BYD’s mid-range electric sedan, the Seal, gets a facelift for the 2025 model year and was presented on Thursday. The BEV is offered in China in four variants with a starting price of 175,800 yuan (€22,417), up to 239,800 yuan (€30,475). Like the Sea Lion 07, the 2025 Seal will be built on BYD’s upgraded 800-volt e-Platform 3.0 Evo, offering faster charging.
The BYD Seal, launched in 2022 and Tesla’s fiercest rival in China for the Model 3, is priced more than €7,000 lower. The top version costs only a little more than the basic Tesla (€29,570).
In 3.8 seconds from 0-100 km/h
This four-wheel drive model, powered by 390 kW (523 hp) dual motors, can accelerate from 0 to 100 km/hour in 3.8 seconds, has a maximum speed of 240 km/hour, and gets the BYD Blade Battery pack of 80.64 kWh, providing a (CLTC) range of 600 km.
The lowest-priced variant has a battery capacity of 61.44 kWh and can deliver a CLTC range of 510 kilometers. In contrast, the other two RWD variants have bigger batteries and an estimated range of 650 km.
LiDAR for L2+ driving
While the Chinese manufacturer has not yet shared every detail, the new 2025 Seal will include a new LiDAR system for semi-autonomous driving tech, a new interior, and an upgraded platform with an 800 V battery architecture.
The two highest-priced variants come with LiDAR, making the Seal the first BYD model to feature the technology. Elon Musk, for instance, isn’t thrilled by what he calls ‘too expensive’ LiDAR technology, so Tesla relies on cameras to scan the car’s environment.
By adding LiDAR, BYD could upgrade its L2+ level DiPilot 300 system. This system allows point-to-point pilot-assisted driving on highways and urban roads (Navigation on Autopilot or NOA) and Automated Valet Parking (AVP).
Subtle exterior changes, new interior
BYD released the first official images of the 2025 Seal last week. The electric sedan was shown in a new ‘Sky Purple’ paintwork. Other changes include new wheel designs, while the ‘Build Your Dreams’ inscription on the trunk has been replaced by an illuminated ‘BYD’ logo, which seems to be today’s fashion trend. This follows the Audi A6 e-tron, which has a similar design choice.
More news comes from the inside, where the dashboard has been given a complete makeover. The displays are now more integrated into the flatter, more horizontal dashboard, while the steering wheel has been replaced following the latest models in BYD’s Ocean series, like the Sea Lion 07.
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