The latest new model to arrive in Ireland from leading electric vehicle manufacturer BYD is its new Seal, a four-door, all-electric, D-segment saloon.
The BYD Seal is the third model to launch here since the brand was introduced to Ireland just eight months ago.
Joining the recently-introduced Dolphin and Atto 3 – winner of the Continental Irish Small/Compact SUV 2024 award – the BYD Seal is a model that its Irish distributor believes will “boost the awareness of BYD, help in attracting new dealers, and consolidate BYD’s growing reputation in Ireland as ‘the biggest car brand you’ve never heard of’”.
Here the model line-up will consist of two powertrain variants – ‘Design’ and an all-wheel drive ‘Excellence’ offering two trim levels, six body colours, two interior trim colours and several technological traits as standard.
Prices begin at €44,036 for the Design model and from €49,836 for the Excellence model (after government subsidies ).
The BYD Seal will be powered by the brand’s own, in-house developed 82.5 kWh Blade Battery with power outputs from 230 kW (Design ) to 390 kW (Excellence ) with a range (WLTP combined ) of 570 km (Design ) and 520 km (Excellence ) and 0-100 km/h speeds of 5.9 seconds and 3.8 seconds, respectively.
Other key Blade Battery features include a 30 to 80 per cent fast charging time of 26 minutes, when charged at a 150 kW DC charging point.
Due also to its unique ‘sandwich’ design which, amongst other attributes, is safer and helps deliver added handling rigidity and more interior space, it has the environmental benefit of being 100 per cent cobalt free.
Like the Dolphin before it, the new Seal is the second model from BYD’s ‘Ocean’ series and boasts notable features such as its smooth silhouette, low front, sloping A-pillar, rounded roof, sloping fastback and subtle upturned ducktail shape.
Concealed door handles, flush with the door when in motion, helps reduce wind resistance and energy consumption, according to BYD.
Inside, soft and firm padded front seats have a sporty appearance – the driver’s seat is electrically adjustable in eight directions with four-way power-adjustable lumbar support. Occupants can also count on plenty of light in the interior thanks to an oversized panoramic sunroof.
Front doors are fitted with double layered laminated glass for excellent sound and heat insulation. Rear doors feature privacy glass, providing enhanced shade and privacy.
Storage is amply provided: the luggage compartment of 400 litres is supplemented by a 53-litre under-bonnet space and more than 20 interior spaces. In addition to a centre armrest box, open-storage space and a wireless charging point for two mobile phones is provided beneath the sub-dash.
A smart connectivity and leading infotainment system are amongst a suite of high-tech features that include 4G intelligent connection and over-the-Air (OTA ) updates; a 15.6-inch rotatable screen with intelligent voice control function and seamless smartphone integration via Android Auto or Apple CarPlay; a 10.25-inch LCD full instrument panel, and a 12-speaker Dynaudio Performance Audio System.
Safety-wise, an extensive range of advanced driver assistance features 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.
Additional items are 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. An 11 kW 3-phase on-board charger for AC charging is also supplied as standard.
The first BYD model with independent suspension – double wishbones at the front and a five-link rear suspension – the new Seal boasts state-of-the-art vehicle architecture based on BYD’s e-Platform 3.0 with Cell-to-Body technology that delivers torsional rigidity and a low centre of gravity.
Four distinct driving modes that cater for a variety of driving preferences and conditions are: ECO mode (to prioritise energy efficiency and extend range ); Normal mode (provides balanced driving for everyday use ); Sport mode (emphasises performance through acceleration and handling ) and Snow mode (to enhance traction and stability on slippery surfaces ).
Other beneficial features include a high-efficiency heat pump system which regulates the battery temperature, controls the passenger compartment temperature, and absorbs waste heat from the electric powertrain; BYD’s innovative 8-in-1 electric drivetrain which integrates eight key components for propulsion, charging, control and management while optimising space utilisation and energy efficiency; during the charging process, a system to reduce heat generation of the charging and distribution assembly for more reliable performance.
A six-years manufacturer’s warranty and an eight years battery and electric motor warranty applies to all BYD Seal models.
Recent dealer appointments have increased the BYD network to five outlets all strategically located, and all exclusively dedicated to the brand. They are: BYD Dublin North, BYD Dublin South, BYD Cork, BYD Waterford and BYD Wexford.
All have Seal, Dolphin and Atto 3 models for viewing, as will a number of additional outlets whose appointments will be announced shortly.
