2024 BYD Seal Dynamic EV Review

In recent years, the D-segment sedan market in Malaysia has been gaining increasing attention. Consumers are looking for ample space and features while not wanting to pay the premium often associated with traditional luxury brands. The BYD Seal Dynamic EV, a new entrant in this segment, offers high configurations, long range, and rear-wheel drive dynamics, all at a price nearly 30% lower than its German counterparts. In this test drive, we focus on verifying whether its features are practical, its range is reliable, and whether its overall performance as a family car is competitive.

Upon first seeing the Seal Dynamic, its overall design leans towards a sporty coupe style without over-the-top embellishments. The front features a closed grille, paired with sleek LED headlights on both sides. The light assemblies integrate daytime running lights, offering high recognition when illuminated. The body side lines are smooth, and though the waistline running from the front to the rear isn't too aggressive, the fastback-style roof hints at the designer's consideration for aerodynamics. The door handles are hidden and automatically pop out when unlocked, enhancing the tech-savvy feel while reducing drag. The rear design is relatively simple, with the standout feature being the full-width LED tail lights. The matrix structure inside the light chamber provides a clear effect when lit at night, while the diffuser-style design below the rear bumper emphasizes sportiness.

Stepping into the car, the interior features a predominantly dark color scheme. The dashboard is wrapped in soft-touch materials complemented by silver trims, giving the overall design a fit and finish suitable for a D-segment car. At the center of the interior is a 15.6-inch touchscreen display that supports rotation. The portrait orientation is better for navigation and video streaming, while the landscape mode is compatible with more entertainment apps. The screen operates smoothly with a clear menu structure and is easy to navigate. The 10.25-inch fully digital instrument cluster displays comprehensive information, including speed, range, driving mode, etc. The font size is appropriate, making it easy to read while driving.

The seating configurations are worth mentioning. The driver's seat supports 8-way power adjustment, while the passenger seat offers 6-way power adjustment. The seat cushions are soft yet supportive, making long drives less tiring. The rear seats provide generous legroom; a passenger with a height of 175 cm would still have about two fists of space between their knees and the front seat. While the sloping roofline slightly reduces headroom, it doesn’t interfere with normal seating comfort. The rear row is equipped with independent air conditioning vents and USB charging ports. The floor in the middle is nearly flat, ensuring comfort for the middle passenger when three people are seated in the back. The trunk has a capacity of 400 liters, sufficient for holding two 28-inch suitcases, and the rear seats also support a 60:40 split-fold function, allowing for expanded cargo space when needed for carrying larger items.

In terms of power, the Seal Dynamic is equipped with a rear-mounted permanent magnet synchronous motor, delivering a maximum power of 150 kW (204 PS) and a maximum torque of 310 N·m. The official 0-100 km/h acceleration time is 7.5 seconds. During actual driving, the power response is quick in the starting phase, offering a noticeable push-back effect with a light press on the accelerator pedal. Though the mid-to-high acceleration is not as aggressive as the performance version, stepping harder on the throttle still provides sufficient power reserves for overtaking. The driving modes include Eco, Standard, and Sport. In Eco mode, power output is relatively gentle, making it suitable for daily commuting; in Sport mode, the throttle sensitivity increases, catering to users who seek a more dynamic driving experience.

Handling performance is one of Seal's strengths. The combination of front double wishbone and rear multi-link independent suspension is relatively rare among electric vehicles in the same class. When driving on paved roads, the suspension can filter out most small bumps; when passing speed bumps or uneven roads, the vehicle body remains stable without excessive bouncing. When cornering, the suspension effectively suppresses body roll. Combined with the rear-wheel-drive layout, the vehicle offers good tracking capability, precise steering with minimal slack, providing drivers with sufficient confidence.

In terms of range, we conducted an actual road test. Under standard mode, with the air conditioning set to 24°C automatic, two occupants in the car, and city roads accounting for 60% and highways 40%, the final range achievement rate was about 85%. With a battery capacity of 61.44kWh, the official pure electric range is 460km, while the actual test achieved about 391km of driving. For fast charging, using a DC fast charging station to charge from 30% to 80% takes approximately 32 minutes, while slow charging requires 8.6 hours, fulfilling daily charging needs.

In terms of comfort details, the Seal Dynamic performs well in noise control. At speeds below 60km/h, there is virtually no noticeable wind or tire noise inside the cabin; when exceeding 100km/h, wind noise gradually becomes more apparent but remains within an acceptable range. The seats offer excellent wrapping and support, providing good lumbar support during long-distance driving. Additionally, the vehicle is equipped with a Dynaudio sound system, where the 12 speakers deliver mid-to-high level sound quality within its class, making it suitable for users who enjoy listening to music.

Overall, the core advantages of the Seal Dynamic lie in its rich configurations, solid range, and excellent handling performance. Compared to the Toyota Camry Hybrid in the same class, it offers faster power response, more comprehensive configurations (such as the 12-speaker Dynaudio sound system and 360-degree panoramic cameras), and comes at a lower price; compared to Tesla Model 3, it provides more rear space and better suspension comfort, making it suitable for family users.

This vehicle is suitable for two groups of people: first, value-conscious family users who need ample space, rich configurations, and solid range. The Seal Dynamic can meet the needs of daily commuting and family outings. Second, young people who pursue handling performance and a sense of technology. The rear-wheel-drive layout and sporty suspension tuning offer enjoyable driving dynamics, while the rotating central control screen and fully digital dashboard meet young users' preferences for technological features.

In summary, the BYD Seal Dynamic EV is a well-balanced D-class electric sedan with outstanding performance in terms of configuration, range, and handling. It is one of the electric vehicle models worth considering in the Malaysian market.