BYD Malaysia, under the stewardship of Sime Darby Motors, recently hosted a media drive for the day that would give local automotive journalists a taste of the fully-electric high-revving Seal Performance All-Wheel-Drive (AWD) variant.
The drive would allow us to experience the range-topping Seal variant (costing RM199,800), under typical road conditions.
Taking the scenic route, the drive started from Kuala Lumpur’s Bamboo Hill before winding through the Duta–Ulu Klang Expressway (DUKE), Sungai Besi-Ulu Kelang Expressway (SUKE), Shah Alam Expressway (KESAS) and Maju Expressway (MEX).
This allowed us to put the Seal through a more realistic scenario and try out its accelerative qualities, before man-handling it through a gymkhana challenge on a closed circuit to explore this EV’s dynamism – all 530hp and 670Nm of pure electrified performance.
Being AWD, that simply means that the electrified power gets managed by the vehicle’s Intelligent Torque Adaptation Control (iTAC) system, which dictates how much “twist” the front and rear electric motors should put down and which wheel gets more or less to maintain optimal traction at all times.
Coupled with a claimed 50:50 weight distribution, the key ingredient for balance and agility, and the brand’s e-Platform 3.0 architecture, which integrates a cell-to-body battery structure where the 82.5kWh LFP (lithium iron phosphate) Blade battery lives in the floor, added structural rigidity is attained.
The same battery is also used in the Premium variant and can be charged via a 7kW AC charger or a faster 150kW DC charger.
With a 2,185kg kerb weight, the suspension uses front double wishbones and a rear multi-link setup to help bring about a dynamic experience, and despite ample amounts of performance that can catapult this sedan from 0 to 100kph in 3.8 seconds, there’s plenty of accommodating practicality dialled in.
Inside, the interior is nothing short of spacious for daily practicality, and this is combined with a refined upmarket experience that includes a rotating 15.6-inch touchscreen infotainment system that supports wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay.
Meanwhile, the driver gets a dedicated 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster and a heads-up display as well as ventilated and heated powered front seats, multi-zone climate controls with dedicated rear controls, and a high-end 12-speaker Dynaudio audio system.
Out along the highways, the Seal provided much refinement with its quiet ride while cruising with ample amounts of throttle response when demanded.
While its motors have no issues pushing itself into excessive triple-digit speeds, the brakes did feel just a tad dull in its initial bite when trying to rein it in to more legal limits.
Prodding the brake pedal deeper will have drivers find a more confident bite residing when at higher speeds, but in urban settings, a better initial bite from the brakes was experienced.
Regardless, the Seal showcased a praiseworthy balance between a sporty and serene experience thanks to a chassis and suspension pairing that provides athletic confidence.
While traversing over uneven road surfaces may be at some expense of comfort in terms of noise, vibration and harshness, the cabin still preserved an arguably well-insulated experience.
Making a final stop at the Sepang International Circuit, we found ourselves piloting the Seal through a Gymkhana course with tight slaloms, sharp corners and an emergency brake test.
Here, the Seal handled with surprising agility through the slalom despite weighing almost 2.2 tonnes and the brakes did well, as expected, to bleed speed before the U-turn.
Enter with too much speed and steering input, and its electronic stability control will kill power delivery with obvious notice.
Straightening out the steering wheel allows the Seal to permit throttle input to be re-engaged to emboss the driver into the seat before standing on the brakes to finally bring this hefty sedan to a complete stop.
Despite this, the Seal handled the course with surprising agility thanks to its immediate torque delivery and well-calibrated brakes to make it feel nimble and responsive – traits often reserved for smaller and lighter performance cars.
To further demonstrate its athleticism, this EV was allowed to be helmed by Formula Drift driver Ee Yoong Cherng, who transformed it into a sideways performer.
Although the Seal is capable of such theatrics, initiating and maintaining a drift seemed challenging to maintain even when in the hands of a skilled driver.
Final thoughts
After a day with the Seal Performance AWD, it turned out to be a compelling all-rounder by blending everyday usability with genuine dynamic ability.
While the ride may lean on the firmer side, it does seem like a small trade-off for the level of engagement and excitement it offers when driven enthusiastically, especially when it comes with a rather accessible price tag of RM199,800.
For drivers seeking a stylish, spacious and spirited EV saloon that doesn’t really break the bank, the BYD Seal Performance AWD is a definite standout contender.
