BYD Sealion 7 review

BYD Sealion 7 review

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.

BYD Sealion 7 review

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.

BYD Sealion 7 review

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.

BYD Sealion 7 review

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.

BYD Sealion 7 review

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.

BYD Sealion 7 review

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.

BYD Sealion 7 review

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.

BYD Sealion 7 review

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.

BYD Sealion 7 review

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.

BYD UK 

BYD Sealion 7 review

Final testing for all-new 2023 Kia EV9

Gareth Herincx

3 days ago
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Kia EV9 - final testing

Kia has released new pictures of its 100% electric EV9 SUV undergoing rigorous testing ahead of its debut at the start of next year.

The EV9 will become the brand’s flagship model and Kia claims it will “revolutionise the large electric SUV segment”.

Developed over a period of 44 months at the Namyang research and development centre in South Korea, Kia says it will “set new standards in design, performance, range, driving dynamics, technology and comfort”.

Kia EV9 - final testing

First previewed in 2021 as the distinctive Concept EV9, it appears the show car’s imposing, boxy design, wraparound headlights and large glass area will make it over into the production vehicle.

The photos show the EV9 tackling various test tracks, including a cobbled surface that rigorously assesses ride comfort and build quality, a high-speed bowl and various off-road exercises.

In addition to the test programme at Namyang, like every Kia model, the EV9 has also been subjected to a punishing testing programme in locations all over the globe.

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Nissan Ariya EV crowned ‘Car of the Year 2022’

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Nissan Ariya

Nissan has scooped the prestigious Auto Express Car of the Year 2022 with its all-new pure electric Ariya.

British engineers at Nissan’s European technical team in Cranfield have played a big role in the development of the new Ariya, resulting in what judges describe as “a comfortable ride and superb refinement with impressive agility for a big car”.

The Ariya is Nissan’s second mass-market EV following its pioneering Leaf, arguably the EV that first made electric driving affordable.

The annual Auto Express Awards are “the most customer-focused car awards in the UK”, recommending models across categories that are set, like the judging criteria, following research into the wants and needs of real UK buyers.

As well as specific EV category wins, there was success for electric cars in traditional car categories, too. The new all-electric Fiat 500 scooped the best City Car trophy and the Renault Megane E-Tech Electric was named Best Company Car.

“The new Nissan Ariya is quite simply a fantastic new car – it just so happens to be an EV, too,” said Steve Fowler, Editor-in-Chief of Auto Express.

“It’s so cleverly thought through, buyers will find it really easy and enjoyable to live with, while it drives superbly, looks great and is the most premium-feeling Nissan we’ve ever seen.”

Auto Express Car of the Year 2022 winners

  • City Car of the Year – Fiat 500
  • Supermini of the Year – Renault Clio
  • Family Car of the Year – Dacia Jogger
  • Estate Car of the Year – Skoda Octavia Estate
  • Small Company Car of the Year – Renault Mégane E-Tech Electric
  • Mid-size Company Car of the Year – Nissan Ariya
  • Large Company Car of the Year – BMW 5 Series
  • Small SUV of the Year – Kia Niro
  • Mid-size SUV of the Year – Hyundai Tucson
  • Large SUV of the Year – Skoda Kodiaq
  • Small Premium SUV of the Year – Mercedes-Benz GLA
  • Mid-size Premium SUV of the Year – Lexus NX
  • Large Premium SUV of the Year – Land Rover Defender
  • Luxury Car of the Year – Range Rover
  • Hot Hatch of the Year – Hyundai i20 N
  • Coupé of the Year – BMW 2 Series
  • Convertible of the Year – MINI Convertible
  • Performance Car of the Year – Porsche 718 Cayman GT4 RS
  • Affordable Electric Car of the Year – MG ZS EV
  • Premium Electric Car of the Year – BMW i4
  • Affordable Hybrid Car of the Year – Toyota Yaris
  • Premium Hybrid Car of the Year – Mercedes-Benz C 300 e
  • Pick-up of the Year – Ford Ranger
  • Electric Van of the Year – Ford E-Transit
  • Van of the Year – Fiat Ducato
  • Technology Award – Mercedes-Benz VISION EQXX
  • Auto Express New Car of the Year – Nissan Ariya

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Red Bull F1 racing driver Max Verstappen has taken an all-new special edition Honda e for a test drive.

The reigning World Drivers’ Champion was impressed with the car’s zero emissions performance and eye-catching style as he manoeuvred through the tight and twisty streets of the medieval village of Dozza, just south of Bologna.

“The Honda e Limited Edition is simply lovely,” said Max. “It has funky looks, a compact design and is fun to drive. It’s a great electric urban vehicle.”

Red Bull's Max Verstappen and the Honda e Limited Edition

On sale from £38,120, the Honda e Limited Edition is based on the top spec ‘Advance’ grade. Restricted to only 50 cars across Europe, it is exclusively finished in Premium Crystal Red and unique 17-inch black alloys.

Honda’s 100% electric city car has received critical acclaim worldwide and has been praised for its innovative design and progressive technology.

It has won numerous awards, including World Urban Car of The Year and the Red Dot Design Awards.

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Gareth is a versatile journalist, copywriter and digital editor who’s worked across the media in newspapers, magazines, TV, teletext, radio and online. After long stints at the BBC, GMTV and ITV, he now specialises in motoring.

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Fiat 500 Electric

It’s safe to say that the all-new, all-electric Fiat 500 is one of the cutest and charming EVs on the market.

Fighting it out with the likes of the Honda E and MINI Electric in the zero emissions city car category, it’s available as a hatchback or convertible and is competitively priced from £20,995 to £30,995 (after the £2,500 UK Government grant).

The entry-level model comes with a small 24kW battery and a “city range” of up to 115 miles, while other versions get the bigger 42kW “long range” battery pack, capable of up to 199 miles.

Fiat 500 Electric

Just as importantly, the 42kW Fiat 500 has significantly more range than its top rivals, yet is very comparable in price (from £25,995).

The 500’s grown up in more ways than one too, because not only is it packed with the latest tech, it’s also slightly bigger, while its retro cool design stays true to the first two generations of this iconic people’s car.

The electric motor paired with the 42kWh battery generates 118hp (95hp for the smaller 24kW) and acceleration is 0-62mph in nine seconds (9.5sec for the 24kW).

Fiat 500 Electric

The new 500 isn’t as dinky as it was, growing in every direction, but it’s still unmistakeably a ‘cinquecento’ with some clever modern touches inside and out.

Perhaps the biggest change is inside the cabin where it’s more spacious up front, along with a minimalist look. There a large digital display ahead of the driver, while the centre console is dominated by a 10.25-inch touchscreen.

There’s a little more space in the back, but it’s still only really adequate for small people, while the boot remains at 185 litres (expanding to 550 litres with the rear seats folded).

Fiat 500 Electric

Safety also takes a leap forward, with autonomous emergency braking, lane keeping and traffic sign recognition all standard, with goodies such as blind-spot monitoring and adaptive cruise control available higher up the range.

The 500’s cabin is a comfy place to be with a fairly high driving position. Personally, I’d prefer a lower option, but I guess there’s a battery pack below which scuppers that notion. My only other gripe was the lack of a place to comfortably rest my largely redundant left foot.

On the road, it’s smooth and refined, like most electric cars, and you can easily choose the level of braking regeneration (charging on the move) you prefer.

Fiat 500 Electric

Accelerating from a standing start is brisk rather than supercar fast, but still enough to win the traffic light grand prix with ease.

The Fiat 500 EV is perfect for urban driving and holds up well on faster, twisty roads too, but it hasn’t got the go-kart handling of a MINI Electric, for instance.

That extra height means it not quite as composed in more challenging corners, but it’s still a fun and easy car to drive overall.

Fiat 500 Electric

As you’d expect in a city car, the steering is light and there’s a tight turning circle, though visibility isn’t best in class. Thankfully, rear parking sensors are standard, while top trims get a rear-view camera and offer a bird’s eye view of the car manoeuvring.

You can try various drive modes, but ultimately your choice will depend on the strength of your inner Scrooge and whether squeezing out as many miles as possible is more important than driving dynamics. At the end of the day, there is a happy medium.

Fiat 500 Electric

Finally, the Fiat 500 EV can be charged from 0-80% in a very respectable 45 minutes using a 50kW fast charger, or overnight at home.

Verdict: The iconic Fiat 500 has been reimagined for the zero emissions age. Not only does it ooze kerb appeal, but it delivers a fun, comfortable and safe driving experience at an affordable price.

Fiat UK