When BYD introduced the Seal to Malaysia, it instantly positioned itself as one of the most compelling electric sedans in the sub-RM200,000 segment. For 2025, the company has revised the model with a more focused line-up and a series of updates aimed at improving day-to-day comfort, efficiency, and value. The Dynamic variant, once the entry-level
When BYD introduced the Seal to Malaysia, it instantly positioned itself as one of the most compelling electric sedans in the sub-RM200,000 segment. For 2025, the company has revised the model with a more focused line-up and a series of updates aimed at improving day-to-day comfort, efficiency, and value.
The Dynamic variant, once the entry-level choice, has been withdrawn entirely, leaving the spotlight firmly on the Premium (Extended Range) and the all-wheel-drive Performance version. The result is a simplified range that reflects where BYD believes Malaysian buyers are headed: towards long-range, high-specification electric models at prices still well below their European rivals.
The updated BYD Seal Premium (Extended Range), now priced at RM171,800 before insurance, not only arrives with a lower sticker price than before, RM8,000 cheaper, but also brings a set of refinements that sharpen its appeal. With a larger battery, new features, and suspension improvements that were previously exclusive to the higher-end model, BYD appears keen on ensuring the Premium variant remains the most balanced and sensible choice in the Seal family.
Let’s take a closer look at the 2025 Seal Premium (Extended Range).
Familiar Lines with Subtle Enhancements
The 2025 Seal retains the distinctive silhouette that first drew attention when BYD introduced the model. There is no dramatic redesign for this update; instead, the focus is on refinement. The overall proportions remain sporty, with a low nose, a long wheelbase, and a clean shoulder line that gives the Seal a premium, almost European character despite its Chinese origins.
What is new is the wheel design. The 2025 Premium version rides on a fresh set of 19-inch alloys, replacing the earlier turbine-style wheels with a more angular, contemporary pattern. Beyond aesthetics, the wheel design is part of a broader effort to marginally improve aerodynamics and reduce rolling resistance, contributing to the model’s claimed range of approximately 570 km on the WLTP cycle.
At the front, the Seal continues to present BYD’s “Ocean Aesthetics” theme, a design philosophy also seen in the Dolphin and Atto 3. Slender LED headlamps frame a clean, grille-less front end, as expected on an EV. Lighting signatures remain sharp and modern. At the rear, the LED taillight bar carries forward, offering a full-width visual link between both sides of the car.
While these visual updates are subtle, they align with the gradual refinement approach typical of BYD’s mid-life model improvements. For buyers expecting dramatic visual changes, the 2025 update may feel modest. But for most shoppers, the Seal’s handsome design remains one of its strongest points, and the new wheels help the overall look feel fresher without disrupting a formula that already works.
More Comfortable, More Convenient, and Still Feature-Rich
Inside, the Seal retains its high-tech cabin layout centred around the large 15.6-inch infotainment display, which rotates between portrait and landscape at the touch of a button. BYD continues to use this rotating screen as a signature feature, and it is one of the most polished digital interfaces in the segment, responsive, bright, and compatible with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
A 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster sits ahead of the driver, providing clear information without overwhelming the space. A head-up display adds a third layer of data projection, ensuring that the driver rarely has to look away from the road. These three display areas together create an experience that feels more high-end than the Seal’s price suggests.
For 2025, BYD has added several cabin upgrades. The most notable is the powered sunshade for the panoramic glass roof, a practical addition for Malaysian heat. The previous model had the panoramic roof but lacked a motorised cover, leaving some passengers dealing with excess sunlight during midday drives. The new sunshade changes this and makes the cabin more usable in varied weather conditions. A sunglasses holder has also been added, addressing a simple but frequently requested convenience feature.
The inclusion of a Bluetooth mobile key system improves daily practicality by allowing owners to unlock and start the car using their smartphones without needing to carry the physical key. This brings the Seal in line with higher-end vehicles and reflects BYD’s steady move towards digital convenience.
Seating comfort remains excellent. Both front seats are electrically adjustable with heating and ventilation. Upholstery quality is respectable, and the sculpted dashboard continues to deliver a premium feel. The 12-speaker Dynaudio audio system is unchanged and remains one of the highlights of the cabin, offering clarity and depth rarely found in vehicles at this price point.
Overall, the interior of the 2025 Seal Premium (Extended Range) now feels more cohesive and more thoughtfully equipped, especially in the areas of heat management, storage, and ease of use.
Strong Output, Smooth Delivery
The Premium (Extended Range) variant uses a single rear-mounted electric motor producing 313 PS and 360 Nm of torque. These figures allow the sedan to accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in approximately 5.9 seconds, making it one of the quicker cars in its price bracket. Acceleration is smooth and linear, as expected from an EV, and while it lacks the explosive thrust of the dual-motor Performance version, the Premium offers more than adequate power for highway merges, overtakes, and spirited driving.
The standout feature of the powertrain, however, is the large 82.5 kWh Blade battery. BYD’s LFP (lithium iron phosphate) chemistry is widely regarded for safety and longevity, and its use here ensures the Seal Premium offers robust thermal stability and long-term durability. With an estimated WLTP range of up to 570 kilometres, the Seal can comfortably handle long highway journeys or busy urban commutes without frequent charging.
In real-world Malaysian conditions, the range will likely settle between 430 and 500 kilometres depending on traffic patterns, air-conditioning usage, and driving style. Nonetheless, these figures remain more than adequate for most owners and exceed the usable daily range of many rival EV sedans.
Suspension Upgrade Improves Refinement
One of the more meaningful updates for 2025 is the inclusion of FSD (Frequency Selective Damping) suspension in the Premium variant. Previously reserved only for the dual-motor Performance model, this damping system contributes to more balanced ride quality by responding dynamically to different road conditions.
On Malaysian roads, which vary from smooth highways to patched, uneven suburban routes, the FSD system improves compliance and reduces harshness over smaller bumps. The Seal remains firmly sprung, owing partly to its heavy battery pack and sporty intentions, but the 2025 refinement makes every day driving more comfortable than before.
Handling remains predictable and enjoyable. The rear-wheel-drive layout provides a sense of agility uncommon in many front-biased EVs, and the steering offers reasonable feedback, even though it still leans towards the lighter side. While the Premium does not have the grip levels of the AWD Performance model, it maintains stability at high speeds and feels planted through sweeping corners.
Noise insulation remains strong, particularly at low speeds, though tyre noise from the 19-inch wheels becomes noticeable on coarse surfaces. Aerodynamic noise is well suppressed, contributing to a quiet cabin even at 110 km/h.
Competitive Charging Speeds and Useful V2L Capability
The Seal Premium supports AC charging at 7 kW, which translates to roughly 15 hours for a full charge on a typical home wallbox. While some competitors offer 11 kW AC capability, BYD’s 7 kW system remains sufficient for overnight home charging, which is how most owners recharge.
DC fast charging peaks at up to 150 kW. Under optimal conditions, BYD claims a 30% to 80% charge in approximately 32 minutes. Real-world Malaysian operators may deliver slightly lower speeds due to local infrastructure constraints, but the Seal remains competitive relative to cars in its price class.
The vehicle also supports Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) functionality, allowing the car to power external devices, useful during overnight camping, roadside emergencies, or household backup scenarios. This capability has become a valued feature among EV buyers and further enhances the Seal’s practicality.
Long Wheelbase, Good Storage, and a Larger Frunk
The Seal’s 2,920-mm wheelbase contributes to generous interior space, particularly for rear passengers. Legroom is ample, and headroom is acceptable despite the sloping roofline. The rear bench offers good support, though its cushioning is firmer than in some competitors.
A noticeable improvement for 2025 is the enlargement of the frunk (front trunk) from 50 to 53 litres. While still modest compared to EVs designed from the ground up with front storage in mind, the frunk is now better suited for storing smaller bags, charging cables, or emergency items.
The main boot remains usable at around 400 litres, although the boot opening is narrower than that of a hatchback. Still, for daily errands, luggage, and moderate cargo-hauling, the Seal remains accommodating.
Comprehensive ADAS and Premium Connectivity
The Seal Premium continues to offer one of the most complete tech packages in its class. The rotating 15.6-inch screen remains the centrepiece, complemented by digital gauges and a head-up display. Voice control performance is adequate, though not class-leading, and the interface remains intuitive.
Driver assistance systems include adaptive cruise control, lane keeping assistance, lane departure warning, automatic emergency braking, blind spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and a 360-degree camera. The presence of nine airbags places the Seal among the better-equipped cars in the segment.
These systems operate smoothly in most situations, though Malaysian drivers should familiarise themselves with the car’s lane-centering behaviour, as with any advanced driver assistance suite.
Recognition Reflects Strong Package
The Seal’s strong specification sheet and competitive pricing have not gone unnoticed. The model earned the title of Overall Car of the Year at the 2024 Malaysia Car of the Year Awards, the first electric vehicle to claim the highest honour in the event’s history. It also secured the category award for “Sedan below RM200,000”.
This recognition highlights not only the Seal’s feature density but also the growing acceptance of EVs within Malaysia’s mainstream automotive landscape.
Why the Premium (Extended Range) Makes Sense
At RM171,800, the Seal Premium undercuts many of its rivals while delivering a long range, strong performance, and a high level of standard equipment. The reduction in price for 2025 strengthens its position even further.
BYD’s after-sales package, which typically includes warranties for the main vehicle, electric drive unit, and Blade battery, adds peace of mind. Early buyers also receive additional perks such as wallbox installation support and service packages, giving the Seal tangible advantages in ownership experience.
For Malaysians who want an EV with real long-distance capability, respectable performance, a premium cabin, and extensive safety and tech features, the Seal Premium stands out as one of the best-value options available today.
A More Polished EV That Strengthens BYD’s Lead
The 2025 BYD Seal Premium (Extended Range) does not reinvent the model, but it refines it in meaningful ways. With improvements to comfort, convenience, and suspension, along with a stronger value proposition and an already award-winning package, the updated Seal is one of the most well-rounded EV sedans in Malaysia.
Its long range, refined ride, generous equipment, and competitive pricing place it in a strong position as the Malaysian market continues transitioning toward electric mobility. For buyers seeking an EV under RM200,000 that balances performance, practicality, and long-term usability, the Seal Premium (Extended Range) is one of the clearest recommendations in today’s market.
Specifications:
Motors: Rear Single-motor
Battery: 82.56kWh BYD Blade
Charging: 7kW AC (15.2 hours) 150kW DC (32 minutes)
0-100km/h: 5.9 seconds
Price (as tested): RM171,800