When comparing current mid-range electric cars, models from Germany (VW ID.7), USA (Tesla Model 3) and China (BYD Seal) compete against each other. One model stands out due to its high everyday costs.
Tesla Model 3 vs. BYD Seal vs. VW ID.7 – which mid-range electric car wins the comparison test? Who offers the most range for the money? (Source: Screenshot YouTube)
In this comparison by the British car magazine What Car? The model from the USA is the clear favorite. A feat – after all, the Tesla Model 3 is one of the best-selling electric cars ever! Now he has to prove himself against the relatively new VW ID.7 and the Chinese shooting star BYD Seal.
Which electric car offers the best everyday use? Which car has the longest range? What about the costs? To find out, the makers chose a test route of almost 700 kilometers from London to Wales and back, loaded Christmas trees into trunks and went in search of seals. Not without a wink – after all, the Chinese BYD bears the name of the aquatic animal.
The first surprise for the testers was charging the three sedans on a Tesla Supercharger. The VW ID.7 needed 28 minutes from 10 to 80 percent and charges a maximum of 175 kW. The BYD Seal charges with a maximum of 150 kW and takes 37 minutes from 10 to 80 percent. The fastest way to unplug the Tesla Model 3 was from the charging plug. After 25 minutes, the battery level jumped from 10 to 80 percent.
Service: criticism of Volkswagen
The ID. 7 is the current flagship electric sedan from Wolfsburg. In the past, VW has often had to face criticism regarding the operation of infotainment and the like. And this time too, not everything works as intended.
The testers praise the large touchscreen and noticeably improved menu navigation. But the voice control, on the other hand, works poorly. She often does the opposite of what is asked of her and there are problems with communication. ChatGPT could soon provide a solution. VW announced at the CES in Las Vegas that it would increasingly integrate the AI service into cars in the future.
Tesla’s Model 3 does better in this test, especially after Tesla’s recent update. The large, central touchscreen displays content clearly. But there is criticism here too, especially for Tesla’s decision to remove the indicator lever and use buttons in the steering wheel instead. The three test drivers also complain about the fact that the current speed is not in the driver’s direct field of vision. In addition, the Model 3 does not have the option of a head-up display.
There is criticism of an ergonomic nature for the steering wheel position in the BYD Seal. The tester was unable to find a position in which he could clearly read the display behind the steering wheel.
The main display in the Seal can be swiveled at the push of a button and is cool. But it doesn’t seem to be fully developed – in landscape format, the hand on the steering wheel often obscures the contents. However, if you turn the touchscreen into portrait format, the Apple CarPlay view no longer works. The testers also disliked the strong smell of plastic in the seal and the sometimes careless workmanship.
Trunk and loading volume
Due to its concept, the Volkswagen ID.7 can score points when it comes to transporting bulky items; after all, it has station wagon genes in it. The rear seats can also be folded down at the push of a button, creating a generous trunk volume into which a Christmas tree can easily fit. Unfortunately, after folding down the seats, there is no completely flat surface.
The trunks of the BYD Seal and Tesla Model 3, which are designed according to the classic limousine pattern, are a little more cramped. But the Christmas tree fits in here too. The BYD Seal offers the lowest trunk opening height, which can be inconvenient when loading.
The big surprise: cost comparison in everyday life
The following table gives an impression of the costs of the electric cars incurred during the test drive. You can also see at a glance what the theoretical range experienced on a test route is under winter conditions. The low costs at Tesla are primarily due to cheaper prices at the manufacturer’s superchargers.
| Model | VW ID.7 Pro | Tesla Model 3 | BYD Seal |
|---|---|---|---|
| price in euro | from 55,000 | from 43,000 | from 47,600 |
| Miles driven in the test | 561 | 574 | 562 |
| consumption on this route | 202.8 kWh | 160.4 kWh | 180.5 kWh |
| Costs for electricity (public) | 104.46 euros | 50.49 euros | 84.34 euros |
| Electricity costs (at home) | 24.36 euros | 17.66 euros | 25.70 euros |
| Total electricity costs | 129 euros | 69 euros | 110 euros |
| ————— | ————— | ————– | ————- |
| Consumption on the test track | 2.6 miles per kWh | 3.7 miles per kWh | 3.3 miles per kWh |
| Range in winter | 321 kilometers | 341 kilometers | 436 kilometers |
Cost comparison Tesla Model 3 vs. BYD Seal vs. VW ID.7
Conclusion and test winner
The experts at What Car put the Tesla Model 3 on the throne; in their opinion, it is the best electric car in the mid-range. In addition, the car is the cheapest in comparison and it scores points in terms of consumption and charging costs. The ID.7 caused almost twice as much electricity costs in this test compared to the Tesla – no one expected that in advance. The BYD Seal comes in last place despite its good range, also because of its less valuable interior.
The VW ID.7 definitely offers one of these. But its high price, deficiencies in operation and poorer efficiency ruin a test victory. The Volkswagen ends up in midfield. You can read more news about electric cars here at Netzwelt.
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