New BYD Seal Electric Sedan: Know Features & Changes

The recent introduction of the significantly revamped BYD Seal electric sedan marks a significant step forward in the development of electric vehicles.

BYD has recently introduced a significantly revamped Seal electric sedan in global markets. Despite its similar appearance, the sedan has undergone significant updates, including a transition to a new 800V architecture from the previous 400V system and the incorporation of LiDAR technology.

The external styling remains largely unchanged, with minor updates to the alloy wheels and the addition of LiDAR sensors on the roof. However, the interior has undergone a significant redesign, featuring a revamped dashboard, new door cards, and updated upholstery stitching and designs.

Redesigned Interior

The updated dashboard design follows the same style as other models in the Seal family, incorporating the instrument cluster display within a flat vertical panel that spans the width of the dashboard. The steering wheel has been replaced with a new four-spoke unit, and the large central touchscreen remains a freestanding unit that can be rotated between landscape and portrait orientations. The door cards have also been redesigned, utilizing soft-touch materials that extend to the lower dashboard. Additionally, the seats have been carried over from the previous model but now feature new upholstery patterning.

Configuration and Powertrain Options  

The major update lies beneath the surface, where the e-Platform 3.0 is replaced by the new e-Platform 3.0 EVO, first featured in the BYD Sea Lion 07 electric SUV earlier this year. Thanks to the new platform, the Seal EV now operates on an 800V architecture, enabling significantly faster charging speeds. BYD asserts that the new Seal model can recharge from 10 to 80 percent in just 25 minutes, whereas the previous model took 37 minutes to reach the same charge level.

In terms of powertrain, the new Seal is available with two battery options – 61.44 kWh and 80.64 kWh, and can be configured with rear-wheel drive or all-wheel drive. There are two rear-wheel-drive (RWD) powertrains to choose from – a base model with 228 bhp and 380 Nm of torque, and a more powerful variant with 308 bhp, maintaining the same torque at 380 Nm. The all-wheel drive model increases the output to 523 bhp and 690 Nm of torque.

Interestingly, the base model now offers 27 bhp and 70 Nm more power than its predecessor, resulting in a 1-second decrease in the 0-100 kmph sprint time to 6.5 seconds. The mid-spec RWD model now generates 20 Nm more torque compared to the previous version, while the output of the top AWD variant remains unchanged. The 0-100 kmph sprint times for these variants also remain the same

The new Seal EV is equipped with a 61.44 kWh or 80.64 kWh (down from 82.56 kWh) battery pack, depending on the variant. The updated Seal offers a CLTC range of up to 650 km, compared to the previous 700 km, depending on the powertrain configuration.

Enhanced ADAS & Suspensions 

Incorporating LiDAR sensors in the latest tech developments has introduced advanced driver-assistance system (ADAS) capabilities. These include features such as autonomous parking and assisted self-driving functions for both highway and urban driving scenarios

In terms of suspension, frequency selective damping is now a standard feature across all Seal variants, whereas previously, it was only available on the top AWD variant. The range-topping model also includes the Yunnian-C Intelligent Damping Body Control System, which actively adjusts the suspension settings to minimize body movement and improve vehicle stability and occupant comfort.

The enhanced BYD Seal model has been launched in China and is anticipated to enter other markets in the near future. While the updated model may become available in India by 2025, it is yet to be determined whether the Indian version will be equipped with the complete suite of LiDAR-based technologies.