The BYD Seal and Tesla Model 3 stand as two of the most compelling electric saloons on the European market today. While the Model 3 has long been the benchmark for efficiency and technology, the BYD Seal brings a distinctly Chinese take on performance and refinement. The Seal has been available in Europe since 2023, and its competitive pricing and design make it a natural rival to Tesla’s best-seller.
Meanwhile, an updated version of the Seal with 800V architecture and LiDAR technology is already on sale in China, but there is currently no confirmation on when that model will arrive in Europe. For potential buyers, it might be worth waiting for that upgrade before making a purchase decision.
Table of Contents
- Trims and Equipment
- Battery and Range
- Performance
- Warranty
- Pricing in Europe
- Technology & Ownership Experience
- Verdict
- FAQ
Trims and Equipment
In Europe, the BYD Seal comes in three versions: the Comfort (RWD), Design (RWD), and Excellence (AWD). Both the Comfort and Design trims emphasize efficiency and comfort, while the Excellence model delivers more power and all-wheel-drive capability. All versions come with high-quality interiors, a rotating 15.6-inch infotainment display, and advanced driver-assistance systems.
The Tesla Model 3 is available in Europe in several trims: RWD, Long Range RWD, Long Range AWD, and Performance AWD. The Performance variant comes with the sportiest setup with dual-motor all-wheel drive, upgraded brakes, and lowered suspension, while all variants offers a minimalist design and continuously improving software.
When it comes to safety, both models earned five-star ratings in Euro NCAP testing. The BYD Seal scored particularly well in occupant protection, while the Tesla Model 3 remains one of the most rigorously tested EVs on the market. Practicality is another strong point for both cars, although Tesla still leads slightly with its total luggage space when including the frunk.
| Feature | BYD Seal | Tesla Model 3 |
|---|---|---|
| Boot capacity | 400 L | 682 L |
| Frunk | 53 L | 88 L |
| Seating capacity | 5 | 5 |
| ISOFIX mounting points | 2 rear | 2 rear |
| Euro NCAP safety rating | 5 stars | 5 stars |
Battery and Range
The BYD Seal is built on the company’s e-Platform 3.0 and uses its in-house Blade Battery, known for its safety and efficiency. The base Comfort trim is equipped with a 61.4 kWh Blade Battery, providing a WLTP range of around 460 km, which is the main difference compared to the next trim, the Design version, which comes with an 82.5 kWh LFP battery delivering a WLTP range of 570 km. The AWD Excellence version, with the same larger battery, offers 520 km.
The Tesla Model 3 RWD, using an LFP pack, provides up to 520 km (WLTP), the Long Range AWD provides up to 660 km, while the Long Range RWD variant extends that to around 750 km.
Charging performance differs as well. The BYD Seal supports up to 150 kW DC charging, taking approximately 37 minutes for a 10–80% top-up. The Tesla Model 3 can charge faster, reaching up to 250 kW on the company’s Supercharger network, allowing shorter charging sessions under ideal conditions.
| Area | BYD Seal Comfort (RWD) | BYD Seal Design (RWD) | BYD Seal Excellence (AWD) | Tesla Model 3 RWD | Tesla Model 3 RWD Long Range | Tesla Model 3 AWD Long Range | Tesla Model 3 AWD Performance |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Battery | 61.4 kWh | 82.5 kWh | 82.5 kWh | 60 kWh | 79 kWh | 79 kWh | 79 kWh |
| Battery Type | LFP (Blade Battery) | LFP (Blade Battery) | LFP (Blade Battery) | LFP | NMC | NMC | NMC |
| Architecture | 400V | 400V | 400V | 400V | 400V | 400V | 400V |
| Range (WLTP) | 460 km | 570 km | 520 km | 513 km | 629 km | 629 km | 528 km |
| Consumption (WLTP) | 15.4 kWh/100 km | 16.6 kWh/100 km | 17.4 kWh/100 km | 13.8 kWh/100 km | 13.6 kWh/100 km | 14.3 kWh/100 km | 16.5 kWh/100 km |
| Charging Speed | 110 kW DC | 150 kW DC | 150 kW DC | 170 kW DC | 250 kW DC | 250 kW DC | 250 kW DC |
| DC Charge 10–80% | 37 min | 37 min | 37 min | 24 min | 29 min | 29 min | 29 min |
| Heat Pump | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Performance
The BYD Seal Design RWD produces 230 kW and reaches 100 km/h in 5.9 s, while the AWD Excellence trim produces 390 kW and 3.8 s. The Tesla Model 3 RWD accelerates in 6.1 s, the Long Range AWD in 4.4 s, and the Performance AWD hits 0–100 km/h in just 3.1 s, with a top speed of 262 km/h. Torque and drive layout differ accordingly: dual-motor AWD in Performance versus single-motor RWD in base trims.
| Area | BYD Seal Comfort (RWD) | BYD Seal Design (RWD) | BYD Seal Excellence (AWD) | Tesla Model 3 RWD | Tesla Model 3 RWD Long Range | Tesla Model 3 AWD Long Range | Tesla Model 3 AWD Performance |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Drive | RWD | RWD | AWD | RWD | RWD | AWD | AWD |
| Max Power | 170 kW | 230 kW | 390 kW | 208 kW | 235 kW | 366 kW | 461 kW |
| Max Torque | 380 Nm | 360 Nm | 670 Nm | 420 Nm | 450 Nm | 493 Nm | 741 Nm |
| Acceleration 0-100 km/h | 7.5 s | 5.9 s | 3.8 s | 6.1 s | 5.2 s | 4.4 s | 3.1 s |
| Max Speed | 220 km/h | 180 km/h | 180 km/h | 201 km/h | 201 km/h | 201 km/h | 262 km/h |
Warranty
BYD offers six years/150,000 km for the vehicle, eight years/200,000 km for the battery, drive unit coverage of six years/150,000 km, and other protections like paintwork and body corrosion. Tesla’s warranty for the Model 3 RWD, Long Range, and Performance trims is four years/80,000 km for the vehicle and eight years/192,000 km for the battery, with a minimum mileage warranty for drive units.
| Warranty | BYD Seal | Tesla Model 3 |
|---|---|---|
| Vehicle | 6 years/150,000 km | 4 years/80,000 km |
| Battery | 8 years/200,000 km | 8 years/192,000 km |
| Drive Unit | 8 years/150,000 km | 8 years/192,000 km |
| Supplemental Restraint System | No data | 5 years/100,000 km |
| Paint Work | 3 years | No data |
| Bodywork Anti-Corrosion | 12 years/unlimited | 12 years/unlimited |
| Roadside Assistance | 6 years | 4 years/80,000 km |
Pricing in Europe
In Europe, the Tesla Model 3 benefits from an extensive sales and charging network, while the BYD Seal is gradually expanding its presence in key markets. Recently, BYD added the Comfort trim to the Seal lineup, offering a smaller 61.4 kWh battery but keeping a similar level of equipment as the higher trims, allowing the brand to stay competitive. Pricing for the Seal Comfort trim starts at €39,990 in some markets. The Tesla Model 3 RWD trim is listed in Europe with a starting price at €30,130 in Norway, but it is more expensive elsewhere. Availability, lead times, and specific configurations may vary significantly by country.
| Country | BYD Seal Price (from) | Tesla Model 3 Price (from) |
|---|---|---|
| Denmark | 319,995 DKK (€42,850) | 299,990 DKK (€40,170) |
| France | €41,990 | €36,551 |
| Germany | €46,990 | €39,990 |
| Netherlands | €41,690 | €39,990 |
| Norway | 469,900 NOK (€39,900) | 354,919 NOK (€30,130) |
| United Kingdom | 45,705 GBP (€52,000) | 39,990 GBP (€45,500) |
Note: The prices listed in the table reflect only the entry-level models in each market. Prices for other trims in each country can be found in the official configurator.
Technology & Ownership Experience
Tesla remains strong thanks to its Supercharger network, regular over‑the‑air software updates and strong resale value. BYD counters with its Blade LFP battery technology, noted for safety and longer life, and very competitive specification for the price. Prospective buyers should evaluate local charging infrastructure, service network, software ecosystem and real‑world charging performance. Because the updated BYD Seal with 800 V architecture and lidar is probably coming to Europe, buyers interested in the fastest future charging may consider waiting.
Verdict
If your priority is proven charging infrastructure, strong resale value and well‑established service support, the Tesla Model 3 remains a strong choice. If you’re seeking excellent value, advanced battery safety and generous specification, the BYD Seal presents a compelling alternative. For European buyers the key decision factors will include service network local to them, delivery lead times, real‑world charging performance and whether to wait for the next‑generation update.
FAQ
Which European markets sell each model?
Tesla Model 3 is widely available across most European countries including Germany, UK, France, Netherlands and Norway. The BYD Seal is available in select European countries and expanding; check local availability and lead‑times.
What are the main differences in trims and equipment?
The BYD Seal Comfort trim features a 61.4 kWh battery and ~460 km WLTP range. The Design and Excellence trims offer an 82.5 kWh battery with ~570 km and ~520 km ranges respectively. The Tesla Model 3 range covers base RWD, Long Range variants with WLTP figures ranging from 513 to 629 km, while the Performance trim offers dual‑motor AWD and sports‑car level output.
How do battery and charging compare?
The BYD Seal supports DC charging 110‑150 kW depending on trim, with 10‑80% times in 37‑minute range. The Tesla Model 3 Performance and Long Range trims support up to ~250 kW DC charging and 10‑80% charge sessions of around 29 minutes in Europe on high‑power chargers.
What warranty coverage is offered?
BYD offers 6 yrs/150,000 km for the vehicle and 8 yrs/200,000 km for the battery. Tesla provides approximately 4 yrs/80,000 km for the vehicle and 8 yrs/192,000 km for the battery.
Should I wait for the updated BYD Seal?
If you value faster charging and advanced driver‑assistance features such as lidar, consider waiting for the updated version of the Seal with 800 V architecture that is currently offered in China but not yet confirmed for Europe.
What should I check before buying?
Important checks include local service network coverage, actual delivery lead‑time, home‑charging setup, public fast‑charging availability in your region, and how the model you choose fits your driving habits (range, charging speed, seating and cargo requirements).
Featured Image Credit: BYD/Tesla
