- New BYD Sealion 7 revealed
- Fully-electric SUV boasts rapid acceleration
- Part of BYD’s ‘Ocean’ series of cars
- Priced from £44,990 and due to launch early 2025
This is the new electric BYD Sealion 7 - and it’s got the pace and poise to worry the Tesla Model Y.
Chinese manufacturer BYD loves a vehicle with an ocean-themed name. We’ve already got the BYD Dolphin, the BYD Seal, and the plug-in hybrid BYD Seal U.
Now it’s the turn of the Sealion 7, a fully-electric and family-sized SUV that’s packing some serious performance under its rather understated design.
When it joins the leasing market next year it’ll be available in three main forms - Comfort RWD, Design AWD, Excellence AWD.
Those all-wheel drive models develop a whopping 530 PS, thanks to one of BYD’s patented cobalt-free, ethically sourced ‘Blade’ batteries, and can accelerate from 0-62 mph in just 4.5 seconds.
That makes the Sealion 7 quicker than the Tesla Model Y, barring Tesla’s ‘Performance’ model. Heck, it’s also more rapid than the entry-level Porsche Macan Electric.
Entry-level Comfort RWD models get a 82.5 kWh battery that unlocks a range of up to 300 miles. The Design AWD variants enjoy the same battery pack and a 283-mile max range.
The BYD Sealion 7 in Excellence AWD trim, meanwhile, is handed a larger 91.3 kWh battery that boosts the range between charges to 312 miles.
Those numbers are less impressive than the Sealion 7’s pace, with the Tesla Model Y RWD getting a range of up to 373 miles and rivals like the Ford Mustang Mach-E and the Kia EV6 also going greater distances on a single charge. Shout out to the Peugeot E-3008, too, which can journey up to 422 miles before you need to stop and find a plug.
You do, however, get rapid charging at speeds up to 230 kW, which can take the energy in the battery from 10% to 80% in as little as 24 minutes.
Design wise, the Sealion 7 is slightly longer (30mm) and taller (120mm) than the Seal saloon. The battery is integrated directly into the vehicle frame, which maximises cabin space and torsional stiffness. A 520-litre boot and 58-litre front trunk provides the practicality.
Entry-level Comfort models come loaded with kit as standard, including heated seats, dual-zone climate control, a 15.6-inch rotatable screen, a wireless charging pad, and V2L capability for powering household devices. Design models add 20-inch alloy wheels, and Excellence models feature Nappa leather seats and a Head-Up Display.
Safety tech available includes adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, front and rear cross traffic alert and cross traffic braking, 360-degree cameras, and blind-spot detection.
The BYD Sealion 7 is priced from £44,990. It’s set to go on sale and to become available to lease at the beginning of 2025.
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