The 2025 BYD Sealion 7 is poised to make a significant impact in the electric SUV market, offering a blend of performance, technology, and affordability. Positioned as a competitor to the Tesla Model Y, the Sealion 7 brings a fresh perspective to the mid-size electric SUV segment.

Overview

BYD, a leading Chinese automaker, has been making waves in the electric vehicle (EV) industry with its innovative designs and competitive pricing. The Sealion 7, part of BYD’s “Ocean Series,” is a testament to the company’s commitment to delivering high-quality EVs that cater to a broad audience. With its sleek coupe-SUV design and advanced features, the Sealion 7 aims to attract consumers looking for a stylish and efficient electric SUV.

Design and Exterior

The Sealion 7 boasts a dynamic coupe-SUV design, characterized by its aerodynamic and elongated body. Measuring 4,830mm in length, 1,925mm in width, and 1,620mm in height, with a wheelbase of 2,930mm, it offers a spacious interior while maintaining a sleek profile. The vehicle’s design elements, such as the full-width light bar at the rear and the “X face” front design, contribute to its modern and cohesive appearance.

Interior and Comfort

Inside, the Sealion 7 impresses with its premium materials and thoughtful layout. The cabin features soft-touch surfaces covering over 80% of the interior, providing a luxurious feel. The front seats are eight-way power-adjustable, heated, and ventilated, ensuring comfort for both driver and passenger. Rear passengers benefit from adjustable seatbacks and ample headroom, thanks to the vehicle’s design. A large panoramic sunroof with an electric sunshade enhances the sense of space and openness in the cabin.

Infotainment and Connectivity

The Sealion 7 is equipped with a 15.6-inch rotating central touchscreen, allowing users to switch between portrait and landscape orientations. This screen supports voice assistant functions, music, and more. A 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster provides essential driving information, while a 50-inch augmented reality head-up display projects navigation and other data onto the windshield. The vehicle also includes a 12-speaker Dynaudio premium sound system, wireless Apple CarPlay, wired Android Auto, and a 50W wireless smartphone charger with active cooling.

Performance and Powertrain

The Sealion 7 offers both rear-wheel drive (RWD) and all-wheel drive (AWD) configurations. The RWD variant features a single motor producing 230kW and 380Nm of torque, achieving 0-100 km/h in 6.7 seconds. The AWD variant combines a front motor (160kW, 310Nm) and a rear motor (230kW, 380Nm) for a total output of 390kW and 690Nm, accelerating from 0-100 km/h in 4.5 seconds. Both variants utilize BYD’s 82.56kWh Blade Battery, offering a range of up to 567km (NEDC) for the RWD and 542km (NEDC) for the AWD.

Driving Experience

The Sealion 7 delivers a smooth and comfortable ride, with its suspension system effectively absorbing road imperfections. However, some reviewers have noted that the steering feels disconnected, and the body control could be improved, especially during dynamic driving. Despite these observations, the vehicle performs well in everyday driving scenarios, providing a quiet and composed experience.

Safety and Driver Assistance

Safety is a priority for BYD, and the Sealion 7 comes equipped with a comprehensive suite of features. This includes 11 airbags, adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, blind-spot detection, rear cross-traffic alert, and a 360-degree camera system. The vehicle also features BYD’s DiPilot 10 suite, offering Level 2 autonomous driving capabilities.

Cargo Space and Practicality

The Sealion 7 offers a trunk capacity of 500 liters, which expands to 1,769 liters with the rear seats folded down. Additionally, a 58-liter front trunk (frunk) provides extra storage space. The vehicle includes over 20 small storage compartments throughout the cabin, enhancing its practicality for daily use.

Pricing and Value

In markets like Australia, the Sealion 7 is expected to start at around AUD$55,000, undercutting competitors like the Tesla Model Y by over AUD$8,000. This competitive pricing, combined with its extensive feature set, positions the Sealion 7 as a compelling option in the electric SUV market.

Final Thoughts

The 2025 BYD Sealion 7 stands out as a well-rounded electric SUV, offering a blend of performance, technology, and value. While there are areas for improvement, such as steering feedback and body control, the vehicle’s strengths in comfort, range, and features make it a strong contender in its segment. For consumers seeking an affordable yet feature-rich electric SUV, the Sealion 7 is certainly worth considering.

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