BYD Seal represents a compelling alternative to the Tesla Model 3, offering distinctive styling, impressive performance, and competitive range. Here's what you need to know about this Chinese electric vehicle.

Design and Interior The Seal features a streamlined silhouette reminiscent of the Tesla Model 3 and Hyundai Ioniq 6, with sweeping LED lights and premium design elements. Inside, you'll find suede accents and a rotating touchscreen, though some plastic materials feel budget-oriented.

Space and Storage

• Front cabin: Spacious with ample storage options
• Rear seats: Adequate legroom but low seating position
• Boot capacity: 402 litres (vs Tesla Model 3's 594 litres)
• Additional front trunk for charging cables

Performance and Range Two variants available:

• Design (RWD): 313hp, 354-mile range
• Excellence (AWD): 530hp, 323-mile range
• 0-60mph: Quicker than standard Tesla Model 3 (AWD version)
• Charging: 150kW rapid charging (10-80% in 37 minutes)

Driving Experience

• Sharp handling despite 2+ tonne weight
• Comfortable urban ride
• Somewhat jittery suspension on highways
• Limited one-pedal driving capability
• Grabby brakes

Technology and Interface

• Rotating touchscreen (portrait/landscape)
• Heavy reliance on touchscreen controls
• Less intuitive than Tesla's system
• Limited physical buttons

Verdict The BYD Seal offers strong performance, good range, and attractive styling. While it can't match the Tesla Model 3's practicality, charging network, or interface usability, it's a worthy contender in the electric sedan segment. Consider the Seal if you want a well-equipped EV with distinctive features, but be aware of its practical limitations and interface quirks.

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