Nine Months Later BYD Seal Australia Ownership Update Insta360 GO 3S

[@LudicrousFeed]

Correction: There is no adaptive suspension between the different drive modes 🙏 With thanks to our sponsors: carloop - Australian EV Data & Ownership Trends carloop.com.au/

[@davidhardwick1322]

The 2025 Seal demonstrated in China recently has dynamic air suspension and Lidar. I hope next year's Australian model has them.

[@aimanjajo9951]

Hi Tom, did you read about the Atto3 that just had the charging port fry out in India? And BYD said the charging cable at the DC charger was loose is not covered by warranty (not sure the full story, but curious if you heard about it)

[@LudicrousFeed]

@@aimanjajo9951 I found this X: x.com/thwalhath2008/status/1818634368862109942?s=46&t=l8-fx6SU0Z307_RjcLhT5g And more info: www.team-bhp.com/news/byd-atto-3-charging-port-fried-while-charging-byd-denies-warranty?amp

[@stelp7617]

Picked up my Seal Premium today. Been following your channel for a bit now and was very happy to see the new update on owning the Seal. Bit of a learning curve going from a 12yr old Civic to the Seal. Tried the heated seats on the way home from taking the family out to dinner, and boy did it feel nice.

[@LudicrousFeed]

@@stelp7617 Congrats! May you and your family continue to enjoy the car in coming months to years 🙏🥂

[@aaronfry3772]

Heated seats are also good for keeping your takeaway warm ;)

[@andrewsackey5728]

@@stelp7617 congrats

[@NicolaMs007]

​@@aaronfry3772will try this when get my seal

[@remix-yy1hs]

😊😊😊 enjoy my friend. We deserve nice things in life. One day it will be my turn 😊

[@pascaladl]

One other update on the Seal in Australia is that it's now officially rated for towing. Just had an EVStealth towbar fitted by Franks Towbars in Londsdale. Neat job, with no major modification required to the rear assembly, as it has a factory fitted window for the bar to go through. The receivers get mounted with a pin and safety clip. Once the receiver is removed you can basically cover it up again with the original plastic cover and the only thing that gives it away is the 7pin connector port.

[@LudicrousFeed]

That’s great news!

[@CharlesLeoYNWA]

Thanks for making the video. I've done 13k km in tiny Singapore in just 5 months of ownership... No OTA updates so far. still on the same version of software as the day I got the car. digital key is now available though.

[@LudicrousFeed]

Perhaps you’re already up to date with the latest update … enjoy!

[@steventansg]

Can I check what is your mileage for full charge? Is your the cat A or cat b model?

[@Audios81]

There's an update, 1.3.1 for the Seal, believe we are in 1.2.1. Just saw a video of a car in Finland. Brings some nice but useful features. One will have SatNav akin to Teslas with planning chargers along your route and telling you how long and what percentage to charge to. Another seems to be "always listening" BYD Assistant and shortcuts to the heated seats on the home screen. Wonder when we will be getting it?

[@LudicrousFeed]

Hopefully soon!

[@achaz_]

Here at BYD Strasbourg we got the September update that allows you to change the acc speed one by one, the lane assist works a bit better, you have heated/ventilated seats shortcuts on the homescreen and the widget when you swipe up in carplay ! And yes you also get a pretty good route planner !

[@LudicrousFeed]

Fantastic! Can't wait for the native trip planning update to arrive!

[@achaz_]

@@LudicrousFeed sometimes it makes me go at a 50kWh instead of the rapid chargers but it's really easy to find a substitute ! And if a good one doesn't show in the substitute list, you can still search for it by adding a stop and it will understand that you will charge there and delete the old one

[@NicolaMs007]

Hi Tom, have already placed my order for the BYD Seal Premium, can't wait for it to arrive Artic Blue exterior with Black interior 82 Kw Battery Pack same as yours but in the blue, really excited to get it, then can rent out my Atto3

[@LudicrousFeed]

How exciting! Not long to go hopefully

[@Exie-t5l]

Tom, re. your BYD Seal, with specific reference to radio reception, have you had a chance to do some country driving? I understand there are no DAB radio stations outside the main centres, so here in the country we rely on FM/AM radio. Annoyingly, reception is generally poor because I suspect the only antennas are in the rear windscreen, which makes for highly variable FM reception, depending on distance/direction to transmitters. I was pleased to see after the major SW update that AM radio was now available, but again, the lack of a suitable antenna means that reception is subject to fading and interference. I would be pleased to hear of your experience, and that of others, because frankly country radio reception is just not good enough. Regards, ex-engineer

[@LudicrousFeed]

I’ve done a limited number of regional drives but I must admit I don’t use AM/FM/DAB because I use TuneIn which of course has comes with its own issues of internet connectivity/reception!

[@jonathanchen6489]

Hi Tom, you are one of my favorite reviewers, I think you should be more accurate about the info you quoted in the review. Apart from 0-100 km/h is 5.9s, the suspension does not change in different drive modes in Seal Premium, in fact any seal. Best,

[@LudicrousFeed]

Yes apologies for that I’ll add a correction 👍

[@thekohhh]

Thanks for the very informative video. Hope to see more driving with the ICC.

[@LudicrousFeed]

I’ve done quite a bit of ICC driving in past videos including here: Premium BYD Seal Highway Range and Efficiency Sydney to Hunter Valley kzbin.info/www/bejne/p6iuqH-fn5uYZpo

[@thekohhh]

​@@LudicrousFeedThanks, I've just re-watched it to refresh my memory. It would be amazing if you could do a similar video that shows the ICC in action throughout the highway drive uncut (like this new vid) instead of snippets.

[@flea41]

Hi Tom, do you ever check the accuracy of the speedometers in tests or reviews? Also a 80/90 - 110kph timed test on cars would be nice that simulating overtaking. We get the 0-100 time - but overtaking acceleration is really important...imo 🙂

[@LudicrousFeed]

I assume the GPS data from Waze is more accurate but maybe I need to verify that too! True about practical acceleration for real world overtaking

[@Sad-Lemon]

I'm considering getting Seal. Should I wait for 2025 model to emerge in EU? Or are the changes too minuscule to wait for?

[@LudicrousFeed]

Any sales or discounts for the outgoing model in your country?

[@Sad-Lemon]

@LudicrousFeed It's about AUD 90k for current Excellence version. I'm considering 101% leasing option. The 2025 will probably be more expensive.

[@jamesdawson3123]

G'day Tom, Enjoying your videos and the valuable information they bring. Quick question, does the OTA updates disable the vehicle or can you schedule the updates??

[@LudicrousFeed]

Hmm ... Good question. I think from memory it is instantaneous but happy to be corrected. I'll take note next time an OTA comes round!

[@jamesdawson3123]

@@LudicrousFeed thanks for the quick response 😊

[@triplex7144]

Question can I get my side mirrors to match my seat profile? Any updates on sentry mode?

[@LudicrousFeed]

There’s no such function with seat profiles / mirrors currently. No official sentry mode but a workaround is to turn the AC on remotely via the app and it will record

[@hexlock]

Hey Tom, can you please explain this turn AC on and it will record??

[@LudicrousFeed]

@@hexlock So basically leave it on “camp mode” - turn on the AC and turn off day time running lights and the dashcam should record … I may need to do a video

[@zoltrix7779]

@@LudicrousFeed How could this be possibly missed? Again, Chinese designed software usually lets down the hardware.

[@davidwong866]

Is it possible to have just the speed control part of cruise control active while I control the steering?

[@LudicrousFeed]

Yes, you can just have active cruise control without the autosteer

[@davidwong866]

@@LudicrousFeed thanks

[@vbmdsm]

That's how we use the system...the wife hates the autosteer so its turned off.

[@chadabey9623]

How is the heating on your car? I find it that the heating is not grand on mine.. I have it set to 27 and have the seated heats on.. I am wondering if there is something wrong with mine.

[@LudicrousFeed]

Has been good over the winter in Sydney which admittedly was quite mild this year

[@janverbanck]

It's a known issue. Apparently, Chinese degrees Celcius aren't exactly the same.... (Check other reviews)

[@triplex7144]

I notice on my nav maps that speed cameras are not correct. Can the seal change to different map app?

[@LudicrousFeed]

Workaround: CarPlay and Waze Wireless Apple CarPlay BYD Seal OTA Software Update 2403 V1.2 Review kzbin.info/www/bejne/b5uwp52tr5VgmrM

[@triplex7144]

​@@LudicrousFeedthanks mate your a legend. 0:04

[@robanzzz5124]

whats your thoughts on the 2025 seal? I heard they dropped some range on it.

[@LudicrousFeed]

The software looks more user friendly … looking forward to testing it

[@robanzzz5124]

@@LudicrousFeed even with the decreased range do you think it would be worth it over the 2024 version ?

[@LudicrousFeed]

I’d be happy to sacrifice the 2kWh of battery for the better platform and software. I don’t think I’d notice the 10-15km loss

[@robanzzz5124]

@@LudicrousFeed does it have higher charge voltages? that would probably make up for the loss in range tbh. i suppose ill keep the 25 model on list as emergency if pricing on the sealion 7 or xpeng g6 comes out higher than what i want to spend.

[@LudicrousFeed]

The current 2024 Seal is already 800V but is not fully utilised … I’ve seen it go to 500V at a 350kW charger but not any higher presumably controlled due to heat issues. The 2025 Seal is 800V also and will probably charge faster on the 3.0 EVO platform

[@badabing8152]

Hi mate, loving your indepth videos, they've been amazing as I'm seriously considering the Seal. My only trepidation is the fact I'll be living in regional SA, and commuting a couple of days a week into Adelaide - roughly 160km each way. For the most part it's on a 100km an hour stretch of road and is by no means a 'bad' road considering it's regional. It's not highway smooth but at the same time there's not copious amounts of pot holes etc. Plus maybe one or two drives back to Sydney each year at most. Noting all the above, do you think the Seal is the right car for me? Or do you believe it's better suited as just a city-only short distance driving vehicle?

[@LudicrousFeed]

As I’ve proven in previous videos, the BYD Seal LR is ideal for day trips around the 350-400km distance: Premium BYD Seal Highway Range and Efficiency Sydney to Hunter Valley kzbin.info/www/bejne/p6iuqH-fn5uYZpo

[@pascaladl]

If you have home charging available to you, I'd say go for it. If you're driving that sort of distance often it'll save you a chunk of money in fuel alone. I made Unley to Victor Harbour and back easily in sports mode using about 42% of the charge for 210km round trip, in sports mode, over pretty hilly terrain. It's a super comfy ride on typical SA roads, and the quiet cabin and heads up display really reduce the fatigue levels I find.

[@aimanjajo9951]

Hi Tom, hope you have been well, what's "traffic jam mode"

[@LudicrousFeed]

Haha it’s basically ICC in slow moving traffic

[@batchuuuu]

I'm in Europe with an AWD Seal and can't seem to figure out how to trip plan natively, still using the OBD II and ABRP. Anyone figured it out how it works?

[@LudicrousFeed]

You may need to wait for the latest software update ... I'll document it once it becomes available to my car

[@tungnguyen611]

May I ask if the OTA update available in all countries and versions of the Seal?

[@LudicrousFeed]

Each region/market will determine when OTAs are released once testing is complete

[@vasil7410]

Does the Sport setting actually firm up the suspension? I thought it only changed the accelerator response.

[@LudicrousFeed]

Yeah I am probably imagining things …

[@markleszczynski4132]

@@vasil7410 can confirm, definitely no active/adjustible damping here. Even the performance model gets upgraded dampers, but they aren't adjustable. Eco/normal/sport only adjusts throttle response. There are separate settings for steering weight and brake sensitivity.

[@foxtrot762]

I think it does

[@alexzannoni1501]

Thanks for your ongoing Seal reviews. Any news from BYD as to whether the Seal will ever haver a Blade battery?👍👍

[@LudicrousFeed]

The Seal is the first car to have Cell-To-Body BYD Blade battery technology integrated

[@alexzannoni1501]

Excuse my ignorance 😞

[@tobybarnbrook6984]

Hope you get to review the Shark soon. Sounds like a great car for Australia

[@LudicrousFeed]

Stay tuned! I’ll try to get a media loan

[@jasonkemp8385]

ngl, I am still quite disappointed and frustrated that us non "influencers" are still waiting on the fix for the Tesla Superchargers, when yourself and the other guy have had their fixes for months now. My Seal is my sole vehicle and although expensive to charge at a Tesla Supercharger it opens up more opportunities for charging on long road trips, when other's are either broken or already being used. I often travel interstate to see family so this for me is THE priority for the vehicle.

[@LudicrousFeed]

I couldn’t agree more! Which is why we highlight this issue each week on our live streams 🙏

[@jasonkemp8385]

@@LudicrousFeed I have seen it mentioned in your weekly streams. hopefully we get an answer this side of Xmas

[@Jestar_076]

What's the fix for superchargers? I'm interested in the seal, so trying to get as much information as I possibly can 😆 Edit: just checked the video and hopefully it's rolled out in the near future😅

[@LudicrousFeed]

@@Jestar_076 New Seal builds post March 2024 will be Tesla SC V3/4 compatible

[@Jestar_076]

@@LudicrousFeed hopefully the 2025 seal comes up pretty soon. Seems to be a way better option, although you'll lose some range

[@huntchris]

Thanks for the update. I’ve owned my premium for about the same time as you and I’m up to 16,000kms. I love the car overall. Done big road trips including down into VIC from Sydney. Nothing much to add, although it’d be cool if CarPlay could support portrait mode. I feel very comfortable recommending it.

[@LudicrousFeed]

@@huntchris Glad you agree with my thoughts 👍🙏

[@MrGodfather00001]

Hi Tom, how much energy you have used over the 5K KM. I remember I bought tesla at the same time as you bought this carI am sitting at 10k KM with 105Wh/KM. Asking this to compare the efficiency.

[@LudicrousFeed]

Lifetime efficiency sits around 14-15kWh/100km but I think that takes into account the entire usage whereas the Tesla efficiency number is for the driving aspect only Currently my car is showing 16.2kWh/100km

[@jegerm6752]

Nice video. I’ve owned mine for almost 3 months, and I feel the AC in my seal to be lacking. I do live in hot climate area though. The AC is cold at night, but during the day I have to set the fan speed to 2 or even 3 just to cool the cabin, and the temperature is always set at 21 or lower. In my old BMWs, fan speed 1 is enough to cool the cabin even after parking the car in the sun. Anyway, how do you feel about the plastic in the interior? Mine has a few scratches already in the lower door card area. I dont remember ever kicking it by accident, but yeah, the scratch is there. And black plastic side skirt man… I’ve got a lot of water spots already. I need to start wiping it after driving in the rain 😅

[@LudicrousFeed]

Yeah plastic interior can’t be helped these days, almost all new cars have them! Yes the piano black parts of the interior can attract water spots 😁

[@Whoiswho708]

​@@jegerm6752 I am planning to buy the seal premium and live in a v hot climate (40C to 45C for 5 out of 12 months). You mentioned the AC is lacking and have to increase fan speed to cool the cabin. Does the car sufficiently cool down after increasing fan speed? The super wide open panoramic is making me anxious even if they provide a roof shade. I don't mind increasing fan speed if it cools down the car, but I need it to be cold in peak summer afternoon. What are your thoughts?

[@jegerm6752]

@@Whoiswho708 the AC is sufficient after the cabin has cooled down. If you have the BYD app you can turn on the AC remotely before you enter the car, so that helps. It just takes a bit longer (and at a higher fan speed) than my other cars to cool the cabin. I always have my fan speed on 2. Fan speed 1 is not enough unless it’s raining or nighttime. On very hot days I have to increase the fan speed to 3. The most frustrating thing is the motorized airflow adjuster. Even if I choose “focus,” I still cant get it precisely where I want it. At night, the AC is indeed very cold. The glass roof is actually amazing at rejecting heat but of course some heat will still radiate inside. I have tint installed on the roof even though it’s not recommended. It just gets too bright for my liking, and I don’t really want to lose the panoramic roof by using the shade.

[@Audios81]

​@@Whoiswho708 No issues. Was nearly 40 here in Sydney this week and once the cabin cooled, after sitting in the sun, it stayed at fan speed 2 the whole time at 24 and 22 degrees, and was cool throughout the cabin. No sunshades installed either. And I've found Ive had to turn the temp up a bit more compared to my '21 BMW 340i. You will have no issues staying cool!

[@MrLATINKNG]

Hı there, great videos. Can you please do a video on setting up the digital radio, I tried different ways and nothing, and my apple is not connecting either. I saw the video you posted about apple CarPlay but nothing. Thank you.

[@LudicrousFeed]

Thanks for the suggestion, I don’t really use digital radio much cause I use TuneIn via CarPlay. I assume you’ve tried wired CP also?

[@MrLATINKNG]

@@LudicrousFeed thank you for your reply, I tried connecting my phone by cable to use apple CarPlay but nothing happen, I’m taking my seal for a service shortly I may ask them why is not working, maybe a doing something wrong. Thank you again

[@marksuzannebates1113]

Hey Tom, I think you will find the car does not have adaptive suspension, there is no difference between Eco, normal or sport in ride comfort and suspension.

[@LudicrousFeed]

Then it’s probably my imagination 🙃

[@mijbril8330]

@@LudicrousFeed Yes but when in sport mode, the car just feels that much more responsive across the board, you've a lot more instant acceleration impact to hand (foot) but the car responds so well that it feels like everything is in "sport" mode including your own reflexes.

[@global_southerner]

I love my Seal. But please do not crash It coz you may have to wait two months for replacement parts from China. I'm 1.5 months in and still waiting.

[@LudicrousFeed]

Oh no! 😢

[@slimmic]

@@global_southerner oh that sucks, sorry to hear. I imagine that would be an issue with other brands as well from China (GWM/Haval, LDV). I know someone who has also been waiting for a long time for parts for their MG Excite so it’s not a problem exclusive to BYD it seems. In saying that it’s still really poor that it takes that long. I how the issue is resolved for you soon

[@hehe-mq2bk]

the dealerships should have those parts on stock don't they?

[@global_southerner]

@@hehe-mq2bk I broke the collision avoidance radar none of which are available in Australia. It has to be shipped from China.

[@milkoowen6800]

@@global_southerner a front bumper on my BMW x4 took 3 months, just how things are in Australia really. A Nissan one took 2 weeks, but that was a couple of years ago.

[@dextersimon4629]

Can BYD cars still maintain good quality and relatively few failures after 10 years?

[@LudicrousFeed]

Great question. It’s all about the battery. If you look after that like I’ve looked after my 9 year old Model S then you’ll be ok: Original Tesla Model S 70D Battery Degradation and Cycle Life Analysis kzbin.info/www/bejne/fGawfqmwgMl-nKc

[@dextersimon4629]

@@LudicrousFeed Apart from the problem of battery loss, I am only worried about the mechanical performance. Most people are worried that Chinese cars will have many problems.

[@LudicrousFeed]

Logically, given it's an EV it has less moving parts in the powertrain (in the order of 100 times less according to some sources) so the other parts of the car should perform as well as an equivalent vehicle regardless of manufacturer given a lot of the OEMs have similar supply chains. As I said earlier, the performance of the battery will be the greatest contributor to an EV's longevity so I suspect these vehicles will last a long time if we look after them

[@jimdonaldson64]

Hey Tom, do you think one pedal my come later?

[@LudicrousFeed]

You never know … but I’m yet to see any indications that it will at this stage

[@slimmic]

I’m about to order my first EV. Tossing up between the Seal Premium and Xpeng G6 or Tesla M3 Highlander. Having driven them all what would you choose if you were purchasing one today?

[@Sal3600]

get the Tesla man. you'll be thinking about how you didn't get it once you get the others.

[@slimmic]

What’s your reasons for saying this. I know the Tesla tech is slightly better, but I also think the Seal looks heaps better. The G6 seems like it has better tech than the Seal but on par with Tesla

[@Licks61SG]

@@slimmicI went with the new model 3 LR, however I agree the Seal looks better. If I were 10 years younger then looks would have swayed me to the Seal, however I have no regrets with the Tesla as it’s such a pleasurable experience behind the wheel. Comfy, great tech, fantastic sound system.

[@LudicrousFeed]

Such a tough choice/question: - BYD Seal: aesthetics & ride comfort - Tesla: Software/UX/exosystem - XPeng: potentially best of both worlds but it’s still an unknown …

[@slimmic]

@@Licks61SGthe sound system is another big one for me. I know the Tesla beats the Seal in this dept. unsure about the G6 as I haven’t had a chance to test drive it yet

[@remix-yy1hs]

I see them alot on my way to work in Denmark. Byd and xpeng is getting more popular in Denmark. But they are not cheap 😢

[@LudicrousFeed]

Good to see them in Europe 👏

[@akumaken103]

Hey Tom, just wanna ask, does the tesla model 3 has a better audio than the seal premium?

[@LudicrousFeed]

Yes it does

[@benanderson89]

Thanks for posting this! I've got an eGMP car right now (a Kia EV6 GT-Line AWD) and it's coming up to the end of it's three year contract. I'm tempted to buy it outright as I don't like anything else on the market, but after taking a look at a Seal display model at the local dealership earlier in the week I'll be giving it a test drive tomorrow. I'm thinking of buying the 530hp AWD version. Five things I immediately take away from this video are: 1. The auto-steer not being as good as an eGMP car. That's unfortunate as the one in my EV6 (and the Diesel Optima I had before it) worked flawlessly, even in the tunnel I drive through near daily. 2. The white display theme. That's infuriating to me. I don't want my eyes sand-blasted with white light when driving at night, and the UK in the winter has sun-rise starting at 08:00 and sun-set at 15:30, so for a third of the year I'd be staring at white light in the dark. 3. Climate is all touch based. I'm spoiled by the physical controls in the Kia, especially since the weather here can change it's mind at the snap of the fingers and physical dials can work with gloves when it gets to below freezing. 4. The indicators are on the wrong side. Apparently new models in the UK have actually swapped that around, but if not then OOF. 5. No one-pedal driving?? I use that in traffic all the time. I'm also spoiled by the flappy paddles on the back of the Kia's wheel for regen amount. The rest of the car looks great, but those five things may be deal-breakers for me. We'll see when I give it a drive.

[@LudicrousFeed]

Loving my Seal! 1. Yes the eGMP Autosteer is better 2. You can see it to permanent dark mode 3. Yes all touch screen 4. Right stalk indicators 5. No OPD

[@benanderson89]

@@LudicrousFeed Thank god for dark mode! I'd do that ASAP. No OPD and touch screen climate still irk me, but lets see how I feel after my drive tomorrow!

[@Whoiswho708]

They have added a 3 finger shortcut for climate control, moving 3 fingers up /down anywhere on screen will control temperature. Moving 3 fingers right/left will control fan speed

[@benanderson89]

@@Whoiswho708 IMO that's still not good enough. I've still bought one though, delivery is in a week, but I'll be tweaking settings to use as little of the touchscreen as possible whilst driving.

[@zoltrix7779]

Jeeze, why not just have Apple Carplay in a window option.

[@LudicrousFeed]

I don't disagree. Would be nice to have the AC controls present at least

[@janverbanck]

That continous changing of the actual kW's seems pretty useless and quite annoying to me... It really shows as a kind of flickering all the time.

[@LudicrousFeed]

You can change the cluster screen to show either numbers or a gauge if preferred

[@richardrudek01]

Sorry, about half way through, I feed up watching you drive in first the Fords', then the bus's blind spots...

[@LudicrousFeed]

Thanks for watching what you did 👍

[@timdawesau]

what

[@golbs7542]

Too bad is chinese.

[@LudicrousFeed]

@@golbs7542 what are your main concerns?

[@srhoded6633]

Some Tesla's are made in Shanghai China...

[@golbs7542]

@@srhoded6633 yeah. Gross

[@VRJacky]

I'd trust a Chinese EV more than a Chinese ICE though considering China are the largest manufacturers of anything with a battery you'd think they may know better than the like of america or Europe but MG really did tarnish China's reputation in the auto space and MG should really be shut down

[@henvan8737]

It's a nice car but not a Tesla.

[@LudicrousFeed]

Probably a selling point for some people haha

[@hehe-mq2bk]

I have a Tesla and sold it for a BYD seal... my brother plans on purchasing a Xpeng G6.... All I can say is that the BYD seal is a superb car for the price and the Xpeng looks promising.

[@mdr-lw2bn]

For anyone that's bought it, that's most likely the point, as in they didn't want a Tesla!

[@Bomberboybrad]

Who wants to buy a car from a company whose owner thinks we’re in a fascist country?

[@honkiebonkie]

Yes Chinese EVs are much better

[@joshd793]

[@LudicrousFeed]

🥳