Unveiled at the 2024 Paris Motor Show, BYD’s new electric SUV has just arrived in the national market, representing a strong commitment from the Chinese brand to the European markets.
Designed by Wolfgang Egger, BYD’s chief designer known for his work with Lamborghini, Alfa Romeo, and Audi, the Sealion 7 adopts the Ocean Series design language, featuring an X-shaped front end, similar to the Dolphin and Seal models, and adapts it to a sporty SUV body style.
Moreover, the new BYD model entering the national market is the brand’s first electric vehicle based on the updated e-Platform 3.0 Evo, which allows the company to promise faster charging and improved performance, benefiting from the Blade Battery that uses lithium iron phosphate (LFP) as the cathode material. LFP offers higher safety and durability levels compared to conventional lithium-ion batteries, in addition to being 100% cobalt-free.
Available in the national market in two trim levels, the new addition to the BYD range comes in the entry-level Comfort version, equipped with an electric motor producing 308 hp and 380 Nm of torque, powered by an 82.5 kWh battery that enables acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h in 6.7 seconds, reaching a top speed of 215 km/h and a range of 482 km.
The Excellence variant is equipped with two electric motors and all-wheel drive, utilizing an additional power unit with 215 hp at the front axle to ensure a combined power of 523 hp and 690 Nm of torque. In this version, the top speed remains at 215 km/h, but the acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h is just 4.5 seconds.
The two electric motors are powered by a 91.3 kWh battery, which allows for a claimed range of up to 502 km.
All versions of the BYD Sealion 7 come standard with 11 kW three-phase AC charging, and the Excellence AWD version with the larger battery can achieve DC charging speeds of 230 kW, allowing for a charge from 10% to 80% in just 24 minutes.
With a total length of 4.83 meters, a wheelbase of 2.93 m, and a completely flat rear floor provided by the e-Platform 3.0, BYD’s new electric SUV offers a very generous cabin space, particularly for rear-seat passengers, who enjoy plenty of legroom.
Additionally, the trunk is quite generous, offering a capacity of 520 liters, which increases to 1789 liters with the rear seats folded down, and the front trunk (‘frunk’) has a storage capacity of 58 liters.
Inside, the version we had a brief encounter with, Excellence, during the national presentation held in Lisbon, stands out for the high quality of materials, as well as the minimalist air with a dashboard and central console that are marked by the almost total absence of physical controls.
Note also the comfortable seats that feature heating both in the front and rear, as well as a 15.6’’ infotainment screen that can rotate between portrait and landscape orientation, a BYD exclusive. This screen has the latest software from the brand, which brings a redesigned interface capable of displaying a complete 3D rendering of the car and voice control system interaction.
Additionally, the BYD Sealion 7 is the first model from the Chinese brand to feature DiPilot 100 “God’s Eye,” a system with driver assistance and safety technologies that includes 12 ultrasonic radars, five millimeter-wave radars, and 11 cameras for advanced driving assistance functions.
Behind the wheel, it is easy to find a comfortable driving position, despite the driver’s seat being positioned high, typical of an SUV, and the driving experience is intuitive and easy to manage. Furthermore, during the short journey I took, it became clear that on the highway, the 530 hp from the two electric motors is more than enough to push us back into the seat whenever we press the accelerator pedal harder, despite this model’s weight of 2400 kg.
Now available for order in the national market, the BYD Sealion 7 is priced at €47,990 for the entry-level Comfort version, while the top-of-the-line Excellence variant starts at €56,490.
