The BYD Sealion 7 is the Chinese automaker’s boldest move yet in the global EV market—a mid-size electric SUV that undercuts the Tesla Model Y on price while offering more luxury, tech, and driving range. Launched in early 2025, the Sealion 7 (also called Seal-U in Europe) is built on BYD’s advanced e-Platform 3.0 and features Blade LFP battery tech, a rotating touchscreen, and premium interiors that rival luxury brands.
As an EV expert and car blogger, I’ve analyzed its specs, real-world performance, and market positioning. Here’s everything you need to know about the BYD Sealion 7.
1. BYD Sealion 7: Key Specs & Pricing
Powertrain & Battery
- Battery: 82.56 kWh (Blade LFP, cell-to-body integration) 48.
- Range (NEDC):
- Premium (RWD): 567 km (308 bhp / 380 Nm)
- Performance (AWD): 542 km (523 bhp / 690 Nm, 0-100 km/h in 4.5s) 410.
- Charging:
- DC Fast Charging (150 kW): 10-80% in 32 mins 8.
- AC Charging: Up to 11 kW (7 kW wallbox included) 8.
Pricing (2025)
- Australia: Starts at A54,990∗∗(Premium)/∗∗A63,990 (Performance) 27.
- India: ₹48.9–54.9 lakh (ex-showroom) 410.
- UAE: 172,900–192,900 AED 6.
Verdict: The Sealion 7 is cheaper than a Tesla Model Y but matches its range and outperforms it in luxury features 27.
2. Design: Coupe-SUV Styling with Premium Touches
Exterior Highlights
- Coupe-like roofline with LED DRLs, flush door handles, and 20-inch alloys (Performance trim) 410.
- Panoramic sunroof (with power sunshade) and black cladding for a sporty look 8.
- Rear LED light bar (similar to the BYD Seal sedan) 10.
Interior Luxury & Tech
- 15.6-inch rotating touchscreen (with wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto) 27.
- 10.25-inch digital cluster + head-up display (HUD) 8.
- Premium materials: Leather seats (heated/ventilated), ambient lighting, and suede trim 68.
- Spacious cabin: 2,930mm wheelbase (more rear legroom than Model Y) 8.
3. Driving Experience: Smooth but Not Sporty
Performance
- AWD Performance model delivers 530 bhp—quicker than a Model Y Long Range 8.
- RWD Premium is efficient but lacks thrill (0-100 km/h in 6.7s) 2.
Ride & Handling
- Double-wishbone front + multilink rear suspension (tuned for comfort) 6.
- Firm ride on 20-inch wheels but absorbs bumps well 28.
- Steering is light—great for city driving, not for enthusiasts 8.
Real-World Range
- Expect ~450 km (AWD) and ~500 km (RWD) in mixed driving 8.
4. BYD Sealion 7 vs. Tesla Model Y
| Feature | BYD Sealion 7 | Tesla Model Y |
|---|---|---|
| Price (AUD) | A54,990(RWD)/A63,990 (AWD) 2 | A63,400(RWD)/A73,400 (AWD) |
| Range | 567 km (RWD) / 542 km (AWD) 4 | 455 km (RWD) / 533 km (AWD) |
| Charging | 150 kW DC (32 mins 10-80%) 8 | 250 kW DC (27 mins 10-80%) |
| Interior | Physical buttons, rotating screen 7 | Minimalist (no buttons) |
| Spare Tyre | No (like most EVs) 2 | No |
Winner? The Sealion 7 offers more luxury and space for less money, but Tesla still leads in charging speed and brand cachet.
5. Should You Buy the BYD Sealion 7?
Pros ✅
- Affordable (undercuts rivals by ~A$10K) 2.
- Luxury cabin (better than Hyundai Ioniq 5/Kia EV6) 8.
- Long real-world range (LFP battery degrades slower) 8.
Cons ❌
- No spare tyre (dealbreaker for some) 2.
- Slower charging (150 kW vs. Tesla’s 250 kW) 8.
- Anonymous styling (lacks Tesla’s iconic look) 7.
Final Verdict: 8.5/10 ★★★★☆
The BYD Sealion 7 is a high-value EV SUV with luxury, range, and tech that rivals costlier German brands. While it’s not as sporty as a Tesla, it’s a practical, well-built family EV with global appeal.
🚗 Would you pick the Sealion 7 over a Tesla Model Y? Let me know in the comments!