BYD Sealion 7: A Game-Changer In The EV Market

BYD, the renowned Chinese electric vehicle (EV) brand, has been steadily making its mark in India with practical offerings like the e6 (now the eMax7) and the Atto 3. However, it truly raised the stakes with the Seal, attracting luxury EV buyers in the process. Now, the Sealion 7, a larger, crossover variant of the Seal, takes things to the next level. As an SUV with enhanced ground clearance, it’s set to appeal to an even broader range of Indian consumers—especially those looking for a sleeker, coupe-like silhouette combined with SUV characteristics.

Exterior: A Sleeker, More Aggressive Presence

At first glance, the Sealion 7 shares many similarities with its smaller sibling, the Seal, particularly in its wedge-shaped front end. However, the lower half of the front fascia is more aggressively styled, especially around the air dam area. On the sides, the regular variant comes with 19-inch wheels, while the AWD version features larger 20-inch wheels.

The Sealion 7’s wheel arches are complemented by black cladding, enhancing its SUV feel, while the rest of the bodywork remains clean and sleek. The rear boasts a hatchback tailgate, beneath which lies a spacious 500-liter boot—ideal for long trips or carrying bulky luggage. Though the Sealion 7 is larger than the Seal in almost every dimension, the standout feature is its increased ground clearance, now set at 170mm.

Interior: Premium Comfort with Advanced Technology

While the exterior retains much of the Seal’s DNA, the interior of the Sealion 7 is a world apart. The dashboard design is completely different, with only the signature 15.6-inch rotary touchscreen being a familiar touch. This screen, BYD's signature party trick, offers users the flexibility to switch between portrait and landscape modes.

BYD's attention to detail in materials stands out, with a plastic strip across the dashboard that mimics brushed aluminium—adding a premium touch. Leatherette on the door pads and dash top further elevates the cabin’s luxurious feel. Ambient lighting throughout creates a warm, inviting atmosphere, while the digital instrument cluster seamlessly integrates with the rest of the interior.

In terms of features, the Sealion 7 doesn’t disappoint. It comes loaded with a massive panoramic fixed sunroof, wireless Apple CarPlay & Android Auto, wireless charging, heads-up display, a 112-speaker sound system, powered and ventilated front seats, auto wipers, and lamps, dual-zone climate control, a powered tailgate, and a vehicle-to-load function for charging external appliances from the car’s battery.

Safety is also a major priority. The Sealion 7 is equipped with 11 airbags, including one between the front seats and side bolsters, ensuring maximum protection in the event of an accident. The car also comes with 360-degree cameras for all-around visibility, Level 2 ADAS, and a comprehensive suite of other safety aids.

Performance: Power and Efficiency Combined

The Sealion 7 features an 82.56 kWh battery that powers either a single motor in the rear-wheel drive (RWD) variant or dual motors in the all-wheel drive (AWD) version. Both configurations offer impressive ranges: the single-motor variant delivers up to 567 km, while the dual-motor variant offers a range of up to 542 km. Given that BYD is one of the world’s largest battery cell manufacturers, it’s realistic to expect the real-world range to be close to the claimed numbers. You can expect up to 500kms. However, range can vary based on terrain and driving style, so this is something to consider when planning trips.

On the road, the Sealion 7 offers smooth and strong power delivery. It’s not as heady or instant as the Seal, but the AWD version still impresses with a 0-100 km/h time of just 4.5 seconds. With 530 hp and 690 Nm of torque, overtaking on highways or squeezing into tight gaps in traffic feels effortless. The RWD, single-motor variant is no slouch either, producing 310 hp and 380 Nm of torque—plenty for everyday driving.

While the steering is responsive, the Sealion 7 does feel a bit bigger and heavier when navigating corners. There’s noticeable body roll, partly due to its higher ground clearance. However, it’s important to remember that the Sealion 7 is designed more for comfort than sporty handling. Speaking of comfort, the ride quality is generally smooth, though it can feel a little bouncy at low speeds. As speeds increase, the suspension firms up, effectively absorbing bumps and potholes.

Verdict: A Strong Contender in the EV Market

Priced between ₹48.90 lakh and ₹54.90 lakh (ex-showroom), the BYD Sealion 7 competes head-to-head with established players like the BMW iX1 LWB, Kia EV6, Mercedes-Benz EQA, and Volvo C40 Recharge. It enters a highly competitive segment, but it has a lot going for it: sharp looks, a luxurious interior, advanced technology, and, most importantly, an impressive range for long-distance EV travel.

In conclusion, the Sealion 7 offers a compelling package for those looking for an electric SUV that blends practicality, luxury, and cutting-edge tech. It’s a worthy addition to BYD’s growing line-up and a strong contender in the Indian electric vehicle market.