BYD Seal - New Zealand review

The BYD Seal is finally hitting the New Zealand and Australian markets and Gav was lucky enough to take a Performance model for a blast to look at its features, functionality and (of course) performance!
While crossovers and hatchbacks may rule supreme on our roads, this new electric car looks like it might herald the return of the family sedan, being available in three different models and three different price points.
If you're keen on seeing us use a BYD Atto 3 to get power to a customer after a storm, click here: • After disaster: Deploy...
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Contents:
0:00 - Introduction
0:34 - Interior design
2:43 - Exterior styling
4:23 - Comfort
4:40 - Storage
5:55 - Gadgetry
7:23 - Safety
8:25 - More gadgetry
9:18 - Charging speed
10:43 - Acceleration
11:14 - Handling
13:21 - Things I hate
14:51 - Things I love
18:16 - Spudscore

[@davec110]

NZ really dropped the ball on the pricing compared to the AU pricing. The Seal is selling like hot cakes here with close to 2k pre-orders in the first week.

[@ciybersal3499]

That's amazing!

[@sibaraku2023]

exactly, definately buying a seal over model3 if I was living in AUS. Not in NZ. Seal just made Model 3&Y, and Atto 3 a bargain.

[@martiruda]

@@sibaraku2023greedy car retailers

[@davec110]

@@sibaraku2023 I think EVdirect in AUS wants to really challenge Tesla here with this pricing of the Seal. It's only $4000 more compared to the Chinese domestic retail price! where as the Atto3/Dolphin is over $10000 more. Dolphin and Atto3 is seen as a cheap budget friendly model in the BYD line up. Seal is their premium tier. Seal is such a bargain here many people who were about to buy the Tesla is seriously considering the Seal.

[@dobbiesmith8314]

Will they charge on Tesla superchargers?

[@Mububban23]

BYD really are coming along in huge leaps and bounds with each new model

[@francistaylor1822]

Just wish they had buttons for aircon - its a real annoying trend and I dont like taking my eyes off road for something like that. It does remind me a bit of my stinger, strangely enough.

[@stephenbaxter5804]

The Seal has Climate Control from the steering wheel!

[@androidone4808]

I thought all byd have voice command. Just get use to using it. You will never need to take your eyes off the road.

[@xiebaiqin]

@@francistaylor1822 BYDs in China comes with voice controls for windows up and down, turn on/off the a/c, setting the temperature and fan levels, play a certain song or songs of a certain artist, tell it to take a photo and so on. I'm not sure if the global version can do it.

[@francistaylor1822]

Thanks@@xiebaiqin

[@RicknMorty85]

The quality and design is just day and night compared to Tesla. The Seal just looks so clean from the outside. Defiantly a head turner. I'll be taking one for a test drive next month, can't wait. I like the built in HUD

[@ciybersal3499]

Yes all reviews state this seems to be better buy than Tesla

[@laurencejenner1127]

Not true at all. The Model 3 Highland is a great buy and very tidy.

[@JonWrightson]

@@laurencejenner1127 Yeah: Which version was Gavin talking about? Did I miss his mention specifying what he was talking about, or was he being deliberately obtuse?

[@user-hi1rk9zv7s]

⁠ Compared with Tesla at the same level as seal, Tesla‘s interior will look monotonous, using a large number of plastic products.

[@Priestonwheel]

Nope, the tesla is clearing better, this is very similar to the polestar 2

[@tonywei423]

Best reviewer, no waste of time and full of fun. Atto3 owner for a year, ordered a premium seal, can not wait.

[@teslabot6517]

This older gentleman bought a premium. OMG- I ❤ it. Seriously so much car for reasonable $.

[@ChromeFlakes]

Gavin Shoebridge really is NZ answer to Jack Scarlett. Witty, entertaining, inventive similes “changes direction faster than a teenager’s mood swings” “sticks like a stain on a white shirt”. I’m using those 🤣. Also superbly razor sharp editing. Ecotricity, this guy deserves a raise! (Or at least a Seal Performance company car) 😁 Also will ecotricity ever branch out to Australia? We need that kind of renewable energy.

[@Iddqd_84]

I'm giving you a like just for the positive energy in this review 😄👌 I'm picking up the BYD Seal RWD (design version here in the EU) next week 👏

[@ciybersal3499]

I'm so jealous!

[@Iddqd_84]

@@ciybersal3499 We are the second or third to receive it here in Denmark 😄 So we are also very excited!

[@thisswm]

Can I ask how much do you pay over there, as NZ price is crazy

[@Iddqd_84]

@@thisswm Price starts at 47.000 euro for the RWD (design) and 51.000 euro for the AWD (excellence). I end up with a totalt of 51.718 euro for the car, coating, rust protection, seat treatment, floormats and licensplate/delivery of the car. But it's a bit different here in the EU, since we don't get HUD as standard - This is limited to the AWD version. I wouldn't say the car is cheap here in Denmark - It costs more than a M3 Highland RWD. But looking at other EV's and the quality of their interior + everything else you get with that car I think the pricetag is reasonable enough.

[@thisswm]

@@Iddqd_84 thanks for your reply, the prices are even higher than NZ, but totally agree with you , they are not cheap but very good value for money. I have seen the real car and they are breathtakingly beautiful I hope you enjoy it.

[@rabbitazteca23]

beautiful car. The absolute reason why I'd buy it is the comfortable interior which many reviewers like yourself have remarked!

[@manofleisure75]

This is the one I've been waiting for. Can't wait to order mine next year. Cheers Gavin!

[@user-tg9yo2vo6u]

Think again where your money will go if ordering one

[@manofleisure75]

@@user-tg9yo2vo6u Everything is made in China. Who cares bot?

[@AJames-jr8kw]

Would you prefer it to go to Elon?

[@googleuser793]

If they make a seal hatchback I think it will become most sold car of 2024

[@DS87]

Always enjoyed your style of reviewing a car! Funny and yet informative. 9 out of 10 spuds.

[@twong6531]

Found you all the way from Singapore. Gotta say you are a fun reviewer. Enjoyed this vid enormously.

[@YSA920]

Over here in Australis there's a pale blue leather interior option for an additional $1500. Personally I prefer the black. Found the panoramic roof no problem on a test drive. Yes it would be better if the cover was electric like an ATTO 3. Have a Seal on order, so far have only driven the Premium, Performance demonstrators thin on the ground here at the moment.

[@androidone4808]

I thought the seal have a special "reflective" glads sun roof so that it doesn't get hot inside. Not sure about the atto 3.

[@JohnSmith-qk4rm]

In fact, in order to avoid running into the Antitrust law, BYD was litrally forced to double their sale price for all cars out side china. So if you can somehow get a BYD in China and drive it back, you can truely save a lot.

[@Panda-ii7vr]

The condition is that you can drive a left-hand drive car.

[@elmohead]

​@@Panda-ii7vrjust get one from HK or Macau

[@newbris]

Much cheaper in Australia

[@jeremyxu5870]

​@@elmoheadman~ in HK &Macau buy is not cheap ~😂

[@gregtrounson9418]

Great to see modern EV sedans starting to land here. Extra credit for the Red Dwarf reference.

[@isaak4416]

Love your enthusiasm. Can't wait for my Seal to arrive!

[@Scud_TV]

Great video! Of all the reviews I've watched, this was the first I had heard of the air filter.

[@wrifraff]

Can't wait to see your towing test with it!!!

[@sunshinesun121]

Beautiful weather in NZ !!!!!! Blue Sky , Sunny and Clean air !!!!

[@LW78321]

Such a gorgeous looking car! 😍 Thanks for the informative and fun review

[@bluestraycat]

Very attractive car, great review as always. I think those sunshades would become annoying fairly quickly though, and given it's a luxury-oriented model, it would have been nice to see some sort of sliding electric blind, or even variable dimming using liquid crystal technology - at least on the premium version.

[@TerryHickey-xt4mf]

what does the tesla model 3 supply?

[@tworuru]

Waited the whole video for your seal of approval and you didn’t disappoint

[@LW78321]

"seal" of approval 😄 nice one

[@petera8438]

Been to see it at BYD. Had a test drive. Very impressed. I can't understand the "logic" behind massive extra charges for colors other than their standard offering. It seems like a sneaky way of creaming extra money at the sale point. What will be the effect of the the Govts EV incentive removal from 31 Dec? Will this push EVs into a price category where they will meet some price resistance (hopefully!), leading to a price war to arrest what could be declining sales for EVs. BTW, your reviews are amongst the best and most comprehensive I have seen. Local too!

[@TerryHickey-xt4mf]

I agree, the mg4 range have the same price for all colours (not the xpower green though). Also I like it's seated heats.

[@farhan4075]

I honestly enjoyed your review for this car, very engaging context. Looking forward for more videos 😊

[@rebym]

Great review. One of the best looking cars I've ever seen. As someone who lives in a country with limited EV choices, Canada, I may have to move to NZ!

[@Radaos]

AC charging 13:23 The Seal is listed in other markets with 11kw charging, as long as 3 phase power is available.

[@stacrafty]

Great review. I had short listed this, the new model 3 and a Kia EV 6.... but couldn't wait... end up buying the EV 6 (GT) before the seal even came out - model 3 was super close. So what's the secret driving road so I can take my EV6 for a spin on it?

[@revrickbibletalks5546]

Very enjoyable review, Gavin, as usual. You've just talked me into thinking to get one for my 70th birthday even hopefully the price will come down a fair bit. By the way, it seems the NZ price is almost 10K more than the Aussie price. Not sure why?

[@theotheleo6830]

NZ's tariff for imported cars is 15%, while AU's is 5%.

[@revrickbibletalks5546]

@@theotheleo6830 Thanks for the clarification. There is now really no more excuse not to get one here in Aussieland.

[@headwerkn]

Have to say, that is an impressive looking car. If they did a wagon/estate version with a *little* bit of lift - not a crossover, just an electric Volvo V60 Cross Country/XC70 or Audi Allroad - then I'd be all over it. Great to see BYD actually going in full-throttle... their battery tech is extremely impressive and in a few years their wrecks will be repowering so many classic and not-so-classic cars.

[@user-wu6hj8fq5b]

Next year, BYD's brand DENZA.

[@rongtang9262]

Maybe have a look at BYD U8?

[@headwerkn]

@@rongtang9262that’s a full size SUV, not a ‘cross country estate’ in the mould of the XC70, A6 Allroad or Subaru Outback.

[@alvinnnliu]

Try Nio ET5T.

[@steverobinson3900]

Excellent review of a really impressive car, Gav.

[@jasonlane4042]

I would have it over a Tesla model 3

[@seveglider8406]

Me too!

[@skitzvitz]

I've been sold on this and haven't even test driven. Time to trade the rex early in the year me thinks. Great video answered all my questions.

[@kroqster]

its looks great... the permanent sun roof might be a show stopper for me, or at least the manual covering... and its not retractable? the atto 3 had funky internal lights and voice controls, they are not on the seal?

[@deerbeau]

Love this guy’s positivity and cuteness.

[@therealjeffg]

Thanks Gavin. I’d be interested on your thoughts on the base model Dynamic if you can get your hands on that for a test drive.

[@LouDeVere]

Outstanding review. Thank you so much. Personally, I don't agree with the sedan side of things as I'd have liked BYD to introduce a competitor to a Tesla Model Y first. That said, I am slightly tempted. We already have an Atto 3 and are very happy with that. I lost my Tesla Model Y RWD in an accident in October and I'm missing it so may go and check out the Seal here in WA. Thanks again.

[@manofleisure75]

That's coming to OCE in the next couple of years. There are already a few in Asia that are close.

[@kevinwang6147]

dude sea lion is coming😂

[@martiruda]

check out the BYD SONG L. the ultimate beauty

[@applebee9060]

Maybe their next full size SUV will be called Walrus.

[@MsLw6621]

$3500 rebate will not last long in WA? VIC axes subsidy quietly🤫

[@QALibrary]

Very much looking forward to this review

[@cb-nz]

A wagon would be good with a nice wide entry, the boot is a bit tight and fails the Cello test. I also preferred the wheels on the lower model only because the rims on the nineteen inch wheels stick out way beyond the tyres and on the high Auckland curbs any misjudgment will score up your rims before you know you have done it.

[@Peaches_NZ]

Thank you, Gavin. i only had to wait for 20:02 secs to get to the only pun that matters for this car

[@paramvenkit9154]

How effective is that glazed tinted moon/sun roof or glass?

[@iamqadri]

The seal review i have been waiting for. Cheers

[@brucewatts4439]

From Darwin Australia, I do love your work, you are a bunny fugger for a kiwi!!!!

[@kdegraa]

The indicator stalk on the right side shows BYD actually cares a bit.

[@ren2704]

Is the HUD standard? If so, it's a big plus compared to the model 3!

[@larrymalpaya]

Very nice...subscribed....I am only worried about the lack of charging stations here in Thailand

[@continental_drift]

Why is there no tint on the front windows?

[@Peter-vn8ue]

Gavin, was your test BYD seal the shark grey colour? I have ordered that colour and the ocean blue interior for my performance model, BYD Seal sedan here in Australia

[@madhujith]

Was the last statement comparing the Tesla model 3 to Seal made to the existing Model 3 or the 2024 Highland??

[@allankirkheegaard5844]

Which color is the one you drove?

[@JakobusVdL]

Great review Gavin. Your enthusiasm is infectious - I'm also buying a lotto ticket so I can buy a new EV ;-)

[@BillyWallace785]

You need to compare the M3 long range to the BYD seal performance. Are you also comparing the 2024 Highland?

[@Scott-xx6ih]

nice introduction, good price and design. love it.🥰😜😃

[@paulawallis]

The Atto3 has the split screen feature too

[@rick_takahashi]

Can you review the base model too, Gavin?

[@B2C2007]

"Seated heats"? Great review and your profile is increasing day by day. Good work.

[@billywakwabi4758]

Excellent review. Excellent car

[@joeyho7860]

Great video! How is theaudio?

[@Priestonwheel]

Looks like a cousin of the polestar 2. The seat adjustments are the same and the screen presentation are very similar. The front truck is the same space and form and only thing I miss the total automatic driving soft. The polestar has an "assistant driving" system very similar. Interior space seems the same with those very low ceiling.

[@robadobdob]

Good to see they've dropped the "Build Your Dreams" off the back.

[@headwerkn]

The first thing any sensible owner fishing-line's off.

[@mailuc1505]

Are you sure the AWD Seal is having only 7.2kW and not 11kW ? Or is this something specific to New Zealand ? Does it only do 2-phase (with 16 amps) charging then (and not 3-phase, as I've been told)?

[@kiwiboss4179]

love your channel bro we are diving into buying a ev we have a plugin at the moment we have our eyes on the byd seal u an the kia ev5 when they release in the coming months in new zealand i hope you get to do a review on them

[@ronnie5966]

Does this car have camp mode? So you could keep climate on for several hours?

[@wez130]

Been looking forward to this coming to NZ, it's by for one of the best looking EV's out in NZ right now! Edit: Did I miss the prices as I didn't see them in the video?

[@chrissscottt]

Prices given at the start.

[@4literv6]

Shown at 19secs in.

[@wez130]

Lol, how did I miss that! 😂

[@thomaskorndal4715]

Greetings from Denmark. Loved your review with all the comic moments. A Nice refreshing take on a car review. But i just spotted a big problem with your car. Someone has played you before lending you the car, and moved the steering wheel cluster to the wrong side of the car ;).

[@MUFC1933]

0:44 those head rests adjustable?

[@DarianBrown]

Is this the Shark Grey colouring?

[@edmondchan179]

Let’s SEAL the deal!!

[@TassieEV]

Need to come over to Australia Gav and test the lighter colour interior version, think they call it an ocean blue. That shade for the panoramic roof definitely seems to be a faff and attacks you when you try to put it in. Weird as both Dolphin & Atto 3 have the motorised cover.

[@davec110]

That's because you don't need the cover to block out heat with it's silver coated sunroof that's not available in the Dolphin & Atto3. Seal is a more premium segment car in China compared to the Atto3/Dolphin.

[@kampsu79]

Is this exterior colour ice blue or indigo grey? Those are colour names in Europe don't know are they same in there.

[@Baravoye]

Can some one advise me, this window roof is it ok withour a curtain? I mean is it feel hot under the direct sun light

[@stevenleonards4843]

Can you comment on the autopilot function in detail please? Also have you test driven the highland 3? I'm tempted by the seal but can't look past the autosteer in a tesla and how almost every reviewer says is leaps and bounds better than the byds

[@ghxfghf525]

choose tesla, BYD autopilot is not as well as tesla.

[@zzzz6511]

Test two of them at the same time and choose what you want. Don't listen to others.

[@Gdank72]

The UK Market can get the Tahitian Blue on all models. I'm sure when it's released in NZ you'll get the blue as an option.

[@zilviaiskandar4509]

Is it hot in sunny day?

[@sheryltrainor3784]

Great review as always. I am not sure about the look of the Seal it is different thats for sure an will turns heads as you mentioned but not sure if it is my taste. I think the new Tesla Highland has far better features like Dog Mode, Keep Climate on and best of all it actually has Profiles which remember your settings. I guess it all depends on what is important for the driver and for me those things are very important. Have you had chance to test drive the new Highland yet.

[@4dshow]

What is the idea behind BYD making the screen able to change orientation .

[@jilinren1983]

竖屏看地图更方便，导航更精准

[@4dshow]

@@jilinren1983 谢谢 👍

[@larryace4683]

4:07 😂😂Exactly my thoughts. If I ever win the lottery, I'm buying this ASAP

[@glumour3081]

byd car battery charging also works on tesla supercharging...

[@hmm12336]

What colour is that ?

[@grantlouw3182]

Great review

[@davincisghost9228]

Interesting...did I miss the price?

[@aquaboy1650]

4:10 That car is real head turner😂

[@neoandreson8819]

Another great vid bro great to see a nice EV from BYD

[@Kenny-vd5cw]

the long range is my pick

[@cargillstr1238]

8k higher than auz price, might order one from Auz and ship to NZ.

[@TareqMahbub]

Its a beauty on the road 😍

[@vasil7410]

Noise on course chip roads is a key issue for me. How would you compare the road noise in this car to the Highland and previous Model 3?

[@ergwehgr]

Its nearly 2.2t with comfort in mind. I'll bet my house its better than the new model 3

[@vasil7410]

@@ergwehgr Your house is safe. I finally test drove both cars and the Seal is much quieter.

[@donaldduck5731]

Just surprised since Ecotricity NZ is commonly known as the most popular go-to EV channel worldwide, that BYD haven't given you this car for a long term review, say ten years or so.

[@windsong3wong828]

Wow…..what fun !

[@jamiesullivan9473]

Love the content and the car. Am i the first to find the easter egg though? "seated heats" @ 5min in 😃

[@Quickbeam_]

wait til you figure out the play on words for carplay and android auto :P

[@ObiePaddles]

That’s Gavin for you. Apple Auto and Android CarPlay…in this case Appelation car play and androgynous Auto…

[@arthurking2614]

Loved the immediate re-use of the busted battery. Wished to understand the range. And price information would be interesting. Battery balancing lol

[@miskomarkovic3446]

Great car! Great video! Thank you

[@dzl888]

What is the exterior colour of this car? Is it arctic blue?

[@ricosun]

Thats the Shark Gray ... I think its the best colour but you only get that option in the performance version.

[@danielhao5595]

I love those new season potatoes!

[@LittleBoobsLover]

any chance to do range test from 100% to zero?

[@ejaygood]

Awesome review!

[@jockmoron]

I haven't seen any of this chap's review previously. He's very good, I'll check out some more of his videos. What's his name? I wouldn't buy this Seal car though as it's not a hatchback/estate/SUV.

[@randomname931]

I'm 110% with you. Seal over M3 for me too.

[@perlkingneo]

are you ready to make a comprehensive review for (U7), U8 and U9.

[@michaelchilds3305]

If you buy the car, you could say BYD sealed the deal. Be interested in how the efficiency compares with MG4? Heat pump, big plus.

[@dangerzone9747]

I see what you did there and I quite like it.

[@bigreg]

great review