2025 BYD Sealion 7 Review

Hot off the heels (fins?) of the BYD Shark 6 arriving on Australian shores, another BYD Ocean Series is swimming our way - the Sealion 7.

Aiming to improve upon the practicality of their popular sedan, the Seal, the Sealion 7 will utilise the latest version of BYD’s ‘e-Platform 3.0’.

Unlike the Sealion 6 we recently reviewed - which is a Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle (PHEV) built on BYD’s ‘Dual Motor Intelligence’ (DM-i) platform - the Sealion 7 is a full Battery Electric Vehicle (BEV), and we got the chance to test it out on a recent trip to China, and were pleasantly surprised with the driving dynamics and the packaging on the inside, so should you be lining up to buy one when it arrives early next year?

How much does the BYD Sealion 7 cost?

While pricing is yet to be announced for the Australian market, at the time of filming our review, the BYD Sealion 7 is on sale in the Chinese domestic market, starting at 189,900 Yuan, or approximately $40,000 AUD. However when it does arrive in Australia, we should expect it to start at around the same price as a BYD Seal Dynamic, which is $48,990.

2025 BYD Sealion 7 Pricing:

• BYD Sealion 7 Dynamic - $48,990 AUD (approx.)
• BYD Sealion 7 Premium - $58,990 AUD (approx.)
• BYD Sealion 7 Performance - $68,990 AUD (approx.)

Note: Prices exclude on-road costs. Model variant names and pricing not confirmed.

What’s the exterior like of the BYD Sealion 7?

The BYD Sealion 7 draws a lot of inspiration from its sibling, the Seal, with its sporty yet practical exterior. It features LED lights that wrap around an aerodynamically designed nose, giving it a sleek look. The front fascia is characterised by aggressive lines, contributing to a modern and distinctive aesthetic that stands out on the road. 

Functional aero elements, such as vents, spoilers, and a sculpted rear diffuser, are designed to streamline airflow and reduce drag, improving both efficiency and stability at higher speeds. The roofline slopes gently towards the rear, creating a coupe-like silhouette while maintaining the practicality expected of an SUV.

The Sealion 7 rides on 19-inch wheels, fitted with Giti Control P10 tyres, which are good enough for urban driving. The wheels are complemented by red brake callipers that add a subtle sporty flair. Privacy glass and pop-out door handles provide a premium touch, while the overall design remains functional, with large side mirrors for better visibility. 

The rear of the vehicle features full-width LED taillights that add to the futuristic appeal of the design. Additionally, the high ground clearance and robust skid plates indicate that the Sealion 7 is ready to handle a variety of driving conditions, making it versatile for both city commutes and weekend getaways.

What’s the interior like of the BYD Sealion 7?

The interior of the BYD Sealion 7 feels like a practical upgrade from the Seal. The steering wheel is wrapped in leather, and all the essential controls are easy to access, providing a comfortable and ergonomic driving experience. The 10.25-inch driver display is bright and clear, providing all essential information without being overwhelming. 

The larger central touchscreen serves as the hub for infotainment and vehicle settings, offering a wide range of features such as navigation, multimedia control, and vehicle customisation. The 12.9-inch display is responsive and intuitive, allowing users to easily switch between different functions. 

It also supports over-the-air (OTA) updates, and includes wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, making smartphone integration seamless. The display is large enough to comfortably view information at a glance without causing distraction, and the menus are logically organised, contributing to a user-friendly experience. BYD's signature rotating display makes switching between landscape and portrait modes convenient, although admittedly is mostly reserved as a party trick.

Materials throughout the cabin are mostly soft-touch, lending a premium feel to the interior, though some areas of lower-grade plastic are noticeable, particularly around the lower console and door trims. Despite this, the overall build quality is solid, and the use of contrasting colours and textures helps elevate the cabin's visual appeal. Ambient lighting is available, and the panoramic sunroof helps create an airy and spacious atmosphere.

Storage space is abundant, with plenty of compartments thoughtfully placed throughout the cabin. The centre console offers plenty of space for personal items, and there are multiple USB ports available for both front and rear passengers, ensuring everyone can stay connected on the go. 

The fast wireless charger is a convenient addition, and there is also an NFC spot for easy access using a key card. The seats are supportive and well-cushioned, making longer journeys more comfortable, and the driver's seat features power adjustments with memory settings, which adds to the ease of use.

What about back seats?

The back seats in the Sealion 7 are spacious enough for taller passengers. There's ample legroom and headroom despite the coupe-like design, and the floor height is comfortable. This ensures that even longer journeys are pleasant for passengers, with enough space to stretch out comfortably.

The seats are covered in the same faux leather material as the front, providing a cohesive look and feel throughout the cabin. The seat cushions are well-padded, and the backrests offer good support, making them suitable for extended trips. Additionally, occupants benefit from both heated and cooled rear seats, enhancing comfort in all weather conditions.

The centre armrest folds down to reveal cupholders and an extra storage compartment, adding practical touches for rear passengers. USB ports are also provided in the back, allowing passengers to charge their devices, while small storage pockets on the seatbacks offer additional convenience for keeping smaller items organised.

What’s boot space like in the BYD Sealion 7?

The boot in the Sealion 7 offers decent space, though it’s not quite at the level of a Tesla Model Y. Still, it’s adequate for day-to-day needs, with the ability to expand the cargo area by dropping the rear seats. 

The frunk (front trunk) adds extra practicality with a small storage space, which is perfect for storing items like charging cables or groceries. A 2.2 kW vehicle-to-load (V2L) charger is integrated, allowing you to power small appliances directly from the car’s battery. 

Under the boot floor, there is some additional storage, but no spare tyre is provided.

What’s under the bonnet of the 2025 BYD Sealion 7?

The Sealion 7 comes in three powertrain options: a single-motor RWD producing 150 kW and 310 Nm of torque, a Premium variant producing 230 kW and 360 Nm of torque, and the top-spec Performance model with a dual-motor setup generating 390 kW and 670 Nm of torque. The Performance model is supposedly capable of reaching 0-100 km/h in 3.8 seconds. 

Two battery options are available: a 61.4 kWh battery for the lower variant and an 82.5 kWh battery for the Premium and Performance models, offering up to 570 km of range. Both battery options use BYD's advanced Blade battery technology, which is designed to enhance safety, durability, and energy density.

The Blade is a lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery that has a unique structure, allowing it to resist thermal runaway, thereby reducing fire risks significantly compared to conventional battery packs. Additionally, the Blade battery offers better space efficiency, which contributes to the spacious interior of the Sealion 7 while maintaining a lower centre of gravity for improved driving stability.

How does the BYD Sealion 7 Drive?

Driving the BYD Sealion 7 is a refined experience. The power delivery is smooth, especially in the Premium variant we tested. Acceleration is linear and predictable, making it easy to modulate power in both urban settings and on the open road. During our test, the Premium variant achieved a 0-100 km/h time of 6.71 seconds, which provides a satisfying experience for an electric SUV of this size.

The steering is light, which makes it suitable for city driving and manoeuvring through tight spaces, though it lacks the precision that driving enthusiasts may seek during spirited driving. The suspension is on the softer side, prioritising comfort over sporty handling. It does an excellent job of absorbing road imperfections, ensuring a smooth ride for occupants. However, this softer suspension setup introduces a noticeable amount of body roll during hard cornering, which might be less appealing to those looking for a more dynamic driving experience. Overall, the Sealion 7's driving dynamics are geared more towards comfort, making it ideal for families and daily commuters.

The Premium variant provides good traction, particularly in slippery conditions, and the torque is immediate, which should make overtaking on highways effortless. The powertrain is responsive, and the seamless power delivery contributes to a relaxed and enjoyable driving experience. While the handling may not be as sharp as some rivals, the overall balance of power, comfort, and practicality makes the Sealion 7 a compelling option for those prioritising a comfortable electric SUV.

What do you get with the BYD Sealion 7?

The Sealion 7 comes well-equipped across the range, and while the complete specifications are yet to be announced for the Australian market, it will likely look very similar to the BYD Seal features by model grade:

Dynamic

• 150 kW single-motor rear-wheel drive with a 61.4 kWh battery
• LED headlights
• LED daytime-running lights and tail-lights
• 12.9-inch rotating infotainment touchscreen
• Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
• Satellite navigation with over-the-air infotainment updates
• FM/DAB digital radio (no AM support)
• 10.25-inch digital instrument display
• Synthetic leather-look seat upholstery
• Synthetic leather-look steering wheel trim
• Eight-way power driver’s seat and six-way power passenger seat
• Heated and ventilated front seats
• Dynaudio sound system
• Dual-zone automatic climate control with rear air vents
• Keyless entry and start
• 50W Wireless phone charger
• Panoramic glass roof
• Power tailgate
• Two USB-C and two USB-A ports (front and rear)
• Rear privacy glass
• Power-folding heated side mirrors
• Rain-sensing wipers
• Auto-dimming rear-view mirror
• Front and rear parking sensors
• Rear-view and 360-degree camera

Premium

• Includes all features of the Dynamic
• 230 kW single-motor rear-wheel drive with an 82.5 kWh battery
• Larger battery for extended range
• 19-inch alloy wheels
• Heads-up display
• "Genuine" leather seat upholstery and steering wheel trim
• Four-way power driver's seat lumbar adjustment
• Memory settings for the driver's seat and side mirrors (with auto-dipping in reverse)
• Additional interior ambient lighting for a more premium feel

Performance

• Includes all features of the Premium
• 390 kW dual-motor all-wheel drive with an 82.5 kWh battery
• Frequency-selective dampers
• Torque vectoring technology
• Heated steering wheel
• Enhanced dual-motor setup for improved performance

BYD’s Blade battery technology is used across all variants, ensuring optimal energy density and safety.

Disclaimer: Final specifications are yet to be confirmed and will be announced closer to the Australian release in 2025.

Is the BYD Sealion 7 safe?‍

The Sea Lion 7 includes BYD’s Driver Assistance Suite, which comprises Adaptive Cruise Control, Lane Keeping Assist, and Autonomous Emergency Braking. The 360-degree camera system is also a useful feature, providing comprehensive visibility when parking. While the official ANCAP safety rating is still pending, the build quality and inclusion of safety technology suggest it will perform well.

The full list of safety features will be updated when final specifications are announced for Australia.

How much does it cost to run the BYD Sealion 7?

Warranty and servicing costs haven’t been confirmed for the Sealion 7 yet, though the cost of ownership of the BYD Seal should provide some indication of what that will look like:

The Seal comes with a comprehensive six-year warranty with a 150,000km limit. Plus, for the initial year, there's a 24/7 roadside assistance included.

BYD Seal warranty coverage:

• Electric motor components and associated high-voltage elements: Guaranteed for eight years or up to 160,000km.
• Essentials like lighting systems, suspension elements, tyre pressure sensors, and ball joints: Four years or 100,000km.
• The 12V battery has coverage for a year or up to 12,000km.
• For the entertainment system, along with specific parts such as the shock dampeners, wheel bearings, and charging ports, the warranty extends to three years or 60,000km.

Regular servicing should be conducted either annually or every 20,000km. Additionally, BYD offers a complimentary inspection at the three-month mark or once 5,000km have been clocked.

Final thoughts on the BYD Sealion 7

The 2025 BYD Sealion 7 is a practical entry into the electric SUV market. With its functional design, spacious interior, and advanced technology, it represents a solid alternative to the likes of the Tesla Model Y. 

The base model of the Sealion 7 is expected to undercut the Tesla Model Y, which starts at $55,990 before on-road costs, making it an attractive choice for budget-conscious buyers. However, the softer suspension and use of lower-grade plastics in some areas might be drawbacks for certain buyers. 

If BYD can bring the Sealion 7 to Australia at a competitive price, it could become a popular choice for families and EV enthusiasts.