BYD Seal challenges BMW i4 eDrive 35: Can it beat this Chinese BMW?

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In 2023, no brand worldwide sold as many electric vehicles as the Chinese company Build Your Dreams BYD. Three million plug-in cars is a huge number; 50 percent of these were fully electric models, meaning it came in second place behind Tesla.

For our first comparison test we choose the 4.80 meter long BYD mid-range model Seal. It is based on BYD Group’s 3.0 electrical platform, which has an important innovation: Instead of cell-to-package structure (CTP), battery cells are directly connected to each other with a structure called cell-to-body structure (CTB) and to the intertwined body structure. This means that the upper part of the battery and the vehicle floor form a unit, which reduces ground clearance, improves headroom and at the same time increases torsional rigidity. Designed by former Audi designer Wolfgang Egger (60), Seal is among the best cars ever with an air resistance coefficient of 0.22.

Excellent coverage

The blade battery used in all European BYD models uses lithium iron phosphate chemistry and is particularly cost-effective thanks to the integration of all components in a single module. The Seal is rear-wheel drive and has a synchronous motor with 313 hp (230 kW) and 360 Nm. It is powered by an 82 kWh battery that promises a range of 570 kilometers. If desired, Seal is also available in a version with an additional front engine, 4×4 and a total power of 531 hp.

In our comparison, the Seal meets the BMW i4, which produces 286 hp (210 kW) and 400 Nm in its entry-level rear-wheel drive version. Despite almost identical dimensions, the BMW’s wheelbase is seven centimeters shorter. Between 470 and 402 liters, the i4’s boot is larger than the Chinese one. However, this is compensated by a second 52-litre storage compartment under the bonnet at the front; This compartment is useful for accessing the charging cable when the boot is fully loaded.

High quality appearance

From the solid and better closing of the doors compared to the BMW, to the soft-touch surfaces or the double-laminated glass in the front door windows, the BYD Seal conveys a very high-quality impression for this class. At BMW, we like the two side-by-side, gently curved screens in the cockpit (12.3 inches for the instruments, 14.9 inches for the infotainment system) housed in the same frame as BYD’s central 15.6-inch touchscreen. The BMW operating system also works more intuitively, more functionally and uses a better vocabulary.

Built on a dedicated EV platform, the Seal has a clear advantage when it comes to interior space. It offers six centimeters more legroom, four centimeters more interior width and also more headroom compared to the i4, which is based on hybrid architecture (the 4 Series Gran Coupe is also available with an internal combustion engine). This means that taller passengers feel more comfortable in Chinese. Seal also has a standard panoramic sunroof for added brightness.

Comfort and dynamics

Weighing in at just over two tonnes, the Seal’s layout is clearly designed for comfort. It’s no surprise that BMW is ahead in terms of driving dynamics. This also applies to the brakes, which respond more directly than the Seal. Although the BYD’s steering is more direct (2.5 versus 2.7 steering turns lock to lock), the BMW’s steering, which also weighs around 2.1 tonnes, is much more precise and communicative. The i4 looks sleeker and sportier than the sedan-like Seal.

In terms of range, Seal performs better. Its battery is also larger at 82 compared to 70 kWh, giving it a real range of 500 kilometers along with lower test consumption (19 kWh/100 km compared to 22 kWh/100 km for the i4). The i4 can hardly go beyond 350 kilometers. For BMW customers who want more range, there are of course also more expensive i4 variants with larger batteries.

When it comes to charging, BMW has the advantage: A full charge of alternating current with a maximum of eleven kilowatts takes 8.5 hours for BYD and seven hours for BMW. And in the fast charger, the BYD tops up with only a tiny 150 kW (the BMW with 180 kW), and so it takes just over half an hour to charge the energy content of both batteries from 10 percent to 80 percent. BMW also goes further with its battery warranty. The i4 is valid for ten years or 250,000 kilometers, while the Seal is valid for eight years or 200,000 kilometers.

The price is very hot

Finally, let’s come to the price criterion. Unsurprisingly, the BYD Seal is first. And clearly. In the design equipment version, it will be available for sale in Germany (market launch in Switzerland will be announced at the Geneva Motor Show at the end of February, but is planned to take place in 2024) starting from 44,990 euros. Even the all-wheel-drive version with more than 530 hp and more comprehensive equipment, priced at 50,990 euros, is well below the base price of the BMW i4 eDrive35, which starts at 56,500 euros in Germany and 62,800 francs in Switzerland.

Result: The BMW i4 eDrive 35 offers more driving pleasure, benefits when charging and represents a noticeable electric premium claim. But the lower price and more spacious interior mean that the BYD Seal ultimately narrowly wins this comparison. The fundamental question also arises as to how important a BMW-style European seal of quality or additional driving dynamics will be for customers in the future.

Source: Blick