The all-new BYD Sealion 7 is a big fish in a small pond

Summary

The BYD Sealion 7 is the brand’s most expensive model yet.
It has a roomy interior packed with technology.
Performance-based models lack excitement compared to rivals.

The world of cars is moving at a lightning-fast pace, with manufacturers adopting a greener way of life. Demand for electric vehicles is growing, especially for used examples, since EVs depreciate rapidly. However, the BYD Sealion 7 is the brand’s most expensive vehicle yet. Is there any need for a performance-based electric SUV, or is BYD getting too big for its boots?

The truth is, China-made EVs are leading the way, and BYD is one of China’s largest privately-owned manufacturers specializing in batteries. Before venturing into EVs, BYD developed batteries for everyday items, including mobile phones, industrial machines, and forklifts. It’s not surprising that the company makes excellent electric vehicles, too.

I’ve tested the entire range of BYD vehicles available in the UK, and each provides a luxurious feel at a reasonable price. Other markets get more BYD models, including Han L and Tang L. That said, the all-new BYD Sealion 7 has a hefty price tag that pulls its overall performance into question.

Recommended

2025 BYD Sealion 7

The BYD Sealion 7 is an electric SUV coupe with up to 523 bhp on tap. It uses the fastest mass-produced e-motor that can run at speeds up to 23,000 rpm, but fails to impress compared to other performance-based SUVs. The Sealion 7 is packed with a plethora of technology as standard, leaving little need to upgrade to more expensive trims available.

Battery size: 82.5 kWh
Drive Layout: All-wheel drive
Horsepower: 523 bhp
0-60mph: 4.5 seconds
Top Speed: 133 mph
Range: up to 312 miles

Pros & Cons

Brilliant voice command system
Impressive range
Packed with technology

Rear roof eats into storage space
Overall performance could be better
Cupholders suited to large bottles

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Price, availability, and specs

Every BYD Sealion 7 gets a heat pump as standard, to help preserve the driving range in cold weather. They also have a vehicle-to-load function for powering other electronics via a cable in the charge port. While BYD used it to bring a ‘dream city’ to life at the UK launch event in Milton Keynes, it will be useful for camping trips in the real world. There’s an impressive list of standard equipment, too:

Sealion 7 standard key features

Heat Pump
Heated seats throughout with ventilated front seats
Privacy glass
Rotating touchscreen
Wireless smartphone charging

The current line-up in the UK has two battery options available. An 82.5 kWh battery in Design models delivers 523 bhp and up to 283 miles of range from a single charge. A bigger 91.3 kWh battery for Excellence grades has the same output, but extends the range to 312 miles. A more accessible Comfort will be available soon, sharing the 82.5 kWh battery but with less power and almost as much range as the biggest option. Regardless of battery size, every Sealion 7 is limited to a top speed of 133 mph.

BYD Sealion 7 performance specs

	Comfort	Design AWD	Excellence AWD
Battery	82.5 kWh	82.5 kWh	91.3 kWh
Horsepower	308 bhp	523 bhp	523 bhp
Drivetrain	RWD	AWD	AWD
0-62 mph	6.7s	4.5s	4.5s
Electric range	300 miles	283 miles	312 miles
Price	£46,990	£51,990	£58,990

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What I liked about the BYD Sealion 7

Roomy interior and packed with clever technology

Like the rest of the range, there’s a clear focus on technology. Crisp digital displays line the dashboard. A large 15.6-inch touchscreen display acts as a command center, but not to the extreme of Tesla. You can rotate it between portrait and landscape orientation — a signature of BYD screens, which I found useful for viewing the route ahead while using the built-in navigation — and a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster.

There are still physical buttons for important functions, and voice commands for everything you need. I tested opening the windows, adjusting the cabin temperature and asking for route guidance. Where most voice-activated systems would struggle to understand my strong Scottish accent, the BYD understood every prompt the first time.

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Another clever function that more cars require is ventilation in the wireless charging cradle. Again, BYD continues to challenge competitors with a 50-watt wireless charging pad. If you’ve ever used this feature in a car, especially when using Apple CarPlay or Android Auto, the phone gets hot. Having an air vent allows cool air to circulate between the phone and cradle, preventing overheating. It’s simple, but effective.

On to practicalities, the roomy cabin has ample space throughout. Three adults can easily fit in the rear, and the slightly reclined backs stay comfortable on long journeys. Though it’s a coupe, the sloping roof begins behind rear passengers, so it doesn’t impact headroom. Plus, it received the maximum five-star safety rating from Euro NCAP.

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What I didn’t like about the BYD Sealion 7

When does the performance kick in?

I struggled to find faults with the Sealion 7. It has plenty of storage space, but the sloping roof eats into the rear of the car, and the wide cupholders don’t grip slim bottles of water. My biggest gripe was the power of the performance model.

It’s quick in a straight line, but I didn’t get the same sense of excitement as a Kia EV6 GT.

Despite having a 91.3 kWh battery available, its sole purpose is to add a few extra miles of range over the 82.5 kWh (and add Nappa leather seats). Though BYD brags about having the world’s fastest electric motor in mass-production at 23,000 rpm, it doesn’t translate to fun. Sure, for an SUV of this size to launch from 0-62 mph in less than five seconds is impressive, but you can feel its body roll on bends at higher speeds, and there’s little feedback from the steering wheel. It’s quick in a straight line, but I didn’t get the same sense of excitement as a Kia EV6 GT.

Charging two different cars with the same ChargePoint Omni Port.

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Should you buy the BYD Sealion 7?

The BYD Sealion 7 is a fast SUV with lots of tech as standard

Even though I was slightly disappointed in the performance-based model, I can’t deny that the Sealion 7 is an excellent choice for families looking for an electric vehicle without having to pay extra for basic features. It’s efficient, safe, spacious, and packed with entertainment to keep the kids occupied.

My choice would be the Sealion 7 Design, since you get all the power of the Excellence model without the premium price tag. However, if you don’t want to worry less about making your EV range last longer, then the Comfort trim will save you a bundle of cash and get close to the maximum claimed range in the lineup.