By Gerry Murphy

BYD have just launched its third model on the Irish market in a few short months. Now the biggest producers of electric vehicles in the world, the Chinese-built BYD SEAL is quite a different helping than the Atto3 and Dolphin that went before it.

The BYD SEAL is a sleek four-door, all-electric, D-segment saloon with a low roof line and a real sporty appearance. As the third model to launch here since BYD was introduced to Ireland just eight months ago BYD chiefs in Ireland are expecting this car to make a favourable impression with Irish customers.

My initial drive in the Wicklow countryside suggests that this car will be a great rival for the Kia EV6 and the Hyundai Ioniq6, both of which are similar in design. Recent dealer appointments have increased the BYD network to five outlets, and an announcement of dealer appointment in Galway is imminent according to Ciaran Allen of Motor Distributors Ltd, the importers of BYD cars in Ireland.

Here the model line-up will consist of two powertrain variants – ‘Design’ and an all-wheel drive ‘Excellence’ offering two trim levels, six body colours, two interior trim colours and several technological ‘firsts’ that Motor Distributors Limited says “sets SEAL apart”.

Given its outstanding range of equipment and generous dimensions, with space for five occupants, SEAL launches at an attractively-competitive price, beginning at €44,036 for the Design model and from €49,836 for the Excellence model.

Like its predecessors, the BYD SEAL will be powered by BYD’s own, in-house developed 82.5 kWh Blade Battery with power outputs from 230 kW (Design) to 390 kW (Excellence) with a range (WLTP combined) of 570 kms (Design) and 520 kms (Excellence) and 0-100 km/h speeds of 5.9 seconds and 3.8 seconds respectively. Other key Blade Battery features include a 30% to 80% fast charging time of 26 minutes, when charged at a 150 kW DC charging point.

Despite its low-to-ground body – with a drag coefficient of just 0.219 Cd – its 2,920mm wheelbase provides occupants with plenty of headroom and leg space similar to that of an executive saloon. Visually, its smooth silhouette, low front, sloping A-pillar, rounded roof, sloping fastback, concealed door handles, flush with the door when in motion all helps reduce wind resistance and energy consumption.

A smart connectivity and leading infotainment system are amongst a suite of high-tech features that include 4G intelligent connection and over-the-Air (OTA) updates; a 15.6-inch rotatable screen with intelligent voice control function and seamless smartphone integration via Android Auto or Apple CarPlay; a 10.25-inch LCD full instrument panel, and a 12-speaker Dynaudio Performance Audio System. The BYD SEAL has recently been awarded a five-star safety rating by EuroNCAP.

Pictured: The new BYD SEAL.