"Biggest moment in Australian automotive history": BYD claims it will outshine any Ford Falcon or Holden Commodore launch as Seal electric car finally arrives to take on the Tesla Model 3

BYD has made the boldest of claims about its newest EV, describing tonight's Seal launch as "possibly the biggest moment in Australian automotive history", suggesting the EV's arrival will outshine anything Ford, Holden, FPV or HSV managed while producing cars here.

The claim was made by EV Direct (the company that brings BYD models like the Atto 3 and Dolphin into Australia) boss Luke Todd, as the clock counted down to tonight's launch.

"Possibly the biggest moment in Australian automotive history will happen... tonight," he said. "Tune in for the online launch when the BYD Seal goes on sale – rEV head has evolved."

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Mr Todd has been busy hyping up the Seal launch, having previously described the electric vehicle as "arguably the most anticipated new car of 2023."

2024 BYD Seal pricing (before on-road costs)

BYD Seal Dynamic - $49,888

• BYD Blade Battery - 61.44kWh
• Maximum Power - 150kW
• Maximum Torque - 310Nm
• Range - 460km WLTP
• 0-100km/h in 7.5s
• Rear-wheel drive

BYD Seal Premium - $58,798

• BYD Blade Battery - 82.56kWh
• Maximum Power - 230kW
• Maximum Torque - 360Nm
• Range - 570km WLTP
• 0-100km/h in 5.9s
• Rear-wheel drive

BYD Seal Performance - $68,798

• BYD Blade Battery - 82.56kWh
• Maximum Power - 390kW
• Maximum Torque - 670Nm
• 0-100km/h in 3.8s
• AWD dual motor system
• Range - 520km WLTP

The entry-level Model 3 RWD lists at $57,400, the Long Range at $70,400 and the flagship Performance at $83,400.

"Seal is our premium vehicle, but it will be a premium vehicle at a very attractive price point. Can’t quite tell you the price yet, but it will be well received when we release it,” Mr Todd told CarsGuide.

The Seal will be sold in rear- and all-wheel-drive form, and will be fitted with a sizeable 82.5kWh Blade battery that should deliver between 520kms and 570kms, depending on the motor configuration.

The BYD Seal’s standard features list includes a rotatable 15.6-inch central multimedia screen, a configurable digital dash, a panoramic sunroof, a 12-speaker Dynaudio Premium sound system and heated sports front seats.

What is unlikely to be revealed tonight, though you never know, is the Seal U –a Tesla Model Y-fighting electric SUV that has been spotted testing in Australia.

With it, BYD will have a genuine Model 3 and Model Y rival, while continuing to play in segments Tesla hasn't yet conquered.

One thing is clear, the EV wars are only heating up.