Software update for the instrument cluster UI?

No idea but I gotta say a skin on a screen is not a great reason to pick a car over another.

No, they have different hardware version. Seal has DiLink 3, Sealion has DiLink 5

For me it is an important consideration. It is one of the most stared at parts of the car.

Princess is correct in that it’s a newer hardware version in the Sealion but there is a new version of the Seal OS available overseas, just hasn’t made it here yet. It is the newer UI you’re referencing, but no eta yet

With the windscreen HUD in the seal premium I almost never look at the instrument cluster tbh

Does that new UI update the instrument cluster screen as well or only the main IVI screen?

It is a consideration for me, considering with current promos the cars are within $500 of each other.

Would that also mean the UI for the Sealion is faster/more responsive then the Seal?

I wish we knew lol. After having a Polestar 2 for a weekend on Loan I had no clue how much I'd like Maps on the Cluster.

Sealions instrument cluster/HUD is better than the Seal's! If this makes the difference and everything else is equal for you, I would suggest you take the Sealion! From the technical side, the Sealion is the better/newer car. (saying that as a Seal owner myself)

You're killing me here. I was so set on the Seal but after looking over everything (and the current promo making them basically the same price for the Premium) I'm seriously thinking about changing my mind on wanting an SUV. Part of me really wants to wait for a model refresh, part of me doesn't want to wait until 2027/2028 lol.

it is natural to think like that, but I've never experienced any slowdowns on my seal so far, even after software updates and heavy app use (60fps google maps, 120fps maybe? of waze plus spotify or apple music in background)

The new UI on Seal is similar to the Sealion, but not the same. The Sealion still feels newer and more refined imo

The Sealion can have the maps on the cluster. The Seal by default can't. But there is some chinese 3rd party that can show any apps you want on the dashboard (including maps) but it is so janky I do not bother using it

If you really prioritize the newer software and the skin, for sure go for the Sealion imo. The one thing that drives me to take the Seal is the driving experience is so much better it outweighs the software advantage on the sealion (though it is very understandable sedan vs suv). And mind you, I got the SAME price for both of them at the time. Considering the refresh, the new version of the Seal already launched in China with the new hardware iirc. But no idea when it would reach global market. I also have heard a rumor that BYD will sell the hardware upgrade for older cars (which will come with the new skin and software), but I wouldn't bet on it

IIRC the sealion can show the next turn on the hud if you got apple carplay / android auto navigation

Haha, sorry for making your decision harder. Sealion 7 has 3 major advantages: - more space - better HUD/instrument cluster - faster charging rate If you need any of that, the Seal can't compete. The Seal has "a more sporty look" and the handling should be nimbler compared to its SUV brother. But if you are not 100% satisfied with the look of the Sealion7, maybe check out this nice kit for the Sealion7: https://maxtondesign.com/product-eng-23519-Set-of-Splitters-BYD-Sealion-7-Mk1.html For just 900 bucks the car looks like a mf'ing "BOSS mobile" :O If I ever need to upgrade my Seal because I need more space, I would get a Sealion7 and install this bolt on kit on day one!

I've been trying to convince the wife she needs to sell her old Subaru and buy a Sealion 07

It is not an easy a choice... but i chose the seal because it looks a lot sexier from the front, has significantly more range, better suspension setup and figured i could fit what i needed in the back even though it is a less convenient sedan. i really didn't notice much difference between the UI but i think the sealion has had a UI update since i looked and the seal never got the same update in Australia. interior wise i think the seal is nicer overall... the sealion is a little bit tacky looking with the door handle design choice imo. I dont think you would be upset with either car tho unless the range was not enough for you. the sealion also had better rear seat room as another variable to think about

you can find the seal model refresh online they are out in china already. the seal is crap looking they took away the cool arrow indent on the side, the little indicator cuts in the front are gone and a lot of the physical controls are gone. it looks very generic and not the unique, great looking car that the 25 / 23 model are. the seal in Europe are running a newer UI than what we get, it is possible this update comes out for us here eventually.

25 seal has Frequency Selective Damping (or active suspension in the performance). the basic model seal has the same suspension as the sealions handling should be significantly different due to that and also due to the height.

My local dealer is an absolute legend and let me drive the Sealion and Seal back to back over shit roads. After feeling how floaty and unsettled the SUV was I couldn't justify it lol. Love the driving and look too much to switch it now. Delivery later this month

welcome to the club... what colour / model did you go for?

Seal Premium in Atlantis Grey (blue), I had a deposit down before the end of Jan so with any luck I can get the $3K cash. I say the range was the reason but in all honesty I'm a sucker for a HUD and that Rim design.

The "Old"-Seal Excellence also already had Frequency Selective Damping

ahh nice... yeah that colour is the best one it is the one i got :D https://preview.redd.it/xdpm995jsdhg1.png?width=1369&format=png&auto=webp&s=92a64a9232b9dab111864dbe065d5a443fe8b863