BYD, the world’s leading manufacturer of New Energy Vehicles (NEVs), introduces the all-electric BYD SEAL, a D-segment vehicle that brings a new and exciting EV option to the market, packed with cutting-edge technologies.
As the fastest-growing automaker globally, BYD is committed to making attractive, high-tech, and intelligent electric mobility more accessible and attainable for European drivers.
A Striking, High-Tech Sedan
The impressive BYD SEAL is a sporty and dynamic D-segment sedan, the second model in BYD’s Ocean series, showcasing the brand’s innovative “Ocean Aesthetics” design language. Combining sleek, athletic looks with exceptional comfort and practicality for five passengers, it offers a comprehensive range of features and dimensions tailored to European buyers’ needs. Additionally, the BYD SEAL boasts several technological firsts, delivering numerous advantages that set it apart from the competition.
Advanced Cell-to-Body (CTB) Technology
The BYD SEAL is built on BYD’s state-of-the-art e-Platform 3.0, designed exclusively for fully electric vehicles. Its advanced Cell-to-Body (CTB) technology differentiates it from competitors by ensuring superior safety, torsional rigidity, dynamic handling, and space utilization.
In the CTB design, the battery is integrated into the vehicle’s structure. Specifically, the upper cover of the battery pack forms part of the vehicle’s floor. This “sandwich” design incorporates the upper cover, BYD’s Blade Battery, and the supporting base. Additionally, the CTB architecture uses a high-strength aluminum honeycomb structure, further enhancing the vehicle’s safety.
The CTB battery system not only serves as an energy source but also functions as a structural component, contributing to the BYD SEAL’s impressive torsional rigidity of 40,500 Nm/degree. This enhances the vehicle’s dynamic driving performance while ensuring a superior platform offering comfort, low noise levels, safety, and high efficiency.
Optimized Space and Aerodynamics
The CTB technology also improves space utilization by integrating the battery with the vehicle body, reducing the floor height by approximately 15 mm. This increases interior headroom, enhancing cabin spaciousness. Designers leveraged this to create a lower, more elegant silhouette with improved aerodynamic efficiency while providing a roomier passenger cabin.
The BYD SEAL stands as a testament to innovation, combining advanced engineering and design to meet the evolving demands of modern drivers, particularly in the competitive European market.
The Revolutionary Blade Battery by BYD
As with all BYD passenger vehicles available in Europe, the BYD SEAL comes equipped as standard with the “Blade Battery,” a revolutionary innovation in several aspects. BYD has been a pioneer in battery technology for over two decades. With more than six million New Energy Vehicles (BEV+PHEV) delivered to customers, BYD has established itself as a market leader in this field. The groundbreaking Blade Battery is the result of BYD’s relentless research and development efforts and is considered a significant advancement for the EV industry.
The Blade Battery was developed by BYD with a primary focus on optimizing safety, durability, longevity, performance, and space utilization. The battery consists of 172 thin, elongated cells resembling blades. Additionally, the Blade Battery uses Lithium Iron Phosphate (LFP) as its cathode material, offering a higher level of safety and durability compared to conventional lithium-ion batteries.
LFP batteries are entirely free of cobalt, a material that raises ethical and environmental concerns in the mining industry. Moreover, LFP batteries are more resistant to extreme temperatures and can endure more charge and discharge cycles with virtually no loss in capacity, making them exceptionally durable. At just 110 mm in height for the entire battery pack, the Blade Battery also contributes to better utilization of interior space.
Beyond all the advantages of Cell-to-Body technology, the exceptional safety level of the Blade Battery is demonstrated by surpassing the rigorous requirements of the Nail Penetration Test. This is the most stringent method for testing thermal runaway in batteries and simulates the consequences of a severe car accident.
The independent organization EuroNCAP has subjected the BYD SEAL to all prescribed crash tests, awarding it the highest rating of five stars.
The BYD SEAL comes standard with a high-efficiency heat pump system, enabling efficient temperature regulation of the battery through direct cooling and heating of the coolant, as well as cabin temperature control with low energy consumption. The heat pump can also utilize waste heat from the electric drivetrain and withstand temperatures ranging from -30°C to 60°C. BYD’s battery technology also supports V2L (Vehicle-to-Load) functionality, allowing the BYD SEAL to serve as a portable power supply for charging devices, with a total output of up to 3,000 W.
With Two- or Four-Wheel Drive and Up to 530 Horsepower
The progressive nature of BYD and the SEAL model extends beyond the Cell-to-Body technology and Blade Battery. For instance, the sporty sedan incorporates the innovative “8-in-1” electric powertrain system. This integrates eight core components for propulsion, charging, energy control, and management, enabling BYD to optimize both space utilization and the overall energy efficiency of the vehicle.
Available in two trims, Design and Excellence, the all-new BYD SEAL comes with two drivetrain options—both equipped with an 82.5 kWh battery. The Design version features a single electric motor and rear-wheel drive, delivering 230 kW (313 PS) and accelerating from 0-100 km/h in 5.9 seconds. Its range is 570 kilometers (WLTP combined cycle). The BYD SEAL is also offered with all-wheel drive (Excellence-AWD), featuring electric motors on both the front and rear axles (160 kW + 230 kW), with a combined output of 390 kW (530 PS). The powerful Excellence version accelerates from 0-100 km/h in just 3.8 seconds, while its range is 520 kilometers (WLTP combined cycle).
SEAL owners benefit from a robust high-voltage battery charging system. This cutting-edge technology utilizes the electric motor to essentially replace the voltage booster, enabling charging at a voltage range of 420-750V, ensuring compatibility with high-power DC fast chargers. During charging, the BYD SEAL reduces heat generation within the charging and distribution systems, ensuring more reliable performance.
The BYD SEAL comes standard with an integrated 11 kW three-phase AC charger and supports DC fast charging at 150 kW. With this power level, the battery can charge from 30% to 80% in just 26 minutes.
Dynamic Driving Performance
Sporty, dynamic, and athletic, yet intelligent and equipped with high-tech DNA, the SEAL has everything to impress the driver. Its cutting-edge architecture, based on the e-Platform 3.0 with Cell-to-Body technology, ensures unprecedented torsional rigidity and a low center of gravity, benefiting the dynamic driving characteristics of the BYD SEAL. Additionally, the SEAL is the first BYD model with independent suspension, featuring front double wishbones and a rear five-link suspension, both of which contribute to exceptional road handling and full vehicle control.
The Excellence-AWD version is equipped with variable damping shock absorbers, adjusting according to vibration frequency for optimal response. On smooth road surfaces, the damping is relatively high, allowing for better vehicle handling and outstanding dynamic driving characteristics. When encountering potholes or uneven surfaces, the damping automatically decreases to improve shock absorption, ensuring a premium driving experience.
Furthermore, the Excellence-AWD version benefits from the recently developed Intelligent Torque Adaptation Control (iTAC) system. This system differs from the traditional technology, which typically operates by reducing power output to ensure vehicle stability. Instead, iTAC focuses on adjusting torque distribution to maintain stability. By doing so, it fully utilizes the vehicle’s power dynamics, enhancing safety while extending the car’s control limits.
The BYD SEAL offers three different driving modes:
- ECO mode: Prioritizes energy efficiency and extends the vehicle’s range.
- Normal mode: Provides a balanced driving experience for everyday use.
- Sport mode: Emphasizes performance with more dynamic acceleration and enhanced driving features.
Design Identity: Ocean Aesthetics
The BYD SEAL adopts the Ocean Aesthetics design language, giving it a dynamic, sleek, and distinctive appearance.
The BYD SEAL was created by a design team led by Wolfgang Egger, BYD’s Global Design Director. Its lines showcase strength and a sporty character, with a drag coefficient of just 0.219 Cd. The lowered body appears to slice through the wind like a razor. Its elegant design, inspired by nature, exudes emotion, and combined with its high-tech features, it captures attention. The front of the vehicle conveys a strong sense of forward motion, with a characteristic dynamic “X” shape. The front of the BYD SEAL has the appearance and feel of a sports car, with its full, sculpted curves evoking the momentum of ocean waves.
The side silhouette of the SEAL adopts smooth lines, highlighted by the low front end, sloping A-pillars, rounded roof, and a fastback rear that is interrupted by a slightly inverted ducktail-style rear configuration, reminiscent of a sports coupe. The hidden door handles of the BYD SEAL, which do not protrude from the door when the vehicle is in motion, contribute to smooth airflow, reducing aerodynamic drag and overall energy consumption.
Spacious Interior with Excellent Ergonomics
In addition to its dynamic, smart, and sporty character, the BYD SEAL is also a versatile four-door sedan that comfortably accommodates five passengers. The 2,920mm wheelbase provides passengers with legroom comparable to that of an executive saloon. Thanks to its CTB architecture and the compact arrangement of the batteries, there is ample headroom despite the car’s low overall roof height.
Practicality is further reflected in its 400-liter luggage space and an additional 53-liter storage space (frunk) beneath the front hood. Furthermore, the BYD SEAL offers more than 20 storage compartments for small items within the cabin. The central console features a wireless charging point for two mobile phones, with additional storage space directly underneath.
The front seats have a sporty design that hugs the body, offering excellent support. The driver’s seat is electrically adjustable in eight directions, while all users, regardless of body type, can find a comfortable position thanks to the adjustable steering wheel (both in height and distance from the driver’s chest). Additionally, the driver’s seat features four-way electrically adjustable lumbar support. The rear seats provide ample space for three adult passengers. Their upholstery and the angle of the backrest (relative to the seat base) are ergonomically designed and fully optimized for comfortable long-distance travel.
The large panoramic sunroof fills the cabin with abundant light. The front doors feature double-glazed panels for superior sound insulation and thermal insulation, while the rear doors are fitted with dark-tinted glass, providing improved shading and protecting rear passengers from prying eyes.
Multimedia System with 15.6” Screen and Extensive ADAS Suite
Smart connectivity and an advanced infotainment system are among the key features of the BYD SEAL. The vehicle is equipped with an advanced 4G connectivity system that delivers top-tier technological experiences and Over-The-Air (OTA) updates for enhancing the functionalities of the infotainment system. A highlight of the interior is the 15.6-inch rotating screen at the center of the dashboard, equipped with intelligent voice control functionality and offering seamless smartphone integration via Android Auto or Apple CarPlay.
In front of the driver, there is a 10.25-inch digital display, while the impressive Dynaudio Performance Audio System with 12 speakers delivers superior sound quality.
Regarding safety and advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS), the BYD SEAL comes with a comprehensive range of standard features, including: 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. Additionally, the vehicle includes Adaptive Cruise Control and Intelligent Cruise Control, a 360-degree Panoramic Camera, Blind Spot Detection System, Hill Start Assist, Intelligent Speed Limit Information, and Intelligent Speed Limit Control. Cutting-edge lighting technology provides a wider LED beam for improved visibility during night driving, with High Beam Assist, adaptive headlight beam, and Follow Me Home functionality.
In two versions and with a 6-year warranty
The model range consists of two engine-transmission system versions (RWD – 313 PS & AWD – 530 PS), two equipment levels (Design and Excellence-AWD), six body colors, and two interior design colors.
For orders placed by the end of 2024, a complimentary 3-year service is offered. The SEAL comes with a 6-year basic warranty (or 150,000 km), 8 years warranty for the electric motor (or 150,000 km), and 8 years warranty for the battery (or 200,000 km).
