KEY HIGHLIGHTS
- The BYD Seal is priced between Rs 41 lakh and Rs 53 lakh (ex-showroom)
- It is available with two battery packs and three motor configurations across its three-variant lineup
- The BYD Seal has generated a good response with its futuristic styling and impressive feature list
BYD is on a roll in India. After shocking the Indian car market with the super cool-looking Atto 3 SUV, the Chinese carmaker has expanded its presence by launching the Seal all-electric sedan in India in March 2024. The response to the 2024 BYD Seal has been overwhelming in India, too, with this all-electric sedan generating its first 1,000 bookings within three months of its innings in the country. What factors justify the BYD Seal's popularity, and what things can be a concern for its prospective buyers? Let's find out: Before moving ahead, join our 91Wheels WhatsApp Community to stay updated on the latest automotive news.
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2024 BYD Seal Pros
Attractive Pricing
The BYD Seal debuted in India with a starting price of Rs 41 lakh for the entry-level Dynamic variant and up to Rs 53 lakh for the top-spec Performance variant. Considering the tech, build quality and features on offer, these prices depict the BYD Seal's stellar value-for-money quotient.
Competition check: The BYD Seal is currently the most affordable premium electric sedan in India.
Looks Futuristic Inside-Out
With the Seal, BYD followed the same approach as it did for the Atto 3 spoil the masses with a futuristic design on the outside and a unique theme for the cabin. On the outside, the BYD Seal looks attractive with the brand's 'ocean aesthetics' design language, whereas the cabin also feels funky with striking curves and textured surfaces.
Competition check: The overall design of the BYD Seal inside-out makes it one of the most futuristic-looking sedans in India.
Long Equipment List
Like the Atto3, BYD gave the Seal a long equipment list, with many of its features not available even in luxury sedans from one segment above. This electric sedan from BYD is packed with modern amenities like a rotating 15.6-inch touchscreen infotainment, a 10.25-inch full-TFT instrument console, a head-up display, a powered tailgate, two wireless charging pads, a heated and cooled front seats, ten airbags, a Level-2 ADAS and many more.
Competition check: The BYD Seal has several comfort, convenience and safety features, some of which are not present even in luxury sedans priced above it.
Great Battery and Motor Configurations
The BYD Seal is available with a 61.44kWh battery, claiming a 510 km range in the entry-level Dynamic variant, an 82.56kWh battery, claiming a 650 km range in Premium, and a 580 km range in the Performance variant. These battery packs are EVs' largest and most advanced batteries within Rs 50 lakh. Also, the rear-mounted electric motor in Dynamic and Premium variants and the dual-motor setup of the Performance variant offer exhilarating performance.
Competition check: The BYD Seal is the most powerful electric sedan under the Rs 50 lakh mark and has the most advanced battery options.
2024 BYD Seal Cons
Brand Perception
Hailing from China, BYD needs to gain the snob value of other German luxury brands like Mercedes-Benz, BMW, and Audi by offering entry-level sedans in the same price range as the BYD Seal. This might turn off many buyers who prefer to prioritise the badge over other aspects.
Competition check: As a brand, BYD lacks the snob value of other German luxury sedans priced similarly to it, such as the Mercedes-Benz A-Class, BMW 2-Series Gran Coupe, and Audi A4.
Limited Headroom At The Rear
The BYD Seal has a coupe-like sloping roofline towards the rear, which gives it a great-looking and aerodynamic form. However, this rounded roofline eats up headroom at the rear, which can be bothersome for taller people at the back.
Competition check: The BYD Seal is the only coupe-styled all-electric luxury sedan within the Rs 55 lakh mark.
Limited After Sales-Support
Compared to other established brands, BYD has much to work on in its presence nationwide. The Chinese all-electric car brand currently has a presence only in metropolitan and Tier-I cities, and to achieve higher sales volumes, it has to expand its presence in more Tier-II cities.
Competition check: While German brands like Mercedes-Benz, BMW, and Audi are strengthening their presence in smaller cities, BYD has yet to make a mark with a broader network.
Verdict
The BYD Seal is currently operating in a very niche space of all-electric luxury midsize sedans, and till now, it has managed to garner good responses in all the cities where BYD has its presence. Its sales will now only grow more if BYD decides to expand its presence in more cities in India.
