BYD Sealion 7 Review

How much does it cost?

This is where the new wave of Chinese manufacturers really do have an edge over their European counterparts. Aided by significant backing from the Chinese government through extensive subsidies, tax breaks, and direct funding, they are able to undercut the legacy brands in a big way. BYD’s online configurator shows the entry-level ‘Comfort’ edition of the Sealion 7 kicking off at £47,025, which does represent good value for a car with so much of the very latest technology. At the top of the range, the ‘Excellence’ all-wheel-drive version starts at £59,025. With BYD still a relatively new proposition in the UK, used stock remains limited, although there is value to be found if you know where to look. Second-hand models start at around £35,000, representing a good discount when you consider that the car only went on sale in the UK in the early months of 2025. However, whenever buying a used EV it is important to note that depreciation can be a major issue and you could be left with an asset that loses value significantly faster than a petrol equivalent.

Engine and performance

Overview

Unlike some BYDs, which continue to use some form of traditional petrol power, the Sealion 7 is available exclusively as an EV. Entry-level models get a single rear motor with approximately 308 bhp, while higher-spec cars get a dual motor system that produces 523 bhp. The fastest versions of the car can do 0–62 mph in as little as 4.5 seconds. When it comes to battery options, entry-level and mid-spec cars get an 82.5 kWh unit, while the range-topping ‘Excellence’ gets a slightly bigger 91.3 kWh battery instead. All standard cars are compatible with a 150 kW rapid charger, meaning a 20–80% top up can be completed in around half an hour, although some higher specs can charge at a market-leading 230 kW – well clear of most rivals.

Out on the road

As soon as you move away in the Sealion 7 you are instantly met with an experience that feels completely refined and utterly effortless. It ranks among the smoothest electric SUVs that money can buy, with rapid acceleration, even by EV standards. This makes the car excellent at overtaking and making quick darts down bustling urban roads. Overall, urban driving feels relaxed and comfortable, with good visibility thanks to the raised driving position. This composure continues when you leave town and get out onto the motorway. Even at high speeds, the Sealion 7 lets in very little wind or road noise, which, teamed with the silent electric drivetrain, leaves you feeling safe and well insulated from the outside world.

Ride and handling

As a hefty SUV with a big, heavy battery pack, the Sealion 7 isn’t what you’d call athletic and the car does suffer from a fair bit of body roll if you try to push things too hard in the corners. Despite this, there is plenty of grip and the steering is well-weighted to inspire confidence in a car that has a kerb weight of almost two-and-a-half tonnes. It is clear that the car has been developed with comfort in mind and for the most part, it succeeds on this front with the soft suspension soaking up most bumps and poor road surfaces. The only slight exception to this comes on higher-spec models, with larger wheels, which can feel a little on the firm side on some particularly bad roads – especially around town.

Interior and features

Interiors

Inside the Sealion 7 it becomes abundantly clear that BYD is reaching for the stars and setting its sights firmly on the premium end of the market. The cabin has a modern, airy feel with lashings of soft-touch materials wherever you look, and a pleasing lack of cheap scratchy plastics. The dashboard is dominated by a 15.6-inch screen that rotates so drivers can choose between portrait and landscape layouts but elsewhere, the front of the car feels fairly clean and minimalist. Other nice touches include metallic accents and high-quality upholstery as well as comfortable and supportive seats that offer plenty of room, regardless of where you are seated. Overall, the Sealion 7 feels every inch a premium car that deserves to be mentioned alongside its more established European rivals.

Boot space and practicality

Feeling luxurious and premium is one thing, but the truth of the matter is that if BYD is to make a success of the Sealion 7, then it also needs to be practical. Thankfully for the Chinese manufacturer, things on this front are also pretty positive. The car offers a perfectly respectable 520 litres of boot capacity, with the space itself more than a match for most family luggage, shopping or sports equipment. The opening is wide and the load floor flat, which makes getting bulkier items into the back very easy. This practicality continues inside the cabin itself where BYD claims there are 20 (Yes, 20) separate cubbies. Having not taken the time to stop and count them all, we’ll have to take their word for that, but regardless of the exact number, the truth remains that there is plenty of storage throughout, including large door bins, cupholders and a spacious centre console. Under the bonnet, where you would find the engine in most petrol-powered cars, there is also a small frunk, which is primarily designed for storing charging cables, although it could also take an insignificant amount of luggage if absolutely necessary.

Features

BYD has made a big deal of its generous tech offering and it is easy to see why when you look at just how much is fitted to the Sealion 7 as standard. All cars get the funky rotating touchscreen infotainment system, as well as a digital driver display, wireless smartphone connectivity, a panoramic roof and dual-zone climate control. Higher-spec models add even more premium touches including a premium audio system, heated and ventilated seats, a head-up display and advanced driver assistance systems. The only real downside from a driver’s point of view is the lack of physical buttons for things like the air conditioning, which leads to lots of fiddling about with the screen while on the move.

Trim and colour options

The Sealion 7 is available in ‘Comfort’, ‘Design’ and ‘Excellence’ trim levels as it looks to keep things as simple as possible for buyers. While all three offer a good level of spec as standard, it is definitely worth opting for the ‘Excellence’ model if you can, which offers some of the quickest charging speeds of any EV currently on the market. Colour choices include Atlantis Grey, Polar White, Indigo Grey and Obsidian Black.

Safety and reliability

BYD has invested heavily in safety and the Sealion 7 is packed full of the latest tech, including adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, blind-spot monitoring, autonomous emergency braking and traffic sign recognition. The car recently underwent testing by Euro NCAP, which awarded it a maximum five-star score. When it comes to reliability, BYD’s Blade Battery technology has gained a good reputation for being durable and if things do go wrong, the brand offers a comprehensive warranty as well as a rapidly growing network of dealers.

MPG, emissions and tax

With no nasty polluting engine, the Sealion 7 produces zero tailpipe emissions, making it an appealing option for environmentally conscious buyers who will also love the fact that its battery is free of both nickel and lead. BYD claims that the car can go between 283 and 312 miles before needing to charge, although real-world figures are likely to dip a fair way below those sorts of levels. Unfortunately for EV drivers, electric cars are no longer exempt from paying road tax and are now subject to the standard £195 annual rate after a £10 first-year charge. As it is priced over £40,000 it also falls under the government’s Expensive Car Supplement, which costs an extra £425 a year for five years, applied from the second year of registration. Despite this, low Benefit-in-Kind rates do make the car an attractive proposition for company car drivers.