BYD has revealed pricing details for its Sealion 7 electric SUV in the UK. With prices starting at £44,990 for the base Comfort RWD model, £49,290 for the Design AWD variant, and £57,290 for the top-spec Excellence AWD trim, the Sealion 7 is set to expand BYD’s offerings in the European electric vehicle (EV) market. Deliveries to UK customers are scheduled to begin in the first quarter of 2025.
The Sealion 7 is the seventh all-electric model introduced by BYD in Europe and the fourth in its Ocean Series, following the Dolphin hatchback, Seal saloon, and Seal U SUV. Designed as a sporty, family-oriented SUV, the Sealion 7 incorporates BYD’s Blade Battery technology and Cell-to-Body (CTB) construction. The vehicle offers a balance of performance, range, and advanced in-car technology, aiming to meet the preferences of European consumers.
Performance and Range
The Sealion 7 is built on BYD’s e-Platform 3.0 and comes with a choice of two battery sizes. The Comfort and Design trims are equipped with an 82.5 kWh battery, offering a range of up to 300 miles (WLTP) for the RWD version and 283 miles for the AWD version. The top-spec Excellence AWD model includes a 91.3 kWh battery, providing a range of up to 312 miles. Charging options include 11 kW AC charging and DC fast charging capabilities of up to 150 kW or 230 kW, depending on the variant. The Excellence model can charge from 10% to 80% in approximately 24 minutes.
In terms of performance, the Sealion 7 features BYD’s record-breaking rear motor, capable of reaching 23,000 rpm. The Comfort model’s rear-wheel-drive motor produces 230 kW and 380 Nm of torque, enabling acceleration from 0 to 62 mph in 6.7 seconds. The Design and Excellence trims add a 160 kW motor to the front axle, achieving a combined output of 390 kW and reducing the 0 to 62 mph time to 4.5 seconds.
Design and Dimensions
The Sealion 7, designed by BYD’s Global Design Director Wolfgang Egger, incorporates the Ocean Series design language into a sporty SUV format. At 4,830 mm in length and with a wheelbase of 2,930 mm, the vehicle offers a spacious interior for up to five adults. The streamlined exterior features a low front, rounded roofline, and fastback rear with a subtle ducktail spoiler. The front end is characterised by BYD’s signature “X face” motif, dual U-shaped LED headlights, and sculpted curves designed to improve aerodynamics.
The rear of the vehicle includes a full-width light signature and “water-drop” taillights, which are part of the Ocean Series aesthetic. The Sealion 7’s dimensions place it 30 mm longer and 160 mm taller than the Seal saloon, reinforcing its SUV credentials.
Battery Technology
Central to the Sealion 7 is BYD’s Blade Battery, which uses lithium iron phosphate (LFP) as its cathode material. The battery is cobalt-free, designed for safety and durability, and resistant to extreme temperatures. The Cell-to-Body (CTB) installation integrates the battery directly into the vehicle’s frame, enhancing cabin space and structural rigidity. This integration contributes to the Sealion 7’s performance and maximises the interior room, while the flat rear floor improves passenger comfort.
Chassis and Driving Dynamics
The Sealion 7’s e-Platform 3.0 architecture is paired with a double-wishbone front suspension and multi-link rear axle for improved handling and stability. Frequency Sensitive Dampers adjust to road conditions, offering firmer stability on smooth surfaces and a softer ride over rough terrain. AWD versions also feature BYD’s Intelligent Torque Adaption Control (iTAC), which optimises torque distribution to enhance traction and safety.
Interior and Technology
The Sealion 7 prioritises passenger comfort with features such as an eight-way power-adjustable driver’s seat, heated and ventilated front seats, and double-layered laminated glass for noise reduction. The Excellence model adds Nappa leather upholstery and a Head-Up Display. Storage space includes a 520-litre boot, expandable to 1,789 litres with the rear seats folded, and a 58-litre front compartment.
The SUV’s technology includes a 15.6-inch rotatable touchscreen with interactive controls, a 10.25-inch digital instrument panel, and compatibility with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. The Excellence trim includes a 12-speaker audio system developed in collaboration with Danish specialist Dynaudio. Additionally, BYD’s voice control system allows passengers to operate infotainment and climate settings using voice commands.
Safety Features
The Sealion 7 comes with BYD’s DiPilot 10 suite of advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS). Features include adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, blind-spot detection, and front and rear cross-traffic alert with braking. A 360-degree camera system and traffic-sign recognition further enhance safety. The cabin is equipped with 11 airbags and ISOFIX child-seat connectors.
Trim Levels and Specifications
The Sealion 7 will be available in three trims: Comfort, Design, and Excellence. The Comfort model includes dual-zone climate control, heated front seats, and wireless charging. The Design trim adds 20-inch alloy wheels, while the Excellence trim offers additional luxury features such as Nappa leather seats and a Head-Up Display. All trims include Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) capability, allowing the vehicle to power household devices.
BYD’s Position and Potential in the Market
BYD, established in 1995, initially focused on rechargeable battery production before expanding into multiple industries, including automotive, rail transit, and new energy solutions. The company launched its automotive division in 2003 and has become a significant player in the global EV market. BYD has ceased the production of fossil-fuel vehicles and has led sales of new energy passenger vehicles in China for 11 consecutive years.
With its European operations headquartered in the Netherlands, BYD aims to strengthen its presence in the region. The introduction of the Sealion 7 is part of the company’s strategy to address consumer demand for electric SUVs and expand its product portfolio in key markets.
Here in the UK, it won't be clear just how ready it is to compete until its models have been selling in volume for several years – and the true nature of its aftercare, support and service offer is clear.
Availability and Warranty
The Sealion 7 is set to arrive at UK dealerships in the first quarter of 2025. All models come with a six-year manufacturer’s warranty and an eight-year warranty covering the battery and electric motor. BYD is positioning the Sealion 7 as a competitive option in the growing electric SUV market, leveraging its established expertise in EV technology and production.
By offering a combination of performance, range, and advanced features, BYD aims to appeal to tech-savvy families and environmentally conscious consumers in the UK and across Europe.
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