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5 things we don’t like about the BYD Seal

The electric vehicle (EV) market in Malaysia is heating up with the presence of various attractive models from all over the world.

The two EV brands currently hotly discussed are Tesla and BYD. The former made its mark in the local market with the launch of the facelifted Model 3 last October.

Meanwhile, the latter has introduced three EVs so far, with Seal being the latest offering to compete directly with the popular Model 3.

During a recent test drive, this writer found that the Seal has the right formula to go toe to toe with its closest rivals, but like most other cars, it still has some weaknesses.

Here are five things we don’t like about the Seal:

Two badges is one too many

For this writer, the Seal is one of the best looking cars, if not the best looking, in its segment. It has a sleek, sporty four-door sedan shape, which is further highlighted by strong character lines, 19-inch wheels, and a rear diffuser, to name a few.

However, BYD unnecessarily placed two ‘BYD’ badges at the rear – one in the centre and another in the bottom corner of the tailgate. The automaker also put a ‘3.8s’ badge under the ‘BYD Seal’ lettering to let the tailgaters know how fast this car can sprint from 0 to 100 km/j. This isn’t necessary and makes the Seal look cheap.

There’s a large panoramic roof, but…

The Seal comes standard with a large panoramic sunroof, which offers great views at night but can turn the cabin into a sauna during the day when the sun is directly overhead.

Surprisingly, the car lacks a power sunshade for the panoramic sunroof. Instead, BYD provides two piece of sunshades that have to be manually placed, which is quite annoying for a car costing nearly RM200,000.

Overly sophisticated controls

This writer is aware that in order to design a clutter-free, minimalist cabin, automakers try to minimise the amount of physical knobs and buttons as much as possible, and integrate the functions into the infotainment system.

But it needs to be said that not all vehicle functions need to be digitised. One good example is the air-conditioning system. In the Seal, even the AC vents adjustment is done via the large display. Sometimes, less is more.

Slow charging

Despite using a 800V architecture commonly found in luxury EV models, Seal only supports fast charging up to 150 kW, which lower than many other 800V EVs on the market.

For AC charging, the Malaysian-spec Seal can only support up to 7 kW, taking approximately 15 hours for a full charge, whereas in Europe, this model comes with an 11 kW AC charger.

Limited boot space

Despite its longer and wider dimensions compared to most C-segment sedans, Seal has a relatively small boot space of only 400 litres. There’s an additional 53-litre storage space under the bonnet but it’s not that spacious.

In comparison, the Model 3 has a whopping 682 litres of boot space while the B-segment sedan Honda City offers 519 litres of storage space in the back.

NEWS

BYD to open RM4.7 billion plant in Turkiye to avoid tariffs

BYD has reportedly agreed to invest $1 billion in an assembly plant in Turkiye as part of its efforts to further expand its brand into the European region.

BYD’s Chairman Wang Chuanfu and Turkiye’s Minister of Industry and Technology Mehmet Fatih Kacir signed an investment deal in Istanbul, witnessed by President of Turkiye, Recep Tayyip Erdogan.

Local media reports claim the manufacturing plant will have an annual production capacity of up to 150,000 vehicles and is expected to create around 5,000 job opportunities.

The plant is expected to commence operations by the end of 2026. However, the specific models to be assembled at the upcoming facility are currently unknown.

The deal comes hot on the heels of the European Union (EU) slapping extra provisional tariffs of up to 38% on EVs imported from China.

To make matters worse for the Chinese manufacturers, Turkiye had previously announced a 40% import tariff on all vehicles from China to protect its automotive industry.

But by establishing an assembly plant in Turkiye, BYD can now bring its cars into Europe without having to deal with the import tariffs, as Turkiye is part of EU’s Customs Union.

China is the world’s largest EV producer, and with the fierce price war in the country, Chinese EV makers have been aggressively exporting their cars overseas.

The influx of Chinese EVs has led several countries to impose high tariffs not only on EVs but also various goods from China to protect their economies.

One way to avoid these tariffs is by starting local assembly operations. BYD has started making its move in the Old Continent with the announcement of assembly plants in Hungary and Turkiye.

On top of that, the brand has recently launched an assembly plant in Rayong, Thailand, cementing its presence in the Southeast Asian region.

EV, NEWS

BYD opens its first EV assembly plant in Thailand

The Chinese automotive manufacturer BYD has recently launched the opening of its first vehicle assembly plant in the Southeast Asia region.

The plant, located in Rayong, Thailand, has a production capacity of approximately 150,000 units per year and will serve as the assembly location for its four key models, namely Dophin, Atto 3, Song, and Sealion.

Additionally, one of BYD’s subsidiaries is reported to be establishing a battery production plant at the same location.

 

 

Thailand has traditionally been a hub for assembly and regional car exports, long dominated by Japanese manufacturers such as Toyota, Honda, and Isuzu.

By 2030, the country aims to transition 30 percent of its annual production of 2.5 million vehicles to electric vehicles (EVs). As a result, BYD plans to make Thailand its manufacturing hub for exports to the ASEAN market and other countries.

In addition to Thailand, the EV company is also reportedly planning to open its second ASEAN assembly plant in Indonesia by 2026.

NEWS

Harmony Auto opens new BYD 3S in Hartamas Shopping Centre

Harmony Auto, a leading vehicle distributor group from China, today launched its first BYD 3S center at Hartamas Shopping Centre.

Covering an area of approximately 8,000 square feet, this 3S center provides a variety of facilities designed to enhance the customer experience.

It consists of a spacious vehicle display area, a luxurious waiting lounge for customers, special consultation rooms, and a vehicle delivery area.

For added comfort, the customer reception area for post-sales transactions – combining modern design with personalized service processes for each customer – seamlessly extends from the shopping center car park.

There are six parking spots available outside, each equipped with four charging stations for use by BYD owners.

With meticulous design plans, this center not only facilitates customer access but also reflects BYD’s commitment to sustainable mobility solutions.

Liang Xinyue, BYD’s General Manager for Asia-Pacific, who launched the premises, said, “The opening of the BYD Hartamas outlet in a mall not only brings new vitality to the Malaysian market but also injects new momentum into introducing Malaysia’s green travel”.

He added that the location is ideal as it offers both the convenience of shopping for BYD products and customer car servicing.

Liang believes that the number of BYD customers in Hartamas and the surrounding areas is growing, and the opening of this new center aims to meet the demand from customers looking for environmentally friendly vehicles.

Harmony Auto’s BYD Center is also equipped with a Service and Parts Center set to be completed in the fourth quarter of this year.

With the 3S center fully operational, the BYD Hartamas 3S center will be the first located within a shopping center.

NEWS

BYD Qin L is a PHEV car with up to 2,100km range

The BYD Qin L was launched at an event in Xi’an, China, with five variants priced between 99,800 Yuan (RM64,846) and 139,800 Yuan (RM90,836). Interestingly, its PHEV hybrid system can provide a driving range of up to 2,100km per tank.

The Qin L is part of BYD’s Dynasty lineup, featuring dragon face aesthetics, a symbol of China’s national animal. As a result, the Qin L boasts a new chrome bar character line, a large grille, and prominent side lines. Interestingly, it retains conventional door handles, rather than retractable or flush types.

The rear design showcases continuous illuminated lights from side to side, with graphics inspired by traditional Chinese knots.

In terms of dimensions, the BYD Qin L measures 4,830mm in length, 1,900mm in width, and 1,495mm in height, with a wheelbase of 2,790mm. It employs MacPherson suspension at the front and multi-link at the rear. The interior is also inspired by Chinese paintings and features numerous knot-shaped graphics.

There are physical buttons near the gear lever, along with a 15.6-inch rotating central screen and an 8.8-inch digital instrument display. Standard features include six airbags, NFC smart phone key, automatic air conditioning, and six speakers.

The high-spec model comes with a panoramic roof, DiPilot L2 system, power seats at the front, dashcam, 18-inch rims, an eight-speaker audio system, and seat heaters and coolers. The key to the 2,100km driving range lies in the new PHEV (plug-in hybrid) system, ensuring high efficiency operation of the engine and electric motor, with fuel consumption as low as 2.9 liters/100km.

The PHEV version utilizes a 1.5-liter engine delivering 99hp and 126Nm of torque. The lower variant has an electric driving range of 80km, using a 10.08kWh battery and a 160hp/210Nm electric motor.

The higher variant features a 15.874kWh battery providing an electric driving range of up to 120km. It utilizes a more powerful EHS160 motor generating 214hp and 260Nm of torque. This model is capable of achieving a range of up to 2,100km per petrol tank.

NEWS

BYD Shark launched in Mexico with a starting price of RM250k

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BYD has officially introduced its first pickup truck, the Shark, in Mexico. BYD Chief of Americas Stella Li said Mexico was chosen due to the increasing demand for pickup trucks in the country.

It is interesting to note that the Shark was launched just hours after Joe Biden announced a tariff increase from 25% to 100% on EVs from China.

Reuters reported that BYD does not have any plans to sell the Shark in the United States.

As previously reported, the Shark uses a new plug-in hybrid powertrain known as the DMO (Dual-Mode Off-Road).

The PHEV powertrain features a combination of a 1.5-litre turbo petrol engine and two electric motors that generate a total power of 430 hp, allowing the Shark to accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in 5.7 seconds.

The battery specifications are not disclosed, but this truck offers an electric driving range of up to 100 km (NEDC cycle) and a total driving range of 840 km. The fuel consumption rate is approximately 7.5 litres per 100 km.

Like the Leopard 5, the Shark is built on a ladder frame chassis. It measures 5,457 mm in length, 1,971 mm in width, 1,925 mm in height, and has a wheelbase of 3,260 mm, making it larger than the Ford Ranger and Toyota Hilux.

The chassis is combined with an independent suspension system at the front and rear, which BYD claims can offer a balance between handling performance and comfort.

The Shark is a true and true pickup truck, so it boasts a maximum towing capacity of up to 2,500 kg. The truck bed offers a cargo space of 1,450 litres with a payload limit of 835 kg. For off-road driving, there are three selectable modes: Sand, Mud, and Snow.

Inside, you will find several elements synonymous with the BYD brand, including a 12.8-inch rotating touchscreen infotainment system and a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster.

Additionally, it features wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, the “Hi BYD” voice command system, karaoke function (microphone sold separately), a 50W wireless charger, and a 12-inch head-up display.

The safety system includes six airbags and ADAS features such as Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC), Intelligent Navigation System (ICC), Forward Collision Warning (FCW), Rear Collision Warning (RCW), Rear Cross Collision Warning (RCTA), Rear Cross Collision Braking (RCTB), and more.

In Mexico, the Shark is available in two variants, namely the GL and GS. The selling price starts from 899,980 pesos (RM250,356) for the former and 969,800 pesos (RM269,777) for the latter.

NEWS

BYD Atto 3 updated for 2024 – New rear emblem, RM149,800

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BYD Atto 3 can be considered a new electric vehicle (EV) model in the market. Sime Darby Motors, as the official distributor, has introduced the updated BYD Atto 3 2024.

The updates for the Atto 3 include its exterior aesthetics. This EV SUV has received a new black graphic on the D-pillar, and the BYD logo at the back replaces the previous “BUILD YOUR DREAMS” inscription.

Furthermore, the interior cabin can be chosen with two color themes, namely Black-Dark Blue or Dark Blue-Light Grey, according to your preference. A new Cosmos Black body color has also been added, in addition to the existing colors.

In terms of technology, the BYD Atto 3 2024 is equipped with wireless charging and a larger 15.6-inch screen (previously 12.8-inch) that is still rotatable. Connectivity to Android Auto and Apple Carplay is still offered as usual.

There are no changes to the power generation system. This means that the Atto 3 is still powered by a front electric motor with an output of 201hp and 310Nm, sufficient for acceleration from 0-100km/h in 7.9 seconds.

The electric motor is powered by LFP (lithium iron phosphate) batteries, providing a driving range of 345km (WLTP cycle).

The BYD Atto 3 supports AC 7kW and DC charging up to 70kW, in addition to V2L functionality.

This EV is offered in only one variant for 2024, priced at RM149,800. You can also choose from three warranty packages ranging from 6 years/150,000km to 8 years/150,000km.

NEWS

BYD Shark PHEV pickup truck to launch soon

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BYD recently announced that its first pickup truck will be called the Shark, making it the automaker’s latest model to be named after marine animals after the Dolphin, Seal, and Sea Lion.

Set to make its debut at the Beijing Motor Show, the Shark will reportedly feature BYD’s latest plug-in hybrid powertrain known as DMO (Dual-Mode Off-Road).

Details regarding the powertrain are scarce but according to reports, it may feature a combination of a 1.5-litre turbo petrol engine and two electric motors just like the Fang Cheng Bao 5.

In the Fang Cheng Bao 5, the ICE-eletric motor combo generates a total system output of 680 PS and 760 Nm. The off-road SUV is also said to offer an electric range of up to 125 km or up to 1,200 km in hybrid mode.

Apart from the PHEV version, there is a possibility that the Shark will also be offered in a full electric version somewhere in the future.

As far as design is concerned, recent leaked photos of the Shark show that the pickup truck has a front fascia resembling that of the Ford Ranger.

The cabin looks a tad watered down compared to other BYDs, featuring a digital instrument panel, central display, flat-bottom steering wheel, and a row of switches arranged adjacent to the gear lever on the center console.

Will the Shark swim its way to the Malaysian market? There is no official announcement yet, but BYD has previously stated that it plans to sell the pickup truck globally.

NEWS

BYD officiates new 3S centre in Melaka

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BYD, a rapidly expanding electric vehicle (EV) manufacturer, has announced the official opening of its new 3S center in Melaka.

Located in the heart of the historical city, the 3S center is managed by BYD Sing Kwung Motors, providing sales and after-sales services to BYD customers in the area.

“We are excited to inaugurate our newest 3S center in Melaka, showcasing our dedication to serving customers in Malaysia,” said Mr. Jeffrey Gan, Managing Director of Southeast Asia, Sime Darby Motors Malaysia.

“The newly opened 3S center will offer a range of services, including sales consultations, test drives, and after-sales services,” mentioned Mr. Ng Sin Yean, Managing Director of BYD Sing Kwung Motors.

“Customers can explore BYD’s latest electric vehicle models known for their technological sophistication, performance excellence, and eco-friendly features,” he added.

With the opening of this new 3S center, BYD underscores its commitment to sustainable transportation and innovation in Melaka.

BYD aims to establish 30 retail outlets across the country by the end of 2024.

NEWS

BYD Seal received over 1,300 bookings in 4 days

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SIME Darby Motors (SDM) recently announced that it has received over 1,300 bookings for the BYD Seal within four days after its launch.

Due to the overwhelming demand for the electric sedan, SDM has extended its early booking campaign until 3 March 2024.

Through this campaign, customers who place a booking for the Seal through the official website or at BYD showrooms nationwide before the 3rd of March will receive a complimentary home charger and RM800 worth of Gentari/ChargEV charging credit.

Seal is offered in two variants, namely Premium and Performance, with prices starting at RM179,800 and RM199,800 respectively.

The Premium variant comes with a single electric motor on the rear axle producing 313 PS and 360 Nm, enabling it to accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in 5.9 seconds.

Meanwhile, the Performance variant features a dual-motor configuration generating a total power of 530 PS and 670 Nm. With all-wheel drive (AWD), it only takes 3.8 seconds to accelerate from 0-100 km/h.

Both variants use the same 82.56 kWh LFP Blade battery but the Premium gets a driving range of 650 km while the more powerful Performance has 580 km of range. Both figures are based on the NEDC cycle.

NEWS

BYD sold over 3 million NEV cars in 2023, beats Tesla in EV sales for Q4

WHILE Tesla maintains its position as the world’s largest electric vehicle (EV) manufacturer in 2023, its competitor, BYD, has set a new record as the leading new energy vehicle producer globally.

Throughout 2023, BYD successfully distributed approximately 3,024,417 new energy vehicles, including EVs, hybrids, and hydrogen-powered vehicles.

This achievement has placed BYD among the top 10 largest vehicle manufacturers in the world. Out of this total, 1.57 million units comprised electric vehicles (for comparison, Tesla sold 1.8 million units), while another 1.4 million consisted of plug-in hybrid vehicles (PHEVs).

In recent years, BYD has consistently narrowed the gap left by Tesla. In 2022, BYD’s sales figures were nearly 400,000 units lower than Tesla’s, but the difference was reduced by almost half in 2023.

Furthermore, in the fourth quarter of 2023, BYD successfully surpassed Tesla in EV sales, indicating a significant challenge ahead for the American EV manufacturer to maintain its leadership position in the coming year.

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BYD Atto 3 Anniversary Limited Edition – 500 units only, RM173,800

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A year ago, BYD marked its entry into the Malaysian electric vehicle market with the launch of the BYD Atto 3.

In commemoration of this anniversary, Sime Darby Motors recently launched the Atto 3 Anniversary Limited Edition, which sets itself apart from the standard version with a blacked-out bodykit.

The latest offering is based on the Extended Range variant and is limited to only 500 units. Customers can choose from a selection of two exterior colours, namely Boulder Grey and Ski White.

Regardless of the chosen colour, the Atto 3 Anniversary Limited Edition is fitted a front bumper lip, front spoiler, front bumper panels, rear spoiler, and rear diffuser.

Additionally, the window frame, side mirror housings, and C-pillar panels are painted black to give the EV a more aggressive look.

There are no powertrain upgrades, meaning like the variant it is based on, the limited edition Atto 3 features an electric motor on the front axle generating 204 PS and 310 Nm. This enables it to accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in 7.3 seconds.

This variant is equipped with a 60.48 kWh battery that offers a driving range of up to 480 km on a full charge. Charging from 0-80% takes approximately 45 minutes with a fast DC 80 kW charger.

The selling price of the Atto 3 Anniversary Limited Edition starts at RM173,800, making it RM6,000 dearer than the standard Atto 3 Extended Range.