How do the BYD Seal Design and Seal Excellence compare?
BYD has become the most well-known of all the latest Chinese car brands that have entered the UK.
It offers several different models, ranging from compact EVs to plug-in hybrid SUVs.
One of the most popular models in the firm’s lineup is the Seal. An electric executive saloon that is rivalling the likes of the BMW i4 and Polestar 2.
It comes with a choice of different trim levels, badged ‘Design’ and Excellence’.
So, what’s the difference between the two models, and which one offers better value for money?
We’ve compared both models back-to-back to see which is best.
What is a BYD Seal?
The BYD Seal launched here in the UK in November 2023 and has become a very popular choice for British buyers.
It competes in the compact executive class, rivalling cars like the aforementioned BMW and Polestar models as well as the likes of the Tesla Model 3 and Hyundai Ioniq 6.
It’s only available as an EV, and comes with one powertrain, which incorporates an 82.5kWh battery pack with an electric motor.
There are two trim levels and several different paint choices to give the buyer plenty of options when it comes to choosing the right Seal for them.
What does the Seal Design feature?
The Design is the entry-level model in the Seal range, however, it isn’t short of equipment with the car coming as standard with LED headlights, a panoramic roof, a powered tailgate, heated front seats and steering wheel, and a 15.6-inch rotatable infotainment screen.
It comes with a single electric motor, which is located on the rear axle of the car, along with the 82.5kWh battery on board. BYD claims that this model can travel up to 354 miles on a single charge – making it one of the best-in-class for driving range. It’s also compatible with 150kW DC rapid charging, which can take the car from a 30 to 80 per cent top up in 26 minutes.
In terms of power, the electric motor produces a total of 307bhp and 359Nm of torque. Meanwhile, 0-60 mph is dispatched in 5.7 seconds and the car has a top speed of 111 mph.
What does the Seal Excellence feature?
On the face of it, both cars look exactly the same and both models feature the same identical standard equipment. The Excellence features heated and electrically-operated front seats, a panoramic roof and LED headlights.
However, the one piece of equipment where the Excellence scores above the Design is that it comes with a head-up display.
But, it’s underneath where the changes have been made, as the Excellence features an additional electric motor fitted on the front axle to make all-wheel drive.
Its performance increases too, now producing 522bhp and 669Nm of torque, while 60mph is dealt with in 3.6 seconds, but the top speed remains the same as in the former model at 111 mph.
BYD claims the Seal Excellence can travel up to 323 miles between trips to the plug and is still compatible with 150kW DC rapid charging, taking 26 minutes to go from 30 to 80 per cent.
Which one should you go for?
Taking both of these models into account, the entry-level Design variant is all you could ever need. It comes packed full of equipment, has a better claimed electric range and prices start at £45,705 compared to £48,705 for the all-wheel-drive Excellence.
However, if you’re often driving in poor conditions then the all-wheel-drive performance of the Excellence could come in handy. Remember, too, that you’re getting that high-tech head-up display as well.
The BYD Seal is a car that we’re proud to offer here at UK CarLine and if you’d like to find out more about it, get in touch with a member of the team today.
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