We drive the latest model from BYD, which recently overtook Tesla to become world’s leading EV maker…
In 2024, Tesla made slightly less (4,500) electric vehicles than Chinese powerhouse BYD. A small margin, maybe, but a massive statement. BYD is now the biggest manufacturer of electric cars globally.
Founded in February 1995, BYD (Build Your Dreams) has expanded rapidly since it launched in the UK in 2023.
Since the Atto 3 SUV’s introduction, the brand’s new models have been named after marine mammals, hence the Dolphin, Seal, Seal DM-I and the subject of this week’s review – the Sealion 7 large family SUV.
And let’s be clear – the BYD Sealion 7 has its work cut out, because it’s up against everything from the Tesla Model Y, Skoda Enyaq and Hyundai Ioniq 5 to the Renault Scenic E-Tech, Volkswagen ID.4 and Ford Capri.
Pried from £44,990 to £58,990, the Sealion 7 (the fourth model in BYD’s Ocean Series) is available with two battery options and three trim levels.
Comfort and Design come with an 82.5kWh battery, offering up to 300 miles range on RWD models and 283 miles on AWD. The top-spec Excellence AWD trim boasts a 91.3kWh battery, achieving the longest range in the line-up at 312 miles.
The single motor RWD has a power output of 308bhp, delivering 0-62mph in a respectable 6.7 seconds. The dual motor AWD models have 523bhp and rocket to 62mph in just 4.5 seconds.
Entry-level versions offer up to 150kW DC fast charging (10-80% top-up in 32 minutes), while the range-topping Excellence has a 230kW DC charge rate (10-80% in 24 minutes).
A heat pump is fitted as standard to all models, helping to maximise range, particularly in cold conditions.
Based on the same platform as the BYD Seal saloon, but with a coupe-SUV body style, the Sealion 7 is sleek and distinctive with a low-slung bonnet. BYD reckons the “dual waistline” styling mimics “the energy of ocean waves”.
The Sealion 7 is slightly longer than its main rivals, which means there’s excellent space inside.
Rear leg and headroom is impressive, while the boot is a useful (but not class-leading) 520 litres, rising to 1,789 litres with the rear seats folded. There’s also a 58-litre frunk under the bonnet, which is ideal for storing charging cables.
The Sealion 7 is solidly screwed together and the quality of the materials used inside the cabin gives it a classy feel.
All versions of the Sealion 7 have a 15.6-inch central infotainment touchscreen which can rotate from landscape to portrait, plus a separate driver’s digital instrument cluster.
Even though I’m not a huge fan of minimalist dashboards, I could live with the BYD’s over, say the Tesla Model Y, which is too touchscreen-centric and doesn’t even have a driver’s display.
The Sealion 7 is well equipped too. Comfort models get heated seats, 19-inch alloy wheels, dual-zone climate control and a wireless charging pad, Design spec adds 20-inch alloys, while Excellence models feature Nappa leather seats and a head-up display.
All Sealion 7s get a full suite of driver assistance and safety tech. No wonder it was awarded a maximum five-star rating by Euro NCAP.
The driving position is on the high side for me, even at its lowest setting, but I accept that many drivers prefer that. It’s also worth noting that the steering wheel angle is slightly odd, pointing upwards rather than directly towards you, so try before you buy.
Visibility is good up front, but more challenging at the rear because of the chunky pillars and modest tailgate window, which makes the standard-fit 360-degree camera all the more important – especially when parking.
I tested the all-wheel drive version of the BYD Sealion 7 on a mix of UK roads, and the first impression is that it feels substantial (though not unwieldy) to drive.
Naturally, it’s also quiet and refined, and as you’d expect, traction is superb too.
For a car that’s marketed as an “electric performance SUV”, it certainly ticks that box in terms of raw power, delivering a hefty 509 lb-ft of torque. So, it’s very quick, thanks to that extra motor.
BYD claims the Sealion 7’s suspension is “tailored for excellent handling and secure vehicle control” with double wishbones at the front and a multi-link rear axle.
It’s also the first BYD model in Europe to be equipped with Frequency Sensitive Dampers (FSD), a variable system that controls the oil flow in the damper cylinders, ensuring a relatively firm set-up on smoother surfaces to improve stability and handling, but allowing a softer, more compliant configuration when the car encounters potholes or scarred road surfaces.
However, while its handling is on a par with the Tesla Model Y, in my mind that’s a fairly low bar. It’s not as engaging as I’d hoped and doesn’t live up to the hype, which is disappointing given that its saloon sibling (the Seal) is so slick.
The 2.4-tonne Sealion 7 can feel unsettled over poorer surfaces, and there’s some body lean at faster speeds in more challenging corners.
Ultimately, the combination of high driving position, spongy brake pedal and limited steering feel don’t give you much confidence to fully enjoy twisty roads.
You can toggle between three driving modes (Eco, Normal and Sport), while Snow is reserved for extreme weather conditions.
As ever, the default Normal mode offers a good balance of power and economy. Eco dulls the driving experience, while the steering is light in both modes.
Sport sharpens the throttle response and firms up the steering, but eats up the battery, so best left for short bursts of fun.
Two levels of regenerative braking are offered, though I’d prefer steering wheel-mounted paddles rather than the toggle switch on the centre console.
Depending on which model you choose, efficiency ranges from a claimed 2.8 to 3.1 miles per kWh. Interestingly, I managed a bit more than that on my test drive, but real-world range could be around 225 miles for the entry-level Sealion 7, or 270 miles for the top-spec Excellence AWD. As ever, driving style and conditions will also affect the range.
Finally, if you’re looking for a bit of peace of mind, the Sealion 7 comes with a six-year manufacturer’s warranty (above average) and eight years for the battery and electric motor.
Verdict: The BYD Sealion 7 is a real statement of an SUV and a serious rival to the big-selling Tesla Model Y. Stylish, fast, plush, practical and packed with tech, it will be on many people’s EV shortlist. However, range and price could count against it.
