The Tesla Model 3 has spent years defining what a premium and functional EV should cost; that’s what we’re used to. However, BYD seems to think that number is way too high.
The Chinese automaker has unveiled a new flagship sedan, the Seal 08, that packs features you don’t normally expect from cars in this segment, blurring the line between affordable and luxury. And after reading its entire spec sheet, it’s actually the price that shakes me the most.
So what exactly does BYD’s new flagship offer?
Measuring 5,150 mm long and sitting on a 3,030 mm wheelbase, the BYD Seal 08 is a big car, a full five-seater luxury sedan aimed at buyers who want spacious and comfortable rides.
The company offers it in two powertrains: pure electric and plug-in hybrid. Electric variants ride on BYD’s 800V platform with second-generation Blade battery tech, delivering around 562 miles of CLTC range on a single charge for the top trim.
The PHEV model combines a 1.5T petrol engine with dual electric motors producing 400 kW, along with a 45.36 kWh battery pack good for 249 miles of pure-electric running and a combined range of 1,031 miles.
Despite its size, the car has a turning radius of just 4.95 meters despite its size, while a DiSus-A closed dual-chamber air suspension system reads the road using preview sensors and pre-adjusts the damping before the wheels even hit a bump.
How does pricing break down?
Inside, what you get is thoroughly absurd for the money. I’m talking about dual zero-gravity front seats with massage and ventilation for every occupant, a 15.6-inch touchscreen, a 12.3-inch instrument cluster, and a 26-inch augmented-reality navigation display (via CarNewsChina).
Now that you know everything, let me surprise you with the price. All this starts at 196,900 yuan (about $28,980) for both the base PHEV and the base EV. Flagship EV trim with 905 km range costs around $31,920, while the four-wheel-drive EV flagship tops out at $35,300.
For comparison, the Tesla Model 3 Long Range AWD starts at $42,490 in the U.S. and offers an EPA-estimated 363 miles of range with a dual-motor all-wheel drive configuration. And while none of the Seal 08’s greatness is available in the US, it gives you a pretty clear sense of what features and value BYD offers and at what price.