BYD has officially launched its 2024 Seal model in the Australian market through distributor EVDirect, aiming to offer a viable alternative to Tesla’s Model 3. The Seal is available in three versions: the entry-level Dynamic Standard Range RWD starts at AU$49,888 ($31,457), followed by the Premium Extended Range RWD at AU$58,798 ($37,076), and the Performance AWD from AU$68,798 ($43,381). For context, Tesla’s Model 3 is priced from AU$61,900 ($39,032) for its entry-level variant and AU$71,900 ($45,337) for the Long Range version.
The entry-level BYD Seal is powered by a 61.44 kWh battery pack that drives a rear electric motor delivering 150 kW (201 hp) and 310 Nm (229 lb-ft) of torque. The car can accelerate from 0-100 km/h in 7.5 seconds and offers a range of 460 km (286 miles). Despite its competitive pricing, the vehicle comes well-equipped with features such as 18-inch wheels, a 15.6-inch infotainment display, a 10.25-inch instrument cluster, synthetic leather upholstery, a 12-speaker Dynaudio sound system, wireless phone charging, and an array of safety features.
The Premium Extended Range RWD variant boasts a larger 82.56 kWh battery and a more powerful rear electric motor with 230 kW (308 hp) and 360 Nm (266 lb-ft) of torque. This version can reach 100 km/h in 5.9 seconds and cover 570 km (354 miles) on a single charge. Additional features include larger brake calipers and discs, 19-inch wheels, a head-up display, genuine leather, and memory functions for the driver’s seat and side mirrors.
Lastly, the Performance AWD model has the same 82.56 kWh battery and rear motor but adds a 160 kW (215 hp) front motor. The combined output stands at 390 kW (523 hp) and 670 Nm (494 lb-ft), enabling a 0-100 km/h sprint in 3.8 seconds and a range of 520 km (323 miles). It also includes BYD’s frequency-selective dampers, torque vectoring, an electronic child lock, and a heated steering wheel.
Fast charging capabilities are also a highlight, with the base model supporting 110 kW DC fast charging, while the Premium and Performance versions offer 150 kW charging. This allows the battery to charge from 30% to 80% in just 26 minutes. All three models come standard with safety features like adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, and 360-degree camera systems.
