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

The world of cars is transferring at a lightning-fast tempo, with producers adopting a greener lifestyle. Demand for electrical automobiles is rising, particularly for used examples, since EVs depreciate rapidly. Nevertheless, 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 one in every of China’s largest privately-owned producers specializing in batteries. Earlier than venturing into EVs, BYD developed batteries for on a regular basis gadgets, together with cellphones, industrial machines, and forklifts. It’s not stunning that the corporate makes wonderful electrical automobiles, too.

I’ve examined the complete vary of BYD automobiles out there within the UK, and every supplies an expensive 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.

Beneficial

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 filled with a plethora of expertise as commonplace, leaving little must improve to dearer trims out there. 

Battery measurement

82.5 kWh

Drive Structure

All-wheel drive

Horsepower

523 bhp

0-60mph

4.5 seconds

High Velocity

133 mph

Vary

as much as 312 miles

Professionals & Cons

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

• Rear roof eats into cupboard space
• Total efficiency might be higher
• Cupholders suited to massive bottles

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Worth, availability, and specs

Each BYD Sealion 7 will get a warmth pump as commonplace, to assist protect the driving vary in chilly climate. Additionally they have a vehicle-to-load perform for powering different electronics by way of a cable within the cost port. Whereas BYD used it to convey a ‘dream metropolis’ to life on the UK launch occasion in Milton Keynes, it is going to be helpful for tenting journeys in the true world. There’s a powerful listing of normal tools, too:

Sealion 7 commonplace 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 out there. 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 out there quickly, sharing the 82.5 kWh battery however with much less energy and virtually as a lot vary as the most important choice. No matter battery measurement, 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 filled with intelligent expertise

Like the remainder of the vary, there’s a transparent give attention to expertise. Crisp digital shows line the dashboard. A big 15.6-inch touchscreen show acts as a command middle, however to not the intense of Tesla. You possibly can 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 essential 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 methods would battle to know 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 rivals with a 50-watt wi-fi charging pad. For those who’ve ever used this function in a automotive, particularly when utilizing Apple CarPlay or Android Auto, the telephone will get sizzling. Having an air vent permits cool air to flow into between the telephone and cradle, stopping overheating. It’s easy, however efficient.

On to practicalities, the roomy cabin has ample area 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 influence headroom. Plus, it acquired the utmost five-star safety rating 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 seek out faults with the Sealion 7. It has loads of cupboard space, however the sloping roof eats into the rear of the automotive, and the extensive cupholders do not grip slim bottles of water. My largest gripe was the ability of the efficiency mannequin.

Regardless of having a 91.3 kWh battery out there, its sole goal is so as to add just a few additional 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 does not translate to enjoyable. Certain, for an SUV of this measurement 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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Must you purchase the BYD Sealion 7?

The BYD Sealion 7 is a quick SUV with a lot of tech as commonplace

Though I used to be barely dissatisfied within the performance-based mannequin, I am unable to deny that the Sealion 7 is a superb selection for households on the lookout for an electrical car with out having to pay additional for primary options. It is environment friendly, protected, spacious, and filled with leisure to maintain the youngsters occupied.

My selection can be the Sealion 7 Design, because you get all the ability of the Excellence mannequin with out the premium price ticket. Nevertheless, if you happen to 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