New BYD Seal vs BMW i4 vs Tesla Model 3: verdict
BYD is a relative newcomer to the UK, so can its Seal executive saloon beat the established competition in the shape of the BMW i4 and Tesla Model 3?...
Our verdict
The Model 3’s superiority is so great that it would still win if Tesla decided to whack £15,000 onto the price. It’s a showcase of what an electric car should be: a fantastic all-rounder that’s efficient and easy to charge, but doesn’t cost any more to buy than an equivalent petrol or diesel alternative.
It’s a shame the same can’t be said for the i4. It has some undoubted strengths, including its smart interior and intuitive infotainment, but it’s just too expensive relative to its rivals – especially when you consider it has the shortest range and isn’t very well equipped. Charging extra for keyless entry and adjustable lumbar support on a £50-plus executive car is, frankly, taking the Michael.
That’s why the Seal edges second spot. Yes, its seats could be better and the interior feels a little cheap in this company, but the Seal has masses of standard kit, the best warranty, the longest range here, and surprisingly decent driving manners.
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1st – Tesla Model 3
For Fantastic efficiency; Supercharger access; low price; extremely generous kit list
Against Some fiddly controls; rear seats don’t do anything clever
Recommended options Metallic paint (£1300)
What Car? rating 5 stars out of 5
Tesla Model 3 review >>
Tesla Model 3 deals >>
2nd – BYD Seal
For Longest range; loads of standard kit; great safety rating
Against So-so driving position; interior feels cheap in places; noisiest
Recommended options None
What Car? rating 4 stars out of 5
BYD Seal review >>
BYD Seal deals >>
3rd – BMW i4
For Plush interior; great infotainment system
Against Very expensive; shortest range; cramped in the back
Recommended options Technology Plus Pack (£3990), Comfort Plus Pack (£2050), metallic paint (£695)
What Car? rating 4 stars out of 5
BMW i4 review >>
BMW i4 deals >>
Specifications: BYD Seal Design
Engine Electric motor
Peak power 308bhp
Peak torque 265lb ft
Gearbox 1-spd automatic, RWD
0-60mph 6.1sec
30-70mph in kickdown 4.8sec
Top speed 111mph
Braking 30-0mph 10.6m
Braking 70-0mph 55.9m
Noise at 30mph 60.1dB
Noise at 70mph 64.8dB
Kerb weight 2130kg
Tyres (standard) 235/45 R19
Battery capacity (usable) 82.5kWh
Rapid charging type CCS
Maximum charging rate 150kW
Charging time 7kW home wallbox (0-100%) 9hr
Charging time rapid charger, peak rate (10-80%) 37min
Real-world range (est) 271 miles
Official range 354 miles
Efficiency on test 3.3 miles/kWh
CO2 emissions 0g/km
Specifications: BMW i4 eDrive35 M Sport
Engine Electric motor
Peak power 282bhp
Peak torque 295lb ft
Gearbox 1-spd automatic, RWD
0-60mph 6.0sec
30-70mph in kickdown 5.0sec
Top speed 118mph
Braking 30-0mph 10.9m
Braking 70-0mph 57.2m
Noise at 30mph 58.6dB
Noise at 70mph 64.2dB
Kerb weight 2160kg
Tyres (standard) 245/45 R18 (front), 255/45 R18 (rear)
Battery capacity (usable) 67kWh
Rapid charging type CCS
Maximum charging rate 180kW
Charging time 7kW home wallbox (0-100%) 7hr
Charging time rapid charger, peak rate (10-80%) 32min
Real-world range (est) 201 miles
Official range 288 miles
Efficiency on test 3.0 miles/kWh
CO2 emissions 0g/km
Specifications: Tesla Model 3 RWD
Engine Electric motor
Peak power 279bhp
Peak torque 310lb ft
Gearbox 1-spd automatic, RWD
0-60mph 6.4sec
30-70mph in kickdown 5.0sec
Top speed 125mph
Braking 30-0mph 10.1m
Braking 70-0mph 55.4m
Noise at 30mph 58.9dB
Noise at 70mph 64.7dB
Kerb weight 1852kg
Tyres (standard) 235/45 R18
Battery capacity (usable) 67.5kWh
Rapid charging type CCS
Maximum charging rate 170kW
Charging time 7kW home wallbox (0-100%) 9hr
Charging time rapid charger, peak rate (10-80%) 25min
Real-world range (est) 212 miles
Official range 318 miles
Efficiency 3.7 miles/kWh
CO2 emissions 0g/km
Weather conditions Damp
Cars pictured
BYD Seal Design with Space Black paint
BMW i4 eDrive35 M Sport with Dravit Grey metallic paint (£1750), Tacora Red with Decor stitching Vernasca leather (£1300) and Individual piano black interior trim (£550)
Tesla Model 3 RWD with Ultra Red metallic paint (£2000) and
19in wheels (£1500)
Best executive cars 2024 – tested, rated and those to avoid
Great executive cars are comfortable, classy and well equipped, yet also cheap to run. Here we name the best 10 executive cars on sale in the UK – plus one we recommend avoiding
