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 autos is rising, particularly for used examples, since EVs depreciate rapidly. Nonetheless, 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 cell phones, industrial machines, and forklifts. It’s not stunning that the corporate makes wonderful electrical autos, too.

I’ve examined all the vary of BYD autos obtainable within the UK, and every supplies an expensive really feel at an affordable value. 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 total efficiency into query.

Beneficial

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 know-how as commonplace, leaving little must improve to costlier trims obtainable. 

Battery measurement

82.5 kWh

Drive Structure

All-wheel drive

Horsepower

523 bhp

0-60mph

4.5 seconds

Prime Velocity

133 mph

Vary

as much as 312 miles

Professionals & Cons

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

• Rear roof eats into space for storing
• General efficiency may very well be higher
• Cupholders suited to giant bottles

Broaden

See our course of

How we test and review products at Pocket-lint

We do not do arm-chair analysis. We purchase and check our personal merchandise, and we solely publish purchaser’s guides with merchandise we have really reviewed.

Worth, availability, and specs

Each BYD Sealion 7 will get a warmth pump as commonplace, to assist protect the driving vary in chilly climate. Additionally they have a vehicle-to-load perform for powering different electronics by way of 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, will probably be helpful for tenting journeys in the actual world. There’s a formidable checklist of ordinary gear, too:

Sealion 7 commonplace 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. An even bigger 91.3 kWh battery for Excellence grades has the identical output, however extends the vary to 312 miles. A extra accessible Consolation shall 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 measurement, each Sealion 7 is restricted to a prime pace of 133 mph.

BYD Sealion 7 efficiency specs

Associated

5 China-made EVs blow the US competition away

These EVs from China are wiping the ground with international leaders. It is a disgrace we can’t see them within the US.

What I appreciated concerning the BYD Sealion 7

Roomy inside and full of intelligent know-how

Like the remainder of the vary, there’s a transparent give attention to know-how. Crisp digital shows line the dashboard. A big 15.6-inch touchscreen show acts as a command middle, however to not the intense of Tesla. You possibly can 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 features, and voice instructions for every little thing you want. I examined opening the home windows, adjusting the cabin temperature and asking for route steerage. The place most voice-activated techniques would battle to know my sturdy Scottish accent, the BYD understood each immediate the primary time.

Associated

5 things you might not know about driving an EV in cold, snowy weather

It is completely nice to personal in EV in locations the place you possibly can go sledding or snowboarding.

One other intelligent perform that extra vehicles 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. For those who’ve ever used this function in a automobile, 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 area 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 influence headroom. Plus, it obtained the utmost five-star safety rating from Euro NCAP.

Associated

Do you prefer CarPlay, Android Auto, or bespoke in-car infotainment

There was a time once I cherished Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, however the points I’ve encountered with my Ioniq 5’s USB port, resulting in each platforms continually disconnecting (I just about do not use both anymore), have led me to alter my opinion. I’ve talked to each Hyundai and Apple, and each firms blame the problem on one another.

What I did not like concerning the BYD Sealion 7

When does the efficiency kick in?

I struggled to seek 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 extensive cupholders do not grip slim bottles of water. My greatest gripe was the ability of the efficiency mannequin.

Regardless of having a 91.3 kWh battery obtainable, its sole objective is so as to add a couple 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 would not translate to enjoyable. Certain, 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 larger 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.

Associated

Should you install a home charger for your EV, or use charging stations instead?

It is all the time tempting to put in an at-home charger, however you should not do it routinely.

Do you have to purchase the BYD Sealion 7?

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

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 in search of an electrical automobile with out having to pay further for fundamental options. It is environment friendly, secure, spacious, and full of leisure to maintain the youngsters occupied.

My alternative can be the Sealion 7 Design, because you get all the ability of the Excellence mannequin with out the premium price ticket. Nonetheless, for those who 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