The 2025 BYD Seal 6 presents a compelling value proposition in the electric vehicle market, undercutting established rivals on price while offering competitive range and features. However, the vehicle falls short of class standards in ride comfort and handling dynamics.
Ride Quality & Suspension
The Seal 6’s powertrain is smooth and refined, but the suspension feels stiff and unforgiving. Urban roads reveal a leaden, bumpy ride, with noticeable fidgeting even on relatively smooth surfaces. Surprisingly, smaller 17-inch wheels don’t noticeably improve ride quality over larger 18-inch options.
This impacts real-world usability, as many drivers prioritize comfort for daily commutes and long journeys. The suspension’s stiffness doesn’t translate into confident handling; instead, it introduces instability over mid-corner compressions, resulting in a somewhat unsettling experience.
Handling & Stability
Steering is accurately weighted, but the car lacks dynamic sparkle. On wet surfaces, the Seal 6 exhibits a tendency toward understeer that can quickly transition to lazy oversteer, even before the electronic stability program intervenes. Light loadings cause the car to skitter over uneven surfaces, requiring heightened driver attention in challenging conditions.
This contrasts sharply with competitors like the Volkswagen Golf or Skoda Superb, which deliver a more composed and predictable driving experience.
Driver Assistance Systems
The Seal 6’s driver assistance systems are functional but unrefined. Lane-keeping assistance and speed limit warnings are relatively easy to disable, but the driver attention monitor is overly sensitive and irritating. Adaptive cruise control has not yet been fully tested.
Pricing & Value
Despite its shortcomings, the Seal 6’s pricing remains a significant advantage. It undercuts plug-in hybrid rivals like the Golf and Leon by a substantial margin, while offering more interior space. Specifying a Skoda Superb to a similar equipment level can easily add £10,000 to the price tag.
Verdict
The BYD Seal 6 is not a driver’s car. If driving pleasure and refinement are top priorities, alternatives such as the Golf or Superb offer superior experiences. However, for buyers prioritizing value, comprehensive equipment, and frugality, the Seal 6 represents a viable option — provided they are willing to compromise on ride and handling.
The Seal 6’s greatest strength lies in its affordability, making it a compelling choice for budget-conscious families seeking an electric vehicle with competitive specifications.
