BYD, the world’s leading manufacturer of new energy vehicles (NEVs), introduces the new all-electric BYD SEAL D-segment sedan to European consumers at the IAA bringing an exciting new EV option, that combines an exceptional depth of groundbreaking technology. BYD, the fastest growing automaker worldwide, is committed to make appealing, high-tech and intelligent electric driving more affordable and accessible to European motorists. After the successful launch of the BYD HAN (E-segment sedan), the BYD TANG (E-segment SUV), the BYD ATTO 3 (C-segment SUV) and BYD DOLPHIN (C-segment hatchback) on the European continent, BYD further accelerates its presence in the European car market with the launch of the much-anticipated all-new BYD SEAL.
The striking BYD SEAL is a sporty and dynamic D-segment sedan, the second in the BYD Ocean series, using BYD’s new ‘Ocean Aesthetics’ design language. It combines a sleek and athletic appearance with a high level of comfort and practicality for five occupants, an outstanding range of equipment, and dimensions that perfectly match the needs of European car buyers. Beyond that, the BYD SEAL features several technological firsts, resulting in countless benefits clearly distinguishing it from its competitors.
Advanced Cell-to-Body technology
Like the BYD ATTO 3 and the recently launched BYD DOLPHIN, the new BYD SEAL is based on BYD’s state-of-the-art e-Platform 3.0, which is designed exclusively for pure-electric vehicles. Notably, the BYD SEAL is the first vehicle to implement BYD’s highly advanced Cell-to-Body (CTB) technology, which is an essential difference and ensures unprecedented levels of safety, torsional rigidity, driving dynamics and space utilisation.
Cell-to-Body means the battery is incorporated within the entire vehicle structure. It integrates the battery pack’s top cover with the traditional body floor structure. This forms a sandwich-like structure incorporating the top cover, the Blade Battery and the tray. In addition, the CTB architecture uses a high-strength honeycomb-like aluminium panel structure, further enhancing vehicle safety.
The CTB battery system serves as a source of energy, as well as a structural component. It contributes to the BYD SEAL’s exceptional torsional stiffness of a massive 40,500 Nm/degree, increasing handling limits and offering an excellent platform for comfort, cabin quietness, safety and performance. Furthermore, CTB technology also improves space utilisation as the battery is combined directly with the body, lowering the vehicle to the floor by about 15 mm. While reducing the body height, the CTB technology increases the axial height inside the vehicle, creating interior space. This has enabled the BYD SEAL to adopt a lower, sleek shape, with improved aerodynamic performance and striking visual impact, as well as more cabin space.
Revolutionary BYD Blade Battery
Like all BYD passenger cars offered in Europe, the BYD SEAL is equipped as standard with a Blade Battery, which is revolutionary in several respects. BYD has been pioneering battery technology for over two decades. 28 years on, with over five million new energy vehicles (BEV+PHEV) produced for customers, BYD is firmly established as a market leader in this field. Its revolutionary Blade Battery is born out of BYD’s relentless research and development, and considered as a major advancement for the EV industry.
The Blade Battery was developed in-house by BYD with the primary goal of optimising safety, durability, longevity, performance and space utilisation. The battery pack consists of 172 thin elongated cells that actually resemble blades. In addition, the Blade Battery uses lithium iron phosphate (LFP) as a cathode material, which offers a higher level of safety and durability compared with conventional lithium-ion batteries.
LFP batteries are 100% free of cobalt, a material that raises ethical and environmental concerns in the mining industry. In addition, LFP batteries are more resistant to extreme temperatures. They have better thermal stability and are less sensitive to temperature fluctuations, while they can withstand more charge and discharge cycles with hardly any loss of capacity. This makes these batteries particularly durable. With a height of only 110 mm for the entire battery pack, the Blade Battery also contributes to the efficient vehicle packaging and optimised interior space of the BYD SEAL.
In addition to all the benefits of the Cell-to-Body technology, the exceptional safety level of the Blade Battery is demonstrated (video) by exceeding the requirements of the punishing Nail Penetration Test. This is the most rigorous method to test battery thermal runaway and simulates the consequences of a serious road accident.
Furthermore, the BYD SEAL is offered as standard with a high-efficiency heat pump system. This allows for efficient regulation of the battery temperature via direct cooling and direct heating of the refrigerant, as well as control of the passenger compartment temperature with low energy consumption. The heat pump can also absorb waste heat from the electric powertrain, while it can withstand temperatures ranging from -30°C to 60°C. BYD’s battery technology also supports V2L (Vehicle-to-Load), allowing the BYD SEAL to be used as a portable power supply for electrical devices (total output up to 3,000 W).
Range and performance
The progressive nature of BYD and the BYD SEAL goes beyond the Cell-to-Body technology and Blade Battery. For example, the new sports sedan uses the innovative 8-in-1 electric drivetrain. This integrates eight key components for propulsion, charging, control and management, enabling BYD to create exceptional opportunities for vertical integration within the supply chain, while significantly optimising space utilisation and energy efficiency.
Available in two trims, Design and Excellence-AWD, the all-new BYD SEAL will be offered with a choice of two drivetrains, both with a battery capacity of 82.5 kWh. The ‘Design’ single-motor version with rear-wheel drive (BYD SEAL Design) has a power output of 230 kW (313 PS) and accelerates from 0-100 km/h in 5.9 seconds. The range is set at 570 kilometres (WLTP combined). The BYD SEAL is also available with four-wheel drive (BYD SEAL Excellence-AWD) with an electric motor on the front and rear axles (160 kW + 230 kW), resulting in a total power output of 390 kW (530 PS). This, the Excellence-AWD version, is a real powerhouse that accelerates from 0-100 km/h in just 3.8 seconds, while the range is set at 520 kilometres (WLTP combined).
Customers of the BYD SEAL benefit from a high-voltage electric drive boost charging solution, which allows for faster charging. This technology innovatively uses the motor inductor to replace the boost inductor in the original boost solution, to meet the 420-750V voltage range of charging piles with high-power DC charging. During the charging process, the BYD SEAL reduces the heat generation of the charging and distribution assembly for more reliable performance.
The BYD SEAL offers an 11 kW 3-phase on-board charger for AC charging as standard, and can be fast charged at a DC ultra fast-charging station with 150 kW. With this amount of power, the battery can be charged from 30% to 80% in just 26 minutes.
Driving dynamics
Athletic, sporty and dynamic, as well as intelligent with a high-tech DNA, the new BYD SEAL has everything to impress European motorists. Its state-of-the-art vehicle architecture based on the e-Platform 3.0 with Cell-to-Body technology guarantees unprecedented torsional rigidity and a low centre of gravity, which fully benefits the driving dynamics of the BYD SEAL. In addition, the SEAL is the first BYD with independent suspension, with double wishbones at the front and a five-link rear suspension, which also contributes to the excellent handling and vehicle control.
The BYD SEAL Excellence-AWD offers variable frequency dampers for ultimate responsiveness. This technology controls the oil flow in the damper cylinder through the valve. When the road conditions are smooth, the damping is relatively firm, allowing for more stable vehicle dynamics and better handling. When there are potholes or rough surfaces, the damping automatically reduces to absorb the impact of the road better, assuring a high-quality ride.
In addition, the BYD SEAL Excellence-AWD benefits from a newly developed Intelligent Torque Adaption Control system (iTAC). This technology has changed the previous way of making the vehicle dynamically stable by reducing the power output, and upgraded it to torque shifting, appropriately reducing the torque or outputting negative torque, and other control methods to maintain the stability of the vehicle. Thanks to the improvement of recognition speed and the change of adjustment method, iTAC can integrate the own state of vehicles, as well as the driver’s horizontal and vertical control needs to advance power distribution and adjustment, thereby, fully utilising the vehicle’s power potential, improving safety and driving comfort while expanding handling limits.
The BYD SEAL offers four distinct driving modes, catering for a variety of driving preferences and conditions. These modes include:
– ECO mode, which prioritises energy efficiency and extends the driving range.
– Normal mode, providing a balanced driving experience for everyday use.
– Sport mode, emphasising performance through aggressive acceleration and sharper handling.
– Snow mode, designed to enhance traction and stability on slippery surfaces like snow or ice.
Ocean Aesthetics design language
After the recently launched BYD DOLPHIN, the new BYD SEAL is the second European model in BYD Ocean series to adopt the Ocean Aesthetics design language, giving it a dynamic, stylish and highly distinctive appearance.
The BYD SEAL has been created by a design team led by BYD’s Global Design Director, Wolfgang Egger, and demonstrates power and athleticism with a drag coefficient of just 0.219 Cd. The low-to-the-ground body style slices like a razor blade through the wind. Its sleek nature-inspired design is emotionally rich, high-tech and appealing. The car’s front end has a powerful sense of forward motion, with an ‘X-face styling’ in the dynamic perspective. The front of the BYD SEAL has the look and feel of a sports car, with its full, sculpted, captivating curves providing the sense of the momentum of waves.
The SEAL’s side silhouette is smooth and natural, with a low front, sloping A-pillar, rounded roof, sloping fastback punctuated by a subtly upturned ducktail shape, which emphasises the characteristic of a sports coupe. The concealed door handle design, which is flush with the door when the vehicle is in motion, helps to enable airflow to pass at high speed, thereby reducing wind resistance and overall vehicle energy consumption.
Spacious and versatile
In addition to its dynamic, intelligent and sporty character, the BYD SEAL is also a versatile four-door sedan that comfortably seats five people. The 2,920 mm wheelbase provides occupants with legroom similar to that of an executive saloon. Meanwhile, due to the CTB architecture and compact battery packaging, occupants have plenty of headroom despite the car’s low-slung styling.
The practicality is further reflected in the luggage compartment of 400 litres and an additional 53-litre ‘frunk’ under the bonnet (RWD-version). In addition, the BYD SEAL offers more than 20 flexible storage spaces for small items in the interior. At the front of the sub-dash, there is a wireless charging point for two mobile phones. In addition to the standard centre armrest box, there is a functional semi-open storage space under the sub-dashboard.
The front seats have a sporty appearance with soft and firm seat padding, and excellent wrapping and support. The driver’s seat is electrically adjustable in eight directions, while users of all sizes can find a comfortable driving position behind the four-way adjustable steering wheel. The driver’s seat has four-way power-adjustable lumbar support. The rear seats provide a comfortable seating position for three adult occupants. The seat back, cushion padding, as well as the angles of the rear seat back and cushion, have been ergonomically designed and fully optimised, easing any fatigue on long journeys. Occupants can also count on plenty of light in the interior thanks to an oversized panoramic sunroof. And for optimum comfort, the front doors are fitted with double layered laminated glass for excellent sound and heat insulation. The rear doors feature privacy glass, providing enhanced shade and privacy for rear occupants.
Infotainment and ADAS
Smart connectivity and leading infotainment are other primary elements of the BYD SEAL, which is equipped with a 4G intelligent connection system bringing leading technology experiences and Over The Air (OTA) updates as a way to update infotainment features. The BYD SEAL has a 15.6 rotatable screen equipped with intelligent voice control function that can be activated with the voice command “Hey BYD”, and seamless smartphone integration via Android Auto or Apple CarPlay. It also features a 10.25-inch full instrument LCD panel, while the impressive 12-speaker Dynaudio Performance Audio System provides premium quality sound.
In terms of safety and advanced driver assistance (ADAS), the BYD SEAL offers an extensive range as standard. This 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. There is also 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.
Delivery of the BYD SEAL to Dealers from Q4 2023
The first dealer deliveries of the BYD SEAL will be in O4 2023 with end-user customer deliveries from November. The model line-up consists of two powertrain variants and two trim levels. BYD SEAL Design £44,990 MSRP and BYD SEAL Excellence-AWD £47,990 MSRP. Six body colours are available along with two interior trim colours. Full specification will be released as part of the UK launch in early Q4.
All versions of BYD SEAL are offered with excellent warranty conditions as standard, consisting of a six-year manufacturer’s warranty and eight years for the battery and electric motor.
