The BYD Seal Has the Build Quality, Just Not the Personality Yet
The review is direct about where this car stands: genuinely well put together, clearly aimed at unsettling Tesla, but still missing the distinct character that would make it a first choice rather than a value alternative.
Illustration for editorial purposes
The Challenger Everyone's Watching Closely
Few electric car makers have grown as fast or as globally as this one, and its flagship saloon carries real weight as a statement of intent. Reviewers keep judging it directly against the segment's default choice — and finding it competent rather than compelling.
Specs at a Glance
| Body style | Electric saloon |
|---|---|
| Battery | 82.5kWh (all versions) |
| Drivetrain | Rear-wheel drive or all-wheel drive |
| 0–62mph | 5.9 sec (RWD) |
| Claimed range | 354 miles (RWD) |
| Price range (new) | From around £45,695 |
Full Review Summary
Top Gear
Top Gear praised build quality as genuinely comparable to established Japanese and Korean rivals, a real achievement for a brand still building its European reputation, though found chassis dynamics not yet at the same level, describing both this and its key Tesla rival as feeling like they're "just going through the motions" to drive. They liked the rotating touchscreen and panoramic roof adding a sense of occasion inside, and rated charging speed of up to 150kW as merely adequate rather than class-leading, delivering a 10-80% charge in just under 30 minutes. Pricing was found to sit close to the Hyundai Ioniq 6 and above the entry Tesla Model 3, undermining any attempt to be seen purely as a budget alternative.
Trims & Engines at a Glance
Both trims share the same 82.5kWh battery — the only real differences beyond the drivetrain are a head-up display on Excellence and premium paint as the sole cost option.
| Derivative | Engine | Power | Transmission | Body | 0–62mph |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Seal Design | Single rear electric motor, RWD | 308bhp | Single-speed automatic | Saloon | 5.9s |
| Seal Excellence | Dual electric motors, AWD | 523bhp | Single-speed automatic | Saloon | 3.8s |
A handful of exterior colours are offered, with premium metallic finishes available at extra cost. Check BYD's UK configurator for current pricing.
Strengths
- Genuinely strong build quality
- Distinctive rotating touchscreen and spacious, airy cabin
- Competitive range and reasonably quick charging
- Smart, well-proportioned styling
Weak points
- Chassis dynamics trail more established rivals
- Lacks a distinct driving character or personality
- Pricing isn't the bargain the brand's reputation might suggest
- Charging speed merely adequate rather than class-leading
Who It Actually Suits
Buyers who want a well-built, spacious electric saloon and value genuine cabin quality over sharp handling or outright driving thrills. Worth cross-shopping directly against the Tesla Model 3 and Hyundai Ioniq 6 before assuming this is the value pick of the three.
More BYD Reviews
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BYD Seal review ↗ (same video, watch above ↗)