@ BMW Group Press
@ BYD Auto / BYD Global Media
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BMW 3 Series Saloon vs BYD Seal U – Which one offers the better deal?

Two cars, one duel: BMW 3 Series Saloon meets BYD Seal U.
Which one wins in performance, efficiency and value for money? Find out now!

Here’s where it gets real: The technical differences in detail

3 Series Saloon @ BMW Group Press

Costs and Efficiency:

Price and efficiency are often the first things buyers look at. Here it becomes clear which model has the long-term edge – whether at the pump, the plug, or in purchase price.

BYD Seal U has a a bit advantage in terms of price – it starts at 34300 £, while the BMW 3 Series Saloon costs 39900 £. That’s a price difference of around 5665 £.

Fuel consumption also shows a difference: BYD Seal U manages with 0.40 L and is therefore significantly more efficient than the BMW 3 Series Saloon with 2.40 L. The difference is about 2 L per 100 km.

As for range, the BYD Seal U performs significantly better – achieving up to 500 km, about 399 km more than the BMW 3 Series Saloon.

Seal U @ BYD Auto / BYD Global Media

Engine and Performance:

Power, torque and acceleration are the classic benchmarks for car enthusiasts – and here, some clear differences start to show.

When it comes to engine power, the BMW 3 Series Saloon has a distinct edge – offering 530 HP compared to 324 HP. That’s roughly 206 HP more horsepower.

In acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h, the BMW 3 Series Saloon is significantly quicker – completing the sprint in 3.50 s, while the BYD Seal U takes 5.90 s. That’s about 2.40 s faster.

In terms of top speed, the BMW 3 Series Saloon performs noticeable better – reaching 250 km/h, while the BYD Seal U tops out at 180 km/h. The difference is around 70 km/h.

There’s also a difference in torque: BMW 3 Series Saloon pulls evident stronger with 700 Nm compared to 550 Nm. That’s about 150 Nm difference.

3 Series Saloon @ BMW Group Press

Space and Everyday Use:

Cabin size, boot volume and payload all play a role in everyday practicality. Here, comfort and flexibility make the difference.

Both vehicles offer seating for 5 people.

In curb weight, BMW 3 Series Saloon is clearly perceptible lighter – 1575 kg compared to 1940 kg. The difference is around 365 kg.

In terms of boot space, the BYD Seal U offers somewhat more room – 552 L compared to 480 L. That’s a difference of about 72 L.

When it comes to payload, BMW 3 Series Saloon to a small extent takes the win – 495 kg compared to 410 kg. That’s a difference of about 85 kg.

Who wins the race?

The BYD Seal U proves to be is largely superior and therefore becomes our DriveDuel Champion!
BYD Seal U is the better all-rounder in this comparison.

from about £34,300
Seal U @ BYD Auto / BYD Global Media

BYD Seal U

  • Engine Type : Plugin Hybrid, Electric
  • Transmission : Automatic
  • Drive Type : Front-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
  • Power HP : 218 - 324 HP
  • Consumption L/100km : 0.4 - 1.2 L
  • Consumption kWh/100km : 19.9 - 20.5 kWh
  • Electric Range : 70 - 500 km

BMW 3 Series Saloon

The BMW 3 Series Saloon seamlessly blends elegance with sporty performance, offering a driving experience that's both dynamic and refined. Its meticulously crafted interior and intuitive technology create a comfortable and connected environment for both driver and passengers. On the road, the 3 Series delivers agile handling and a smooth ride, making it a standout choice in its class.

details

BYD Seal U

5 (1)
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The BYD Seal U pairs a sleek fastback silhouette with a surprisingly roomy, tech-rich cabin, giving electric chic without the showroom pretension. It's a smart pick for buyers after confident handling, sensible practicality and standout value — all wrapped up with a cheeky grin when you put your foot down.

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BMW 3 Series Saloon
BYD Seal U
3 Series Saloon @ BMW Group Press
Seal U @ BYD Auto / BYD Global Media

Costs and Consumption

Price
39900 - 91000 £
Price
34300 - 39800 £
Consumption L/100km
2.4 - 10.1 L
Consumption L/100km
0.4 - 1.2 L
Consumption kWh/100km
-
Consumption kWh/100km
19.9 - 20.5 kWh
Electric Range
96 - 101 km
Electric Range
70 - 500 km
Battery Capacity
19.50 kWh
Battery Capacity
-
co2
54 - 227 g/km
co2
0 - 26 g/km
Fuel tank capacity
40 - 59 L
Fuel tank capacity
60 L

Dimensions and Body

Body Type
Sedan
Body Type
SUV
Seats
5
Seats
5
Doors
4
Doors
5
Curb weight
1575 - 1960 kg
Curb weight
1940 - 2147 kg
Trunk capacity
375 - 480 L
Trunk capacity
425 - 552 L
Length
4713 - 4801 mm
Length
4775 - 4785 mm
Width
1827 - 1903 mm
Width
1890 mm
Height
1437 - 1446 mm
Height
1668 - 1670 mm
Max trunk capacity
-
Max trunk capacity
1440 - 1465 L
Payload
405 - 495 kg
Payload
410 kg

Engine and Performance

Engine Type
Diesel MHEV, Petrol, Petrol MHEV, Plugin Hybrid
Engine Type
Plugin Hybrid, Electric
Transmission
Automatic, Manuel
Transmission
Automatic
Transmission Detail
Automatic Gearbox, Manual Gearbox
Transmission Detail
CVT, Reduction Gearbox
Drive Type
Rear-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
Drive Type
Front-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
Power HP
150 - 530 HP
Power HP
218 - 324 HP
Acceleration 0-100km/h
3.5 - 8.6 s
Acceleration 0-100km/h
5.9 - 9.6 s
Max Speed
218 - 250 km/h
Max Speed
170 - 180 km/h
Torque
250 - 700 Nm
Torque
300 - 550 Nm
Number of Cylinders
4 - 6
Number of Cylinders
4
Power kW
110 - 390 kW
Power kW
160 - 238 kW
Engine capacity
1995 - 2998 cm3
Engine capacity
1497 - 1498 cm3

General

Model Year
2024 - 2025
Model Year
2024
CO2 Efficiency Class
D, E, F, G, B
CO2 Efficiency Class
B, A
Brand
BMW
Brand
BYD
What drive types are available for the BMW 3 Series Saloon?

The BMW 3 Series Saloon is offered with Rear-Wheel Drive or All-Wheel Drive.

The prices and data displayed are estimates based on German list prices and may vary by country. This information is not legally binding.