At the recent Bangkok International Motor Show (BIMS), arguably the most popular EV brand in Malaysia BYD revealed one of it’s latest models – the BYD Seal.

The Chinese EV specialist BYD was founded in 1995 and boasts more than 27 years of expertise, establishing itself as an industry leader in electronics, automotive and renewable energy.

The brand has done shockingly well in Malaysia over the past few months with the Atto 3, and it seems like that dominance is set to continue with the BYD Seal.

Seen at the Bangkok International Motor Show just yesterday, BYD has confirmed that 5-seater Seal will be available in Malaysia by the end of 2023.

It is already being hailed as a Tesla slayer, so here’s everything you need to know about it.

Power

The BYD Seal AWD with it’s twin motors produces 523hp and 670 Nm torque with a 0-100km/h time in 3.8 seconds! It uses the e-Platform 3.0 which actually features the world’s first 8-in-1 High Efficiency Electric Powertrain.

Range

According to BYD, the Seal has an amazing range of up to 700km which is way more compared to its rival, the Tesla Model 3. It uses a 82.5 kWh battery and takes 25 minutes to get to 80% – 90% with a DC charge and with an AC charge it will take up to 7.5 hours, which is not too bad for an overnight charge.

Body

• The BYD CTB (Cell to Body) technology integrates the Blade Battery into the vehicle body. BYD says that the “Ultra-safe Blade Battery” is the only battery that has passed the Mt.Everest Nail Penetration Test, creating the base of the CTB technology, which greatly improves the vehicle safety, stability, handling and performance.

• This technology evolves from the “Battery Sandwich Structure” into a “Vehicle Sandwich Structure” which akin to a honeycomb, achieving a breakthrough in structural strength of the battery system which according to BYD, can bear 50 tons of a heavy truck rolling and the structure can absorb serious collisions.

• The e-Platform 3.0 gives the vehicle shorter overhangs and a longer wheelbase, expanding the passenger space and providing the vehicles aerodynamic design.

Features:

Since the BYD Seal is already outselling the Tesla 3 in markets like China, it comes packed with all the features you would expect such as :

Safety:

• Driver Airbag
• Passenger Airbag
• Engine Check Warning
• Side Airbag-Front
• Tyre Pressure Monitor
• Height Adjustable Front Seat Belts
• Ebd
• Seat Belt Warning
• Brake Assist
• Crash Sensor
• Vehicle Stability Control System
• Door Ajar Warning
• Side Impact Beams
• Front Impact Beams
• Anti-Lock Braking System
• Day & Night Rear View Mirror
• Parking Sensors
• Rear Seat Belts
• Rear Camera
• Traction Control
• Child Safety Locks

Comfort & Convenience:

• Automatic Climate Control
• Power Windows Rear
• Power Windows Front
• Central Console Armrest
• Air Conditioner
• Engine Start/Stop Button
• Accessory Power Outlet
• Rear A/C Vents
• Keyless Entry
• Cruise Control
• Cup Holders-Front
• Bottle Holder
• Vanity Mirror
• Cup Holders-Rear
• Rear Reading Lamp
• Heater

Entertainment:

• Apple CarPlay & Android Auto
• Touch Screen
• Multi-function Steering Wheel
• FM/AM/Radio
• Voice Control
• Speakers Front
• Speakers Rear
• Bluetooth Connectivity
• USB & Auxiliary Input
• Navigation System

Exterior:

• Adjustable Headlights
• Power Adjustable Exterior Rear View Mirror
• Outside Rear View Mirror Turn Indicator
• Electric Folding Rear View Mirror
• Rain Sensing Wiper
• Rear Window Wiper
• Integrated Antenna
• Headlamp TypeLED
• Centrally Mounted Fuel Tank

Security:

• Power Door Locks
• Anti Theft Device
• Anti-Theft Alarm
• Engine Immobilizer
• Central Locking

Instrumentation:

• Tacho Meter
• Electronic Multi Tripmeter
• Low Fuel Warning Light
• Digital Clock
• Digital Odometer

Seats & Upholstery:

• Leather Steering Wheel
• Foldable Rear Seat
• Adjustable Seats
• Electric Adjustable Seats
• Leather Seats
• Height Adjustable Driver Seat
• Seat Lumbar Support
• Rear Seat Headrest
• Rear Seat Center Arm Rest

Price

The price range for the BYD Seal in China, if looked at in Ringgit sense would be from RM210k to RM259k, whereas a Tesla Model 3 is currently in the range of RM370k – RM450k. It is not immediately clear how much the Seal would cost in Malaysia when introduced, but if we have to guess, a price tag of below RM300,000 would be safe.

So, with Tesla also officially setting up shop in Malaysia at the end of this year, would you go for the BYD Seal or the Tesla Model 3 when both officially enter the Malaysian market?