a 402-liter rear storage compartment. Practical for families and for storing charging cables. However, a tailgate would have allowed for a much larger trunk volume without sacrificing the Seal’s sleek line.

The responsiveness of the computer system is comparable to Tesla’s in terms of response time and intuitiveness.

It’s now time to hit the road!