BYD Sealion 7 Review: A Deep Dive into BYD's Newest Electric SUV

Introduction to the BYD Sealion 7

The all-new BYD Sealion 7 is now ready to step into the EV SUV market and take over the already-existing competition with the likes of Tesla Model Y which was the best-selling car last year. 

It is built as a family SUV and is fully electric and of course, there are several innovations, including quicker charging times and utilitarian features. Positioned as a significant model for BYD, the Sealion 7 is designed to offer both performance and convenience. 

Due to its large interior space and fast charging ability, it is ideal for families that need an EV. With the launch of this electric SUV, BYD this time makes a bold move on the ever-growing landscape of electric vehicles.

Exploring the BYD Vehicle Range

BYD's lineup showcases a distinctive naming strategy influenced by marine animals. The Dolphin is a compact hatchback, while the Seal goes head-to-head with the Tesla Model 3. Despite its name, the Seal U is a plug-in hybrid and not an electric vehicle. 

The Sealion 7, however, is the SUV counterpart to the Seal, placing it above the Ato III in BYD's electric SUV hierarchy. Interestingly, the Ato III diverges from the animal-themed naming convention, being named after a unit of time. 

This diverse lineup highlights BYD's approach to offering a range of electric and hybrid options to suit various consumer needs.

Variants and Specifications of the Sealion 7

The BYD Sealion 7 offers three distinct versions: Comfort, Design, and Excellence. The Comfort and Design models both feature an 82.5 kWh battery. 

The Comfort version comes with a single electric motor driving the rear wheels, while the Design version includes an additional motor on the front axle for more power and all-wheel drive. 

The Excellence variant, at the top of the range, boasts the same dual-motor setup as the Design but includes a larger 91.3 kWh battery. This version provides extra power and enhanced range. Each variant of the Sealion 7 is designed to cater to different driving preferences, from everyday practicality to high performance.

Safety and Battery Innovations

Electric vehicles are usually misunderstood when it comes to their chances of catching fire. 

Research from Sweden and the US shows that electric cars tend to catch on fire 20 times less in comparison to gasoline or diesel-fueled cars. 

The Sealion 7 works with a lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery, which is manufactured in-house by the BYD company. These batteries tend to not only do not use cobalt while being more friendly for the environment but are also very durable. 

The useable volume of space required may be greater than usual but however, but that is made up by the improved thermal stability meaning they are much safer to use.

This stability contributes to the Sealion 7's overall safety profile, ensuring a secure driving experience.

Performance and Charging Capabilities

The BYD Sealion 7 stands out with its robust performance and quick charging capabilities.

At the very top, we see the Excellence model at around 2.5 tons and a max range of around 311 miles. 

The Design variation is slightly lighter and boasts an impressive weight of 283 miles, while the starting weight of the Comfort stands at 2.2 tons but can go up to a range of around 300 miles. 

Overall, while the numbers do look impressive, compared to the Tesla Model Y, which boasts a higher range and weight, the numbers do seem a bit underwhelming.

However, the Sealion 7 excels in charging speed. In ideal conditions, the Excellence variant can achieve a 10-80% charge in just 24 minutes, which is faster than the Model Y's 27-minute time. 

The Comfort and Design versions take about 32 minutes for a similar charge but have smaller batteries. This quick charging capability makes the Sealion 7 a convenient choice for those needing efficient recharges on the go.

Interior Design and Functionality

Inside the BYD Sealion 7, you’ll find an impressively spacious and functional interior. The vehicle features a powered tailgate as standard, unveiling 520 liters of cargo space beneath the parcel shelf. 

Additionally, there's a 58-liter storage compartment under the hood, enough for a carry-on suitcase. The rear seating area is particularly roomy, offering ample knee and foot space, even for taller passengers.

All versions of the Sealion 7 come with heated seats in the rear, ensuring passenger comfort in colder weather. The front seats take comfort a step further by offering ventilation, ideal for maintaining a pleasant temperature in any climate. 

The seating position is high, providing a commanding view of the road, and the driver's seat features electric adjustments across all trim levels.

Though headroom might be slightly limited for very tall passengers, the seats are generally supportive and comfortable. 

The flat floor in the rear ensures that the middle passenger does not have to deal with a transmission tunnel, adding to the overall comfort. 

Storage is also thoughtfully integrated, with good-sized door bins, additional cubbies, and seatback pouches for smaller items.

The boot space is practical, albeit slightly constrained for taller items due to the coupe-like rear design. 

Rear seats can be folded down to accommodate larger cargo, although this requires manually flicking levers on the seatbacks. Overall, the interior of the Sealion 7 is well-equipped to meet the needs of families and daily commuters alike.

Conclusion

The BYD Sealion 7 emerges as a formidable player in the electric SUV market, balancing performance, safety, and practicality.

Just like the name of its marine mammal, the electric SUV comes equipped with advanced battery technology that certainly sets it apart. 

The vehicle’s high performance, short charge time, and roomy, practical layout make it a solid choice for families and urban users. 

However, the Sealion 7 has a major advantage in that it charges quickly, although it doesn't come close to the cruising distance of some competitors.

The thoughtful design details, such as ample rear passenger space and versatile storage options, further enhance its appeal. As BYD continues to evolve, the Sealion 7 is a promising indication of the brand's potential to rival established names in the electric vehicle landscape.