BYD has recently unveiled the new Sealion 7 SUV, with a starting price of £44,990. This pricing strategy aims to undercut its competitor, the Tesla Model Y, by £2000. The Sealion 7 is the first European model from BYD to utilize the new ‘Evo’ development of the e-Platform 3.0 architecture, which also underpins other existing models such as the Atto 3 crossover, Dolphin hatchback, and Seal saloon.
One of the standout features of the Sealion 7 is its cell-to-body construction, where battery cells are directly mounted to the chassis. This SUV is powered by a lithium-iron-phosphate (LFP) battery and offers a range of motor configurations to suit varying needs.
The entry-level Sealion 7 Comfort comes equipped with a single 308bhp, 280lb ft motor on the rear axle, paired with an 82.5kWh battery. This setup provides a range of 300 miles and can accelerate from 0-62mph in 6.7 seconds. Moving up to the Design trim, priced at £49,290, adds a 215bhp motor to the front axle, enabling four-wheel drive and a combined output of 523bhp and 509lb ft. This configuration reduces the range to 283 miles but improves acceleration to 4.5 seconds for the 0-62mph sprint.
For those seeking the ultimate performance and luxury, the range-topping Excellence variant, priced at £57,290, features the same 523bhp powertrain as the Design trim but with a larger 91.3kWh battery, extending the range to 312 miles. The Excellence trim also includes premium interior features like nappa leather seats and a head-up display.
Charging capabilities are impressive across all trims, with the Comfort and Design models supporting up to 150kW on a DC connection, allowing for a 32-minute charge from 10-80%. The Excellence trim is upgraded to a 230kW peak, reducing the charging time to just 24 minutes.
Standard on all versions of the Sealion 7 is a heat pump, which efficiently generates heat for the cabin, enhancing the car’s range in colder conditions. Inside, the SUV boasts a 15.6-inch infotainment touchscreen that can rotate between portrait and landscape orientations, along with a new voice control system for added convenience.
Overall, the BYD Sealion 7 stands out in the electric SUV market with its competitive pricing, advanced technology, and impressive performance capabilities. This model is set to make a strong impact in the European market and appeal to environmentally-conscious consumers looking for a stylish and efficient electric vehicle option.
