@ BYD Auto / BYD Global Media
@ Tesla, Inc.
VS

BYD Seal U vs Tesla Model Y – Which one offers the better deal?

Both models have their strengths – but which one suits you more?
Compare performance, efficiency, price and space directly: BYD Seal U or Tesla Model Y?

Seal U @ BYD Auto / BYD Global Media

Street Presence: what people will notice first

The two cars present very different personalities at a glance: the BYD Seal U leans into sleek, swooping lines that whisper fastback elegance, while the Tesla Model Y projects a more utilitarian, upright crossover stance that reads as purposeful and familiar. Both manage to look modern in their own way, though the Seal U aims for head-turning style and the Model Y for confident understatement. That difference already sifts buyers: style-conscious drivers will be drawn to the Seal U’s sculpted silhouette, while pragmatists will appreciate the Model Y’s straightforward, broadly appealing presence.

Model Y @ Tesla, Inc.

Behind the wheel: how they feel on everyday roads

Drive impressions separate the pair more clearly than curb appeal: the Tesla Model Y feels taut and eager, rewarding brisk inputs with immediate responses and a sense of clean, linear acceleration, whereas the BYD Seal U soaks up surface imperfections and leans into a more composed, comfort-biased character. Steering in the Tesla is sharper and more confidence-inspiring at pace, while the BYD trades a bit of that edge for a cushioned, relaxed ride that will appeal after long days on the road. Both deliver satisfying propulsion, but their emotional tone is different — one sporty and direct, the other refined and forgiving.

Seal U @ BYD Auto / BYD Global Media

Cabin life: comfort, quality and daily ergonomics

Inside, the contrast continues: the Model Y sticks to Tesla’s minimalist recipe with a large central display that dominates the space and a breezy, open feel up front, while the Seal U cushions occupants with softer materials, a more layered dash design and additional physical controls for quick adjustments. Ergonomics are generally user-friendly in both, although people who prefer tactile switches and a cosseting ambience will favor the BYD, and those who like an uncluttered, tech-forward layout will lean toward Tesla. Practical touches like storage bins, seat comfort and overall finish are competitive in different ways, so the choice depends on whether you value luxury cues or streamlined functionality more.

Model Y @ Tesla, Inc.

Family reality check: seats, space and usability

When it comes to everyday family duties, the two take different approaches: the Model Y prioritizes flexible cargo carrying and easy access with a roomy, upright layout that makes loading and installing child seats straightforward, whereas the Seal U prioritizes a sleeker profile that slightly reshapes rear packaging and cargo access. Both can shoulder family errands, but one will suit buyers who regularly carry bulky loads or want fuss-free practicality, and the other will appeal more to those who want a sportier silhouette without giving up everyday usability. Think about how often you ferry people versus stuff — that will decide which compromise you tolerate most.

Seal U @ BYD Auto / BYD Global Media

Daily cost of ownership: the practical heartbeat

Running costs and convenience are where brand strategy matters as much as engineering: Tesla’s mature charging ecosystem and software polishing make long-distance routines and remote updates feel seamless, while the BYD counters with an attractive equipment level and economic positioning that eases the sticker-shock of stepping into a modern EV. Efficiency and real-world energy use swing the needle for commuters who spend most days in the car, and after-sales support, warranty thinking and expected upkeep will factor into long-term ownership satisfaction. Both cars present compelling ownership propositions — it’s a question of whether you favor ecosystem convenience or upfront value.

Model Y @ Tesla, Inc.

Which shopper will sleep best at night?

If you live on highways and care about steady, efficient cruising and an integrated charging experience, the Model Y will feel like the practical, no-nonsense choice; if you prize on-road comfort, a more luxurious cabin vibe and bolder styling for the money, the Seal U will be more tempting. Urban commuters, families with oversized cargo needs, tech enthusiasts and style-conscious drivers will all find reasons to pick one over the other, so consider your daily routine and which traits you can’t live without. Test drives that mimic real life — school runs, supermarket trips and motorway stretches — will make the difference clearer than any spec sheet.

Stick around — the DriveDuel verdict is coming

We’ve laid out how each car behaves, lives and appeals, but the final champion will be revealed in our full DriveDuel wrap‑up; keep reading to see which model takes the title and to find the nuanced recommendation that best fits your life.

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

Costs and Efficiency:

Price and efficiency are key factors when choosing a car – and this is often where the real differences emerge.

Both models are evenly matched in price – each starts at 34300 £.

In terms of energy consumption, the advantage goes to the Tesla Model Y: with 13.10 kWh per 100 km, it’s clearly more efficient than the BYD Seal U with 19.90 kWh. That’s a difference of about 6.80 kWh.

As for range, the Tesla Model Y performs to a small extent better – achieving up to 622 km, about 122 km more than the BYD Seal U.

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 Tesla Model Y has a clearly edge – offering 627 HP compared to 324 HP. That’s roughly 303 HP more horsepower.

In acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h, the Tesla Model Y is decisively 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 Tesla Model Y 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: BYD Seal U pulls slightly stronger with 550 Nm compared to 493 Nm. That’s about 57 Nm difference.

Space and Everyday Use:

Whether family car or daily driver – which one offers more room, flexibility and comfort?

Both vehicles offer seating for 5 people.

In curb weight, BYD Seal U is minimal lighter – 1940 kg compared to 1976 kg. The difference is around 36 kg.

In terms of boot space, the Tesla Model Y offers evident more room – 822 L compared to 552 L. That’s a difference of about 270 L.

In maximum load capacity, the Tesla Model Y performs distinct better – up to 2138 L, which is about 673 L more than the BYD Seal U.

When it comes to payload, Tesla Model Y a bit takes the win – 472 kg compared to 410 kg. That’s a difference of about 62 kg.

Who wins the race?

The Tesla Model Y proves to be outperforms in nearly all aspects and therefore becomes our DriveDuel Champion!
Tesla Model Y is the better all-rounder in this comparison.

from about £34,300
Model Y @ Tesla, Inc.

Tesla Model Y

  • Engine Type : Electric
  • Transmission : Automatic
  • Drive Type : All-Wheel Drive, Rear-Wheel Drive
  • Power HP : 299 - 627 HP
  • Consumption kWh/100km : 13.1 - 16.2 kWh
  • Electric Range : 534 - 622 km
details

BYD Seal U

5 (1)
rate

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.

details
BYD SEAL U 157 @ BYD Auto / BYD Global Media
BYD SEAL U 061 @ BYD Auto / BYD Global Media
BYD SEAL U 079 @ BYD Auto / BYD Global Media

Tesla Model Y

4.3 (3)
rate

The Tesla Model Y blends SUV practicality with sports-car poke, wrapping a roomy, minimalist cabin and handy hatch into a slick, aerodynamic package that feels more Silicon Valley gadget than garage ornament. It’s an ideal pick for buyers who want effortless electric driving, regular software improvements and access to Tesla’s convenient charging network, though style-conscious shoppers should know it’s more about tech and efficiency than classic luxury.

details
0x0-ModelY_07 @ Tesla, Inc.
0x0-ModelY_01 @ Tesla, Inc.
0x0-ModelY_17 @ Tesla, Inc.
0x0-ModelY_19 @ Tesla, Inc.

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Costs and Consumption
Price
34300 - 39800 £
Price
34300 - 53100 £
Consumption L/100km
0.4 - 1.2 L
Consumption L/100km
-
Consumption kWh/100km
19.9 - 20.5 kWh
Consumption kWh/100km
13.1 - 16.2 kWh
Electric Range
70 - 500 km
Electric Range
534 - 622 km
Battery Capacity
-
Battery Capacity
64.5 - 85 kWh
co2
0 - 26 g/km
co2
0 g/km
Fuel tank capacity
60 L
Fuel tank capacity
-

Dimensions and Body
Body Type
SUV
Body Type
SUV
Seats
5
Seats
5
Doors
5
Doors
5
Curb weight
1940 - 2147 kg
Curb weight
1976 - 2108 kg
Trunk capacity
425 - 552 L
Trunk capacity
822 L
Length
4775 - 4785 mm
Length
4790 - 4797 mm
Width
1890 mm
Width
1921 mm
Height
1668 - 1670 mm
Height
1611 - 1624 mm
Max trunk capacity
1440 - 1465 L
Max trunk capacity
2022 - 2138 L
Payload
410 kg
Payload
440 - 472 kg

Engine and Performance
Engine Type
Plugin Hybrid, Electric
Engine Type
Electric
Transmission
Automatic
Transmission
Automatic
Transmission Detail
CVT, Reduction Gearbox
Transmission Detail
Reduction Gearbox
Drive Type
Front-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
Drive Type
All-Wheel Drive, Rear-Wheel Drive
Power HP
218 - 324 HP
Power HP
299 - 627 HP
Acceleration 0-100km/h
5.9 - 9.6 s
Acceleration 0-100km/h
3.5 - 7.2 s
Max Speed
170 - 180 km/h
Max Speed
201 - 250 km/h
Torque
300 - 550 Nm
Torque
420 - 493 Nm
Number of Cylinders
4
Number of Cylinders
-
Power kW
160 - 238 kW
Power kW
220 - 461 kW
Engine capacity
1497 - 1498 cm3
Engine capacity
-

General
Model Year
2024
Model Year
2025
CO2 Efficiency Class
B, A
CO2 Efficiency Class
A
Brand
BYD
Brand
Tesla

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What drive types are available for the BYD Seal U?

The BYD Seal U is available as Front-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.