Test review DrivOlution BYD SEAL RWD

Driveline

The BYD SEAL uses advanced Cell-to-Body technology and the BYD e-Platform 3.0 for increased efficiency, aerodynamics, power, body rigidity and space utilisation. In Cell-to-Body (CTB) technology, the BYD Blade Battery is fully integrated into the vehicle structure and thereby improving the safety of the vehicle. Inspired by the high-strength honeycomb structure of aluminium panels. The all-new BYD e-Platform 3.0 is exclusively designed for pure electric vehicles. By fully exploiting the benefits of intelligence, efficiency, safety and aesthetics, e-Platform 3.0 aims to improve NEVs' safety and low-temperature driving range performance and enhance intelligent driving experiences, to build more efficient and safer new intelligent EVs.

The BYD SEAL is available in two versions:

• the BYD SEAL Design: this version is rear-wheel-drive (RWD) and features 230 kW (313 hp) and 360 Nm of torque.
• the BYD SEAL Excellence is all-wheel drive (AWD). It gives you a power output of 390 kW (530 hp) thanks to its twin engine. Torque is 670 Nm.

Battery capacity

No choices. The BYD SEAL features the proprietary Blade Battery with a capacity of 84 kWh gross of which 82.5 kWh is usable.

Driving modes

You have four driving modes at your disposal in the BYD SEAL : Eco, Normal, Sport and snow. Mainly, we opted for the Eco driving mode. Only once did we sample the Sport driving mode and only over a short distance.

Regeneration

Not much choice here especially "Standard" and "High" With both, you rely on the "One-Pedal Driving" principle. This means you control both acceleration and deceleration with your power pedal. So coasting or sailing is not possible as the car starts slowing down immediately. In "Standard mode" the car slows down less than in "High mode". On the other hand, the driving range increases if you choose "Larger mode". However, the gain in driving range is small.

With high-efficiency heat pump system as standard

An advanced 'energy-saving' heat pump system is standard. The system works reliably at various temperatures and is designed to harness residual heat from the environment, powertrain, occupant compartment and even batteries to increase thermal efficiency, whether heating or cooling, so less energy is lost. This increases the range at low temperatures.

We covered a total of 483 kilometres aboard the BYD SEAL RWD, spread over 13 trips. It gives a combined consumption of 12.6 kWh/100 km. Based on the net battery capacity of 82.5 kWh, this consumption would get you 655* kilometres far on a charge.

If we look at the figures in detail in terms of road types, we get the following picture:

• most of the trips were made on motorways (six in total). It results in a combined consumption of 14.0 kWh/100 km. This gets you 589* kilometres;
• four trips outside the city (secondary roads) yields a combined consumption of 11.0 kWh/100 km. Good for a driving range of 750* kilometres;
• a single city journey where the trip computer records 10.4 kWh/100 km*. This would result in a driving range of 793* kilometres.
• Moreover, a single trip that is a mix of motorway and out-of-town. This gives a consumption of 12.9 kWh/100 km and a driving range of 640* kilometres.

 As for the choice of driving mode, it looks as follows:

• logically, our focus is on Eco driving mode. Eleven out of 13 trips, we chose this driving mode. It yielded a combined consumption of 12.7 kWh/100 km;
• once for Normal driving mode resulting in 13.7 kWh/100 km;
• and once for Sport driving mode and this over a short distance of just 8.3 km. Strange but true on this stretch we achieved the best consumption result of 11.0 kWh/100 km*.

*Taking into account the surely brighter accelerations, the result obtained is not really representative because of the short distance of the measurement.

Consumption results - general

How does the BYD SEAL perform on our test track? We covered a total of 103.4 km. It results in a combined consumption of 11.7 kWh/100 km. Based on the usable battery capacity 82.5 kWh, this would result in an electric driving range of 705 km*. The average outdoor temperature was 23°C.

Consumption results - by road type

• On the 42.6 km out-of-town trip (secondary roads), the trip computer records consumption of 10.1 kWh/100 km. If you can maintain this consumption, this will get you 817 km* on a charge.
• During the 40.3 km motorway trip, consumption rises to 14.7 kWh/100 km. This results in an electric driving range of 561 km*.
• the city trip of 20.5 km yields an average consumption of 10.4 kWh/100 km. This is good for an electric driving range of 793 km*.

Driving range evolution

We start with a driving range of 555 km. During the first part of the test track (out-of-town drive), we are left with a driving range of 538 km. The motorway drive drops the driving range to 479 km. After the city drive, 472 km remains. The total trip of 103.4 km cost us 83 km of driving range.

*The stated driving range is a theoretical calculation based on the usable battery capacity. This is always a snapshot. All kinds of factors such as weather conditions, use of air conditioning, topography, traffic density and your own driving style can influence this.
We strive to drive as efficiently as possible by making maximum use of cruise control (constant speed) and by anticipating traffic situations as much as possible. The speed on motorways is 110 km/h. Energy consumers (such as air conditioning) are switched off when weather conditions permit. In addition, we choose the most efficient driving mode (Eco), if available.

Charging power

The AC charging power of the BYD SEAL is 11 kW and the DC charging power is up to 150 kW.

We charged the BYD SEAL only once and this thanks to its nevertheless ample driving range.

Displayed information during charging process:

• Charge time (hh:mm)
• SoC (%)
• Charging power

Charging settings

Settings for timed charging
The default adjusted charging limit in the vehicle is 100%. You can set the SoC (%) if you wish.

Controls

We are (should) get used to the fact that most of the functions you want to control can be found in the central infotainment screen.

15.6-inch rotating infotainment screen

The centre console features a 15.6-inch multimedia touchscreen to make driving easier and more enjoyable. Moreover, you can rotate it.

12.3-inch large instrument cluster gives you the information you would expect such as battery SoC, driving range and more.

Space

You have plenty of space in the front and rear. If you're not too big. The seats feel good. The lateral support could be a bit more. You have a 400L luggage compartment and a 53L frunk (front luggage compartment) where you can easily store charging cables.

The BYD SEAL comes standard with a plethora of safety features and advanced driver assistance systems. All models are equipped with Forward Collision Warning, Automatic Emergency Braking, Rear Collision Warning, Rear Cross Traffic Alert and Rear Cross Traffic Brake, Lane Keep Assistance, Lane Change Assist and Emergency Lane Keep.

Adaptive Cruise Control and Intelligent Cruise Control enhance the driving experience. The panoramic camera provides the driver with 360-degree visibility for safe manoeuvring. Other driver aids include blind spot detection, ESP, traction control, grade control, automatic vehicle locking, intelligent speed limit information and intelligent speed limiting.

Advanced lighting technology also provides a wider beam to improve visibility at night, with High Beam Assist, Adaptive Front Headlights and Follow Me Home as standard.

Traditionally, we simulate driving range based on trip consumption and available net battery capacity. Consumption and driving range depend on many factors.

Always interesting to check the test results obtained in terms of consumption and driving range against the stated WLTP figures. Driving range is determined on a chassis dynamometer in accordance with WLTP in the most favourable equipment variant of the car. Actual WLTP range values may vary depending on equipment. The actual range achieved under real conditions varies depending on driving style, speed, use of comfort features and additional equipment, outside temperature, number of passengers/load, topography and battery ageing and wear.