Sime Darby Beyond Auto, the official distributor of BYD cars in Malaysia, has launched the BYD Seal. Fully imported (CBU) from China, this model offers three variants with starting prices from:

• Premium RWD - RM 179,800 (RM 180,430 OTR without insurance)
• Performance AWD - RM 199,800 (RM 200,430 OTR without insurance)

Starting with the Premium RWD variant, it gets an 82.5 kWh LFP Blade battery, offering an estimated range of 570 km (WLTP) and a 313 PS/360 Nm rear-mounted motor.

The range-topping Performance AWD variant features the same 82.5 kWh battery but with dual motors for all-wheel-drive capability. This configuration delivers an output of 530 PS/670 Nm and a range of up to 520 km (WLTP).

Both variants come equipped with 19-inch wheels 235/45 profile rubbers.

What sets the BYD Seal apart is its utilization of Cell-to-Body (CTB) battery technology, a first for an EV in Malaysia. Unlike the Cell-to-Pack (CTP) construction seen in other BYD models, the Seal's LFP chemistry battery is intricately integrated into the car's structural framework.

This approach is said to enhance the vehicle's rigidity, resulting in a smoother ride, sharper handling, and heightened safety standards. However, it's worth noting that the CTB design limits modular, cell-level replacements, potentially leading to higher battery repair or replacement costs.

Charging capabilities are consistent across all variants, with 7 kW AC charging, while DC charging is rated at 150 kW. Vehicle to Load (V2L) function is supported with up to 2.2 kW.

Standard features across all variants include a 15.6-inch rotating touch screen compatible with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster, panoramic sunroof, dual-zone automatic climate control, Dynaudio audio system, and ventilated front seats with powered adjustment.

Also read: Malaysian launch this week, prices confirmed for BYD Seal in Indonesia: 18% pricier than Atto 3!

In terms of safety, the BYD Seal is outfitted with a comprehensive suite of advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS), including Predictive Collision Warning, Automatic Emergency Braking, Blind Spot Warning, Traffic Sign Recognition, and Adaptive Cruise Control, among others.

Colour options include Arctic Blue (exclusive to the Performance variant), Cosmos Black, Atlantis Grey, and Aurora White (available for Premium). The first 800 bookings will enjoy complimentary wallbox chargers and free Gentari or ChargEV charging credits worth RM 800.

The BYD Seal comes with a 6-year or 150,000 km vehicle warranty, an 8-year or 160,000 km battery warranty, and an 8-year or 150,000 km drive unit warranty.

Also read: BYD emerges as Malaysia's BEV leader with 37% market share in 2023