The 2024 BYD Seal has officially entered the Australian market, offering a competitive alternative to the Tesla Model 3. It is available in three different versions through Australian distributor EVDirect, with prices starting at AU$49,888 ($31,457). In comparison, the entry-level Tesla Model 3 is priced from AU$61,900 ($39,032), making the BYD Seal a more affordable option for Australian consumers.
Key Points:
Three Model Variants:
BYD is offering three variants of the Seal in Australia. The lineup includes the Seal Dynamic Standard Range RWD, priced from AU$49,888, the Seal Premium Extended Range RWD, available from AU$58,798, and the Seal Performance AWD, starting at AU$68,798. These prices provide a notable price advantage over the Tesla Model 3, which starts at AU$61,900 for the base model and AU$71,900 for the Long Range variant.
Performance and Range:
The entry-level Seal is equipped with a 61.44 kWh battery pack powering a rear electric motor with 150 kW (201 hp) and 310 Nm (229 lb-ft) of torque. It can accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h (0 to 62 mph) in 7.5 seconds and offers a range of 460 km (286 miles) on a single charge. The premium variant features a larger 82.56 kWh battery and a rear electric motor with 230 kW (308 hp) and 360 Nm (266 lb-ft) of torque. It accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in 5.9 seconds and offers a range of 570 km (354 miles). The performance-focused AWD variant uses the same 82.56 kWh battery and delivers 390 kW (523 hp) and 670 Nm (494 lb-ft) of torque with combined front and rear electric motors. It can accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in 3.8 seconds and provides a range of 520 km (323 miles).
Standard Features:
The BYD Seal models come with a host of standard features, including 18-inch wheels, a 15.6-inch infotainment display, a 10.25-inch instrument cluster, synthetic leather, a 12-speaker Dynaudio sound system, wireless phone charging, rear-privacy glass, and various passive and active safety features.
Fast Charging:
The base Seal supports 110 kW DC fast charging, while the Premium and Performance models offer 150 kW charging. This enables the battery to charge from 30% to 80% in just 26 minutes.
Safety and Convenience:
All three Seal variants are equipped with adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, autonomous emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, front and rear cross-traffic alert with braking, door exit warning, traffic sign recognition, and a 360-degree camera.
To sum it all up, the 2024 BYD Seal, now available in the Australian market, offers competitive pricing and a variety of features, presenting a strong alternative to the Tesla Model 3. With its range of variants, fast-charging capabilities, and attractive pricing, the Seal could appeal to consumers looking for an affordable electric vehicle option.