It’s day 2 of the Melbourne EV Show and along with thousands of attendees, I had the opportnity to get hands-on with the new BYD Sealion 7. This is BYD’s most serious entrant into the mid-sized SUV market.
We’ve seen BYD enter the mid-sized sedan space with the Seal, and while they’ve had the Atto 3 in market for a while, the most popular vehicle segment outside of Utes, is mid-sized SUVs.
We can think of the Sealion 7 and BYD Seal as similar to the Model 3/Y combo from Tesla. When you get in the car, you’ll notice how the seats, screen and overall feel of the car feels familiar.
The show provided a fantastic opportunity to spend time in the vehicle and there’s also test drives available. There’s no substitute for bums in seats to convince someone this is the next vehicle for you and many of those are taking place this weekend.
The Sealion 7, like the Seal is offered at an agressive price point in Australia.
There are two variants.
| BYD SEALION 7 Premium | BYD SEALION 7 Performance |
|---|---|
| Ultra-Safe BYD Blade Battery – 82.56 kWh 0-100km/h in 6.7s Maximum Power – 230 kW Maximum Torque – 380 Nm AC Charging 11kW DC Charging 150kW Heads-up display Genuine leather-wrapped steering wheel and seats Premium 19 inch Alloy rims Frequency Selective Dampening (FSD) Rear-wheel drive Up to 567km range NEDC – 482km WLTP Complimentary 1 Year Roadside Assistance included | Ultra-Safe BYD Blade Battery – 82.56 kWh 0-100km/h in 4.5s Maximum Power – 390 kW Maximum Torque – 690 Nm AC Charging 11kW DC Charging 150kW Heads-up display Genuine leather-wrapped steering wheel and seats Premium 20 inch Alloy rims Frequency Selective Dampening (FSD) AWD dual motor system Up to 542km range NEDC – 456km WLTP Complimentary 1 Year Roadside Assistance included |
| Driveaway Price: $58,188.45 (VIC) | Driveaway Price: $67,566.45 (VIC) |
Design
The BYD Sealion 7 embodies the marque’s “Ocean Aesthetics” design language, drawing inspiration from the fluidity and power of the sea. This is evident in the vehicle’s sleek, coupe-like silhouette, which features a low-slung, athletic stance. The front is characterized by a distinctive X-shaped fascia and slim, C-shaped LED headlights that create a commanding presence.
Flowing lines and a subtle waistline crease give the Sealion 7 a sense of motion, while flush-mounted door handles and a panoramic glass roof contribute to its modern and aerodynamic profile. The rear of the vehicle is equally striking, with a full-width LED taillight that incorporates a sophisticated, dot-matrix pattern.
A noteworthy and practical design element is the inclusion of a generously sized front trunk, or “frunk.” This additional storage space is a significant advantage for families and those needing extra luggage capacity. The Sealion 7 rides on stylish alloy wheels, with the Premium variant sporting 19-inch rims and the Performance model boasting larger, 20-inch wheels that further enhance its sporty appeal.
Features
The BYD Sealion 7 is packed with a comprehensive suite of features, even in its entry-level Premium variant, underlining BYD’s commitment to offering value for money. Both models are built on BYD’s e-Platform 3.0, which incorporates the ultra-safe Blade Battery with Cell to Body (CTB) technology. This innovative construction method integrates the battery into the vehicle’s structure, enhancing safety, torsional rigidity, and interior space.
Standard across the range is a large, rotating 15.6-inch infotainment screen, a signature BYD feature, which serves as the central hub for navigation, media, and vehicle settings. This is complemented by a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster and a heads-up display, ensuring the driver has all necessary information readily available. The cabin experience is further elevated by a genuine leather-wrapped steering wheel and seats, with the front seats offering both heating and ventilation.
Technological highlights include a premium 12-speaker Dynaudio sound system, wireless phone charging, and a comprehensive suite of advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS). These safety features include adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, blind-spot detection, and a 360-degree camera, providing peace of mind for the driver. For added convenience, the Sealion 7 also comes with a V2L (Vehicle-to-Load) function, allowing owners to power external devices and appliances from the car’s battery.
The key differentiators between the two variants lie in their performance and drivetrain. The Premium model is a capable rear-wheel-drive SUV, while the Performance model boasts a potent dual-motor all-wheel-drive system, offering significantly quicker acceleration and enhanced handling for those seeking a more spirited driving experience.
For more information, head to https://bydautomotive.com.au/sealion-7
