BYD Auto is set to expand its portfolio in India with the launch of a third model, the Seal all-electric sedan. The Seal EV will join the Atto 3 SUV and e6 MPV in BYD’s India line-up on March 5; as we had reported earlier, dealers have already unofficially begun accepting bookings for the model. The Seal has also been spied testing recently on the outskirts of Chennai.
- BYD Seal for India likely to get 82.5kWh battery with 700km range
- Expected to be priced at about Rs 50 lakh (ex-showroom)
- To rival Hyundai’s Ioniq 5 and Kia’s EV6
BYD Seal India launch details
While the Seal sedan is available in international markets with two battery pack options – a 61.4kWh unit with up to 500km CLTC range, and an 82.5kWh battery with a claimed 700km of range – it is the latter that is expected to arrive in India.
The battery, which has BYD’s patented ‘Blade Battery’ tech and can be charged at speeds of up to 150kW, will send power to two motors – one on each axle – that produce a combined 530hp and 670Nm of torque. BYD claims a 0-100kph time of 3.8 seconds for the AWD Seal, and a top speed of 180kph, which is quite good for a car that weighs about 2.2 tonnes.
Measuring 4,800mm long, 1,875mm wide and 1,460mm tall, with a 2,920mm long wheelbase, the low-slung sedan has a 400-litre boot, and a 53-litre frunk. The Seal sports BYD’s “ocean aesthetics” design language and boasts of an ocean-themed name. Its coupe-like all-glass roof, flush-fitting door handles, four boomerang-shaped LED DRLs, split headlamp design and a full-width LED light bar at the rear all should attract Indian buyers.
BYD Seal price estimate, rivals in India
Expect BYD Seal prices to be in the Rs 50 lakh (ex-showroom) region. Dealers have revealed that deliveries of the Seal EV will commence soon after prices are announced on March 5. Although the Seal will have no direct rivals, considering its price point, the EV will rival the likes of the Hyundai Ioniq 5 SUV and Kia’s EV6 crossover.
Viraaj Bhatnagar
Uday Singh
Suraj Viswanathan
