BYDSealion 7

The Sealion 7 is BYD’s large electric coupé-SUV and its best-selling EV in the UK. At 4,830 mm long it is bigger than a Tesla Model Y, and it comes in three versions: rear-drive Comfort from £47,025, Design AWD from £52,025 and the flagship Excellence AWD from £59,025.

## Battery, range and charging

Comfort and Design use an 82.5 kWh Blade battery, giving 300 and 283 miles WLTP. Excellence moves to a 91.3 kWh pack for 312 miles. Charging speed also differs: the 82.5 kWh cars peak at 150 kW (10–80% in 32 minutes), while Excellence takes up to 230 kW, cutting that to 24 minutes. All have an 11 kW on-board charger and a heat pump.

## Performance and driving

Comfort has a single 230 kW (313 PS) rear motor with 380 Nm and reaches 62 mph in 6.7 seconds. Both AWD versions produce 390 kW (530 PS) and 690 Nm for a 4.5-second sprint, and every Sealion 7 tops out at 133 mph. Double-wishbone front suspension and frequency-selective dampers help control the 2.2–2.4-tonne weight, and AWD models tow up to 1,500 kg braked.

## Interior and space

The boot holds 520 litres, extending to 1,789 litres with the rear seats folded, and there is a 58-litre front boot. Rear legroom is generous thanks to a 2,930 mm wheelbase. Heated and ventilated front seats, heated rear seats and a panoramic roof with electric sunshade are standard; Excellence adds quilted Nappa leather.

## Technology and safety

A 15.6-inch rotating touchscreen, Dynaudio audio, four-zone voice control and a 50 W wireless phone charger are fitted. A head-up display, 360-degree camera and a full set of driver aids help on the road, and the car can be unlocked with an NFC card or phone. Vehicle-to-Load lets it power appliances.

## Who is it for?

Families who want a spacious, fast and well-equipped electric SUV with a premium feel. It competes with the Tesla Model Y, Kia EV6, Skoda Enyaq Coupé and Xpeng G6; the rear-drive Comfort gives most of the experience for the least money.