In a thrilling development for electric vehicle aficionados in India, Chinese electric vehicle titan BYD is on the brink of launching its third electric car in the Indian market. The highly anticipated BYD Seal electric sedan is poised to make its grand entrance on March 5, joining the esteemed ranks of the Atto 3 electric SUV and e6 electric MPV, as reported by HT Auto.
Originally unveiled during the Auto Expo in January last year, the BYD Seal had initially set its sights on a festive season debut but encountered some delays along the way. This electric sedan has already made significant waves in global markets, where it stands toe-to-toe with the likes of the Tesla Model 3.
Measuring 4,800 mm in length, 1,875 mm in width, and 1,460 mm in height, the BYD Seal boasts an alluring design built upon the EV maker’s dedicated e-Platform 3.0. Inspired by the Ocean X concept showcased in 2021, the Seal flaunts an aerodynamic body featuring an exceptional drag coefficient of merely 0.21 cd. Its exterior is adorned with crystal LED headlamps complemented by boomerang-shaped LED DRLs, along with full-width LED taillights spanning the entire length of the boot-lid.
Inside the cabin, the BYD Seal promises a luxurious experience with plush materials and a commanding 15.6-inch rotating touchscreen infotainment system. The dashboard further hosts a 10.25-inch digital driver display, a head-up display, and two wireless charging pads, among an array of other amenities.
One of the standout attributes of the BYD Seal is its Blade battery technology, ensuring stellar performance. Globally, this electric sedan offers two battery options – a 61.4 kWh unit providing a range of 550 km on a single charge and a larger 82.5 kWh pack offering up to 700 km (CLTC) on a single charge. The Seal is equipped with fast charging capabilities of up to 150 kW with the larger pack and up to 110 kW with the smaller pack.
Safety remains paramount for BYD, with the Seal securing a 5-star safety rating in the Euro NCAP crash test. Notably, it achieved commendable scores across various categories, including adult occupants (89%), child occupants (87%), Vulnerable Road Users (82%), and Safety Assist (76%).
Loaded with features such as dual front airbags, belt pre-tensioners, side airbags, and a center airbag, the Seal also incorporates ISOFIX child seat mounts, airbag cut-off switch, and seatbelt reminders. Additional safety functionalities encompass Autonomous Emergency Braking, Lane Assist System, and Fatigue/Distraction Detection.
Tailored for Indian roads, the BYD Seal will be offered with single PMS and dual-motor options. The Indian variant will boast the more potent dual-motor version, delivering a combined 523 bhp and an impressive 0-100 kmph acceleration in just 3.8 seconds. Positioned as a premium offering, the anticipated price range for the BYD Seal in India hovers around ₹65-70 lakh (ex-showroom), pitting it squarely against rivals like the Kia EV6 and the BMW i4. Enthusiasts of electric vehicles can eagerly anticipate the unveiling of this cutting-edge addition to India’s electric vehicle landscape on March 5.
