BYD is increasingly looking at the premium EV space with the Seal sedan doing good numbers since launch. Shown at the Auto Expo, the next product is the SUV version called the Sealion 7. It is a pure electric SUV and is the most expensive BYD while competing with premium EVs like the Volvo C40 and the Kia EV6.
BYD Sealion 7 Exterior Review
One thing for sure, the BYD Sealion 7 is massive with a length of 4,830mm and is the biggest in its class along with an equally big 2,930mm wheelbase. Styling wise, the Sealion 7 has a swoopy coupe SUV like rear with a sloping roofline while the front is very much like the Seal sedan while having the Ocean series design language. There are large headlamps and being EV, the front-end is without a conventional grille but again looks different. The appealing part is the rear styling and of course the huge 19-inch wheels plus the flush door handles.
BYD Sealion 7 interior review and space
Inside, the car feels very well built and tough while having a simple but high quality look. The dashboard design is clean and typical BYD has very few physical controls with everything put into the huge rotating touchscreen. You can easily turn it to portrait or landscape while portrait suits the menu layout more. The touchscreen itself is a bit confusing to use at first while you soon get the hang of it. Quality is very good and soft touch materials are there all around.
The features list is high too including an 8 way power adjust driver seat, 6 way power adjust passenger seat, full length glass roof with sunshade, V2L, fast mobile charging with cooling, 11 airbags, card key, heads-up display, a detailed 360 degree camera and a superb 12-speaker audio system. Space is also huge with the rear seat having ample room along with a flat floor. Even the boot is massive at 500l plus and there is a pretty handy 58 litre frunk too.
BYD Sealion 7 drive review and range
The driving position is easy to adjust with the steering having both rake/reach option. On the go, the BYD Sealion 7 does seem big but behind the wheel it shrinks in size. Like all EVs, it is calm, quiet and quick at low speeds. We tested the single motor option with the standard 82.5 kwh LFP battery. Power is 313hp and range is 567km. The much quicker dual motor version packs in less range at 542km but has a lot more power at 530hp. Even the single motor feels very quick and smooth with ample power. There is regen braking but it isn’t strong.
The steering is very light while despite its weight, the ride at higher speeds is quite smooth while wind noise/tyre roar is controlled. Only the ride over potholes or speed breakers is a bit firm. The ground clearance thankfully is much better than the low Seal at 163mm and that helps. It feels more car-like to drive and has been tuned for performance with good grip from tyres along with excellent high speed stability and braking. Only thing, rearward visibility is hampered with the low roofline. The range at 567 km is less than some rivals but in the real world you will get around 450-500km depending on the way you drive. The car also has a driver attention monitor which we felt is intrusive but somehow makes you more alert!
Overall, the BYD Sealion 7 is a superior product over other similarly priced EVs with its looks, space, performance and the high quality cabin. Yes, the range isn’t great but again not too far behind and the ground clearance could be better but overall this is a seriously impressive EV which beats luxury brands for performance and features! If you are looking for a conventional EV, you must look at this one!
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