VS
At a Glance
Power
390 kW
150 engine kW
Torque
670 Nm
320 Nm
Fuel
—
7.2 l/100km
Towing
1500 Kg
2100 Kg
0-100 km/h
3.8 s
7.5 s
Engine
electric cc
1999 cc
Choosing between the BYD Seal and the Mercedes-Benz E-Class is one of the most common decisions South African car buyers face. The BYD Seal delivers 390 kW while the Mercedes-Benz E-Class produces 150 engine kW. Pricing starts at R1 211 900 for the Seal and R1 334 267 for the E-Class. Both vehicles have their merits. The right choice depends on your priorities: fuel economy, performance, towing ability, safety features or total cost of ownership. This comparison covers every specification available so you can make an informed decision.
Performance
Power Output
390 kW
150 engine kW
Torque
670 Nm
320 Nm
0-100 kph
3.8 s
7.5 s
Top Speed
179 Km/h
240 Km/h
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
electric cc
1999 cc
Engine Layout
—
inline
Cylinders
—
4
Fuel Type
electric
petrol
Forced Induction Device
—
turbocharger
Transmission
automatic
automatic
Number of Gears
—
9
Drive Wheels
all
rear
Full Time 4x4
✓ Standard
—
Fuel Economy
Fuel Consumption Average
—
7.2 l/100km
Fuel Tank Capacity
82.6 kWh l
66 l
CO2 Emissions
—
163 g/km
Dimensions
Length
4800 mm
4949 mm
Width
1875-2150 mm
1880-2065 mm
Height
1460 mm
1468 mm
Wheelbase
2920 mm
2961 mm
Ground Clearance
145 mm
—
Kerb Weight
2185 Kg
1825 Kg
Doors
4
4
Seats
5
5
Load Volume
50 front + 400 rear l
540 l
Towing & Payload
Towing Capacity
1500 Kg
2100 Kg
Load Capacity
—
625 l
Safety
ABS
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
EBD
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Brake Assist
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Stability Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Traction Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Airbag Count
9
7 (opt 9)
Driver Airbag
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Passenger Airbag
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Side Airbags Front
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Curtain Airbags
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Features & Tech
Air Conditioning
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Climate Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Cruise Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Adaptive Cruise Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Bluetooth
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Satellite Navigation
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Reversing Camera
✓ Standard
Optional
Park Distance Rear
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Park Distance Front
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Sunroof
✓ Standard
Optional
Heated Seats
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Keyless Entry
✓ Standard
Optional
Tow Bar
—
Optional
Alloy Wheels
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Warranty & Service
Warranty Period
5 vehicle / 8 battery
2
Warranty Distance
100000 vehicle / 200000 battery Km
unlimited Km
Service Intervals
20000
service interval indicator
The Verdict
Which Wins?
Overall Winner
BYD Seal
2 / 4 categories
Performance
Seal
Fuel Economy
Tied
Value
Seal
Practicality
E-Class
Pros & Cons
BYD Seal
More powerful engine (390 kW)
Lower starting price (R1 211 900)
Quicker 0-100 km/h (3.8 ss)
Few notable weaknesses
Mercedes-Benz E-Class
Higher towing capacity (2100 Kg)
Less power than rival (150 engine kW vs 390 kW)
Higher starting price
Frequently Asked Questions
Which has more power, the Seal or E-Class?
The Seal produces 390 kW and 670 Nm of torque while the E-Class delivers 150 engine kW and 320 Nm of torque. The Seal is the more powerful option.
What is the price difference between the Seal and E-Class?
The Seal starts from R1 211 900 and the E-Class from R1 334 267. The Seal is cheaper by R122 367 at this variant level. Final on-the-road pricing varies by dealer and specification.
Which has a higher towing capacity, the Seal or E-Class?
The Seal has a braked towing capacity of 1500 Kg and the E-Class can tow 2100 Kg. Always verify towing limits in the owner's manual before hitching a trailer.
Should I buy the Seal or the E-Class?
It depends on your priorities. If fuel economy matters most, check the L/100km figures above. If you need towing capacity, compare the towing ratings. For day-to-day South African driving - load shedding runs, potholed roads, school runs and highway commutes - consider ground clearance, service network coverage, and total cost of ownership including insurance and maintenance. Use the spec tables above to compare every detail before making your decision.