2024 BYD Seal (inc. 0-100 & autonomy test) review: Supercar speed, for medium SUV dollars

Who would have thought 10 years ago that you could buy a car that will do 0-100 in under 4 seconds for under $70,000. The 2024 BYD Seal Performance represents incredible value for money when you consider the performance equation. Even at the entry level, it's affordable for what it is. Paul Maric reviews the latest electric sedan from China.

Skip Ahead:
Intro: 00:00
Exterior: 01:00
Interior: 04:47
Infotainment: 06:35
Safety Tech: 10:05
Practicality: 11:06
Charging: 14:33
On the road: 15:28
Driver aids: 23:30
Performance: 25:09
Verdict: 28:02

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CarExpert:

Paul Maric:

# byd # seal # review

[CarExpertAus]

Just wanted to correct something mentioned in the video. I said it’s capable of 11kW 3-phase AC charging. That’s only for Europe - Australia is limited to single-phase 7kW AC charging.

[davidw.]

BYD does seem to listen to customers feedback and had changed many of the visual annoyances, like the water droplets, "Build Your Dreams", and the ugly random lines in the interior. The Seal is now an absolutely stunning looking car that has a premium feel.

[ItsJonesy]

Great comprehensive review and much more inline with the global reviews from people who actually have a clue what they’re talking about and without bias like a lot of the other Aussie reviews seem to be.

I’ve had my Seal Performance for 2wks now and agree with just about every part of your review so thank you for releasing a balanced and unbiased review. It’s genuinely an amazing car to drive in all aspects.

[davec]

Thanks Paul for understanding that not all performance sedans have to handle like track cars. Unlike many car reviewers who's trying to be racing car drivers. They simply don't understand the meaning of "Grand Tourer" this is what the Seal is designed to be NOT another Tesla clone.

[Richard-wtuq]

Great review Paul,
I’ve driven both the Premium and Performance. The Performance was scary but great fun.
I would love to see Paul do a similar review of the Premium model as I think most sensible people will buy this model.
I ordered the Premium on the night of release and after finally test driving I think I’ve made the right decision, although the 17 year old in me would love the performance, I’m just not sure I could afford the speeding fines.

[manofleisure]

Thanks Paul. Been waiting for this review. Will be picking up a Premium version next year once finances allow. Really impressed with this car and will be my venture into EV's.

[tbillington]

The Chinese manufacturers are progressing crazy fast. That infotainment screen was impressively responsive. And they've finally got the designs down.

[mjwa]

The most balanced and informative review I've seen free of bias. Gives me confidence I've made the right choice in ordering one. :)

[dingbatt]

The most comprehensive and best review of the Seal I have seen yet.
Haven’t driven one, but have sat in and played with the infotainment, etc. The interior seems more premium than my Model 3. The seats are just as comfortable, it has better ventilation/hvac, a driver’s display and hud, Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, indicator stalk, real leather seats (ventilated as well as heated) and just a few more physical buttons. The displays are lower resolution than the Tesla and the likes of BMW and Mercedes and are perhaps the only thing that reduces the premium feel of the interior.
The boot is probably the biggest compromise. My M3 boot is probably my second biggest ‘pinch point’ (the first being no driver’s display). The Seal boot is smaller still. There is less storage considering boot (including underfloor) and “frunk”. I believe BYD missed a trick by slavishly copying (ahem, I mean taking inspiration from) the Model 3 and not making this a liftback. Still, if practicality is the main goal, then the Seal U will be better, in the same way that the Model Y is more practical than the 3.
Here in NZ, I believe the version of the Seal that will sell the best is the big battery, single motor “premium”. Apart from the extra motor and dampers (hence better performance) that the “Performance” Seal has, the Premium only misses out on a heated steering wheel and electronic child locks, but gains 50km of WLTP range.
According to the BYD salesman, the active safety features can be changed to “nag only” (my terminology) rather than mechanical intervention. Whether that is something that has to be set every time is yet to be determined. Certainly here in NZ, BYD seem more receptive to making tweaks after customer feedback than other manufacturers.
Just too much is absent or has been removed from the new Model 3 for me to consider it as an upgrade (driver’s display, blind spot monitoring, USS, radar, passenger lumbar support, indicator and gear selector stalks. So the Seal now becomes the front runner.

[EcoHouseThailand]

Own a Seal AWD Performance for a couple of months, love driving it so much. It handles and performs amazingly well, but still with comfort and refinement. I have the V2L hooked up to my solar system to provide backup power to the house- videos on my channel for the doubters

[global_southerner]

Ordered mine today after test driving both BYD Seal and Tesla Model 3H. The base model of BYD Seal is a no brainer with blade LFP batteries and silver in sunroof.

[kennyobe]

Thanks Paul for your very balanced review. I have ordered the Premium. We also have an Atto3 which has proven to be a very reliable and efficient vehicle. Cost less than $7 to charge to full from our solar system. I’m sure BYD will adjust all the ADAS stuff but in the meantime just turn it off. In fact I think I read that this is already happening. I like the lack of the Tesla style one pedal strong regeneration. BYD does the same thing in a softer way. BYD is going to put the cat among the pigeons with the German overpriced and compromised EV’s.

[Johnycakee]

One safety aspect of a LFP battery would have been worth mentioning…… they don’t explode or erupt once punctured or ruptured unlike lithium.

[CarFinanceSimplified]

Hello from the UK. As someone coming out of a Model 3 in the next few months and considering one’s next option - this video was superb. Many thanks.

[joelbouman]

My brother bought the stock standard Seal and I test drove it recently. One word review; phenomenal. Will buy one when it's time to upgrade

[YoHoosierDaddy]

I rotated the center screen about 60 times a day, it’s just satisfying 😂

[keikc]

Thank you Paul, I have been waiting for this BYD Seal review for long, really nice!! I have place an order for a premium model which is perfect for me it has 600Km in one charge which is more important for me. very good value definately

[thedatablogger_in]

Absolutely blown awqy by this expert review unlike other biased ones released a day ago (you know what I am talking about). Love the value proposition and have booked mine in Perth last week. Going with Premium

[seanf]

Hi mate i have just ordered my BYD Seal performance and collect it in 4 days, and can't wait, to be honest i was sold on the car after the test drive, great interior / exterior and good tech.

[tobybridson]

When comparing the BYD Seal to the Tesla Model 3, it's clear that the Seal outshines the competition in terms of its comprehensive and superior driver-supporting features. The days of Tesla's inflated premium pricing solely based on their brand reputation are fading, and consumers are recognizing the value offered by BYD. With its impressive feature set, the BYD Seal has won me over as my next car choice, marking a shift from Tesla in the automotive landscape.