Verdict
The headline-grabbing numbers speak for themselves - in Performance trim, the Seal delivers 523bhp, 670Nm of torque, and a 0-100km/h timing of 3.8 seconds. The car goes as far as to wear a 3.8S badge on its tailgate.
But, the numbers don't tell the whole story. While it is undoubtedly fast in a straight line, the BYD Seal is more than just a drag race machine. The rigid platform and firm suspension allow the Seal to be agile, stable and capable through corners and sharp directional changes, while still being refined and composed while cruising.
The Seal also comes equipped with a range of driving assistance systems that allows you to cruise along the highway with minimal driver intervention.
All together, there is an overall sense of quality to the way to Seal performs on the road, across a variety of driving situations, that far exceeds simple straight-line performance.
And, that same sense of quality can be felt in the cabin as well. Surfaces are covered in plush leather and suede, while the switch gear and even the plastic panels feel well-put together and pleasing to the touch. This helps to elevate the tech-heavy cabin, with the 15.6-inch rotating display taking centre stage and a premium Dynaudio sound system delivering crisp music.
Also helping the Seal stand out is its distinctive design - a sweeping coupe-silhouette and a pinched front-end that highlights its athletic nature, while still remaining stylish and sleek.
Wearing a 3.8S badge makes for flashy headlines, but the real story of the BYD Seal is one of quality - it displays a level of refinement that represents a step forward and upwards for the brand, while still offering a generous amount of features at its price point. Taken together, it's easy to understand the attractiveness and appeal of the Seal, making it our electric sedan of the year.