Following Dolphin, BYD ‘Seal’ sedan to arrive in 2022 [Update]

Update: Introduction, ‘BYD Seal Price and Release date’, ‘Design’ and ‘Specifications’ sections updated and FAQs added.

Last year, BYD was in the spotlight for its new electric hatchback, the BYD Dolphin, which promises to democratize electric vehicles. Now, it’s reportedly developing a headline-maker for 2022, a sedan called the ‘BYD Seal.’ The electric sedan is likely to be showcased at the upcoming 2022 Beijing Auto Show which will be held from April 21 to April 30.

Seal part of the BYD Ocean series

BYD’s future product plan for the next three years recently emerged online (view on d1ev.com), revealing many unannounced models. The BYD Seal is one of the future cars, with the internal name ‘BYD EK.’

Design & Interior

Deducing from the spy shots available on Chinese media sites, including CNEVPost.com, the BYD Seal sedan features a smooth coupe-like roofline that should aid the car’s aerodynamics. We can spot an all-glass roof, flush door handles, and short wraparound taillights as the key exterior features. The single image of the cabin reveals the sporty hexagonal cut-outs in the integrated front headrests, florescent piping, and white contrast stitching on the front seats. The windows appear quite long and should let plenty of light into the cabin.

BYD Seal Spy shot front
The BYD Seal sedan features a smooth coupe-like roofline that should aid its aerodynamics. Image: Autohome

Specifications

Chinese reports reveal that BYD is developing the Seal on e-Platform 3.0 and will offer it in RWD and AWD variants. The platform aims at remedying concerns like long charging times, short-range and shrinking winter range of the EVs. Depending on the BYD Seal configuration, the RWD variant will employ either a 150 kW motor or a 180 kW motor.

The AWD variant will sport two motors, one for each axle, with one motor producing 200 kW and the other 160 kW. The 150 kW RWD variant will take 6.7 seconds to accelerate from 0-100 km/h, while the 180 kW RWD variant will accomplish that in 5.6 seconds. The AWD variant will be much quicker, hitting nought to 100 km/h in just 3.4 seconds! The top speed will be more than 180 km/h.

The Seal, like the Dolphin, would embody the brand’s new Ocean Aesthetics design philosophy, and use the BYD Blade battery. It would measure 4,770 mm in length, 1,860 mm in width, and 1,460 mm in height, and have a 2,900 mm wheelbase. It will also get double wishbone front suspension with a five-link setup at the rear, claim Chinese portals.

Price & Release date

The BYD Seal was originally set to launch in Q1 2022, but the latest update is that it could be unveiled at the Beijing Auto Show in April. Prices will range between CNY 220,000 (EUR 30,627) and CNY 280,000 (EUR 38,980). At its price positioning, the Tesla Model 3, which retails from CNY 251,740 (EUR 35,040), should be its close rival. It might also lock horns with the more affordable Xpeng P5, which retails from CNY 157,900 (EUR 21,866).

BYD’s own Han EV sedan that starts at CNY 214,800 (EUR 29,925) might have a cannibalizing effect. Toyota is also reportedly planning to launch an electric sedan in this segment in China, powered by BYD’s Blade batteries, which could emerge as a strong competitor to the Seal.

BYD is foraying into new markets with EVs, and in others, it is strengthening its presence. Singapore and Australia are among the destinations earmarked for 2022 which will see the launch of BYD EVs from the Ocean series. The Warren Buffet-backed automaker commenced deliveries in Norway last year with the BYD Tang EV.

Production

The BYD Seal sedan will be manufactured at BYD’s Changzhou plant in China, as reported by D1EV on February 8, 2022. The initial capacity for the Seal is reportedly 60,000 units per year or 5,000 units per month. This is BYD’s fourth manufacturing facility in China in addition to the manufacturing plants in Shenzen, Changsha and Shaoguan. The Changzhou plant can manufacture up to 400,000 units per year while running at full steam.

BYD Seal FAQs

What is the expected BYD Seal price?

BYD Seal price is expected to range between CNY 220,000 (EUR 30,627) and CNY 280,000 (EUR 38,980).

What is the BYD Seal release date?

As per local reports, the BYD Seal will be introduced in China in the first half of 2022.

Which cars will be BYD Seal rival?

The BYD Seal will compete with the Tesla Model 3, Xpeng P5 and the Nio ET5.

Featured Image Source: BYD