BYD Seal Performance: Why perhaps It’s the 2024 Sedan of the Year

KUALA LUMPUR: In the world of cars, it takes something truly extraordinary to stand out. Yes they are not as popular as SUVs at the moment, but sedans are still the go to car if you want a better drive.

The BYD Seal Performance has recently been highlighted, clinching the coveted 2024 Sedan of the Year award—a competition that not only puts it against EVs but also traditional internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles from my understanding.

So, what makes this sedan so special? Lucky for us, BYD Malaysia coincidentally had planned a unique media drive experience to showcase the sedan, and what better way to find out why the Seal Performance had won the crown. 

And let me tell you, this wasn’t your ordinary “drive and dine” affair. Themed "Seal the Speed," the event promised thrills that few EV manufacturers would dare to offer.

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First Impressions: Sculpted only for straight line speed?

Before diving into the nitty-gritty, let’s talk about the Seal Performance and its on paper claims. This dual-motor, all-wheel-drive EV puts out an eyebrow-raising 530 PS and 670 Nm of torque. 

Thanks to its advanced Blade Battery technology, it boasts a range of up to 580km (NEDC), meaning this is not just a city slicker but a bona fide highway cruiser. It’ll also do 0-100 km/h in just 3.8 seconds, putting some sports cars to shame.

It's low-slung, and has a coupe-like design that oozes aerodynamic efficiency. From the first glance, it’s clear that the Seal wasn’t built to blend in—it was built to stand out.

Our journey began in Kuala Lumpur’s bustling city center. Sliding into the cabin, you’re greeted with a minimalist yet premium feeling interior. BYD has managed to strike a balance between futuristic tech and everyday practicality. 

The floating infotainment screen rotates, offering versatility for navigation or media, and the materials feel plush and thoughtfully chosen. This isn’t just an EV trying to impress with gimmicks; it’s a sedan that understands the importance of refinement.

The only thing we found hard to adapt to was the air conditioning controls, as the direction of air coming out of the vents had to be controlled via the infotainment screen, which is not the most practical thing ever. 

But hey, tech geeks might find this cool, but I prefer good ol’ air vents which can be channeled to the direction I want it to simply by pushing, pulling tabs at the air vents. This might just be me showing my age, but like I said, it’s just a single person’s opinion, so it’s not definitive.

From city streets to Sepang: The ride experience

The first leg of our drive took us from the urban chaos of Kuala Lumpur to the hallowed grounds of Sepang International Circuit. This stretch allowed us to experience the Seal’s comfort and composure.

On the fast intercity highways, the ride showed that it was a bit on the firm side—a tell tale sign to its sporty suspension setup. Yet, it wasn’t punishing.

The car managed to soak up bumps and potholes with ease while maintaining a connected feel with the road. The steering, though light, offered enough feedback to instill confidence.

Highway cruising was where the Seal really shone. The cabin remained eerily quiet, thanks to excellent sound insulation and the silent hum of its electric motors. Acceleration was effortless, with the dual motors providing instant torque for overtaking.

The Seal felt planted and stable even at higher speeds. It was clear that BYD’s engineers had worked tirelessly to fine-tune the car’s chassis dynamics and aerodynamics.

Enter the Gymkhana: Testing agility

Upon arriving at Sepang, BYD revealed the surprise they had teased in the event’s theme. It wasn’t just a leisurely lap around the circuit; they had set up a Gymkhana course.

For those unfamiliar, Gymkhana is a motorsport event requiring tight turns, quick direction changes, and precision driving—a true test of a car’s accelerating, stopping and most importantly, handling capabilities.

As we lined up for our turn, I couldn’t help but wonder: Could a slightly over 2-tonne EV sedan really shine in such a demanding setting? Moments later, the Seal laid all doubts to rest. 

The instant torque from the dual motors when put in sports mode made short work of straights between cones, while the low center of gravity—thanks to the underfloor battery placement—ensured sharp, predictable cornering.

Despite its heft, the Seal felt remarkably nimble. The all-wheel-drive system worked seamlessly to distribute power, giving the car immense grip even during aggressive maneuvers.

Slaloms, tight hairpins, and sudden stops were handled with a level of composure that’s rare even among dedicated performance sedans. 

What stood out most, however, was the confidence the Seal inspired. It didn’t feel like you were wrestling with a heavy car; it felt intuitive, almost playful.

Even the traction control felt good, helping us steer back the car into the right direction when it was veering off. This isn’t just an EV with straight-line speed, it’s a sedan with genuine driving dynamics.

Why perhaps the BYD Seal Performance Won

After a day of experiencing the EV, some thoughts became clearer to why perhaps the BYD Seal Performance was crowned 2024 Sedan of the Year. It’s not just about being a great EV; it’s about being a great car, period. 

The Seal Performance variant can deliver on all fronts. With 530 PS on tap and a sub-4-second 0-100 km/h time, the Seal is every bit the speed demon it claims to be. Yet, it’s not just about raw speed.

The chassis dynamics, grip, and agility make it a joy to drive, whether you’re on a winding Malaysian road or a technical Gymkhana course. While the ride leans towards the sporty side, it’s not uncomfortable. 

The Seal is just as capable of ferrying your family around town as it is going around a fun technical track. Add to that a relatively spacious interior, impressive range, and a host of modern features, and you have a sedan that’s as versatile as it is thrilling.

BYD has managed to deliver all this at a price point that undercuts many of its European competitors. For what it offers in terms of performance, range, and features, the Seal Performance can be considered a bargain, proving that you don’t need to spend a fortune to own a world-class sedan.

The Blade Battery of course is a game-changer, offering unparalleled safety, longevity, and energy density. While some traditional automakers are still playing catch-up, BYD has firmly established itself as a leader in EV innovation.

As the sun set on our day excursion, I found myself reflecting on the day’s events. The BYD Seal Performance isn’t just an EV trying to fit into the sedan segment; it’s a sedan that’s trying to redefine what’s possible in the category.

It combines the best aspects of performance, comfort, and value, making it a good candidate of the 2024 Sedan of the Year award

For those who still view EVs as compromises or novelties, it might still be, but for those ready to embrace electric mobility, the Seal Performance is a wake-up call. It proves that an EV can be thrilling, practical, and affordable all at once.

And for BYD, it feels like this is just the beginning. If the Seal is any indication of what’s to come, from them—EV or otherwise—it looks bright.

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