Chinese EV maker BYD is currently getting ready to launch its full-on direct competitor to Tesla's Model 3, and thanks to a regulatory filing with China's Ministry of Industry and Information Technology we now know what it will look like. Ladies and gentlemen, meet the BYD Seal.
The Seal resembles the Ocean-X concept that was showcased last September. It's using BYD's e-platform 3.0, like the BYD Dolphin before it - with which it shares a very similar-looking run-through taillight.
The BYD Seal is 4,980 mm (196") long, 1,910 mm (75.1") wide, and 1,495 mm (58.8") tall. Its wheelbase is 2,920 mm (114.9"). There will be three versions of it, all with the same dimensions, but different weight - 1,885 kg (4,155 lbs), 2,015 kg (4,442 lbs), and 2,150 kg (4,739 lbs), respectively. We assume that means there will be three battery sizes - but it could just be two, with one of the differences being up to the use of a single vs dual motors.
Speaking of which, we have two single-motor models on the way - the entry-level one developing 150 kW (204 hp) maximum power output, the other going up to 230 kW (312 hp). Finally, a dual-motor all-wheel drive Seal will have a 160 kW front motor and a 230 kW rear motor, together developing a total of 390 kW (530 hp).
Over in China, where it will launch first, the BYD Seal is expected to start at around CNY 220,000 (that's about $34,500 or €31,500 at the current rates). It is expected to become official around the Beijing Auto Show in April.
I must say I like how this looks. At least I like it more than Tesla Model 3. Just bring it to Europe.
Facebook
Twitter
Instagram
RSS
Settings
Log in I forgot my password Sign up