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The BYD Seal has been out there in Australia since 2023, however even with a number of years to dig its claws (or flippers?) into our market, the mid-size electrical sedan stays considerably of an EV underdog.
BYD has change into an EV powerhouse since launching in Australia in 2022. It’s already frequently putting throughout the record of top-10 best-selling auto manufacturers, constantly exhibiting otherworldly year-on-year gross sales progress, and it has a lot greater plans.
Its lineup consists completely of electrical or plug-in hybrid (PHEV) automobiles, with the Shark 6 PHEV ute nearly sure to be the Chinese model’s gross sales winner for 2025. The Sealion 7 mid-size electrical SUV isn’t too far behind both, neither is the Sealion 6 mid-size PHEV SUV.
But for BYD, a development appears to be rising. It’ll launch a brand new, hotly anticipated mannequin, which is able to change into successful nearly immediately, however then it’ll be overshadowed by the following high-profile launch. This has occurred with the Atto 3 small/medium electrical SUV (granted, it was BYD Australia’s onlymodel for a time), the Sealion 6, and the Seal on check right here.
Such is the development of a quickly increasing mannequin vary, nevertheless it does imply vehicles just like the Seal, which as soon as challenged the dominant Toyota Camry for gross sales albeit briefly, have now fallen by the wayside.
With 157 gross sales recorded in November 2025, the Seal is now BYD’s second-lowest promoting mannequin, dwarfed by the Shark (1217) and the Sealion 7 (1040). The Camry managed 801 in the identical month, whereas the Seal’s arch-nemesis, the Tesla Model 3, discovered 433 new properties.
Sales for vehicles like these could also be down, however with solely a handful of rivals, the Seal remains to be the third-best vendor within the section. So, in context, the Seal is commonly neglected however nonetheless sells in cheap numbers, which is why we think about it an underdog.
The Seal has barely modified because it launched regionally in late 2023, regardless of some updates rolling out abroad. It nonetheless aligns with the model’s established identification, notably in contrast with different Ocean Series fashions, as evidenced by even within the base-spec 2026 BYD Seal Dynamic you see right here.
How does it stack up as we method 2026, and may it’s promoting higher?
How a lot does the BYD Seal price?
The entry-level BYD Seal Dynamic is priced at $46,990 earlier than on-road prices.
| Model | Price earlier than on-road prices |
|---|---|
| 2026 BYD Seal Dynamic | $46,990 |
| 2026 BYD Seal Premium | $52,990 |
| 2026 BYD Seal Performance | $61,990 |
Given the Model 3 has constantly been a mid-$50,000 participant, and incoming mid-size electrical sedans just like the Mazda 6e seem like utilizing the $55,000 mark as a boundary, it nearly appears necessary that each one comparable fashions be priced across the similar degree.
Instead, Australia will get two Seal variants which can be cheaper than probably the most reasonably priced Model 3, with our base tester some $8000 beneath the range-opening Tesla. After evaluating spec sheets between the 2, that looks as if implausible worth.
The solely different electrical sedan at the moment on sale is the Polestar 2, however that’s pricier at $62,400 earlier than on-roads. All these mid-size sedans are in a endless pursuit of the hybrid Camry although, which begins at $39,990 earlier than on-roads.
To see how the BYD Seal stacks up towards its rivals, use our comparability software
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What is the BYD Seal like on the within?
Comfortable and fairly well-appointed, nevertheless it’s beginning to present its age.
While that doubtless has one thing to do with its old-ish design, we suspect it’s extra a mirrored image of the tempo of the Chinese automobile business. Comparing the Seal’s cabin to these of newer BYDs just like the Sealion 5 or Atto 2, we imagine these vehicles look brisker.
Mind you, the Seal this 12 months obtained an inside overhaul in its home market, as we reported in 2024. Unfortunately, there was radio silence on this replace being delivered to Australia since then.
That’s a disgrace, as a result of the up to date inside seems to be a lot sleeker, and if BYD is trying to steal gross sales from a automobile as untouchable because the Model 3, the Seal actually must put its greatest flipper ahead.
That isn’t to say the present Seal’s inside is disagreeable, although.
The most vital change with that abroad replace is a brand new steering wheel. Imagery reveals it’s a lot bulkier and premium-looking, eliminating a budget plastic centre pad and gloss-black buttons seen on our tester, whereas remaining in line with the remainder of BYD’s vary.
The tiller we get remains to be properly sized and its leather-based end is nice to the contact, however a major draw back is that there’s no tilt adjustment. This compromises the seating place, because the powered driver’s seat could be lowered greater than you would possibly count on and is definitely fairly comfy, regardless of the EV battery beneath the ground.
What you’re left with is a excessive steering wheel and a seating place that’s essentially greater than you’d in all probability like, notably when you’re on the shorter facet like I’m. It not less than retains your complete rectangular instrument show unobstructed, which we discover to be a bit of cheesy in presentation however very usable.
This 10.25-inch display screen feels a bit like an afterthought, as do its graphics, which use a font that appears like a Microsoft Word default. There’s much more effort put into the designs of this stuff in newer BYDs, however not less than performance isn’t compromised.
A button on the fitting of the steering wheel will repurpose the audio management buttons to control the instrument show as a substitute, revealing a handful of menus with an enormous array of data. There are not any actual complaints right here, except for the very fact it doesn’t look notably slick.
As is stylish with the overwhelming majority of Chinese manufacturers, the 15.6-inch infotainment display screen dominates the Seal’s cabin, and nonetheless rotates pointlessly in trademark BYD vogue. Its graphics additionally seem dated and we dislike that that is the house of all inside controls.
That contains the local weather system, for which a devoted menu is accessible through a shortcut on the ribbon on the backside of the display screen. The similar ribbon additionally incorporates ‘shortcut’ controls for temperature and air recirculation, although BYD has integrated the identical sneaky gesture as in its different vehicles.
Using three fingers, you’ll be able to swipe up or down on the display screen to regulate temperature, or sideways for fan pace. If that, that is sensible (however not as sensible as, I don’t know, buttons), nevertheless it’s held again by a small integration quirk.
If Apple CarPlay (and sure additionally Android Auto) is energetic, the display screen will register a contact while you go to do the three-finger swipe. That means it’ll open no matter you’ve positioned your hand over as when you had carried out it deliberately, which is obnoxiously sudden while you’re on the transfer – that doesn’t occur with actual buttons.
Wireless Apple CarPlay not less than labored reliably throughout our week with the automobile, and the display screen is simple sufficient to navigate after you have a primary concept of the place every part is. Unfortunately, practically each automobile perform is buried inside any variety of menus, save for the essential controls across the fashionable gear selector.
As for storage, entrance passengers are properly catered for. There’s a sizeable tray beneath the centre console with USB-A and -C ports, a 12V outlet, and an SD card slot, which properly hides small baggage, or telephones when you don’t wish to use the twin wi-fi chargers above.
The glossy centre console flows backwards into two handy cupholders, adopted by a padded centre armrest with a decently sized storage field beneath. There are additionally bottle holders within the door playing cards, however they aren’t very huge. And placing a bottle on the driving force’s facet will block the boot-opening button.
The second row, in the meantime, may be very spacious, however considerably awkward to sit down in. Multiple elements contribute to this: the bench’s base may be very low with compromised thigh assist, the ground appears excessive in all probability as a result of EV battery packaging, and the seatback is just too far reclined.
There’s no approach to regulate any of that both, as pulling on the inviting-looking deal with on prime of the seat simply releases the latch to fold it flat. Mind you, unusual second-row ergonomics aren’t new for Chinese automobiles, and not less than you get a mushy fold-down armrest with cupholders, and USB-A and -C ports behind a flap on the again of the centre console.
Uniquely for a sedan at this finish of the market (not to mention a base-level trim), the Seal gives a powered bootlid. This feels pointless, nevertheless it does make it simpler to open in case your fingers are full, so why not?
The boot’s 400 litres of capability is noticeably smaller than the Camry’s 524L and the Model 3’s 594L, and the opening is considerably slim. If you want extra room, there’s a cubby beneath the ground and a 53L field beneath the bonnet, however don’t count on something greater than a tyre restore package.
| Dimensions | BYD Seal |
|---|---|
| Length | 4800mm |
| Width | 1875mm |
| Height | 1460mm |
| Wheelbase | 2920mm |
| Cargo capability | 400L (boot) 53L (under-bonnet storage) |
To see how the BYD Seal stacks up towards its rivals, use our comparability software
What’s beneath the bonnet?
The Seal Dynamic is powered by a single, rear-mounted electrical motor, fed by a 61.44kWh lithium iron phosphate (LFP) BYD Blade battery. Peak outputs are listed at 150kW of energy and 310Nm of torque.
| Specifications | BYD Seal Dynamic |
|---|---|
| Drivetrain | Single-motor electrical |
| Battery | 61.44kWh LFP ‘BYD Blade’ |
| Peak energy | 150kW |
| Peak torque | 310Nm |
| Drive kind | Rear-wheel drive |
| Kerb weight | 1922kg |
| 0-100km/h (claimed) | 7.6 seconds |
| Energy consumption (claimed) | – |
| Energy consumption (as examined) | 15.6kWh/100km |
| Claimed vary (WLTP) | 460km |
| Max AC cost price | 7kW |
| Max DC cost price | 110kW |
The Chinese model doesn’t quote its personal vitality consumption determine to again up its claimed WLTP vary of 460km.
Our week with the automobile concerned nearly completely freeway driving, the place EVs are least environment friendly, together with a bit of time in Melbourne’s outer suburbs. Efficiency of of lower than 16kWh/100km is fairly good, although we noticed an much more spectacular determine of 12.98kWh/100km in a current evaluate of a Tesla Model 3.
It’s additionally value noting that whereas the bottom Dynamic can solely cost at a most DC price of 110kW, each the Premium and Performance fashions can deal with as much as 150kW of charging capability.
To see how the BYD Seal stacks up towards its rivals, use our comparability software
How does the BYD Seal drive?
The Seal’s stable, and that’s evident earlier than you even begin transferring.
It could be a little complicated to drive at first as a result of, regardless of the presence of a devoted begin/cease button, the automobile will activate mechanically while you hop in. Pressing the button will flip it off, so all that’s wanted is to flick the gear selector to ‘Drive’.
Once you’re located, you’ll discover the automobile feels fairly small from behind the wheel. It has a short-ish bonnet that slopes down aggressively, giving the impression you’re sitting on prime of the entrance wheels and galvanizing confidence within the automobile’s dimensions.
The steering itself is direct and predictable, providing a properly weighted really feel and good suggestions. Turn the wheel and the Seal obediently follows, providing you with good manoeuvrability and a good sufficient turning circle to get out of sticky parking spots.
However, the experience isn’t fairly as well-sorted as we’d like. It’s not insufferable, however there’s an unsettled high quality about it – it bobbles over bumps with a scarcity of compliance – and whereas that isn’t a dealbreaker, it might do with a suspension tune extra just like the nice and inoffensive Camry’s.
It’s clear BYD has gone for a stiffer setup with the Seal, contrasting the wallowy vibe of lots of its compatriots. This would usually be wonderful, however some nuance that makes different firm-riding vehicles bearable is lacking right here.
The upside of this suspension tune is unexpectedly sharp dealing with. The Seal has no concern carrying first rate pace by way of turns, because it doesn’t really feel like there’s a scarcity of mechanical grip or that you simply’re going to fall out of your seat by boatloads of physique roll.
Instead, it’s fairly pleasant to drive as soon as the pace picks up. The rear-drive configuration makes it dynamically fascinating, just like the Model 3, whereas dialling as much as Sport mode brings a significant energy bump and heavier, extra controllable steering really feel.
‘Controllable’ is a constant theme for the Seal, notably on the subject of its energy supply. We’d be genuinely shocked if anybody was capable of get into bother with the Dynamic’s modest energy and torque figures, even whether it is rear-driven.
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It isn’t what you’d name quick, however it’s reasonably zippy. The instantaneous electrical torque makes it really feel spritely, and it’ll speed up with out hesitation, even when the following pace ramp-up is kind of mild.
You’ll hardly discover the automobile breaking traction, although that doesn’t imply it’s unattainable. Enabling Sport mode and planting your foot round a good nook produces tyre squeal, nevertheless it’d be a stretch to name this automobile taily.
It’s all very predictable and infrequently even pleasant. That continues to the brake pedal, as whereas there’s no one-pedal driving mode (in line with different BYD merchandise), you get brake pedal really feel that’s straightforward to handle – there’s no noticeable leap between regenerative and friction braking, making driving in visitors simpler and extra comfy.
On prime of all that, the Seal seems to be packaged fairly properly, with sturdy rearward visibility. Head checks are straightforward in consequence, and whereas there’s a set of security gear available, you gained’t wish to depend on all of it.
The foremost offender is the blind-spot monitoring system, which is just too delicate and might intervene with the automobile’s steering for no good cause. Additionally, the adaptive cruise management and lane-centring capabilities typically battle to maintain the automobile centred in its lane, and there’s a delicate audible pace restrict warning all the time on by default.
What’s worse is how the lane-keeping and pace restrict programs make themselves identified. Put merely, they override any sounds produced by the automobile itself (excluding the radio, as an example), which implies they mute the digital indicator once they pipe up.
This is off-putting, notably when indicating a lane change, as it may be onerous to inform whether or not the automobile is performing up or there’s real hazard. Further, the automobile’s indicator stalk is a type of nonsensical ones that doesn’t click on into place, which could be a studying curve in itself.
The Seal is mostly a good drive and likewise gives spectacular noise suppression; it simply wants a little bit of chassis and tech finetuning to iron out some bugs.
To see how the BYD Seal stacks up towards its rivals, use our comparability software
What do you get?
There are three variants within the 2026 BYD Seal lineup for Australia, and the Dynamic is the most affordable.
2026 BYD Seal Dynamic gear highlights:
- 18-inch alloy wheels
- Automatic high-beam
- Automatic LED headlights
- Rain-sensing wipers
- Heated and ventilated entrance seats
- Leatherette-wrapped steering wheel
- Leatherette upholstery
- 8-way energy driver’s seat
- 6-way energy passenger seat
- 4-way power-adjustable steering wheel
- 15.6-inch touchscreen infotainment system
- Wireless Apple CarPlay
- Wireless Android Auto
- Satellite navigation
- 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster
- 12-speaker 775W Dynaudio sound system
- DAB digital radio
- 1 x USB-C, USB-A outlet (entrance)
- 1 x USB-C, USB-A outlet (rear)
- Dual wi-fi cellphone chargers
- Keyless entry and begin
- Ambient lighting
- Panoramic silver-plated glass roof
- Rear privateness glass
Seal Premium provides:
- 19-inch alloy wheels
- Long-range battery
- Leather-wrapped steering wheel
- Leather upholstery
- Driver’s seat reminiscence
- 4-way lumbar adjustment
- Head-up show
- Side mirror auto-tilt and reminiscence
Seal Performance AWD provides:
- Dual-motor AWD
- Frequency Selective Damping shock absorbers
- Heated steering wheel
To see how the BYD Seal stacks up towards its rivals, use our comparability software
Is the BYD Seal protected?
The BYD Seal boasts a five-star ANCAP security score, based mostly on testing performed by sister organisation Euro NCAP in 2023.
| Category | BYD Seal |
|---|---|
| Adult occupant safety | 89 per cent |
| Child occupant safety | 87 per cent |
| Vulnerable highway consumer safety | 82 per cent |
| Safety help | 75 per cent |
Standard security gear contains:
- 9 airbags, incl:
- Autonomous emergency braking
- Adaptive cruise management
- Blind-spot monitoring
- Emergency lane maintain help
- Front, rear cross-traffic help
- Front and rear parking sensors
- Intelligent pace restrict help
- Lane departure warning
- Lane maintain help
- Rear cross-traffic help
- Traffic signal recognition
- Rear occupant alert
- Safe exit warning
- Surround-view digicam
To see how the BYD Seal stacks up towards its rivals, use our comparability software
How a lot does the BYD Seal price to run?
The BYD Seal is backed by a six-year, 150,000km automobile guarantee and an eight-year, 160,000km high-voltage battery guarantee. Servicing is required each 12 months or 20,000km, whichever comes first.
| Servicing and Warranty | BYD Seal |
|---|---|
| Vehicle guarantee | 6 years, 150,000km |
| High-voltage battery guarantee | 8 years, 160,000km |
| Roadside help | 12 months |
| Service intervals | 12 months or 20,000km |
| Capped-price servicing | 11 years |
| Average annual service price | $380.8 |
| Total capped-price service price | $4189 |
BYD’s service pricing, correct as of December 8, 2025, is detailed beneath:
| Service | Price |
|---|---|
| 12 months, 20,000km | $165 |
| 24 months, 40,000km | $545 |
| 36 months, 60,000km | $165 |
| 48 months, 80,000km | $765 |
| 60 months, 100,000km | $165 |
| 72 months, 120,000km | $562 |
| 84 months, 140,000km | $165 |
| 96 months, 160,000km | $765 |
| 108 months, 180,000km | $165 |
| 120 months, 200,000km | $562 |
| 132 months, 220,000km | $165 |
For the sake of comparability, we’ll concentrate on the primary 5 years of Seal upkeep. The first 5 providers complete $1805, or a mean of $361 per 12 months.
The Camry is roofed by 5 years of capped-price servicing, with every service capped at $255. That works out to a complete of $1275, which is lower than the totally electrical Seal that has fewer transferring elements.
No comparability could be drawn with the Model 3, as Tesla doesn’t do conventional servicing schemes for its vehicles.
To see how the BYD Seal stacks up towards its rivals, use our comparability software
CarExpert’s Take on the BYD Seal Dynamic
We walked away from our week-long mortgage of the Seal Dynamic pleasantly shocked.
While the Model 3 remains to be the clear benchmark, the Seal is a really compelling various. This base Dynamic is less expensive than the bottom Model 3 RWD, and also you don’t actually miss out on any of the gear that’s commonplace within the Tesla – fairly the alternative.
Sure, BYD’s older-gen tech will not be as slick as Tesla’s, however even with its lack of buttons, the Seal feels vaguely extra conventional than the Model 3. The display screen in entrance of the steering wheel with pace readouts shouldn’t have to be praised, but someway the development of minimalism has us doing precisely that.
This electrical sedan gives an pleasant experience, which isn’t ruined by the agency suspension setup and typically obnoxious security gear. Again, some polish would go a great distance, however the Seal remains to be properly forward of lots of the Chinese vehicles which have launched extra not too long ago to way more vital reception.
If an reasonably priced electrical sedan is what you’re after, the bottom Seal Dynamic needs to be excessive in your procuring record.
Note: Apologies for the BYD stickers in our imagery; our tester was sourced from a vendor and never BYD’s press fleet.
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