Friday 31 January 2025 10:02 GMT Comments At 453 litres, the BYD Seal has slightly more storage than the Tesla. (BYD) By comparison, the entry-level Model 3 completes the standard sprint in 5.8 seconds – a tenth quicker than the base BYD Seal. But take the quicker version of the Seal, which costs £48,695, and compare it to the £49,990 Model 3 Long Range All-Wheel-Drive, and it’s the BYD that is quicker, by 0.4 seconds. The 2.9-second 0-60 mph time of the Model 3 Performance is, plainly, in an entirely different league of performance. Tesla Model 3 vs BYD Seal: Driving impressions The current Tesla Model 3 arrived in 2024 and included a host of upgrades over its predecessor. It rides better, is more comfortable, and feels better made than earlier examples of Model 3. It’s also quicker than ever, while boasting greater refinement than the first-generation Model 3, which launched back in 2017. The BYD Seal also offers decent refinement and comfort, although we recommend going for the less powerful of the two options. It might sound fun to go for the quick one, especially when it’s only slightly more expensive, but there’s little else to mark this out as a sports saloon, and it isn’t going to trouble similarly quick options from Germany any time soon. The Seal is a comfortable and softly sprung car, so doesn’t really benefit from extra power. We’re not sure we would quite call it luxurious, but it gets the basics right and as long as you don’t ask too much from the chassis, it performs well. The Tesla wins this category, but only just. It feels more composed than the BYD – a clear indication that this is a second-generation car with maturity and extra development time on its side. Tesla Model 3 vs BYD Seal: Interior, practicality and tech For the new Model 3, Tesla grabbed the minimalism dial and turned it all the way up to 11. The cabin of the old car was already spartan enough, but now there’s even less going on in here. It looks good, in a clean and clinical sort of way, and there’s no denying the spacious and airy feel of the Model 3. But, arguably, Tesla has gone too far with its removal of both the indicator and windscreen wiper stalks. These have been replaced by buttons on the steering wheel and, while you do eventually get used to them, they are a big step backwards for no apparent benefit other than cost-saving. It’s a shame, because the interior is otherwise very good. open image in gallery