The BYD Sealion 7 is a new mid-size electric SUV from BYD’s Ocean series which includes models like the Seal sedan and the Seagull hatchback. The Tesla Model Y rival starts at 189,800 yuan (24,546 Euros) in the Chinese market where it went on sale earlier this year.
I got to spend some time experiencing the BYD Sealion 7 here at the Paris Motor Show 2024, and this is my analysis.
Design
The Sealion 7 features a sporty look with a coupe-like design and noticeable styling elements such as twin rear spoilers and double wheel arches. At the front, it comes with LED headlamps with DRLs that stream into the bumper, trapezoidal lower grille, and sharp bumper appliques. On to the sides, it features flush door handles, 4 individual glass sections, a strong shoulder line, and the unmistakably sporty roofline.
At the rear, the combination lamps are connected and resemble a dumbbell shape, a recognizable design trait of the Ocean series models. While the Sealion 7’s design incorporates plenty of curves and is streamlined for aerodynamics, there can be no confusing it with the other crossovers from the BYD family such as the Seal U or the Atto 3.
Interior & Features
The BYD Sealion 7 offers plenty of premium touches, including ambient lighting, a glass-like gear lever, and Nappa leather or vegan-friendly imitation leather upholstery in the Chinese market. The wraparound dashboard and four-spoke steering wheel are well designed, and feel quite premium.
Key features of the Chinese-spec electric SUV include LED headlights, dynamic turn signals, 20-inch wheels, a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster, a 15.6-inch rotatable touchscreen, and AR HUD.
Specifications
The BYD Sealion 7 comes in China in three versions:
Standard range RWD
The standard-range RWD variant of the BYD Sealion 7 is equipped with a 170 kW motor (228 hp) that puts out 380 Nm of torque (280 lb-ft). Paired with a 71.8 kWh battery, this version accelerates from 0 to 100 kph (0 to 62 mph) in 7.3 seconds and has a top speed of 210 kph (130 mph). On a full charge, it offers a CLTC range of 550 km (342 miles). The battery supports fast charging at up to 180 kW, allowing it to charge from 10% to 80% in about 25 minutes.
Long range RWD
The long-range RWD variant upgrades to a more powerful 230 kW motor (308 hp) while holding on to 380 Nm of torque (280 lb-ft). It is paired with an 80.64 kWh battery, offering a slightly faster 0-100 kph (0-62 mph) acceleration time of 6.7 seconds and a higher top speed of 225 kph (140 mph). The bigger battery provides a longer CLTC driving range of 610 km (379 miles), and it supports DC fast charging at up to 240 kW.
Long range AWD
The long-range AWD variant is my pick. It features dual motors, with a 230 kW motor (308 hp) at the rear and a 160 kW motor (214 hp) at the front, delivering a combined output of 390 kW (523 hp) and 690 Nm of torque (509 lb-ft). The powerful motors allow the car to sprint from 0 to 100 kph (0 to 62 mph) in just 4.2 seconds, while the top speed remains 225 kph (140 mph). It draws from the same 80.64 kWh battery, providing a CLTC range of 550 km (342 miles), and supports DC fast charging at 240 kW.
Price & Release Date
The Sealion 7 is expected to be launched in Europe and UK later this month, with pricing information and final specifications still awaited. When introduced in Europe, the Sealion is set to also challenge models like the VW ID.5 and the Skoda Enyaq Coupe.
An automobile engineer by training, I’ve analyzed the global car market since 2005, with a keen focus on EVs since 2008. My journey in online automotive publishing spans 16 years, during which I have reviewed cutting-edge automotive technologies and interviewed leading CEOs and vehicle developers from around the world.
