BYD Sealion 7 Review: A Competitive Electric SUV

The BYD Sealion 7 is one of the most significant electric vehicles launched by BYD in the UK to date. Positioned as a direct rival to the Tesla Model Y, this fully electric family SUV promises fast charging, practicality, and competitive pricing. But how does it compare to other electric SUVs on the market? Let’s dive into the details.

Exterior Design

• The BYD Sealion 7 has a sleek, modern design with a coupe-like rear end, giving it a sporty yet practical look.
• It is slightly longer than a Tesla Model Y and even an Audi Q6 e-tron, providing a commanding road presence.
• The powered tailgate comes as standard across all variants.
• The boot offers 520 liters of storage space, plus an extra 58-liter front trunk (frunk), making it versatile for luggage and everyday needs.
• While the overall shape is stylish, the sloping rear might limit taller cargo in the boot.

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Interior & Comfort

• The Sealion 7 offers an upscale and spacious interior, featuring high-quality materials such as leather, suede-effect surfaces, and a crystal gear lever.
• The rear seats are highly spacious with ample legroom, even for taller passengers.
• Headroom in the back is slightly compromised due to the sloping roofline.
• Heated seats are standard across all trims, while the front seats also feature ventilation for additional comfort.
• The driver’s seat comes with electric adjustment on all trims, enhancing convenience.
• A 15.6-inch touchscreen infotainment system is standard, featuring Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. However, physical controls for climate adjustments are missing, making on-the-go changes slightly less convenient.
• Storage options include a deep center console, height-adjustable cupholders, large door bins, and a wireless charging pad with cooling vents to prevent phone overheating.

Engine & Mechanical Details

The Sealion 7 comes in three versions:

1. Comfort – A rear-wheel-drive variant with a single electric motor and an 82.5 kWh battery.
2. Design – A dual-motor, all-wheel-drive version with the same 82.5 kWh battery but offering more power.
3. Excellence – A top-tier version with dual motors and a larger 91.3 kWh battery for increased range.

Performance

• The four-wheel-drive variants (Design & Excellence) can accelerate from 0-62 mph in just 4.5 seconds.
• The driving experience is comfortable rather than sporty, with light steering and some body roll in corners.
• Regenerative braking is adjustable, but it does not offer a full one-pedal driving mode.
• Despite its weight (close to 2.5 tons), the Sealion 7 delivers a smooth ride with minimal road and wind noise.
• The laminated side windows contribute to noise reduction, enhancing cabin refinement.

Battery & Charging

• Comfort & Design trims: 82.5 kWh battery, range of 300 miles (Comfort) and 283 miles (Design).
• Excellence trim: 91.3 kWh battery, range of 311 miles.
• Fast charging allows a 10-80% top-up in 24 minutes for the Excellence trim, making it slightly faster than a Tesla Model Y in ideal conditions.
• Comfort and Design versions take around 32 minutes for the same charge level due to a smaller battery and different peak charging rates.
• The lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery is more thermally stable, environmentally friendly (cobalt-free), and has a longer lifespan than traditional lithium-ion batteries.

Pricing & Value for Money

Although official UK pricing has yet to be confirmed, estimated prices are:

• Comfort – Just over £45,000 (cheaper than a base Tesla Model Y)
• Design – Around £50,000
• Excellence – Slightly higher (exact pricing yet to be announced)

The Sealion 7 offers strong value for money, with a premium interior, advanced features, and competitive driving dynamics at a lower price than many competitors.

Pros & Cons

Pros:

✔ Spacious and high-quality interior
✔ Strong performance (0-62 mph in 4.5s for AWD models)
✔ Competitive pricing compared to rivals
✔ Faster charging than a Tesla Model Y
✔ High safety with LFP battery technology
✔ Quiet and comfortable ride
✔ Practical storage with a large boot and frunk

Cons:

✘ Not as agile as some rivals (body roll in corners)
✘ No dedicated one-pedal driving mode
✘ Infotainment lacks physical climate controls
✘ Rear headroom slightly compromised due to sloping roof
✘ Range not as high as some competitors

FAQs

Final Verdict

The BYD Sealion 7 is a well-rounded electric SUV that delivers strong performance, premium interior quality, and excellent value for money. While it may not have the longest range or the sharpest handling, its comfortable ride, practical features, and competitive pricing make it one of BYD’s most compelling electric vehicles yet. If you’re looking for an alternative to the Tesla Model Y or other electric SUVs, the Sealion 7 is definitely worth considering.

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Author- Ayush