BYD Seal vs Tesla Model 3

The BYD Seal starts from $46,990 before on-road costs, while the Tesla Model 3 opens at $54,900. That makes the BYD Seal the more affordable entry point by $7,910.

Once you factor in stamp duty, registration, CTP insurance, and dealer delivery, expect to add roughly 8-12% on top of the RRP depending on your state. That puts estimated driveaway prices in the ballpark of $51,689 and $60,390 respectively.

Both models qualify for Fringe Benefit Tax (FBT) exemption, which is a significant advantage for salary-sacrificed novated leases. Depending on your tax bracket, this can save $5,000-$15,000+ per year compared to an equivalent ICE vehicle.

Both the BYD Seal and Tesla Model 3 hold a 5-star ANCAP safety rating. Adult occupant protection scored 89% for the BYD Seal and 96% for the Tesla Model 3.

Where the two diverge is in active safety technology. The Tesla Model 3 packs more ADAS features with 8 out of 10 key systems fitted, compared to 6 in the BYD Seal.

Both include the essentials: autonomous emergency braking, lane keep assist, adaptive cruise control, a reversing camera. Airbag count is 7 in the BYD Seal and 8 in the Tesla Model 3.

The BYD Seal features a 15.6-inch touchscreen, while the Tesla Model 3 gets a 15.4-inch display.

The BYD Seal stands out with wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, power tailgate and Dynaudio audio that you will not find on the Tesla Model 3. The Tesla Model 3 counters with ambient lighting. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.

The BYD Seal uses a Electric producing 150kW and 310Nm of torque, sent through a auto to a RWD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 5.9 seconds.

The Tesla Model 3 responds with a Electric Motor making 208kW and 340Nm, paired to a automatic driving the rear wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 6.1 seconds.

The Tesla Model 3 has the clear power advantage at 208kW vs 150kW. In the real-world sprint, the BYD Seal is 0.2s quicker. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.

Battery: 61.4kWh (BYD Seal) vs 60kWh (Tesla Model 3), giving WLTP ranges of 460km and 620km. DC fast charging peaks at 110kW (BYD Seal) vs 170kW (Tesla Model 3).

The BYD Seal measures 4,800mm long on a 2,920mm wheelbase, 80mm longer than the Tesla Model 3 at 4,720mm (2,875mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the BYD Seal generally means more rear legroom.

Boot space is 400L in the BYD Seal and 682L in the Tesla Model 3, giving the Tesla Model 3 a 282L advantage.

For towing, the Tesla Model 3 leads with a 1,000kg braked capacity vs 1,000kg. That 0kg difference matters if you regularly hitch up.

Running cost data is not yet available for both models. We will update when figures are confirmed.

Warranty: 6 years / 150,000km (BYD Seal) vs 5 years / 80,000km (Tesla Model 3). The BYD Seal has longer coverage.