28/12/2025

theSunday Special XIV ON SUNDAY DEC 28, 2025

backup scenarios. This capability has become a valued feature among EV buyers and further enhances the Seal’s practicality. LONG WHEELBASE, GOOD STORAGE, AND A LARGER FRUNK The Seal’s 2,920mm wheelbase contributes to generous interior space, particularly for rear passen gers. Legroom is ample, and head room is acceptable despite the sloping roofline. The rear bench offers good support, though its cushioning is firmer than in some competitors. A noticeable improvement for 2025 is the enlargement of the frunk (front trunk) from 50 to 53 litres. While still modest compared to EVs designed from the ground up with front storage in mind, the frunk is now better suited for stor ing smaller bags, charging cables, or emergency items. The main boot remains usable at around 400 litres, although the boot opening is narrower than that of a hatchback. Still, for daily errands, luggage, and moderate cargo-hauling, the Seal remains accommodating. COMPREHENSIVE ADAS AND PREMIUM CONNEC TIVITY The Seal Premium continues to offer one of the most complete tech packages in its class. The rotating 15.6-inch screen remains the centrepiece, complemented by digital gauges and a head-up dis play. Voice control performance is adequate, though not class-lead ing, and the interface remains intuitive. Driver assistance systems include adaptive cruise control, lane keeping assistance, lane departure warning, automatic emergency braking, blind spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and a 360° camera. The presence of nine airbags places the Seal among the better-equipped cars in the segment. These systems operate smoothly in most situations, though Malaysian drivers should familiarise themselves with the car’s lane-centering behaviour, as with any advanced driver assis tance suite. RECOGNITION REFLECTS STRONG PACKAGE The Seal’s strong specification sheet and competitive pricing have not gone unnoticed. The model earned the title of Overall Car of the Year at the 2024 Malaysia Car of the Year Awards, the first electric vehicle to claim the highest honour in the event’s history. It also secured the cate gory award for “Sedan below RM200,000”. This recognition highlights not only the Seal’s feature density but also the growing acceptance of EVs within Malaysia’s main stream automotive landscape.

ance and reduces harshness over smaller bumps. The Seal remains firmly sprung, owing partly to its heavy battery pack and sporty inten tions, but the 2025 refinement makes every day driving more comfortable than before. Handling remains predictable and enjoyable. The rear-wheel drive layout provides a sense of agility uncommon in many front biased EVs, and the steering offers reasonable feedback, even though it still leans towards the lighter side. While the Premium does not have the grip levels of the AWD Performance model, it maintains stability at high speeds and feels planted through sweeping cor ners. Noise insulation remains strong, particularly at low speeds, though tyre noise from the 19-inch wheels becomes noticeable on coarse surfaces. Aerodynamic noise is well suppressed, contrib uting to a quiet cabin even at 110kph.

COMPETITIVE CHARGING SPEEDS AND USEFUL V2L CAPABILITY The Seal Premium supports AC charging at 7 kW, which translates to roughly 15 hours for a full charge on a typical home wallbox. While some competitors offer 11kW AC capability, BYD’s 7kW system remains sufficient for overnight home charging, which is how most owners recharge. DC fast charging peaks at up to 150 kW. Under optimal condi tions, BYD claims a 30% to 80% charge in approximately 32 min utes. Real-world Malaysian opera tors may deliver slightly lower speeds due to local infrastructure constraints, but the Seal remains competitive relative to cars in its price class. The vehicle also supports Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) functional ity, allowing the car to power external devices, useful during overnight camping, roadside emergencies, or household

10.25 digital instrument panel.

15.6 inch intelligent rotating touchscreen.

Leather wrapped steering wheel.

400L Rear trunk capacity.

WHY THE PREMIUM MAKES SENSE

stronger value proposition and an already award-winning package, the updated Seal is one of the most well-rounded EV sedans in Malaysia. Its long range, refined ride, generous equipment, and com petitive pricing place it in a strong position as the Malaysian market continues transitioning toward electric mobility. For buyers seeking an EV under RM200,000 that balances performance, practicality, and long-term usability, the Seal Premium (Extended Range) is one of the clearest recommendations in today’s market. SPECIFICATIONS Motors: Rear Single-motor Battery: 82.56kWh BYD Blade Power: 313PS Torque: 360Nm Charging: 7kW AC (15.2 hours) 150kW DC (32 minutes) Range: 570km 0-100kph: 5.9 seconds Price (as tested): RM171,800 We like: The 0-100kph dash, comfort and space We don’t like: Touchscreen cli mate controls

At RM171,800, the Seal Premium undercuts many of its rivals while delivering a long range, strong performance, and a high level of standard equipment. The reduction in price for 2025 strengthens its position even fur ther. BYD’s after-sales package, which typically includes warran ties for the main vehicle, electric drive unit, and Blade battery, adds peace of mind. Early buyers also receive additional perks such as wallbox installation support and service packages, giving the Seal tangible advantages in ownership experience. For Malaysians who want an EV with real long-distance capa bility, respectable performance, a premium cabin, and extensive safety and tech features, the Seal Premium stands out as one of the best-value options available today. A MORE POLISHED EV The 2025 BYD Seal Premium does not reinvent the model, but it refines it in meaningful ways. With improvements to comfort, convenience, and suspension, along with a

Leather upholstery

Panoromic glass roof.