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BYD Seal vs Polestar 4
Selected trimDesignChange trim354 mi · 82.5 kWh · £45,730
Selected trimLong range Single motor · 2024-26Change trim391 mi · 100 kWh · £59,990
At a glance
In this comparison, BYD Seal leads on running costs and city driving, while the Polestar 4 leads on motorway range, family practicality and charging speed.
Which should you choose?
Choose the BYD Seal if...
- you want the lowest running costs - from just 2.3p per mile on off-peak electricity
- you need the best car for city driving and tight parking
Choose the Polestar 4 if...
- you do long motorway journeys - it has the best estimated real-world range at speed
- you need the most family-friendly option with good safety and space
- you need the fastest charging of these options
How we reached the recommendation
Verdict
Our take
The Polestar 4 leads in the most categories, but each car here has its strengths.
Value
BYD
6.3
Polestar
6
Too close to call
Motorway RangePolestar
BYD
3.1
Polestar
4.9
FamilyPolestar
BYD
6.7
Polestar
7.6
ChargingPolestar
BYD
2.4
Polestar
5.8
Cost Per MileBYD
BYD
3.4
Polestar
2.1
City DrivingBYD
BYD
3.6
Polestar
1.9
What each car does better
See the specification differences behind the verdict, with supporting figures for each advantage.
Polestar 4
Long range Single motor
- 37 miles more WLTP range
- 130 litres more boot space
- 50 kW faster rapid charging
- 750 kg more towing capacity
Key specifications
Compare the key specifications for your selected trims.
| Measure | BYD SealDesign | Polestar 4Long range Single motor |
|---|---|---|
| Price | £45,730 (better) | £59,990 |
| Official range | 354 miles | 391 miles (better) |
| Boot space | 400 L | 530 L (better) |
| 10-80% rapid charge | 37 min | 30 min (better) |
| 0-62 mph | 5.9 sec (better) | 6.2 sec |
Size Comparison
View:
Align by:
BYD Seal
Polestar 4
Length
BYD Seal4,800mm-40mm
Polestar 44,840mm
Width
BYD Seal1,875mm-133mm
Polestar 42,008mm
Height
BYD Seal1,460mm-96mm
Polestar 41,556mm
Space, size & parking
Parking & manoeuvring
Compare exterior dimensions to assess how each car fits UK parking spaces.
| Measure | BYD SealDesign | Polestar 4Long range Single motor |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 4,800 mm | 4,840 mm |
| Width (mirrors folded) | 1,875 mm (better) | 2,008 mm |
| Width with mirrors out | 2,150 mm | 2,139 mm (better) |
| Height | 1,460 mm | 1,556 mm |
| Turning circle | 11.2 m (better) | 11.6 m |
| Clearance in a standard bayA standard UK parking bay is 2,400 mm wide. | 525 mm spare (better) | 392 mm spare |
People & luggage
Compare seating, child-seat mounting points, boot space and towing capacity.
| Measure | BYD SealDesign | Polestar 4Long range Single motor |
|---|---|---|
| Seats | 5 | 5 |
| ISOFIX child-seat points | 3 (better) | 2 |
| Boot space (seats up) | 400 L | 530 L (better) |
| Boot space (seats down) | Not available | 1665 L |
| Frunk | 53 L (better) | 15 L |
| Towing capacity (braked) | 750 kg | 1,500 kg (better) |
How each stacks up
Percentile ranks against UK EVs of the same body style.
BYD Seal
- One of 33 of 232 UK EVs in our catalogue with V2L (vehicle-to-load) support.
- 11.2 m turning circle, tighter than 85% of saloon EVs in our database.
Polestar 4
- 391 mile WLTP range, longer than 95% of SUVs we track.
- At 4,840 mm, longer than 80% of SUVs we track.
- 2,999 mm wheelbase, longer than 90% of SUVs we track.
Full specifications
| Specification |  BYD Seal Design |  Polestar 4 Long range Single motor |
|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | ||
| Length | 4.80m | 4.84m+40mm |
| Width | 1.88m | 2.01m+133mm |
| Width (mirrors) | 2.15m | 2.14m-11mm |
| Height | 1.46m | 1.56m+96mm |
| Wheelbase | 2.92m | 3.00m+79mm |
| Ground Clearance | Not available | 166mm |
| Capacity | ||
| Boot (seats up) | 400L | 530L (better) |
| Boot (seats down) | Not available | 1665L |
| Frunk | 53L (better) | 15L |
| Seats | 5 | 5 |
| Practicality | ||
| Turning Circle | 11.2m (better) | 11.64m |
| Kerb Weight | 2,055kg (better) | 2,265kg |
| Towing Capacity | 750kg | 1,500kg (better) |
| Electric | ||
| Battery | 82.5kWh | 100kWh (better) |
| Range (WLTP) | 354 mi | 391 mi (better) |
| Max DC Charge | 150kW | 200kW (better) |
| Pricing | ||
| UK MSRP | £45,730 (better) | £59,990 |
| Details | ||
| Body Style | Saloon | suv |
| Available | 2023+ | 2024–2026 |
Range & charging
Range, charging & battery
Check official and estimated driving range alongside charging speeds, efficiency and battery technology.
| Measure | BYD SealDesign | Polestar 4Long range Single motor |
|---|---|---|
| Official range (WLTP) | 354 miles | 391 miles (better) |
| Estimated motorway rangeEVcarsguide estimate at sustained motorway speed. | 244 miles | 277 miles (better) |
| 10-80% rapid charge time | 37 min | 30 min (better) |
| Max rapid charge rate | 150 kW | 200 kW (better) |
| Home AC charging | 11 kW | 11 kW |
| Energy consumption | 166 Wh/km (better) | 178 Wh/km |
| Usable battery capacity | 82.5 kWh | 100 kWh (better) |
| Battery chemistry | LFP | NMC |
| Battery architecture | 400V | 400V |
| Heat pump | Standard | Standard |
Driving & everyday use
Performance & drivetrain
Compare acceleration, power and drivetrain specifications for the selected trims.
| Measure | BYD SealDesign | Polestar 4Long range Single motor |
|---|---|---|
| 0-62 mph | 5.9 sec (better) | 6.2 sec |
| Power | 230 kW (better) | 200 kW |
| Torque | 360 Nm (better) | 343 Nm |
| Drivetrain | RWD | RWD |
What the critics say
See how UK motoring publications rate each car in their road tests.
BYD Seal
Design
Polestar 4
Long range Single motor
Watch the reviews
Watch selected video reviews here, or visit each model page for the full collection.
BYD Seal
All 3 videos
Reviews and videos discuss each model overall; the specifications above apply to your selected trims.
Prices & deals
New and used prices
Current pricing and recent used-market behaviour.
| Measure | BYD SealDesign | Polestar 4Long range Single motor |
|---|---|---|
| Used market price from | £30,677 | £32,498 |
| Average used price | £31,449 | £33,990 |
| Active used listings trackedIndependent UK dealer listings seen in the last 90 days. | 16 listings (better) | 9 listings |
| Recent used-price trend | Down 1.4% over ~6 months | Broadly flat |
Used prices are indicative figures gathered from independent UK dealer listings and change frequently.
Calculate your real costs
For a useful running-cost comparison, factor in your mileage, charging access and current petrol or diesel car alongside the EV estimate.
Compare with petrol or diesel
Compare purchase price, energy, road tax and maintenance with a petrol or diesel alternative.
Calculate company-car tax
Work out monthly Benefit-in-Kind using current and future HMRC rates.
Cost per mile
Compare EV charging costs per mile with petrol and diesel using your charging options.
Check a lease quote
Assess the effective monthly cost alongside the list price and expected depreciation.
Safety & ownership confidence
Euro NCAP - BYD Seal Design
Tested 2023
Adult Occupant89%
Child Occupant87%
Vulnerable Road Users82%
Safety Assist76%
Full result on euroncap.com (opens in new tab)
Euro NCAP - Polestar 4 Long range Single motor
Tested 2025
Adult Occupant92%
Child Occupant85%
Vulnerable Road Users81%
Safety Assist79%
Full result on euroncap.com (opens in new tab)
Warranty
Check the published battery warranty cover for each selected trim.
| Measure | BYD SealDesign | Polestar 4Long range Single motor |
|---|---|---|
| Battery warranty | 8 years | 8 years |
| Battery warranty distance | 250,000 km (better) | 160,934 km |
What owners say
Aggregated from UK owner forums and communities - the things you only learn after living with the car.
Shared watch-outs for both cars
Owners of every car here flag infotainment & software. Worth checking on a test drive whichever you choose.
BYD Seal
Design
Owners love
- Owners rate the Seal as excellent value: equipment and performance comparable with Mercedes or BMW for far less, with no option-pack creep.
- It is quick (the Excellence especially), quiet and comfortable on long journeys, with good rear seats and space.
- The exterior design and well-built interior impress, and owners prefer the interior to a Tesla Model 3's.
Watch out for
- Driver-assistance warnings and lane-keeping are intrusive and often need turning off at every start.
- Winter range falls to about 200-250 miles, and 150 kW peak charging is only average.
- Too many functions are in the touchscreen, which can be laggy.
Owner tips
- Charge to 100% when you need it: the LFP battery is designed for it.
- Turn down the safety-system alert volume and set your preferred assists at the start of each drive.
Polestar 4
Long range Single motor
Owners love
- Owners praise the build quality and the interior materials, a big step up from the Polestar 2.
- The rear seats are spacious and recline, and the glass roof gives the cabin a light, limousine-like feel.
- Real-world range is good for the class, with owners reporting around 250 miles on cold, wet motorway runs and more in mild weather.
Watch out for
- Early cars had many software bugs: the head-up display failing to start, temperamental haptic steering wheel buttons (some replaced), key and profile recognition, CarPlay drop-outs and glitchy driver aids.
- Some find the ride firm and fidgety on British roads, with body roll in corners, especially on the Dual motor.
- The lack of a rear window takes getting used to and rules out a normal rear dash cam.
Owner tips
- Make sure the latest software is installed; a full software reset at the dealer fixed many early gremlins.
- Test drive it to see whether you can live with the camera mirror and the ride, and try the Single motor if comfort matters most.
Buying options
Get a quote
BYD Seal
Used on AutoTraderLease deals
Polestar 4
Used on AutoTraderLease deals
Live used listings
Active inventory from independent UK dealers.
BYD Seal
- £28,5822025Car360View
- £29,6722025Car360View
- £29,6822025Car360View
Polestar 4
- £33,6992024Car360View
- £33,7002025EV ExpertsView
Frequently asked questions
Is the Polestar 4 worth the extra £14,260 over the BYD Seal?
The Polestar 4 costs £14,260 more than the BYD Seal. For that premium it adds 37 miles more WLTP range, 50 kW faster peak rapid charging and 130 litres more boot space. The BYD Seal is not just cheaper - it also offers 30 kW more power. On EVcarsguide's combined category scores, the Polestar 4 comes out ahead overall.
Which is cheaper to own over 5 years, the BYD Seal or the Polestar 4?
The BYD Seal is £14,260 cheaper to buy. Running costs are almost identical - about £184 a year either way, at 8,000 miles on an off-peak home tariff. Add 5 years of charging and the BYD Seal comes out roughly £14,300 cheaper overall. These figures cover list price and home charging only - insurance, servicing, tyres and depreciation will move the real total.
What are the BYD Seal and Polestar 4 like on a long motorway trip?
EVcarsguide estimates a real-world motorway range of about 244 miles for the BYD Seal and 277 miles for the Polestar 4 - both below their WLTP figures, because sustained high speed is the hardest case for an EV. The Polestar 4 goes roughly 32 miles further between charging stops. Both rapid-charge to 80% in a similar time, around 30-37 minutes.
Which is easier to park and drive in town, the BYD Seal or the Polestar 4?
The BYD Seal is the easier car for tight UK car parks: it is 133 mm narrower than the Polestar 4. In a standard 2,400 mm bay that leaves about 525 mm of total clearance for the BYD Seal and about 392 mm of total clearance for the Polestar 4. The BYD Seal also turns in a 0.4 m tighter circle, which helps with U-turns and multi-storey ramps.
Which battery will hold up better as a used buy, the BYD Seal or the Polestar 4?
Over a 8-year ownership window EVcarsguide's degradation model projects roughly 90% battery health for the BYD Seal and 84% for the Polestar 4. That gives the BYD Seal a modest edge in retained real-world range. The BYD Seal's LFP-type pack tolerates daily 100% charging, while the Polestar 4's NMC-type pack lasts longest kept to about 80% for everyday use. Both batteries carry a 8-year manufacturer warranty.
Go deeper on each car
Visit the full model pages for owner feedback, expert reviews, used prices and battery-health information.
Compare against other rivals
Compare similarly sized and priced electric cars before finalising your shortlist.
More BYD Seal comparisons
See both cars in our rankings
EVcarsguide scores every verified EV on price, range, family use and running costs. Here is where this pair appears.
Where the BYD Seal and Polestar 4 rank among the best family EVsWhere the BYD Seal and Polestar 4 rank among long-range EVsWhere the BYD Seal and Polestar 4 rank among the best motorway EVsWhere the BYD Seal and Polestar 4 rank among the best city EVsWhere the BYD Seal and Polestar 4 rank among the cheapest EVs to runWhere the BYD Seal and Polestar 4 rank among EVs with the biggest boots
If neither is quite right
Explore other verified electric cars that may better suit the priorities this pair does not meet.
Further reading
Explore buying and ownership guides to help you choose between these electric cars.
GuideBuying a Used BYD Seal (2023 on): Design vs Excellence, the Long Warranty & What to Pay
A used BYD Seal buyer’s guide: Design RWD vs Excellence AWD, the 2026 update, BYD’s 6-year warranty and 8-year / 250,000 km battery cover, real-world range, what owners report, what to pay (nearly-new ones are about a third off) and a printable checklist.
GuideBuying a Used Polestar 4 (2024 on): Single vs Dual Motor, Warranty & What to Pay
A used Polestar 4 buyer’s guide: Single and Dual motor, the no-rear-window design, the short car warranty, huge depreciation, real-world range, what owners report, what to pay and a printable checklist.
Data accuracy
Specs are sourced from manufacturer websites and manually reviewed. These figures were last verified .