BYD is reaching almost omnipresent status worldwide, perhaps with the SUV types as the mass favorite. However, for those with a preference for the Tesla Model 3 sedan or the Model Y crossover, the Chinese automaker claps back with the fully electric Seal.

This BYD sedan comes in two variants—the Advanced RWD (this unit) and the Performance AWD—which differ slightly in power and range. However, there’s no difference with the exterior shell, which takes pride in being an iF Design Award recipient.

The midsize fastback carries sleek features inspired by the energy of the ocean, as with the rest of the brand’s Ocean Series fleet. The X-shape inspired anterior projects a sporty presence and ultra-modern flare. Details throughout the exterior exude dynamism and performance.

The interiors carry on its sporty character with the racing-style front seats on quilted leather upholstery as well as suede accents on the side doors. Seats are power-adjustable for height and seating preference, and legroom is ample for average height passengers but favors the more petite. Headroom is expansive given that the panoramic glass roof is a permanent fixture, and it surprisingly shields the outside heat from penetrating the indoor space. The five-seater can accommodate 450L of cargo space at the rear, and provides additional room at the frunk in place of an engine. However, it would be best to take note of ground clearance at full capacity. At 120mm unladen, the Seal’s height would be comparable to a sports coupe rather than a family sedan.

The cockpit is well-appointed and offers a calming atmosphere with a leather-upholstered dashboard and steering wheel. When most consoles accommodate charging for just one phone, the dual wireless mobile charging pads are a feature both driver and passenger can appreciate.

The digital approach to a multitude of controls and features is done in true BYD fashion, and the Seal is not shy with technological add-ons. From the driver’s instrument cluster monitor to the main touchscreen the size of a laptop at 15.6 inches, everything is within effortless reach. Due to its size, the touchscreen can be mechanically swiveled from landscape to portrait position to accommodate visibility on the driver side. Although some apps like Apple CarPlay only function while on the default landscape setting. Air-conditioning vents can’t be adjusted manually, and they require reverting to the touchscreen to move the vents around to the preferred direction.

With 510km worth of range on a single charge, the Seal’s entry-level electric model fares well as a contender compared to its rivals. The Performance AWD variant adds an additional 80km after one charge and delivers 670Nm of torque, while the Advanced RWD delivers a humbler 310Nm.

The Seal is a good performer on the road. It’s responsive and simple to maneuver in spite of the intelligent add-ons. A word of caution however, is that certain settings can complicate the driving experience. Because everything is digitalized, the car can function as if it had a mind of its own. Unless settings are customized to suit one’s comfort level, it can be off-putting. The Automatic Emergency Braking function, for example, might be better turned off as it may deploy inaccurately during rush-hour traffic situations. Other alerts like the Predictive Collision Warning can be adjusted or shut off altogether.

The Advanced RWD is priced at P1,998,000, which makes it reasonably priced against its competitors. Though Tesla might have the most popular electric sedans on the market, the Seal hails from the biggest electric car company in the world. With BYD having roots as a battery-manufacturing company before transitioning to automobiles, this performance sedan might be earning more points to take the spot as a market leader.