BYD has unveiled the new Seal in North America, during an event organized in Mexico City, an is inching closer to the US. The Chinese carmaker is already selling the Seal on the European market.
The Chinese brand claims that the BYD Seal has already overtaken Model 3 in terms of sales. But that is impossible to calculate since Tesla only announces the sales figures for both the Model 3 and Model Y. Even so, the Seal does not look like a winner.
There were 19,960 Seal units sold in November and 107,230 units from January to November. The vehicle has just set wheels on North American soil and is available for order in Mexico.
BYD has not found a way to crack the tight seal of the American market with the Seal, the Ocean, or the newly launched Dolphin. They are currently selling a single model in the US, the Han sedan. Biden's administration does not exactly favor electric cars assembled outside the US.
The Seal is underpinned by the 3.0 e-platform and sports CTB (cell-to-body) technology, with the battery pack being integrated into the chassis.
Two variants are currently available in Mexico. The entry-level version is powered by a single motor in a rear-wheel drive setup, generating 201 horsepower (204 PS) and 229 lb-ft (310 Nm) of torque.
Photo: BYD
It takes 7.5 seconds to go from 0 to 62 mph (0 to 97 kph), while the 61.44-kWh LFP battery provides it with a range of 286 miles (460 kilometers) by the WLTP standards. This one starts at 778,800 pesos, which translates to $44,641.
Meanwhile, the dual-motor, all-wheel drive variant comes with a motor mounted on each of the axles, generating together 523 horsepower (530 PS) and 494 lb-ft (670 Nm) of torque. It runs from 0 to 62 mph (0 to 97 kph) in 3.8 seconds, while the 82.56-kWh LFP Blade battery stores enough energy for 323 miles (520 kilometers). The top-ranging Seal starts at 888,800 pesos, the equivalent of $50,946.
In Mexico, Seal's main rival, the Tesla Model 3, starts at 881,900 pesos ($50,689). The EV makes will also produce cars at the upcoming Giga Mexico plant. Back in September, BYD also announced plans regarding the construction of a production center in Mexico. Over there, BYD is already selling the Han sedan, the Tang SUV, the Plus mid-size SUV, the Dolphin hatchback, and the Seal. The Ocean is probably on its way to Mexico as well. On the other hand, the Seal is still in the race for the 2024 Car of the Year award in Europe.
Mexico is starting to become a major market for the Chinese carmakers. By going so close to the US, they might force their way into the American market on a mission to take on Tesla in its home market, where the EV maker is ready for a brutal fight.
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