More images and specs emerge of sporty BYD EV bound for Australia

Interior images of the new BYD Seal that is pegged as a Model 3 competitor and currently slated to arrive in Australia by the second quarter of 2023, have emerged giving a closer look at the sporty electric car.

Driving range figures have also come to hand – with the caveat that they are for the moment based on NEDC testing (which is about 30% greater than real driving range; see our calculations below for estimated real world range.)

While there appears to be no official publication of the artistic interior concept designs, this is not surprising as Chinese automakers are often predisposed to leaking images to the plethora of local websites covering the local automotive sector.

The  reliable CnEVPost published three new aquatic-styled images showing off the interior of the Seal which match up with recent spy photos that circulated earlier this month.

The sleek four-door Seal – which could be dubbed the Atto 4 when it hits local roads – reportedly accelerates from 0-100km/h in 3.9-seconds and, according to March reports from CnEVPost, the expected price level is 220,000-280,000 CNY ($A48,070-$61,180 converted), which would be noticeably below the Shanghai-made Tesla Model 3 prices.

This pricing is nevertheless higher than the BYD Atto 3, a compact electric SUV launched in Sydney in February.

Driving range was also revealed by the CNEV Post article, giving updated specs as so:

• RWD 1
  Permanent magnet synchronous motor: 70 kW continuous and 150 kW peak
  Driving Range: 550km (NEDC)
  Estimated real-world range: 385km
  Weight: 1,885 kg
• RWD 2
  Permanent magnet synchronous motor: 70 kW continuous and 230 kW peak
  Driving Range: 700km (NEDC)
  Estimated real-world range: 490km
  Weight: 2,015 kg
• AWD
  Front motor: asynchronous motor (induction motor): 75 kW continuous and 160 kW peak
  Rear motor: permanent magnet synchronous motor: 70 kW continuous and 150 kW peak
  Driving Range: 650km (NEDC)
  Estimated real world range: 455km
  Weight: 2,150 kg

A number of exterior images were published by CnEVPost earlier this month as well, highlighting the sleek design of the Seal and the full running light across the rear of the vehicle.

It’s good news for Australians, after CEO of BYD importer EV Direct Luke Todd told The Driven last month that the BYD Seal is “100% coming to Australia” and that “We soon will be able to release dates and pricing and will be targeting for deliveries around March 2023 with pre-orders opening around October.”

“It’s a highly exciting sports sedan,” Todd said. “It’s not just a Model 3 rival but a rival to sports sedans across market, well above $100,000 in some cases.”