BYD Seal vs Tesla Model 3: Is This Chinese EV a Genuine Rival?
The BYD Seal emerges as a compelling alternative to the Tesla Model 3, bringing sleek design, strong performance, and competitive pricing to the electric sedan market.
Combining elegant styling with a streamlined silhouette, the Seal features premium touches like LED lighting and a rotating touchscreen. While the interior offers suede accents and modern tech, some plastic elements detract from the premium feel.
Practicality remains strong with generous front storage and decent rear legroom, though the 402-litre boot falls short of Tesla's 594-litre capacity. A front trunk provides additional storage for charging cables.
Blue BYD Seal electric car
Two powertrain options are available:
- Design (RWD): 313hp, 354-mile range
- Excellence (AWD): 530hp, 323-mile range Note: Tesla Model 3 offers superior range at 436 miles.
BYD Seal electric car front view
Performance highlights:
- 150kW rapid charging (10-80% in 37 minutes)
- Responsive handling despite 2+ tonne weight
- Comfortable urban ride
- Slight suspension firmness on highways
- AWD model matches standard Tesla Model 3 acceleration
BYD Seal's digital dashboard and screen
The rotating touchscreen, while innovative, complicates simple operations like climate control. The interface lacks the intuitive design of Tesla's system.
BYD Seal rear view on road
BYD Seal infotainment display screen
Verdict: The BYD Seal offers strong value with impressive performance and features, though the Tesla Model 3 maintains advantages in range, practicality, and user interface. Consider the Seal if you prioritize style and performance while accepting some minor compromises in everyday usability.
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