BYD has added a new car to its European line-up, the fully electric BYD Sealion 7. And the Tesla Model Y rival is coming here at some point once the electric market picks up. It is a new entrant in the all-electric coupé-SUV market.
Also taking on the likes of the Hyundai Ioniq 5, Peugeot E-300, Skoda Enyaq Coupe and VW ID.5, the Sealion 7 will go on sale soon in the UK with deliveries beginning before year end.
Using the same updated e-Platform 3.0 EVO architecture as the Seal, two Blade battery sizes are likely to become available. One is 71.8kWh usable and the other at 80.6kWh. That’s enough for 546km and 608km of range, respectively, though the figures are derived using China’s more lenient test cycle.
In the home market, the smaller battery mates to a 169kW or 230kW motor. Respective sprint times are 7.3 seconds and 6.7 seconds.
A dual-motor version generates 390kW for a 0-100km/h time of 4.2 seconds. BYD reckons the European Sealion 7 isn’t quite as quick at 4.5sec. This particular version will come with a freshly developed Intelligent Torque Adaption Control (iTAC) system. BYD says this shuffles torque about to minimise loss of traction and improve safety. The firm also indicates the suspension is set up specifically for top handling and assured vehicle control.
Styling reminds of the Seal saloon but in Sealion 7 it is sporty SUV body style. At 4830mm it is 10mm longer than a Seal.
A ‘X’ shape up front is like that on other BYDs, along with floating LED headlights. A sloping roofline flows into a ducktail spoiler, beneath which is a full-width rear light bar.
The interior of the Sealion 7 mimics that of the upcoming Seal facelift. There’s a 15.6-inch rotating touchscreen in centre console, along with a new steering wheel, and two wireless charging pads.
In China, where it is known as Sea Lion 07, there’s a huge head-up display, front and rear heated and ventilated seats and a giant panoramic glass roof. Manufacture will be at BYD’s new European plant, set to open this time next year. That way the company will circumvent the punitive tariffs recently imposed by the EU.
In New Zealand the Sealion 7 will go on sale when demand for EVs starts to lift. Pricing will likely be similar to that of Seal.
This will close in 8 seconds
