BYD Sealion 7 at autoX Awards: Best Cars of 2025 Ranked

The BYD Sealion 7 was, without question, the biggest disruptor in this year’s annual track day lineup. As we noted in our comparison with the Ioniq 5 and iX1, if you want a head-turning design, cutting-edge technology, and strong performance on a budget, this is it. It’s a statement car – designed to challenge the premium German brands – and as is evident from the jury scores, it comes dangerously close in several areas.

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Its strengths are immediately evident. The Sealion 7 earned an impressive 4/5 for both quality and refinement, confirming what the cabin already suggests: its well-finished metal accents and premium, soft-touch materials are on par with established European rivals. That’s a remarkable feat. Visually, it’s a ‘masterpiece,’ as one jury member noted, and its 3.5/5 design score reflects the fact that it’s the biggest head-turner in its class – combining aesthetics with function in a way few rivals do.

In terms of performance, it tells a familiar EV story. The 4/5 ratings for both refinement and drivetrain highlight its instant, effortless acceleration, which is so addictive. But that straight-line surge doesn’t help it much on the track. Its 1:12.4 lap time, identical to that of the far less powerful Creta EV, and a tenth slower than the iX1’s, is respectable but not class-leading. The Sealion 7 is quick, but it isn’t a true driver’s car like its German rival.

It’s in everyday usability that the Sealion 7 shows its compromises. Ergonomics and practicality take a hit, reflected in its modest 3/5 score. Details like the all-black interior that turns into a sauna under the sun, limited rearward visibility, and finicky electronics – such as the overzealous Driver Fatigue Monitor and the rotating screen that moves during cornering – detract from the overall experience.

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Ultimately, the Sealion 7 is a value powerhouse, scoring big where it matters most. It’s a high-tech, high-style proposition that trades some ergonomics and practicality for a strong ‘wow’ factor – although curiously, that didn’t translate into a high X-factor score from the jury. Still, it proves one thing beyond doubt – you no longer need to pay German prices to enjoy a genuinely premium experience. And that, in itself, is a major win.