The all-new BYD Sealion 7 is an enormous fish in a small pond

The world of automobiles is shifting at a lightning-fast tempo, with producers adopting a greener lifestyle. Demand for electrical autos is rising, particularly for used examples, since EVs depreciate quickly. Nonetheless, the BYD Sealion 7 is the model’s costliest car but. Is there any want for a performance-based electrical SUV, or is BYD getting too large for its boots?

The reality is, China-made EVs are main the best way, and BYD is certainly one of China’s largest privately-owned producers specializing in batteries. Earlier than venturing into EVs, BYD developed batteries for on a regular basis objects, together with cellphones, industrial machines, and forklifts. It’s not shocking that the corporate makes glorious electrical autos, too.

I’ve examined the whole vary of BYD autos obtainable within the UK, and every supplies an opulent really feel at an affordable value. Different markets get extra BYD fashions, together with Han L and Tang L. That stated, the all-new BYD Sealion 7 has a hefty price ticket that pulls its total efficiency into query.

Really useful

2025 BYD Sealion 7

The BYD Sealion 7 is an electrical SUV coupe with as much as 523 bhp on faucet. It makes use of the quickest mass-produced e-motor that may run at speeds as much as 23,000 rpm, however fails to impress in comparison with different performance-based SUVs. The Sealion 7 is full of a plethora of expertise as normal, leaving little must improve to dearer trims obtainable. 

Battery dimension

82.5 kWh

Drive Format

All-wheel drive

Horsepower

523 bhp

0-60mph

4.5 seconds

High Pace

133 mph

Vary

as much as 312 miles

Execs & Cons

• Sensible voice command system
• Spectacular vary
• Filled with expertise

• Rear roof eats into space for storing
• Total efficiency could possibly be higher
• Cupholders suited to giant bottles

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Value, availability, and specs

Each BYD Sealion 7 will get a warmth pump as normal, to assist protect the driving vary in chilly climate. In addition they have a vehicle-to-load perform for powering different electronics through a cable within the cost port. Whereas BYD used it to carry a ‘dream metropolis’ to life on the UK launch occasion in Milton Keynes, will probably be helpful for tenting journeys in the actual world. There’s a powerful record of normal tools, too:

Sealion 7 normal key options

• Warmth Pump
• Heated seats all through with ventilated entrance seats
• Privateness glass
• Rotating touchscreen
• Wi-fi smartphone charging

The present line-up within the UK has two battery choices obtainable. An 82.5 kWh battery in Design fashions delivers 523 bhp and as much as 283 miles of vary from a single cost. An even bigger 91.3 kWh battery for Excellence grades has the identical output, however extends the vary to 312 miles. A extra accessible Consolation might be obtainable quickly, sharing the 82.5 kWh battery however with much less energy and nearly as a lot vary as the largest choice. No matter battery dimension, each Sealion 7 is restricted to a prime pace of 133 mph.

BYD Sealion 7 efficiency specs

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What I preferred in regards to the BYD Sealion 7

Roomy inside and full of intelligent expertise

Like the remainder of the vary, there’s a transparent deal with expertise. Crisp digital shows line the dashboard. A big 15.6-inch touchscreen show acts as a command heart, however to not the intense of Tesla. You may rotate it between portrait and panorama orientation — a signature of BYD screens, which I discovered helpful for viewing the route forward whereas utilizing the built-in navigation — and a ten.25-inch digital instrument cluster.

There are nonetheless bodily buttons for vital features, and voice instructions for every little thing you want. I examined opening the home windows, adjusting the cabin temperature and asking for route steering. The place most voice-activated programs would wrestle to grasp my sturdy Scottish accent, the BYD understood each immediate the primary time.

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One other intelligent perform that extra automobiles require is air flow within the wi-fi charging cradle. Once more, BYD continues to problem opponents with a 50-watt wi-fi charging pad. When you’ve ever used this characteristic in a automobile, particularly when utilizing Apple CarPlay or Android Auto, the cellphone will get scorching. Having an air vent permits cool air to flow into between the cellphone and cradle, stopping overheating. It’s easy, however efficient.

On to practicalities, the roomy cabin has ample house all through. Three adults can simply match within the rear, and the marginally reclined backs keep comfy on lengthy journeys. Although it’s a coupe, the sloping roof begins behind rear passengers, so it doesn’t affect headroom. Plus, it acquired the utmost five-star security score from Euro NCAP.

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What I did not like in regards to the BYD Sealion 7

When does the efficiency kick in?

I struggled to search out faults with the Sealion 7. It has loads of space for storing, however the sloping roof eats into the rear of the automobile, and the extensive cupholders do not grip slim bottles of water. My greatest gripe was the facility of the efficiency mannequin.

Regardless of having a 91.3 kWh battery obtainable, its sole function is so as to add just a few further miles of vary over the 82.5 kWh (and add Nappa leather-based seats). Although BYD brags about having the world’s quickest electrical motor in mass-production at 23,000 rpm, it would not translate to enjoyable. Certain, for an SUV of this dimension to launch from 0-62 mph in lower than 5 seconds is spectacular, however you possibly can really feel its physique roll on bends at greater speeds, and there is little suggestions from the steering wheel. It is fast in a straight line, however I did not get the identical sense of pleasure as a Kia EV6 GT.

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Do you have to purchase the BYD Sealion 7?

The BYD Sealion 7 is a quick SUV with numerous tech as normal

Although I used to be barely disenchanted within the performance-based mannequin, I can not deny that the Sealion 7 is a superb alternative for households on the lookout for an electrical car with out having to pay further for fundamental options. It is environment friendly, protected, spacious, and full of leisure to maintain the youngsters occupied.

My alternative can be the Sealion 7 Design, because you get all the facility of the Excellence mannequin with out the premium price ticket. Nonetheless, when you do not wish to fear much less about making your EV vary last more, then the Consolation trim will prevent a bundle of money and get near the utmost claimed vary within the lineup.

2025 BYD Sealion 7