Launched globally in 2024, the BYD Sealion 7 is a pure-electric mid-sized SUV that forms part of BYD’s Ocean series. Like the Dolphin and Seal, it is built on the company’s e-Platform 3.0 architecture, and uses Blade Battery technology with a cell-to-body construction.
We spent some time with a global-spec BYD Sealion 7 to assess whether it still feels fresh in its second year on sale, and here are our observations.
Design
The front fascia of the Sealion 7 uses a sedan-influenced layout with pronounced dual creases on the bonnet and dual-segment LED headlamps featuring C-shaped daytime running light elements at their lower edges.
The bonnet meets the windscreen along a single plane. The front bumper integrates a central air intake with a silver-coloured lower trim element and angled corner vents, which are visually linked to the main intake by black trim pieces.
From the side, the Sealion 7 adopts a fastback-style SUV profile with relatively short overhangs. Dark plastic wheel-arch surrounds form squared openings around the tyres, reducing perceived body mass. The A-pillars are finished in body colour, while the remaining pillars are finished in gloss black, visually separating the roof from the body and altering the perceived roofline.
At the rear, a single full-width lamp unit spans the tailgate and connects the rear corners, with internal LED elements using a geometric pattern that resembles droplets. A dual-spoiler arrangement is fitted, with one element at the roof edge and another at the top of the tailgate.
The lower bumper section incorporates black plastic trim housing the parking sensors, number plate recess, and a small diffuser-style element below.
In the UK, wheel sizes vary by specification, with 19-inch wheels fitted to rear-wheel-drive versions and 20-inch wheels fitted to all-wheel-drive versions, finished in a silver and black combination. Exterior colour availability includes four paint options: blue, grey, black, and white.
Interior
The Sealion 7 comfortably seats five occupants, with a flat floor enabled by the skateboard-style electric platform. Front seat adjustment includes eight-way power adjustment for the driver and four-way power lumbar support. Front seats feature heating and ventilation, while rear seats are heated as standard.
The dashboard layout includes a 15.6-inch central touchscreen with rotation functionality and a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster. A head-up display is included on the highest trim level. Wireless smartphone charging, multiple USB ports, and a panoramic glass roof are standard across the range.
In the UK, rear seating consists of a fixed bench with folding seatbacks. Luggage capacity measures 520 litres with the rear seats in place and expands to 1,789 litres when folded. A front luggage compartment provides an additional 58 litres of storage.
Seating surfaces use vegan leather in a black interior theme on the Comfort and Design trims. The Excellence trim features Nappa leather upholstery, with a choice of black or Tahiti Blue. The Tahiti Blue finish is a very light, desaturated shade that appears close to white under certain lighting conditions.
Experience in the Sealion 7
Approaching the global-spec Sealion 7, I noticed the retractable pop-up door handles, which I don’t usually prefer, but the door closes with a firm “thunk.” Once I settled into the driver’s seat, it felt comfortable, with very good back support, despite my six-foot frame. Seat adjustment switches sit low on the right side and offer a wide range of adjustment.
I also noticed a head-up display, which keeps key information in my line of sight. The HUD uses a clear font with good contrast and shows turn-by-turn navigation.
In the front, thigh support and shoulder support feel solid. The headrests are fixed and integrated, but they still feel supportive. The armrest feels comfortable, under-thigh support is very good, and the seat offers abundant side bolstering.
The steering wheel feels chunky and sits slightly angled. It is manually adjustable for both reach and rake. I also noticed multiple shades of grey across the steering wheel trim and surfaces, including a dull grey finish that looks similar to brushed aluminium.
The wireless phone charger has its own small air vent for airflow. The centre armrest opens into a deep storage area. Headroom is good, and outward visibility is good. The seating position feels slightly higher, which helps the view ahead.
With the front seat set for my height as a six-footer, the rear seat still feels very comfortable. Sitting three across looks feasible. The rear backrests recline manually and offer a relaxed angle. My knees sit slightly high because of the floor height, but my size 11 shoes slide under the front seat, which helps.
Headroom and shoulder support remain good. Rear passengers get USB ports and central air vents. A large glass roof brings extra light into the cabin. I also noticed small under-thigh extenders on the rear seat that add support. Ingress and egress felt easy for me in both rows, and overall, the Sealion 7’s interior is an impressive package.
Specifications
The Sealion 7 uses BYD’s Blade Battery system. Rear-wheel-drive and mid-level all-wheel-drive versions are equipped with an 82.5 kWh battery, while the all-wheel-drive version uses a 91.3 kWh battery.
WLTP-rated driving range is up to 300 miles for the rear-wheel-drive version, 283 miles for the mid all-wheel-drive version, and up to 312 miles for the top all-wheel-drive version.
The rear-wheel-drive version uses a single rear-mounted electric motor producing 308 hp (230 kW). All-wheel-drive versions add a front motor rated at 215 hp (160 kW), resulting in a combined system output of 523 hp (390 kW).
Top speed is listed at 133 mph for all versions. The rear-wheel-drive model accelerates from 0-62 mph in 6.7 seconds, while all-wheel-drive versions complete the same sprint in 4.5 seconds.
Charging from 10-80 per cent takes approximately 32 minutes for the 82.5 kWh battery and 24 minutes for the 91.3 kWh battery, according to BYD’s estimates.
Price and Availability
Also See: First Look Review: BYD M6 three-row electric MPV is an econo family hauler
The BYD Sealion 7 is offered in three specifications: Comfort, Design AWD, and Excellence AWD. On-the-road prices start at GBP 46,990 for the Comfort, increase to GBP 51,990 for the Design AWD, and reach GBP 58,990 for the Excellence AWD.
