TESLA MODEL Y

×

BYD SEAL

Interior preferences differ more than between SUVs and sedans

We will compare BYD’s high-performance electric sedan, the Seal, with Tesla’s electric compact SUV, the Model Y. The comparison grades used are those with similar prices, which will be described later.

First, let’s compare the body sizes. The overall length and width of both cars are almost the same, but the Model Y SUV is taller. The SUV is a sedan, but both cars have similar characteristics as EVs. In addition to a sleek, coupe-like form that improves aerodynamic performance to extend the driving range, the grille-less bumper design is also similar. Inside, both cars are equipped with large glass roofs.

However, the interior design is symmetrical. While the Model Y has almost all in-car operations concentrated on a large touchscreen, the Seal, with a moderate number of physical buttons, seems to offer better operability. The electrically rotating touchscreen in the center of the instrument panel is a major feature of the Seal. Preferences will likely be extremely divided between the Model Y’s minimalist and clean interior design and the Seal’s elaborate design, which is typical of a luxury sedan.

Although the Seal has a trunk-through function, it is a notchback like a regular sedan. In terms of cargo space usability, the hatchback Model Y seems to have the advantage.

Tesla Model Y RWD

Body size = Total length 4800mm x Total width 1920mm x Total height 1625mm

Wheelbase = -mm

Vehicle weight = 1920kg

Tire size = 255/40R20

BYD Seal AWD

Body size = Length 4800mm x Width 1875mm x Height 1460mm

Wheelbase = 2920mm

Vehicle weight = 2210kg

Tire size = 235/45R19

Which do you prioritize: range or power performance?

Both vehicles are available with both a single-motor RWD and a twin-motor AWD, but the specifications are different. The Model Y’s 0-100km/h acceleration time is 5.9 seconds for the RWD and 4.3 seconds for the AWD. The Seal also has a 5.9-second RWD time, but the AWD is 3.8 seconds, rivaling a supercar. The outstanding power performance of the AWD model is a major feature of the Seal.

The Model Y’s RWD has a range of 547km, while the AWD has a range of 635km. The Seal’s RWD has a range of 640km, which is significantly higher than the Model Y’s RWD, but the AWD only has a range of 575km in exchange for its high specs. The Model Y further extends its range by installing a large-capacity battery in the power-hungry AWD. The Seal, on the other hand, thoroughly extends the RWD’s range, while the AWD is specialized for acceleration performance. The approaches to the specs of the two cars are clearly different.

Tesla Model Y RWD

Drive battery type = Lithium-ion battery

Rated output = -kW

Maximum output = -347PS/-rpm

Maximum torque = 450Nm/-rpm

Transmission = 1-speed fixed

Drive system = RWD

BYD Seal AWD

Drive battery type = Lithium-ion battery

Rated output = 145kW

Maximum output = 217PS/-rpm (front) 312PS/-rpm (rear)

Maximum torque = 310Nm/-rpm (front) 360Nm/-rpm (rear)

Transmission = 1-speed fixed

Drive system = AWD

The Model Y with its excellent overall performance and the cheap and fast seal

The vehicle price of the Model Y is 5,587,000 yen for the RWD and 6,476,000 yen for the AWD Long Range. On the other hand, the Seal is 5,280,000 yen for the RWD and 6,050,000 yen for the AWD. In other words, the Seal is cheaper overall, and the Model Y RWD and the Seal AWD are almost the same price.

The price of an EV is largely determined by the number of motors and battery capacity. Despite this, the fact that the Seal AWD is offered at the same price as the Model Y RWD will be a surprise to Tesla. However, the Model Y has its own advantages, such as Tesla’s online software updates and access to superchargers for fast charging.

Both cars are expensive, but they could be considered inexpensive for a BEV with such specifications in this class. If you are considering purchasing a Model Y or a Seal, it is a good idea to compare the four options, including RWD and AWD, and then choose the model that best suits your needs and budget.