AC Motors, the official distributor of BYD electric vehicles (EVs) in the country, recently flew in select members of the Philippine motoring media to China to experience the EV maker’s all-electric sports sedan Seal. To showcase the capabilities of the all-electric Seal, BYD hosted the event dubbed “Innovation meets acceleration” media track day for the Asia-Pacific contingents held at the Zhuhai International Circuit. This high-performance EV sports sedan is already making rounds in the Asean (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) market. The Seal is poised to go head-to-head with the likes of the Tesla Model 3 and Model Y.
Marine aesthetics design
Design-wise, BYD adapted the marine aesthetics design. From the front of the “X” design concept to the impressive and dynamic waistline, the overall look exudes sporty styling. The headlights feature unique double U-shaped light clusters that are staggered to provide a stereo effect. Meanwhile, the taillight shape is arranged in a dot matrix and runs through the rear end. It’s important to note that the former Audi Group’s head designer, Wolfgang Egger, is BYD’s global design director.
Inside, it’s impossible to ignore the pronounced rotating 15.6-inch multimedia touchscreen display and a full-size digital driver’s display. The infotainment system features an intelligent voice assistant. The BYD App allows drivers to control functions like climate control remotely. An onboard 4G connection supports over-the-air updates, which can include new features. Another exciting element is the crystal-designed shifter clustered with other driving controls.
BYD claims that the integrated sports seats are engineered with ergonomic principles to maximize comfort. The front seats are electrically adjustable, heated, and wrapped in diamond pattern cushions. Of course, there is a panoramic sunroof. The vehicle’s HIFI Dynaudio Premium Sound boasts 12 state-of-the-art speakers for a high-quality audio system.
Cargo-wise, aside from a spacious 400-liter rear trunk, there is also an additional 53 liters of storage space in the front compartment (with cover). Moreover, there is an advanced energy-saving heat pump system (standard feature). The system operates in a broad range of temperatures and is designed to use residual heat from surroundings, the powertrain, the passenger compartment, and even the batteries. It enhances thermal efficiency and reduces energy loss, whether heating or cooling. Therefore, the low-temperature driving range is increased.
All-New e-Platform
With several versions available depending on the region, the entry-level with standard range is fitted with a single-motor (rear-wheel drive) generating 150kW (200 hp) of power. The top-spec version’s motor power is up to 390 kWh (160 kW front and 230 kW rear). Battery capacity ranges from 61.4 to 82.5 kWh. What’s new and first to the Seal is the Cell-to-Body (CTB) technology thanks to the all-new e-Platform 3.0 EV platform. The technology allows the brand’s proprietary Blade battery to be integrated into the base frame, ensuring better structural integrity. More so, high-speed charging is not a problem. Charging in just 26 minutes is possible thanks to the 150-kWh DC charger (from 30% SOC to 80%).
Another world first is BYD’s mass-produced 8-in-1 electric powertrain system. According to BYD, it already has exceptional vertical integration capabilities within the supply chain. It integrates eight key components, incorporating the VCU, BMS, MCU, PDU, DC-DC controller, onboard charger, driver, and transmission, significantly optimizing space utilization and energy efficiency. Advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS), autonomous emergency braking (forward and reverse), rear-cross traffic alert assist, lane-keep assist, and emergency lane-keep assist are all standard, to name a few.
Full-track experience
The Zhuhai International Circuit has long straights, several tight hairpins, and bends. It was the perfect venue to demonstrate the EV sedan’s driving dynamics. This writer boarded the rear-wheel drive version, in which the electric motor’s instantaneous torque immediately took over upon take-off. While it wasn’t a surprise, especially for an EV, the Seal’s high-powered electric motor has more juice to retain the swift speed increments toward high speed. The absence of vibration and sound, except for the muffled tire noise, will challenge anyone’s awareness of the car swiftly and effortlessly hitting high speeds in the stretches.
Every curve entry and exit demonstrated the vehicle’s chassis control system. Since the Seal is built as a sports sedan, it is equipped with the brand’s company-developed DiSus Intelligent Body Control System, providing variable damping settings. Sudden turns at high speed were manageable, making the vehicle retain its form.
The tight hairpins and curves demonstrated the Seal’s latest iTAC (Intelligence Torque Adaption Control) technology as its version of torque vectoring. Because of the system’s ability to allocate the correct amount of torque on the rear wheels, including from shifting and reduction, the system prevented the vehicle from skidding, particularly while passing puddles and slippery portions. Even so, every critical acceleration during turn exit was manageable due to regained tire traction.
According to BYD, with iTAC, vehicle dynamics restoration has evolved beyond traditional methods of power take-off reduction. The advanced system efficiently minimizes or eliminates skidding, unlocking the full potential of the vehicle’s power. Not only does it enhance safety, but it also elevates the overall handling comfort, ensuring a smooth and secure driving experience.
The system was best showcased during abrupt turns at faster speeds after hitting the brakes hard to reduce the rate instantly. Of course, braking also played a vital role as the ABS worked hard to avoid wheel locks. The full-track experience enabled the Seal to showcase its track/tarmac superiority. Indeed, electric power is absolute and consistent. The entire session happened so fast that we ended up wanting more. (Story, photos and video by Randy Peregrino)