The all-new BYD Sealion 7 is a giant 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 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 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 gadgets, together with cellphones, industrial machines, and forklifts. It’s not shocking that the corporate makes glorious electrical automobiles, too.

I’ve examined the whole vary of BYD automobiles obtainable within the UK, and every gives an opulent really feel at an inexpensive worth. 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.

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 costlier trims obtainable. 

Battery dimension

82.5 kWh

Drive Format

All-wheel drive

Horsepower

523 bhp

0-60mph

4.5 seconds

Prime 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 could possibly 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. Additionally 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, it will likely be helpful for tenting journeys in the true world. There’s a formidable listing 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. 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 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 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 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 vital features, and voice instructions for every 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 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 rivals with a 50-watt wi-fi charging pad. Should you’ve ever used this characteristic in a automotive, particularly when utilizing Apple CarPlay or Android Auto, the cellphone will get sizzling. 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 snug on lengthy journeys. Although it’s a coupe, the sloping roof begins behind rear passengers, so it doesn’t affect headroom. Plus, it obtained 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 large cupholders do not grip slim bottles of water. My largest gripe was the facility of the efficiency mannequin.

Regardless of having a 91.3 kWh battery obtainable, its sole goal 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. Certain, for an SUV of this dimension to launch from 0-62 mph in lower than 5 seconds is spectacular, however you’ll be able to 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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Must you purchase the BYD Sealion 7?

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

Despite the fact that I used to be barely disillusioned within the performance-based mannequin, I can not deny that the Sealion 7 is a superb selection for households on the lookout for an electrical automobile with out having to pay further for primary options. It is environment friendly, protected, spacious, and full of leisure to maintain the children occupied.

My selection could be the Sealion 7 Design, because you get all the facility of the Excellence mannequin with out the premium price ticket. Nevertheless, when you do not need 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