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 most costly automobile but. Is there any want for a performance-based electrical SUV, or is BYD getting too huge for its boots?

The reality is, China-made EVs are main the way in which, 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 gadgets, together with cell phones, industrial machines, and forklifts. It’s not stunning that the corporate makes wonderful electrical automobiles, too.

I’ve examined your complete vary of BYD automobiles out there within the UK, and every offers an expensive really feel at an inexpensive worth. 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 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 filled with a plethora of know-how as normal, leaving little have to 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 Pace

133 mph

Vary

as much as 312 miles

Execs & Cons

• Sensible voice command system
• Spectacular vary
• Filled with know-how

• Rear roof eats into space for storing
• General 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 normal, to assist protect the driving vary in chilly climate. In addition they have a vehicle-to-load operate 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 actual world. There’s a formidable record 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 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. A much bigger 91.3 kWh battery for Excellence grades has the identical output, however extends the vary to 312 miles. A extra accessible Consolation will probably 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 appreciated concerning the BYD Sealion 7

Roomy inside and filled with intelligent know-how

Like the remainder of the vary, there’s a transparent deal with know-how. Crisp digital shows line the dashboard. A big 15.6-inch touchscreen show acts as a command heart, however to not the acute of Tesla. You’ll be able to 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 all the pieces you want. I examined opening the home windows, adjusting the cabin temperature and asking for route steerage. The place most voice-activated methods would wrestle to know my robust Scottish accent, the BYD understood each immediate the primary time.

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One other intelligent operate 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. Should 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 influence headroom. Plus, it acquired 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 space for storing, however the sloping roof eats into the rear of the automobile, and the huge 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 out there, its sole objective is so as to add a number of 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 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 increased 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 a number of 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 automobile with out having to pay further for primary options. It is environment friendly, secure, spacious, and filled with leisure to maintain the children occupied.

My alternative could be the Sealion 7 Design, because you get all the facility 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