SPY PICS: BYD Seal spotted in Sydney after rural testing
Camouflaged right-hook electric sedan spotted in Gregory Hills as new EV’s local launch inches closerA right-hand drive BYD Seal was spotted on the back of a flat-bed in the Sydney suburb of Gregory Hills at the weekend, before the eagle-eyed passer-by quickly posted their images to the BYD EV Owners Australia Facebook group.
The blue development prototype was largely covered in blue camouflage but no effort had been taken to hide its alloy wheel design – something the photographer took full advantage on when they went in for a closer look.
Said hoops are the same ones pictured in the Seal’s global debut photos and measured 19 inches on this particular vehicle, shod with aggressive 235/45-profile Continental SportContact rubber that suggests this is one of the more potent offerings within the electric sedan line-up.
The enlarged rear diffuser elements add weight to this notion, however, we’re not sure if it was the 390kW range-topper or the long-range 230kW version.
Regardless of the outputs it’s clear the car had spent a good amount of time in the country, going by the amount of signature Aussie red dirt still present on the tyres as well as on the flatbed truck’s tray.
The sighting has caused quite the stir online, attracting more than 66 comments on the post (in three days), many of which asked about the location and hypothesised pricing.
One user said they were told by a BYD representative the Seal order book could open before the end of February.
We’re yet to hear back from BYD Australia, but carsales understands the Seal will be released locally in the second half of the year, with pricing and specification details all yet to be locked in.
BYD’s answer to the Tesla Model 3, the Seal and the smaller BYD Dolphin hatch will join the Atto 3 small SUV in the Chinese brand’s Aussie line-up, but both models will face stiff competition from upcoming GWM Ora hatch and sedan models also due on sale here this year.
Related: BYD Seal 2022 Review – International
Related: New BYD Seal takes aim at Tesla Model 3
Related: BYD lays foundation to launch six new models in Australia
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