BYD Seal vs Tesla Model 3: What Do You Get for the Same Price?

The EV battle is heating up and no two EV sedans are quite as evenly-matched as the BYD Seal vs Tesla Model 3.

Much like many rivalries in Malaysia: Honda City vs Toyota Vios; Proton X70 vs Perodua Aruz; Golf vs 308; the new EV players in the automotive market has finally begun its own rivalry.

So how do they stack up?

BYD Seal vs Tesla Model 3 price:

The BYD Seal undercuts both Model 3 variants by just a hair:

• BYD Seal Premium RWD – RM180,430 without insurance
• BYD Seal Performance AWD – RM200,430 without insurance

Compared to the Tesla Model 3

• Tesla Model 3 RWD – RM190,700 without insurance
• Tesla Model 3 Long Range AWD – RM219,700 without insurance

BYD Seal vs Tesla Model 3 century sprint:

Though Tesla are not forthcoming with their torque and horsepower figures, we can make an estimate of the speed of the cars when you compare them in the century sprint test:

• BYD Seal Premium RWD – 5.9 seconds to 100km/h
• BYD Seal Performance AWD – 3.8 seconds to 100km/h

Compared to the Tesla Model 3

• Tesla Model 3 RWD – 6.1 seconds to 100km/h
• Tesla Model 3 Long Range AWD – 4.4 seconds to 100km/h

For comparison, a Honda City makes the trip to 100km/h in 11 seconds so both these cars are by no means slow.

Which car has the better range?

Like petrol consumption figures, you need to take these figures with a grain of salt. While a manufacturer may claim these ranges, real-world figures will vary. That said, the Tesla’s Model 3 Long Range beats the BYD Seal with a range of 619km compared to both the Seal’s variants at 570km and 520km.

The Tesla Model 3 RWD loses out to them all at a range of 519km. For comparison, again, a petrol powered City can go comfortably about 480km before needing a fuel up.

Which one has the better looks?

Being the new kid on the block has its advantages and the Seal takes the crown in terms of looks. It’s understated, yet familiar for ICE car owners.

Though the Tesla Model 3 has been refreshed with the Project Highland update, its minimalist design ethos flies in the face of traditional cars and its not one we personally prefer.

Just look at this bare interior. *shudders*

So, which one would you go for? There’s more to compare here of course like the interior kit and comforts, size (there isn’t much difference), boot space, charging times, and maintenance fees, but if you’re going that granular, you’re better off heading to the showroom.

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