BYD Seal

Unfortunately I didn't drive it but sat in one in Germany recently. The interior and exterior is a definite upgrade compared to the outgoing generation, the ventilated seats feel softer, in the rear you sit slightly more reclined than before. Youtube reviews say it's quieter. I like the ambient lighting but at present there's no way to adjust the intensity for night driving, that will change via software update. I read a lot of complaints about no wood trim but I really don't mind it. Of course the big elephant in the room is the lack of stalks, and no Ultrasonic sensors, which I personally hate, but a 3rd party retrofit is coming next year from the same company that makes "S3XY buttons".

You also have to be mindful about TeslaVision park assist. It's terrible and will not improve. I encourage you to watch videos on YouTube about it. Machine learning neural nets will not reliably replace 3D mapping ultrasonic sensors, not possible. TeslaVision requires pristine light and weather conditions to work somewhat acceptably in the rear, even then it's not great, the front facing system is a complete loss, useless. It's a stark contrast to the excellent 360 cam and ultrasonic sensors fitted in the Seal. Model 3 does not require annual servicing.

The Seal is loaded with tech(see brochure for spec comparisons between Design and AWS Excellence) but not as efficient as model 3 and doesn't have as good of a user interface/infotainment. Seal has better overall warranty than Tesla Model 3. Has to be serviced annually(negative for me). If anything does wrong, even small issue, it has to go to the dealership whereas Tesla offers 'ranger' service and can be fixed at the roadside or your house. It will have more annoying bing bongs from the Advanced drivers assistance systems compared to the model 3. Storage in boot and frunk is noticeably less than Model 3 but the upside is that you have considerably more space in the rear.

Model 3 drivetrain is more efficient and will have more frequent software updates, and has a better UI but it lacks reliable and accurate hardware like Forward facing radar cruise sensor, lacks a rain sensor(it uses some neural net but it's very unreliable and cycles between ok and terrible with software updates). No rear cross traffic alert. No HUD(fitted in Seal AWD Excellence), can be a nice to have, some don't care for it. Tesla has a superior phone app. Premium sound system is better in the new model 3 long range, didn't test the standard system in the M3 RWD so can't comment.

Model 3 has one pedal driving(big pro for me), Seal doesn't.

At the end of the day it's all down to personal preference, what is a negative for me may not be for you and visa versa, so best wait until highland is available to test drive to make up your mind, have a thorough test drive in both.

Hi, I managed to get an online quote from AXA without a call. €570 for driver in 50s, Comprehensive, full NCB, full licence over 10 years, spouse as named driver, North Dublin. Is that expensive?

AIG online still only Atto model for BYD, on the phone they advised to call back in December. Nothing on Revolut yet but will be backed by AIG anyway.

AA won't even get past Enter Registration 🙄

Liberty has BYD models of Atto and E6 !! (maybe an import from China ?) but no Seal

Remember any insurance inclusions or add-ons with towing service should be "Lift" rather than "Tow" for eVs. Well-known but easy to forget when they're droning on through the T&Cs.

The ID7 is more comparable to the Model S in terms of size and interior quality, shouldn't be compared to the Model 3 or Seal.

Yeah Polestar is certainly not for those seeking value. It's a poor offering given that the chassis is based off ICE architecture.

If it was an ICE vehicle of similar size and performance, I'd say you would be paying more than Axa quoted.

Right, rear

The right side which is the wrong side...😁

Definitely the correct side. The left side is for Americans and no one wants to be them.

No suprise that the demo cars in Ireland are a bit behind in software version following transit, check before taking delivery. I'll check again in January and post latest version. Promise of less sensitivity to Lane Assistance and also quieter low-speed noise.

Yes, this is the one with iTAC (intelligence Torture Adaption Control) 😢, corrected in a later update to Torque.

I think the rear is missing a logo and that's why it's so plain looking. We're just used to seeing them on cars.

I think a simple BYD or something would do the job but yes anything bar the stupid Build Your Dreams.

Is that not what I wrote?

Edit, OK I left out the 's' 🙂

Great review, thank you. On the thigh support, I found it excellent for my long legs after making an adjustment to raise the front of the seat (independent function). To do this, push up from underneath just at the front of the same rectangular control used to move back the seat.

"For the very tall gentleman" / lady, note that when you adjust the driver's seat back to the furhermost position from the steering wheel by holding the control back, it stops after a while and one might think that's the maximum. However one more little press and it gives you just another couple of mm. I tested this a few times. I hope I am not pushing it beyound its limit. It wasn't broken when I went back a couple of weeks later 😛 It may not keep this in seat memory, I didn't have time to confirm.

It's the same switches as on my Tesla for seat adjustments. I had it at max up at the front. Don't get me wrong, I found the seats very comfortable..