Not too long ago, BYD Malaysia invited a group of media representatives to test drive the BYD Seal. BYD called this event the “BYD Performance Day,” designed to showcase the capabilities of the BYD Seal. For this event, BYD Malaysia provided us with the BYD Seal Performance, which boasts a headline-grabbing 0-100 km/h acceleration time of just 3.8 seconds.
As an introduction, the BYD Seal Performance is built on the new e-Platform 3.0, which incorporates CTB (cell-to-body) technology. This innovation seamlessly integrates the Blade Battery into the vehicle’s structure, ensuring stability and safety across various driving conditions. Paired with the groundbreaking iTAC technology, this sedan enhances driving dynamics while minimizing skidding. Additionally, the BYD Seal features an 8-in-1 electric powertrain system and a heat pump system that improves thermal efficiency.
Coming back to the Performance Day itself, the gathering point was at Bamboo Hill. Upon arrival, we were greeted by a fleet of 12 BYD Seal units, all ready for us to drive. The itinerary for the day involved driving from Bamboo Hill to Sepang, participating in a series of activities, and returning in the evening. This event was not solely organized by BYD Malaysia; they also partnered with Continental Tyres, which served as the official tire partner for the event. All test vehicles were equipped with Continental EcoContact tires.
For the drive, we were assigned three people per vehicle. Among the 12 vehicles, we were split into two convoy groups, with six cars assigned to each group. These groups were arranged to facilitate the activities planned in Sepang. The journey began from Bamboo Hill towards Putrajaya, allowing us to experience the Seal’s highway performance. The car cruised smoothly, remaining relatively quiet while delivering ample power for overtaking other vehicles.
In Putrajaya, we had the opportunity to experience higher-speed cornering. The Seal’s suspension system proved its capabilities, keeping the car stable even when tackling corners. Despite its soft suspension, the vehicle remained remarkably flat during turns. The soft suspension also provided a comfortable ride for all passengers, though it tended to feel slightly unsettled over bumpy roads.
After our driving session in Putrajaya, we were treated to a scrumptious lunch. Following lunch, we continued our journey to the Sepang Circuit car park for dynamic driving activities and demonstrations. Our group started with a gymkhana session, where the BYD Seal demonstrated its agility despite being a relatively heavy vehicle. It handled well through tight, twisty sections, though entering corners too quickly resulted in slight understeer. Overall, the Seal proved to be a capable performer, especially with its all-wheel-drive system.
Next, we moved on to the skid pan, where a professional driver demonstrated drifting in a two-wheel-drive version of the Seal. Due to modern stability and traction control technologies, the Seal is not an easy car to drift. However, with the assistance of a damp road, the professional driver made it possible. In addition to the drifting demonstration, Continental Tyres set up a booth to showcase their new self-healing tires, which can automatically seal punctures.
Adding to the event’s highlights, a coffee stall was powered entirely by another BYD Seal using its V2L (vehicle-to-load) function. The barista was able to operate the coffee machine using power from the car, demonstrating how Seal owners can utilize this feature during outdoor adventures such as camping trips.
After a full day of activities, we returned to Bamboo Hill. This event truly showcased the full capabilities of the BYD Seal Performance, as most owners would rarely get the chance to push their vehicles to the limit. It was an exciting experience to test the Seal in dynamic driving conditions. If you’re interested in trying out the BYD Seal yourself, head to your nearest BYD showroom for a test drive.
