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

The world of cars is shifting 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 way in which, and BYD is one among 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 cell phones, industrial machines, and forklifts. It’s not shocking that the corporate makes glorious electrical automobiles, too.

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

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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 have to improve to dearer trims obtainable. 

Battery dimension

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
• Full of expertise

• Rear roof eats into cupboard space
• General efficiency might be higher
• Cupholders suited to giant bottles

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Worth, 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 by way of a cable within the cost port. Whereas BYD used it to deliver a ‘dream metropolis’ to life on the UK launch occasion in Milton Keynes, it will likely be helpful for tenting journeys in the actual world. There’s a formidable checklist of ordinary 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 possibility. No matter battery dimension, each Sealion 7 is restricted to a prime velocity of 133 mph.

BYD Sealion 7 efficiency specs

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What I appreciated concerning the BYD Sealion 7

Roomy inside and full of 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 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 necessary capabilities, and voice instructions for every part you want. I examined opening the home windows, adjusting the cabin temperature and asking for route steerage. The place most voice-activated programs would battle to grasp my sturdy Scottish accent, the BYD understood each immediate the primary time.

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One other intelligent perform that extra vehicles 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. When you’ve ever used this function in a automotive, particularly when utilizing Apple CarPlay or Android Auto, the telephone will get scorching. 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 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 influence headroom. Plus, it obtained the utmost five-star safety rating from Euro NCAP.

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What I did not like concerning the BYD Sealion 7

When does the efficiency kick in?

I struggled to search 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 huge cupholders do not grip slim bottles of water. My greatest gripe was the ability 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 does not translate to enjoyable. Positive, 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 plenty of tech as normal

Though I used to be barely dissatisfied within the performance-based mannequin, I am unable to deny that the Sealion 7 is a wonderful alternative for households searching for an electrical car with out having to pay further for primary options. It is environment friendly, secure, spacious, and full of leisure to maintain the youngsters occupied.

My alternative could be the Sealion 7 Design, because you get all the ability of the Excellence mannequin with out the premium price ticket. Nevertheless, 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