TOP Chinese EV maker BYD recently showcased the latest addition to its growing all-electric model lineup—the Seal sports sedan. This high-performance EV sports sedan is already making rounds in the ASEAN market. To showcase the capabilities of the all-electric Seal, BYD hosted select motoring media members from the Asia-Pacific region. Dubbed “Innovation meets acceleration,” the Asia-Pacific media track day was held at the Zhuhai International Circuit in China to fully experience the EV sports sedan.
Design-wise, BYD adapted the marine aesthetics design. From the front’s of the “X” design concept to the impressive and dynamic waistline, the overall look exudes sporty styling. The headlights feature a unique double U-shaped light clusters that are staggered to provide a stereo effect. The taillight shape, meantime, is arranged in a dot matrix and runs through the whole rear end. It is important to note that former Audi Group’s head designer Wolfgang Egger is BYD’s global design director.
Inside, it is impossible to ignore the pronounced rotating 15.6-inch multimedia touchscreen display, as well as a full-size digital driver’s display. The infotainment system features an intelligent voice assistant. With the BYD App, it allows drivers to remotely control functions like the climate control. An onboard 4G connection supports over-the-air updates, which can include new features. Another interesting element is the crystal-designed shifter clustered with other driving controls.
BYD, claims that the integrated sport seats are engineered with ergonomic principles to maximize comfort. The front seats are not only electrically adjustable, but also heated and wrapped in diamond pattern cushions. Of course, there is a panoramic sunroof. When it comes to high-quality audio system, the vehicle’s HIFI Dynaudio Premium Sound boasts a 12 state-of-the-art speakers.
With several versions available depending on the region, the entry-level with standard range is fitted with a single-motor (rear-wheel drive) generating 150kW (200 hp) of power. The top-spec version’s motor power is up to 390 kWh (160 kW front and 230 kW rear). Battery capacity ranges from 61.4 to 82.5 kWh. What is new and first to the Seal is the Cell-to-Body (CTB) technology thanks to the all-new e-Platform 3.0 electric vehicle platform. The technology allows the brand’s proprietary Blade battery to be integrated into the base frame, adding to the assurance of better structural integrity. More so, high-speed charging is not a problem. Charging in just 26 minutes is possible thanks to the 150-kWh DC charger (from SOC 30 percent to 80 percent).
Another world’s first is BYD’s mass-produced 8-in-1 electric powertrain system. According to BYD, they have an exceptional vertical integration capabilities within the supply chain. It integrates eight key components incorporating VCU, BMS, MCU, PDU, DC-DC controller, on-board charger, driver and transmission, producing greatly optimizing space utilization and energy efficiency. Advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS), autonomous emergency braking (forward and reverse), rear-cross traffic alert assist, lane-keep assist and emergency lane-keep assist are all standard, to name a few.
Cargo-wise, aside from a spacious 400-liter rear trunk, there is also an additional 53 liters of storage space in the front trunk (with cover). Moreover, there is an advanced energy-saving heat pump system (standard feature). The system operates in a broad range of temperatures and designed to highly utilize residual heat from surroundings, the powertrain, passenger compartment and even the batteries. It enhances the thermal efficiency and reduces energy loss whether heating or cooling. Therefore, the low-temperature driving range is increased.
Full-track experience
The Zhuhai International Circuit have long stretches, several tight hairpins and bends. It was the perfect venue to demonstrate the EV sedan’s driving dynamics. Boarded the rear-wheel drive version, the electric motor’s instantaneous torque immediately took over upon takeoff. While it was not a surprised, especially for an EV, the Seal’s high-powered electric motor has more juice to retain the swift speed increments toward high-speed. The total absence of vibration and sound, except for the muffled tire noise, will challenge anyone’s awareness of the car swiftly and effortlessly hitting extreme high speeds in the stretches.
Every curve entry and exit demonstrated the vehicles chassis control system. Since the Seal is built as a sports sedan, its is equipped with the brand’s company-developed DiSus Intelligent Body Control System providing variable damping settings. Sudden turns on high speed was manageable and made the vehicle retained its form.
The series of tight hairpins and curves demonstrated the Seal’s latest iTAC (Intelligence Torque Adaption Control) technology, as its own version of torque vectoring. Because of the system’s ability to allocate the correct amount of torque on the rear wheels, including from shifting and reduction, the system prevented the vehicle from skidding, particularly while passing puddles and slippery portions. Even so, every critical acceleration during turn exit was manageable due to regained tire traction.
According to BYD, with iTAC, vehicle dynamics restoration has evolved beyond traditional methods of power take-off reduction. The advanced system efficiently minimizes or eliminates skidding, unlocking the full potential of the vehicle’s power. Not only does it enhance safety, but it also elevates the overall handling comfort, ensuring a smooth and secure driving experience.
The system was best showcased during abrupt turns at faster speeds after hitting the brakes hard to reduce the rate instantly. Of course, braking also played a vital role as the ABS system worked hard to avoid wheel locks. The full-track experience enabled the Seal to showcase its track/tarmac superiority. Indeed, electric power is absolute and consistent. The entire session happened so fast that we ended up wanting more.