BYD just introduced its Seal electric sedan in Mexico, aiming to challenge Tesla's dominance in the country. This addition marks the fifth BYD EV model available in North America, joining the Dolphin, Han sedan, Tang SUV, and Yuan Plus, which were launched earlier this year. The Seal is available in two versions: rear-wheel drive (RWD) and all-wheel drive (AWD).
The 2024 BYD Seal is built on e-platform
3.0 with the CTB (cell-to-body) technology that integrates the battery into the
chassis. It offers two versions in Mexico: RWD and AWD, the latter boasting 523
horsepower and a rapid 0-100 km/h acceleration time of 3.8 seconds. The RWD
variant starts at 778,800 pesos (€ 41,600), while the AWD version is priced at
888,800 pesos (€ 47,500).
The Seal RWD is powered by a 150 kW rear
motor and a 61.44 kWh LFP Blade battery, offering a commendable WLTP range of
up to 460 km. In comparison, the Tesla Model 3, its primary rival, starts at
881,900 pesos (€ 47,100) and provides 638 km of WLTP range. The AWD version of
the Tesla Model 3 starts at 985,900 pesos (€ 52,600), with a Performance
variant priced at 1,154,900 pesos (€ 61,600).
Previously, BYD expressed interest in building
a manufacturing plant in Mexico, further underlining its commitment to the
region. Unlike many other Chinese EV manufacturers, BYD already sells and
produces vehicles in the United States, including electric buses manufactured
in California. The company's North American headquarters are located in
Downtown Los Angeles.
