BYD (Build Your Dreams) showcased its Seal electric sedan alongside the limited ‘forest green’ edition of the Atto 3 e-SUV at the recently held 2023 Auto Expo.
The BYD Seal’s highlights piqued everyone’s interest who saw the vehicle at the expo. It has a range of 700 km, dual motors with 522 hp and 670 Nm torque, and can accelerate from 0 to 100 kmph in 3.8 seconds.
The EV maker previously stated that it intends to launch the EV in India in Q4 2023, and plans are on track.
Now available on India’s official website
The Seal EV and Atto 3 and E6 electric MPV are now available on BYD India’s official website. So, if you are considering purchasing an EV soon in India, BYD Seal could also be one of your options.
BYD’s Indian website now includes the Seal electric sedan, the e6 MPV, and Atto 3 SUV.
There is no indication of a release date or price. It is a foreshadowing of an impending launch. However, it has yet to be official.
The headline figures include a 0-100 km/h time of 3.8 seconds, a range of 700 km on a single charge, and the holy grail 50:50 load distribution. This is feasible with a large battery weighing between 61.4 and 82.5 kWh.
Motor configurations in international markets range from 204 bhp in RWD configuration to 530 bhp and 670 Nm in AWD configuration.
If priced around Rs. 60 lahks (ex-showroom), the BYD Seal will compete with the Volvo XC40 Recharge and the Kia EV6 GT Line.
Available in two battery sizes
In addition to its outstanding 0-100 kmph time, the BYD Seal has a 50:50 weight distribution, which bodes well for handling.
It will be available in two battery sizes: 61.4 kWh and 82.5 kWh. The smaller battery will have a single motor with 204 hp.
Both battery packs, however, will use BYD’s specialized blade battery technology, which is safer and less prone to catching fire in extreme conditions.
Furthermore, the real-world range of the Blade battery technology is much closer to the manufacturer’s claimed range.
Upgraded Blade battery for Seal EV
BYD confirmed that the Seal EV’s Blade battery would use a more upgraded version of the blade architecture known as CTB (Cell to Body), improving the vehicle’s stability and safety.
It is said to be the first and only EV battery to pass the ‘Mount Everest nail penetration test.
Unlike conventional EVs, the Seal’s CTB Blade battery is integrated into the structure, increasing the interior structure’s safety by 50% on frontal collision and 45% on side impact.
Highlights of the BYD SEAL Electric Vehicle
Features elements include classy alloys and pointed creases that give it a German appearance. Notably, form always follows function in EV design. This is done to reduce air drag and maximize range.
Regarding air drag, the BYD Seal has a coefficient of 0.219 Cd. At 0.2 Cd, Mercedes-Benz EQS is falling marginally behind. But it’s really impressive.
Inside, the knobs and buttons are kept to a minimum. A massive center touchscreen and a broad instrument screen dominate the interior. Quilted patterns are applied to the seats and extend to the door pads.
Unlike Tesla vehicles, the windshield and roof are separated. BYD Seal, on the other hand, gets a massive glass roof that does not open. Moreover, the BYD Seal EV has flush door handles and stylish LED tail lights.
While BYD has not disclosed price estimates, the EV maker has confirmed that it will sit above outgoing Atto 3 in the lineup.
The EV is expected to compete with the Kia EV6 GT and the Hyundai loniq 5, both of which are priced between Rs 45 and Rs 60 lakh.
