New BYD Seal gets 523bhp and more boot space for 2026
The BYD Seal has been updated for 2026, now offering up to 523bhp in twin-motor guise as well as more storage space than the outgoing car.
The Seal was first launched in the UK in 2023, and this latest version of the BYD Seal sees boot space grow from 400 to 485 litres. The frunk has been expanded by 19 litres from 53 to 72, meaning it can now accommodate the car’s charging cables or a carry-on suitcase.
The range-topping Excellence version of the 2026 BYD Seal comes with a twin-motor, all-wheel drive (AWD) drivetrain, producing 523bhp and a 0-62mph time of 3.8 seconds. To handle its power, the Chinese automotive giant has developed a semi-adaptive suspension with variable frequency dampers.
The entry-level Design model is only available as a single-motor, rear-wheel-drive (RWD) car with 308bhp. This means it can achieve 0-62mph run in 5.9 seconds.
Both versions of the 2026 BYD Seal come with BYD’s 82.5kWh battery. The Design trim can do 354 miles on a single charge, while the extra power from the Excellence model reduces range to 323 miles. The battery has a peak charging speed of 150kWh, meaning a 10%-80% charge can be done in a far-from-class-leading 37 minutes.
BYD’s answer to the likes of the Tesla Model 3, Polestar 2, and BMW i4 has also received several visual changes as part of its 2026 update. New 19-inch wheels are part of the changes, as are three new exterior colour options – Ruby Red, Obsidian Black, and Lavender Grey.
At the rear of the Seal, the BYD logo now sits in the centre above the full-width LED lightbar, with the Seal logo positioned in the bottom right of the boot lid.
Inside, the BYD Seal has undergone a few minor tweaks. The nappa leather seats drop the BYD logo from the headrests, while the centre armrest no longer displays the NFC logo, despite retaining wireless mobile device technology.
In terms of tech, the new BYD Seal now gets a Driver Monitoring System to detect the driver’s attention on the road, as well as a Bluetooth key that allows drivers to access the car via their smartphone.
Like all BYDs, the Seal is generously equipped. Entry-level cars get LED headlights with high-beam assist, a panoramic sunroof, a 12-speaker Dynaudio sound system, two 15-watt wireless charging trays for the driver and front passenger, electronically adjustable front seats, and a non-rotating, 15.6-inch high-definition touchscreen. Flagship models pack on the toys by adding a driver’s head-up display.
Pricing for the new BYD Seal is unchanged from the current model. The Design starts at £45,730, while the Excellence comes in at £48,730. Both come with a six-year, 93,750-mile warranty and an eight-year, 155,350-mile battery guarantee.
