Compare performance (530 HP vs 490 HP), boot space and price (40,300 £ vs 40,700 £ ) at a glance. Find out which car is the better choice for you – BYD Seal or NIO ET5?
All details on performance, efficiency, range and trunk space can be found in the technical comparison below – including user reviews for both models.
In the rapidly evolving electric vehicle landscape, two strong competitors have emerged: the BYD Seal and the NIO ET5. With cutting-edge technology and impressive performance metrics, these sedans offer a glimpse into the future of sustainable driving. This article dives deep into their technical specifications, innovations, and overall value.
The BYD Seal showcases a sleek and modern sedan body type, measuring 4800 mm in length, 1875 mm in width, and standing 1460 mm tall. Its sporty profile hints at performance while offering a spacious interior with room for five passengers and a trunk capacity of 400 liters.
On the other hand, the NIO ET5 is designed as a hatchback, slightly smaller at 4790 mm in length but wider at 1960 mm. Its height of 1499 mm also contributes to a more rugged road presence. The ET5 boasts a trunk capacity of 386 liters, slightly smaller than the Seal yet still functional for daily use.
When it comes to powertrains, the BYD Seal offers both rear-wheel drive and all-wheel drive configurations, delivering a power output of 313 HP or a robust 530 HP in its higher trim. The electric range stands at an impressive 570 km, with a power consumption of about 16.6 kWh/100 km, underlining its efficiency. The Seal accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in just 5.9 seconds, and with a top speed of 180 km/h, it promises exhilarating performance.
Conversely, the NIO ET5 is a performance-oriented vehicle with its all-wheel drive, generating a peak output of 490 HP and a torque of 700 Nm, translating to a blistering acceleration of just 4 seconds from 0 to 100 km/h. Its maximum speed caps at an impressive 200 km/h, while an electric range of 590 km paired with a power consumption of 18.6 kWh/100 km highlights an admirable balance between power and efficiency.
Battery technology plays a crucial role in electric vehicles, and both contenders shine in this aspect. The BYD Seal is equipped with a robust lithium-iron-phosphate battery, promoting longevity and safety. The vehicle has a Curb Weight of 2055 kg and falls under the CO2 efficiency class 'A,' emitting zero CO2, making it environmentally friendly.
The NIO ET5 takes battery technology a step further with two options of 90 kWh and 73.5 kWh. This versatility offers consumers a tailored choice based on their range needs. Despite its higher weight (up to 2235 kg), the ET5 remains efficient, maintaining a CO2 efficiency class 'A' with zero emissions, thanks to its electric powertrain.
Both vehicles boast a range of innovative features designed for the modern driver. The BYD Seal emphasizes its suite of advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS) that enhance safety and provide a seamless driving experience. Features like adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assistance, and automatic emergency braking come standard, ensuring peace of mind while driving.
NIO has made a name for itself with its exclusive features, such as the Battery-as-a-Service (BaaS) model, which allows users to subscribe to battery services, reducing the initial purchase price of the car. The ET5 also includes a premium interior equipped with a sophisticated infotainment system, which integrates seamlessly with personal devices through advanced connectivity options.
In conclusion, both the BYD Seal and the NIO ET5 deliver exceptional value in the electric sedan segment. The Seal stands out for its solid range and efficiency, whereas the ET5 impresses with its performance and innovative features. The choice between the two will largely depend on consumer priorities—those seeking efficiency and spaciousness may lean towards the Seal, while performance and cutting-edge technology enthusiasts may prefer the NIO ET5.
As the electric vehicle market continues to grow, these two models represent just a fraction of the exciting possibilities that lie ahead for environmentally conscious drivers.
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 is marginally cheaper – starting at 40,300 £ , while the NIO ET5 costs 40,700 £ . That’s a price difference of around 437 £.
In terms of energy consumption, the BYD Seal is visibly more efficient: consuming 15.4 kWh/100km compared to 18.6 kWh/100km for the NIO ET5. That’s a difference of about 3.2 kWh/100km.
As for electric range, the NIO ET5 offers marginally more range – reaching up to 590 km, about 20 km more than the BYD Seal.
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 BYD Seal offers marginally more power – delivering 530 HP compared to 490 HP. That’s roughly 40 HP more horsepower.
When accelerating from 0 to 100 km/h, the BYD Seal is barely quicker – completing the sprint in 3.8 s, while the NIO ET5 takes 4 s. That’s about 0.2 s quicker.
Looking at top speed, the NIO ET5 is marginally faster – reaching 200 km/h, while the BYD Seal tops out at 180 km/h. The difference is around 20 km/h.
There’s also a difference in torque: the NIO ET5 delivers very slightly more torque with 700 Nm compared to 670 Nm. That’s about 30 Nm more.
Whether family car or daily driver – which one offers more room, flexibility and comfort?
Both vehicles offer seating for 5 people.
In terms of curb weight, BYD Seal is moderately lighter – 1,907 kg compared to 2,215 kg. The difference is around 308 kg.
Looking at boot space, the BYD Seal offers barely more boot space – 400 L compared to 386 L. That’s a difference of about 14 L.
When it comes to payload, the NIO ET5 carries barely more – 475 kg compared to 473 kg. That’s a difference of about 2 kg.
The BYD Seal leads convincingly in the objective data comparison.
This result only shows which model scores more points on paper – not which of the two cars feels right for you.
The BYD Seal is a sleek electric fastback that punches above its class with sporty looks and a surprisingly premium cabin, offering a very modern alternative for buyers who want style and substance without the badge snobbery. On the road it feels composed and eager, packed with tech and everyday practicality—ideal for shoppers after eco-friendly performance with a cheeky wink.
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NIO ET5 arrives with sleek, minimalist lines and a cabin that feels more like a calm lounge than a dashboard, delivering a composed drive that keeps motorway monotony at bay. Tech is smart rather than showy, and the brand’s novel ownership options make it an appealing choice for buyers who want electric convenience without the usual headaches — plus it brings enough personality to make charging stops less boring.
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Costs and Consumption |
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Price
40,300 - 45,400 £
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Price
40,700 - 58,700 £
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Consumption L/100km
-
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Consumption L/100km
-
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Consumption kWh/100km
15.4 - 18.2 kWh/100km
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Consumption kWh/100km
18.6 - 18.9 kWh/100km
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Electric Range
460 - 570 km
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Electric Range
456 - 590 km
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Battery Capacity
-
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Battery Capacity
73.5 - 90 kWh
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co2
0 g/km
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co2
0 g/km
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Fuel tank capacity
-
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Fuel tank capacity
-
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Dimensions and Body |
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Body Type
Sedan
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Body Type
Hatchback
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Seats
5
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Seats
5
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Doors
4
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Doors
5
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Curb weight
1,907 - 2,185 kg
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Curb weight
2,215 - 2,235 kg
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Trunk capacity
400 L
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Trunk capacity
386 L
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Length
4,800 mm
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Length
4,790 mm
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Width
1,875 mm
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Width
1,960 mm
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Height
1,460 mm
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Height
1,499 mm
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Max trunk capacity
-
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Max trunk capacity
1,135 L
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Payload
446 - 473 kg
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Payload
455 - 475 kg
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Engine and Performance |
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Engine Type
Electric
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Engine Type
Electric
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Transmission
Automatic
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Transmission
Automatic
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Transmission Detail
Reduction Gearbox
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Transmission Detail
Reduction Gearbox
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Drive Type
Rear-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
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Drive Type
All-Wheel Drive
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Power HP
231 - 530 HP
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Power HP
490 HP
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Acceleration 0-100km/h
3.8 - 7.5 s
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Acceleration 0-100km/h
4 s
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Max Speed
180 km/h
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Max Speed
200 km/h
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Torque
360 - 670 Nm
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Torque
700 Nm
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Number of Cylinders
-
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Number of Cylinders
-
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Power kW
170 - 390 kW
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Power kW
360 kW
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Engine capacity
-
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Engine capacity
-
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General |
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Model Year
2,023 - 2,025
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Model Year
2023
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CO2 Efficiency Class
A
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CO2 Efficiency Class
A
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Brand
BYD
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Brand
NIO
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Deutschland
France
Nederland
Great Britain
Sverige
Danmark
Suomi
Italia
Polska
España