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Chinese automaker Build Your Dreams just build dreams? No, because in reality BYD is becoming more and more a nightmare for European competition. BYD has recently become China’s largest automaker, placing the VW group in second place after almost four decades of dominance. With more than 4.1 million cars sold by the end of April 2023, BYD has even replaced Tesla as the largest manufacturer of all-electric vehicles.
The manufacturer is expanding its portfolio in Europe from three (Atto 3, Tang, Han) to five electric cars, with the Dolphin and Seal electric cars introduced at the Barcelona Motor Show (E) three months ago. We had the opportunity to see the BYD Seal, the first D segment sedan of the brand, during a test drive.
The aerodynamic miracle of space
BYD Seal is at the forefront when it comes to aerodynamics: with a drag coefficient of 0.219, it is between the Hyundai Ioniq 6 (0.21) and the VW ID.7 (0.23). With a small rear spoiler, air deflectors on the side skirts and retractable door handles, the 1.46-metre-high mid-range sedan is pretty flat. Still, with a height of 1.85 meters, there is enough space at the rear.
One reason the space is used so well is that the in-house blade battery, which is only eleven centimeters high, is integrated into the vehicle structure. A heat pump and 8-in-1 powertrain are also installed. The latter combines, among other things, the motor and control, transmission, DC converter, battery management system and on-board charger in a single unit.
going fast
This saves space and improves efficiency: The Seal Excellence with all-wheel drive and a battery capacity of 82.5 kilowatt hours (kWh) is said to have a range of up to 520 kilometers. After our test drive, the on-board computer reported an average consumption of 19.2 kWh/100 km, even though we were quite fast and on the highway. But when it comes to charging, the Seal doesn’t necessarily have to be top-notch: With a maximum charging capacity of 150 kW, the batteries need to be charged from 30 percent to 80 percent in 26 minutes. The VW ID.7 (170 kW) and Hyundai Ioniq 6 (240 kW) can do more.
There are four driving modes to choose from: Snow, Eco, Normal and Sport. The difference between the last three is striking. Weighing just over two tons in comfort mode, the sedan is faster than most other cars in this class when the accelerator is pressed. Seal uses all his strength in sports, running violently while kicking the ground and reaching 100 km/h in 3.8 seconds from the moment he stands.
It reaches a top speed of 180 km/h, but BYD has not yet given any information on performance. And the chassis setup doesn’t feel all that harmonious: the body sways in longer waves, but the chassis can’t handle the bumps as confidently.
BYD is coming to Europe
The infotainment system does this much better: The 15.6-inch rotating touchscreen is the command center of the entertainment segment, whose menus don’t require too much graphical flair. So you can quickly find your way, for example, to deactivate the lane departure warning system with the chime, which also intervenes decisively and pulls the steering wheel. The driver’s and front passenger’s smartphones are charged inductively in the center console.
China plans to expand to other European countries this year, such as Denmark, Germany, Israel, the Netherlands and Sweden, and the first models will be delivered in November. BYD also wants to deliver cars to Switzerland and is in talks with potential partners. However, it will probably take some time for the Chinese to find a place among us. BYD is still silent on the price of the seal: we estimate it to be well over 50,000 francs.
Source: Blick
I’m Ella Sammie, author specializing in the Technology sector. I have been writing for 24 Instatnt News since 2020, and am passionate about staying up to date with the latest developments in this ever-changing industry.
