The BYD Seal, an electric sedan from Chinese automaker BYD, has been seen testing in India, indicating its launch is near. Dealers have already started accepting bookings for the vehicle, although not officially announced, with a price tag expected around Rs 50 lakh.
The vehicle, which will be BYD’s third product in the Indian market, was showcased at the Auto Expo 2023. It measures 4,800mm in length, 1,875mm in width, and 1,460mm in height, featuring a design inspired by the Ocean X concept and adhering to BYD’s “ocean aesthetics” design language. The exterior boasts a coupe-like all-glass roof, flush-fitting door handles, and distinctive LED lighting.
Inside, the Seal is equipped with a rotating 15.6-inch infotainment display, a separate 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster, a head-up display, and various high-tech features including two wireless charging pads and integrated speakers in the door handles.
The electric sedan offers two powertrain options: a single-motor setup available with both battery options and a dual-motor setup exclusive to the larger battery. The 61.4kWh battery offers up to 500km of range, while the 82.5kWh battery extends to up to 700km. The dual-motor variant, expected to be available in India, produces 530hp and can accelerate from 0 to 100kph in 3.8 seconds.
BYD’s entry into the Indian market in 2021 with the e6 MPV and Atto 3 SUV has given it a foothold ahead of Tesla, which is still navigating government approvals for its proposed $2 billion investment to establish a manufacturing plant. With the launch of the Seal sedan, BYD aims to compete against models like the Kia EV6 and the Hyundai Ioniq 5, leveraging its early market presence to challenge global rivals, including Tesla.
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