Buying an EV is not a simple decision to make. Especially these days when there are so many options on the market.
If you are into buying an EV in the midsize sedan segment, then the BYD Seal and the Tesla Model 3 are probably one of your top choices. If that’s so, you are in the right place because in this article, there will be a lot to cover.
We will compare these two models in many key aspects, including the specs, price, power, range, safety, and a lot more areas. So, buckle up because it will be a long drive!
BYD Seal vs Tesla Model 3: Specs
Let’s first take a look at the specs of these two models. For this purpose, we created a table where we compare these two models side by side, so you can get a general image of the options that they offer.
| Model | BYD Seal | Tesla Model 3 |
|---|---|---|
| Variant | Design | Base |
| Price | $29,580 | $34,176 |
| Battery (kWh) | 60 kWh | 60 kWh |
| Drive | RWD | RWD |
| WLTP Range (km) | 550 km | 513 km |
| Power Output (kW) | 150 kW | 208 kW |
| Acceleration (0-100 km/h) | 7.5 seconds | 6.1 seconds |
| Plug Types (AC/DC) | Type 2 & CCS2 | Type 2 & CCS2 |
| Max Charge Rate (AC/DC) | 11/150 | 11/170 |
| Cargo Space (liters) | 450 liters | 594 liters |
| Frunk Cargo Space | Yes | Yes |
| Length (mm) | 4,800 mm | 4,720 mm |
| Width (mm) | 1,875 mm | 1,849 mm |
| Height (mm) | 1,460 mm | 1,441 mm |
| Running Clearance | 120 mm | 120 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2,920 mm | 2,875 mm |
| Tow Rating | 750 kg | 750 kg |
| V2L | Yes | No |
| Warranty | 6 years/150,000km | 4 years/80,000 km |
| Battery Warranty | 8 years/160,000km | 8 years/160,000 km |
| Loyalty Program | Yes | Yes |
BYD Seal vs Tesla Model 3: Price
The price of the vehicle is probably the most decisive factor when it comes to making a decision of what car is a better option. So, let’s take a look at the prices of these two models and learn more about how much they cost.
The BYD Seal is the cheaper out of the two. This model starts at $29,580. Which in our opinion is an excellent deal for this price range. This model is affordable and even with the well optioned version, you will not have to pay more than $40,000.
While the Tesla Model 3 is a more expensive model. This car starts at $34,176. Which is $4,000 more compared to the BYD Seal.
If you want to get a long range version, you will have to spend up to $42,000. Which is $2,000 more expensive compared to the long range BYD Seal.
Overall, the BYD Seal is a more affordable option between the two. However, not by a great margin.
What is also worth noting is that these are the prices in China. Which means that if you want to import the model to your country, you will have to pay import fees to your local authorities.
These fees depend on the country of residence. Since every country has different laws and fees for importing cars.
BYD Seal vs Tesla Model 3: Design and Interior
Besides the price, the design is probably the thing that sells cars the most. Everyone wants to get a good looking vehicle for their money. And the better the looks, the more sales a certain car will get.
The BYD Seal is a brand new model that was released recently and this model immediately captivated the world with its incredible design approach.
This model is built on a proper EV platform, which is the e-Platform 3.0 by BYD. This means that this model is not looking like the other models which are converted from ICE to EV.
Instead, this model has a more EV look. This means that the new BYD Seal implements a sleek front end that is focused on aerodynamics and maximizing range.
The whole vehicle is futuristic and it greatly reminds of the Tesla Model 3, its fierce competitor.
The Tesla Model 3 is a model that is very well known to us since this car has been in production for many years.
But for the 2024 model year, Model 3 got a facelift. This facelift brought many exterior design changes.
The new Model 3 has new headlights and a new bumper, the taillights were also redesigned in order to bring the model up to modern standards.
When it comes to the interior, the BYD Seal has a lot to offer. This model implements a beautiful design that is inspired from ocean life, it has some very great looking color combos that place this model on a different level. The cabin is extremely large and comfortable.
The Tesla Model 3 on the other hand has an interior that is not particularly great looking. Many people simply don’t love minimalism. Inside the cabin you only have a screen, a steering wheel, and gray colors everywhere.
This is something that can be pretty depressing to deal with on a day to day basis. This is why the interior of the BYD Seal is a much better option compared to the one of the Tesla.
BYD Seal vs Tesla Model 3: Power and Performance
Power and performance is another thing that many owners focus on these days. Especially when it comes to EVs. An EV should put a smile on your face whenever you thrash the throttle.
And luckily for you, both of these models are pretty good in this aspect. Which means that they deliver!
The BYD Seal base model is producing about 201 hp and 310 N-m of torque. Which is enough for an acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h in 7.5 seconds.
The base Tesla Model 3 is a bit quicker than the BYD Seal. The base version of this model produces about 257 hp and 450 N-m of torque. This model is able to accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in 6.1 seconds.
There are also more powerful AWD models as well. The BYD Seal AWD is powered by dual motors and this model makes up to 523 hp and 670 N-m of torque. Which allows it to accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in 3.8 seconds.
While the AWD version of the Tesla Model 3 makes about 435 hp and 493 N-m of torque. Allowing it to have an acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h in 4 seconds.
Overall, both of these models are pretty similar in terms of their performance. They offer a lot for the buyer and are definitely worth your attention.
BYD Seal vs Tesla Model 3: Battery and Range
Battery and range are also some of the essentials when it comes to shopping for a new vehicle. You need a vehicle that delivers a great range. Range anxiety is a problem and you definitely don’t want to deal with it. So, your job is to find a vehicle that will meet your needs.
And we can tell you that both of these models deliver some solid numbers in this aspect.
The BYD Seal has a base model with a 60 kWh battery pack. This model is able to deliver up to 550 km.
If you want to upgrade and go for a larger battery pack, you can choose the 82.5 kWh battery pack. With this pack, you will be able to get up to 700 km. Which is a very good number for a vehicle of this size.
The Tesla Model 3 on the other hand comes with a base battery of 60 kWh and with this battery you get about 513 km of range.
If you want to upgrade and go for the AWD Long Range model, you will be able to get an 82 kWh battery that is good for 623 km.
Overall, in terms of battery size and range, these models are pretty similar. However, the BYD Seal has slightly better numbers compared to the Tesla Model 3.
BYD Seal vs Tesla Model 3: Autopilot and Other Tech
The first thing that many people associate EVs with is definitely the autopilot. This is a feature that Tesla has popularized in recent times.
So much so that nowadays owners want to have a self-driving car. But are these cars really self-driving?
Well, not quite. These models are no self-driving vehicles. They implement something that is known as Level 2 autonomy.
This Level 2 autonomy is made possible with the adaptive cruise control. Which in other words is an autopilot for the highway. This feature allows you to drive on the highway with minimal interference.
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Behind this feature is the ADAS system. This is the Advanced Driving Assistance System. This system packs many cameras, sensors, and radars that monitor 360 degrees around the car and help improve the safety.
Besides the adaptive cruise control, this system offers blind spot monitoring, collision warning, automated emergency braking, rear cross traffic alert, lane departure alert, lane keep assist, parking assist and a lot more.
Overall, it really depends on how much you have to spend in order to activate all of these functions. The more you have, the safer your car will be.
BYD Seal vs Tesla Model 3: Size and Body
Vehicle size is a really important thing that you need to be aware of when buying a new EV. You need a vehicle that will suit your needs and you will be able to use it in the way you intended. When it comes to the size, both of these models are pretty similar.
However, the BYD Seal is larger in every possible way. It is longer, wider, and it has a longer wheelbase than the Tesla Model 3.
This length in wheelbase makes the BYD Seal a lot more comfortable inside. Especially for the rear passengers. If you carry a lot of people, you will definitely benefit from this increase in size. It is only a few centimeters but overall, it will make a day and night difference in terms of comfort.
When it comes to cargo, with both models you have a front frunk where you can store items like the charging cables or a small bag.
While in the rear, you have a larger trunk. In the Tesla Model 3, you have a space of up to 594 liters compared to the 450 liters of the BYD Seal. So, why is this the case?
Well, the Tesla Model 3 is a hatchback and the BYD Seal is a sedan. This means that with the BYD Seal you cannot open the rear glass.
This limits the space that you can release. So, if practicality is a big concern for you as a buyer. The Tesla Model 3 is the better option for the money!
BYD Seal vs Tesla Model 3: Safety
Safety is an area that many people don’t pay too much attention to when it comes to buying a new car. And we can tell you that this should be one of the main aspects that you need to focus on.
We mentioned previously that these models use something known as Level 2 autonomy and have an ADAS system.
This system has a whole palette of features that are available to the driver. Including adaptive cruise control, blind spot monitoring, automated emergency braking, and many other useful features.
What is also worth noting is that both of these models were rigorously crash tested in China and across the world.
The Tesla Model 3 was tested in China, USA, and Europe. On every test this model scored the highest grades possible.
The BYD Seal was also tested in China and Europe. Specifically on the Euro NCAP test, this model scored clean 5/5 stars.
Overall, in terms of safety, both models are pretty good choices.
BYD Seal vs Tesla Model 3: Warranties
Vehicle warranty is another very important aspect that you need to take into consideration when shopping for an EV. EV batteries tend to cost a lot of money and having a warranty coverage is important, since EV batteries are expensive!
So, the BYD Seal offers you an 8 years or 160,000 km warranty on the battery. Tesla also offers the same type of warranty on their battery.
But the difference is when it comes to the overall vehicle warranty. With the BYD Seal you have a 6 year or 150,000 km warranty. While with the Tesla Model 3, you have only 4 years or 80,000 km.
So, the BYD Seal is a bit better covered than the Tesla Model 3.
BYD Seal vs Tesla Model 3: Additional Considerations
When it comes to the BYD Seal and the Tesla Model 3 there are no important considerations that you need to take.
Final Thoughts
Overall, the choice between the BYD Seal and the Tesla Model 3 can be very difficult because these models are matched out in many aspects.
These models are so similar that it is frankly very difficult to choose one from the two.
But overall, the Tesla Model 3 offers a better practicality with the liftgate in the rear, while with the Seal you have more space inside the cabin.
The base model of the Tesla Model 3 is more powerful than the BYD Seal. While the Seal has a better range overall.
The only area where the Seal has a clear win is the price, this model is $4,000 cheaper compared to the Tesla Model 3 and this is probably the decisive factor to go for the BYD Seal.
