BYD Seal 06 Car Diary

I've had the car for almost a month now. I got my driver’s license in mid-July, and as a newbie, I find the car to be quite user-friendly and easy to drive. I’m particularly satisfied with the 360-degree view feature.

Car Purchase Experience:

I started looking into cars online last year, initially considering electric cars for city commuting. I was torn between the BYD Seagull, BINGO, and the JAC Yiwei 3. I kept an eye on these options until I got my driver’s license this year. Then, I saw the new BYD Seal 06, which my family also recommended. We decided to visit the dealership, and I was impressed by the car’s design, interior, and comfortable seats. The only issue was that, being a new release, there weren’t any discounts. I was a bit hesitant, especially since they said I’d have to wait two months for delivery. While I wasn’t in a rush, I was still unsure about the price.

At first, I wasn’t really considering a hybrid since I had concerns about the battery not lasting more than a few years. I initially thought about getting the 10.98K model with 80 km range, but my family suggested I go for the 11.98K model with a 120 km range. I was a bit indecisive, but then a few days later, my family contacted a friend who told us there was a 11.98K model in stock. After some thought, I decided to go for it. We went to the dealership on July 20th, placed the order on July 24th, and picked up the car on July 31st. I’ve been driving it for almost a month now, and I’m glad I chose the 120 km range. The driving experience is completely different from the 80 km version, which wouldn’t have been enough for me unless I were mostly running it on gasoline.

Driving Experience:

At first, I ran on gasoline for about a week, but then I switched to using electric mode. A full charge gives me around 80-90 km of range, and I usually recharge when the battery drops to around 15%. Since it's been hot, I often pre-cool the car with the AC, play music, and use the navigation system. I usually drive back home on Sundays, but I haven’t installed a home charging station yet, so I use public charging stations. It’s about 30 km each way, so I end up charging twice a week. After driving to work (which is 6 km one way), I recharge again, and then charge it again on Friday night before heading home on Saturday. That’s the hassle of driving a hybrid—you have to recharge frequently.

Car System Features:

I’m used to using Baidu Maps, but the car’s built-in navigation system doesn’t integrate with Baidu Maps, so I can’t display it on the dashboard. The car also comes with pre-installed apps like Kuwo Music and Kugou Music, which I don’t use, and they can’t be deleted. So, I just move them to the end of the list so I don’t see them. Other apps are quite useful, though.

Storage Space:

The space is perfect for me. I’m 165 cm tall and weigh 92 pounds, so it’s comfortable for me to sit. However, one time I took my cousin, who is 192 cm tall, and his head was almost touching the roof. So, for taller people, it might feel a bit cramped. The rear seats are fine as long as the front seats aren’t pushed too far back, and the trunk space is similar to a regular sedan. I think the space is pretty decent overall.

Driving Impressions:

I have to say, the car drives really smoothly. However, I did notice once when I was driving on an elevated road and reached a speed of 120 km/h, the car felt very light and somewhat unstable. There was also another time when I was driving at 80 km/h on a windy day, and a gust of wind pushed the car slightly to the side. Luckily, I was holding the steering wheel tightly, so nothing serious happened, and there weren’t many cars around. That was a bit scary, but under normal conditions, the car handles well. Wind noise is minimal with the windows closed, except when the battery is low, and you can hear the engine charging. Otherwise, there aren’t many other noises. The car accelerates quickly and drives smoothly. As a new driver, I really appreciate the 360-degree view feature.

Summary:

The car feels very smooth to drive, and the body is light. Turning is smooth, acceleration is quick, and it’s easy to take off at a green light. It’s great for city driving with speeds between 30 and 70 km/h. The brakes are also smooth with no harsh jolts. As for the range, I think it’s pretty decent, even though the range estimate can be a little off at times. Overall, I’m very satisfied with the car. However, the assisted driving features are a bit limited. Also, like many new cars, there’s a slight odor inside when you first get it, but after leaving the car in the sun for a few days, the smell faded. There’s still a bit of a smell when I use the AC, but it’s bearable. One issue I’ve noticed is that sometimes when I press the brake and try to shift gears, the car doesn’t respond right away. I’m not sure if it’s just me not reacting fast enough. Otherwise, the car is great and easy to get used to.

About BYD Seal 06

The BYD Seal 06 is a compact plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) from BYD, designed to cater to the needs of urban commuters and environmentally-conscious drivers. Part of the BYD Ocean series, it combines the benefits of electric driving with the convenience of a gasoline engine for extended range, making it a versatile choice for those who want both city-friendly electric efficiency and longer-distance driving capability.

Key Features:

1. Powertrain and Range:

   • The Seal 06 is equipped with a plug-in hybrid system that offers two main driving modes: fully electric and hybrid.
   • Two versions are available with different electric ranges:
     • 80 km (50 miles) of electric-only driving range.
     • 120 km (75 miles) of electric-only range, which is useful for longer urban commutes.
   • It combines a battery for electric driving with a gasoline engine that kicks in for longer trips, reducing range anxiety.

2. Performance:

   • The car is known for its smooth acceleration, thanks to the instant torque provided by the electric motor.
   • It offers a stable and responsive driving experience in city traffic, with speeds typically ranging between 30 to 70 km/h (18-43 mph).
   • However, at higher speeds, such as 120 km/h (75 mph), the car might feel light, which could affect stability on highways or in windy conditions.

3. Interior and Technology:

   • The Seal 06 comes with a modern, comfortable interior featuring a well-designed dashboard and user-friendly controls.
   • It includes a 360-degree camera system that provides a comprehensive view of the surroundings, which is especially helpful for new drivers or in tight urban spaces.
   • The car is equipped with advanced connectivity features, although integration with popular apps like Baidu Maps might be limited. It also comes with pre-installed apps such as Kuwo Music and Kugou Music.

4. Space and Comfort:

   • The seating is generally comfortable for most drivers, although taller passengers may find the headroom slightly limited.
   • The rear seat and trunk space are comparable to those in most compact sedans, making the Seal 06 practical for day-to-day use.

5. Safety and Driving Assistance:

   • While the Seal 06 includes some basic driving assistance features, like parking aids and stability control, its level of autonomous driving features is somewhat limited compared to more expensive models.
   • The car's lightweight design, though good for efficiency, can lead to a sense of instability during high-speed driving in windy conditions.

6. Battery and Charging:

   • The Seal 06 is designed for regular recharging, with a typical charging cycle providing enough power for urban commutes. For those without home charging stations, public charging infrastructure is an option, though it might require frequent stops depending on driving habits.

Conclusion:

The BYD Seal 06 is a well-rounded plug-in hybrid designed for drivers who want the benefits of electric driving without sacrificing the convenience of a gasoline engine. It's ideal for city driving and short commutes, with enough range to handle most daily tasks on electric power alone. The car offers smooth driving dynamics, modern features, and a comfortable interior, making it a strong contender in the hybrid compact segment. However, it may not be the best fit for those frequently driving long distances at high speeds or in challenging weather conditions.