This base trim Seal Dynamic makes a splash over here by coming with a price tag of just RM 163,800.
Unlike in nearly everywhere else in the world, only the mid-level Premium and flagship Performance variants arrived when BYD initially launched its Seal locally earlier this year. Likely with the aim of further increasing its already stellar sales figures over here however, the two existing higher-end trim levels have since recently been joined by a new base Dynamic tier of this Chinese e-sedan.
Touching on what is likely the most attractive aspect of this new entry-level Seal first, the Dynamic variant lands locally wearing a price tag of just RM 163,800. This thus puts it to be some RM 16,000 and RM 36,000 cheaper than its higher-end Premium and Performance counterparts respectively, in addition to incidentally being RM 4,100 cheaper than a Honda Civic e:HEV RS as well.
Now to unpack where the RM 16,000 price advantage over the similarly rear-wheel driven mid-spec Seal Premium comes from meanwhile, the main difference under the skin between the Dynamic and the variant one level up is for it to both have a smaller battery, as well as a less powerful motor.
The single rear-mounted motor on this Dynamic variant outputs only 201 hp and 310 Nm of torque, which is to be a good chunk less than the 308 hp and 360 Nm on tap in the Premium. This entry-level Seal nevertheless is still touted to achieve the century sprint in a reasonably spritely 7.5 seconds, relative to the Premium’s 5.9 seconds and Performance’s 3.8 seconds.
Turning towards the battery on the other hand, the Dynamic features a 61.44 kWh LFP battery, compared to the Premium’s 82.56 kWh unit. This in turn sees for the former to only manage an NEDC-claimed range of 510 km, over the latter’s sizeable 650 km figure.
This entry-level trim does interestingly have a DC charging peak of just 110 kW too, instead of the 150 kW quoted of the Premium variant and up. In any case, AC charging power for the Dynamic peaks at 7 kW like the other variants in the lineup, while its smaller capacity also means it takes only 8 and a bit hours (relative to the 15+ hours in the other two trims) to fully top it up via a Level 2 supply.
Moving on to the other minor differences in spec between the Dynamic and Premium here, the cheaper trim can most easily distinguished from the outside by it wearing 18-inch alloys instead of the 19-inch units found on the two existing higher-end variants. It is also worth highlighting that wrapping those smaller rollers are Giti-branded rubber, instead of the Continentals that come as standard on the larger rims.
Rather curiously as well, BYD has only elected to offer the Dynamic in a rather monochromatic colour choice of either Cosmos Black and Aurora White. The Premium can instead also be had in Atlantis Grey, while the Performance further adds the exterior hue option of Arctic Blue.
As for the changes made within, the only major cost-cutting measure performed on the Dynamic are a switch from real to faux leather. BYD has also canned a few other minor convenience features like auto-tilting door mirrors, as well as the the powered-lumbar adjustment and memory function for the driver’s seat, but has otherwise retained all of the headline tech toys found in the other two more premium variants, like the rotating 15.6-inch central screen and DYNAUDIO 12-speaker sound system for instance.
Much like its the rest of the Seal lineup locally, the Dynamic variant nets BYD’s 6-year or 150,000 km vehicle warranty, 8-year or 160,000 km high-voltage battery warranty and 8-year or 150,000 km drive unit warranty.
Andrew Basham, Managing Director of Sime Darby Motors, said during the launch of the Seal Dynamic, “BYD Seal’s strong appeal to the Malaysian market is evident, being the best-selling electric vehicle (EV) in recent months. We are pleased to expand this offering, enabling even more Malaysians to enjoy a sporty EV at a competitive price point without compromising on the sleek design, cutting-edge technology and network support.”
“As one of the pioneers of EVs in Malaysia with BYD, Sime Darby Motors truly understands the market’s needs, particularly in terms of after-sales service support. Sime Darby Motors is committed to driving the nation’s EV aspirations and providing customers with an exceptional EV experience,” he added.
