BYD Sealion 7 First Drive Review

To be honest, BYD made a rather low-profile entry into the Indian market. Why do I say that? Well, despite being the world’s largest EV manufacturer, the brand has remained rather subdued in the Indian market. However, that hasn’t changed their ambition to compete in the luxury segment with their latest launch – the Sealion 7. So, how does it stack up in this fiercely competitive space? We took it for a drive to find out.

Is it an SUV?

BYD says the Sealion is a premium SUV, but to be honest, I think it looks more like a crossover than an SUV. Sure, the Sealion is 4.8-metre in length, but its proportions and design lean more towards a crossover appearance. That said, the detailing on the car – particularly in the taillights and headlights – and the large 20-inch wheels highlight the effort of BYD’s design team to give the Sealion 7 a premium look.

Fancy Pants

One of the most important aspects of modern EVs is their in-cabin experience, and the Sealion is no different in this regard. The big 15.6-inch central touchscreen, which can rotate in both portrait and landscape modes, is a party trick that grabs attention. The flap-like door handles add an interesting touch while remaining practical, proving that they’re not just a design gimmick.

Inside, the Sealion impresses with its spaciousness and high-quality materials, leaving little to complain about. The cabin insulation effectively keeps outside noise at bay, making for a quiet and comfortable ride.

The EV architecture, aided by the trademark Blade battery technology, adds significantly to the practicality aspect of the car. A large central space, a big storage bin under the armrest, and a generous boot, along with a frunk for storing a portable charger or extra luggage, add to its usability. Another thing I like is that the seats are large, comfortable, and designed for long-term comfort, making the Sealion a pleasant place to be.

Range & Power

The Sealion 7 comes with a single battery option – a 82.56kWh pack, featuring BYD’s proprietary Blade LFP tech. However, buyers do get a choice between two powertrain configurations. The dual-motor AWD Performance variant, which we tested, has a certified range of 542km, while the single-motor Premium version offers a certified range of 567km. Based on our experience, a realistic expectation for the AWD model would be between 420-450km on a single charge.

With 523bhp and 690Nm of torque, the Performance version is seriously quick. It sprints from 0 to 100km/h in just 4.5 seconds, and acceleration at any speed is simply relentless. One of the standout aspects of the Sealion 7 is the refinement of its drivetrain – power delivery is smooth and predictable. The steering is fairly communicative, and the cabin is impressively insulated from outside noise, which further adds to the premium driving experience. However, the one complaint I have about the car is regarding its suspension, which feels a bit too stiff. Given our bad roads and its large 20-inch wheels, its stiff suspension somewhat detracts from the overall driving appeal.

The Sealion 7 comes loaded with many safety aids, including a camera that focuses on the driver and tracks where their attention is at all times. Honestly, it is my least favourite feature of the car, for it is overly sensitive, bombarding you with frequent alerts while driving. If there was a button to switch it off, I would gladly press that button.

Is it worth it?

The Sealion 7 has been positioned against the likes of the Mercedes-Benz GLC, Volvo EX40 and the new BMW iX1. With the prices ranging from ₹49 lakh to ₹55 lakh (ex-showroom), it is a serious contender in the mid-size luxury SUV segment. It offers generous interior space, a feature-packed cabin, cutting-edge battery technology, and an excellent driving experience. Sure, BYD’s brand recognition may not yet match that of the German automakers, but the product itself is certainly up there among the best in the world.

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The detailing on the car – particularly in the taillights and headlights – highlights the effort of BYD’s design team