MOTORING REVIEW: BYD launches new SEAL model in Limerick

THE latest BYD model to arrive here is the SEAL, a four-door, all-electric, D-segment saloon with a claimed range of up to 570kms.

This is the third model from the leading EV manufacturer to launch in Ireland since the brand was introduced to Ireland just eight months ago.

It follows the Chinese company’s recently-launched C-segment Dolphin hatchback and their first model, the Atto 3 SUV - winner of the Continental Irish Small/Compact SUV 2024 award as voted on by members of the Motoring Media Association of Ireland (MMAI).

BYD’s Irish distributor, Motor Distributors Limited of Naas Road in Dublin, believes SEAL will help in attracting new dealers and consolidate the brand’s growing reputation in Ireland as ‘the biggest car brand you’ve never heard of’. An apt slogan when they first launched here but the brand is rapidly making its mark among Irish motorists as the Atto 3 has sold 506 units since launch in April last year.

Dolphin and Seal models are from BYD’s ‘Ocean Aesthetics’ series, which explains their sea-related names.

Two grade variants are ‘Design’ and an all-wheel drive ‘Excellence’ option. The model offers two trim levels, six body colours, two interior trim colours and a number of technological ‘firsts’ that MDL says: ‘sets SEAL apart’.

I admit to have been greatly taken with my short test drive in the SEAL at launch last week, even more so than with their two previous models. This is a beautiful looking sleek saloon with the appearance and feel of a sports coupe.

The interior is very well designed with lovely fit and finish and lots of space for five adults due to the car’s 2,900mm wheelbase. BYD say the car provides ‘plenty of headroom’ and leg space ‘similar to an executive saloon’. I didn’t get to check that out due to the heavy rainfall on launch day, but will when I get the car for a longer test drive time. Seats also have a sporty look and come nicely padded and there’s plenty of light in the cabin courtesy of the large panoramic roof. Importantly, this is a nippy car to drive, especially in Sport mode, with a 0-100km/h time of 5.9 seconds for the Design powertrain and just a 3.8 seconds for the Excellence variant.

Onboard technologies include a big 15.6-inch rotatable infotainment screen and a 10.25-inch instrumentation cluster in front of the driver. Just one thing irked though but you’d soon get used to it if you owned the car - the indicators are on the ‘wrong side’ for Irish drivers, i.e. on the left as in Asian cars.

While I didn’t count them in my short spin in the car, BYD say there are more than 20 interior spaces to store items with the cabin, and the boot of 400 litres is supplemented by a 53-litre space under the bonnet. Open storage space and a wireless charging point for two mobile phones is located on the lower dash.

The letters BYD don’t appear across the rear of the car as with the previous two models, but are discretely placed on the right side of the rear.

Power is from BYD’s own 82.5 kWh Blade Batteries with outputs of 313hp for the Design and 530hp for the AWD version.

Fast charging from 30 to 80pc takes 26 minutes with a 150kW DC charging point. Just time for a coffee and bun.

The model gets an extensive range of advanced driver assistance features and huge amount of standard useful spec that will certainly appeal to buyers.

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A six-years/150,000 manufacturer’s warranty and an eight years battery and electric motor warranty applies to all BYD SEAL models.

The BYD network has now increased to six outlets, all strategically located for urban customers in the Mid-West area, Dublin North, Dublin South, Cork, Waterford and Wexford.

The distributor says they have full availability for their three models.

The SEAL Design model starts at €44,036; Excellence AWD model from €49,836.