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Pros: Strong spec, good range and performance
Cons: Ride quality could be better, average material quality inside
BYD Sealion 7 Design
The BYD Sealion 7 has a familiar look, continuing the company’s aquatic theme as it uses the same ‘Ocean Aesthetics’ design language that extends into the nomenclature, with the ‘7’ indicating that this is the seventh model in the BYD range in Europe (though Ireland only gets five thus far as not all see right-hand-drive production).
Clumsy naming conventions aside, the Sealion 7 ties in with the Seal saloon and Seal U DM-i plug-in hybrid SUV. The Sealion 7 comes only with electric powertrains, with two battery options and front- or all-wheel drive.
At the front is a sharper-looking interpretation of the look that graces the Seal and Seal U, with an X-shaped design. Depending on specification, the Sealion 7 rides on 19- or 20-inch alloy wheels, the latter featuring as standard on both all-wheel-drive variants. In side profile, you can see there are squarish wheel arches with black plastic cladding and a gently sloping roofline that hints at a more coupe-like appearance than the Seal U’s, without detracting much from the car’s practicality. Flush-fitting door handles that retract into the bodywork when locked add to the modern, sleek look.
Around the back, the design highlights include detailed light clusters and a full-width illuminated bar linking them. The roof spoiler channels air beneath it and over the rear window, which does without a wiper. The trailing edge of the boot lid carries a small lip spoiler for stability at higher speeds, and there’s a plethora of badging that includes “4.8s” to represent the car’s accelerative abilities.
BYD Sealion 7 Interior
You’ll find a sensible and intuitive layout inside the BYD Sealion 7, with many of the same features and touches we’ve seen in the company’s other recent models. Up front are sports seats that look good, offering plenty of electric adjustability, and are both heated and ventilated as standard — not something we typically see in this segment. Comfort and Design AWD models get artificial leather, while Excellence AWD models are upholstered with Nappa leather.
The flat-bottomed sports steering wheel is a decent size and feels nice in hand, while its multifunction buttons have a pleasing metallic finish. Behind this is a 10.25-inch digital instrument display, which is standard fare these days and clearly presents all the relevant information to the driver. The range-topping Excellence AWD model also gets a colour head-up display.
All versions get the 15.6-inch touchscreen with BYD’s now-signature rotating function, which can switch it between landscape and portrait orientation. The native infotainment system gains improvements with a cleaner layout and widget-style menus for frequently used items. Graphics and operating speeds are better thanks to a more powerful Qualcomm 8155 chipset inside, too. The centre console contains a 50W wireless charging pad, two 60W USB-C ports and a clever cupholder system that can raise or lower to accommodate taller drinks bottles.
Rear passenger space is quite generous thanks partly to the car’s long wheelbase and flat floor due to its battery packaging. The rear seatbacks can manually recline to provide even more headroom, and the vast panoramic glass roof bathes the cabin in light. Two more USB-C ports, heated outer rear seats and ISOFIX points are standard. Overall, the fit and finish inside are good, but some interior plastics aren’t to as high a standard as some more upmarket rivals that BYD aims to compete against. Boot space is also decent, with 520 litres with the seats in use and up to 1,789 litres when the 60:40 split-folding rear seats are tumbled forward. Furthermore, there is a 58-litre storage bin in the front under the bonnet.
BYD Sealion 7 Performance & Drive
Our first experience behind the wheel of the BYD Sealion 7 is in the top-spec Excellence AWD. This version sits on 20-inch wheels, though visually, there’s nothing else to differentiate it from the singe-motor Comfort model. That Comfort version gets decent outputs of 312hp and 380Nm, so it’s no slouch. It uses an 82.5kWh battery that also features in the dual-motor version called the Design AWD.
In that instance, the power output is a more considerable 530hp, with 690Nm of torque, resulting in brisk acceleration: 0-100km/h takes only 4.5 seconds. All versions of the Sealion 7 have the same 215km/h top speed, partly thanks to the new electric motor that can spin up to 23,000rpm. That same power output is what the Excellence AWD (tested here) gets, but with one other difference; this version features a larger capacity, 91.3kWh battery that extends the official driving range from 456 kilometres (in the Design AWD) to 502 kilometres. It also gets a bump in peak DC fast-charging performance, going from 150kW to 230kW, reducing the 10-80 per cent charging time from 32 minutes to 24 minutes.
As you might expect from a car with such performance numbers, the Sealion 7 feels plenty quick off the mark, though it’s still quite manageable if you leave the car in its Normal drive mode and exercise some prudence with your right foot. There’s always plenty of traction on hand, thanks to the dual-motor setup and, even when travelling that bit faster, the BYD feels surefooted in various conditions. It isn’t a light car, tipping the scales at 2,435kg, making it the heaviest version of the Sealion 7. At times, that weight becomes more apparent, especially when slowing down from higher speeds for corners.
There is some body lean, but it’s largely kept in check, and in comparison to the Seal U DM-i, the suspension setup is noticeably firmer. That’s partly down to the different powertrain, but also, we suspect, to alter the car’s character in keeping with its sportier design. Switching up to Sport mode quickens accelerator response and adds more urgency to acceleration. Given how quick the car feels in its Normal setting, in most everyday scenarios there seems to be little reason ever to switch modes. Drivers can adjust the steering weighting and level of energy recuperation.
Firm ride quality aside, the Sealion 7 is a refined car in terms of how little noise makes its way into the cabin when on the move. While it isn’t the most exciting or involving car to drive, it makes life very easy for the driver. Some of the assistance systems can be overbearing at times, and drivers can deactivate these through the menu system, but doing so isn’t as easy a task as in some competitors.
BYD Sealion 7 Pricing
At the time of writing, there is no official pricing for the BYD Sealion 7 in Ireland, though we expect it to cost more than the Seal U DM-i due to its positioning. Three versions will be available: the single-motor, front-wheel drive Sealion 7 Comfort, the dual-motor Design AWD, and the Excellence AWD, which matches the performance output of the Design AWD but gains a larger batter and more standard equipment. It’s worth noting that standard equipment across the range is good by segment standards.
Carzone Verdict
There’s plenty to like about the BYD Sealion 7, including the amount of standard equipment. The powertrain choices will suit a variety of tastes and preferences, though the more modest and cheapest singe-motor setup will be more than enough for most buyers.