BYD has launched its electric sedan in one of the first right-hand-drive (RHD) markets in Hong Kong, an important step in the lead up to the product’s anticipated launch in Australia.
At the Hong Kong event, the brand revealed some key details including the variants it plans to offer, along with their respective pricing. The details were documented on a Hong Kong-based BYD Facebook group by BYD enthusiast Chongfai Chiu.
In Hong Kong, the BYD will be available in three variants which include:
- Standard Range Dynamic – $HK309,000 (equivalent to $A61,275)
- Extended Range Premium – $HK347,000 (equivalent to $A68,810)
- AWD Performance – $HK347,000 (equivalent to $A74,565)
At the launch, it also appears that there are more colours than those that have been spotted. These included a deeper blue and an Olive green.
The green seems very close to the green offered on the Atto 3 SUV in Australia which offers more choices to buyers aiming for a unique look.
The Standard Range Dynamic variant will have a smaller 61.4 kWh battery pack that can deliver over 450 km of WLTP range. The range is close to the current Tesla Model 3 which delivers 491 km of range from a 60 kWh battery pack.
Comparing the two from a pricing point of view, the Tesla Model 3 starts at $HK320,000 in the country, which is higher than the advertised BYD Seal price.
For those looking for a long-range EV, the Extended Range Premium will be offered with a larger 82.5 kWh battery. This is expected to offer over 500km of WLTP range.
Taking it to the top-spec AWD Performance model, it comes with a dual-motor powertrain setup which is powered by the larger battery found in the Extended Range Premium.
It can also sprint from 0-100 km/h in 3.8 seconds. BYD even put a “3.8S” badge on the rear to showcase its performance.
On the back of this news, several prospective buyers and fans took to social media. Some thought the new pricing was fairly good for the local market. “[Seal pricing] is more reasonable than expected,” one fan said.
Others also shared details on the timing of the delivery which is expected closer to the end of the year for first orders. This is in line with what has been announced in New Zealand, where the first deliveries of the Seal are to be on this side of Christmas.
The Hong Kong prices are some of the first we have seen for the Seal in a RHD market. It gives an indication of what could be expected in Australia when the Seal launches locally in the coming months. We look forward to this launch in the coming months and test-driving the first cars when they land.
Riz is the founder of carloop based in Melbourne, specialising in Australian EV data, insight reports and trends. He is a mechanical engineer who spent the first 7 years of his career building transport infrastructure before starting carloop. He has a passion for cars, particularly EVs and wants to help reduce transport emissions in Australia. He currently drives a red Tesla Model 3.