The 2025 BYD Sealion 7 has made a bold entrance into Australia’s competitive mid-size electric SUV market, positioning itself as a formidable rival to the Tesla Model Y and other players like the Xpeng G6 and Hyundai Ioniq 5. Launched in February 2025, this all-electric SUV combines sharp pricing, a tech-packed interior, and a refined driving experience tailored for Australian roads. With two variants—Premium and Performance—the Sealion 7 offers a compelling mix of value, practicality, and power, making it a standout contender in the electric vehicle (EV) segment. This article dives into the on-road performance, features, and positioning of the Sealion 7, based on first impressions from Australian reviews and test drives.
Overview of the BYD Sealion 7
The BYD Sealion 7 is the latest addition to BYD’s rapidly expanding Australian lineup, which includes the Atto 3, Seal, Dolphin, Shark 6, and the plug-in hybrid Sealion 6. Built on the same EV platform as the BYD Seal sedan, the Sealion 7 is a pure electric mid-size SUV designed to appeal to families and EV enthusiasts alike. Its sleek, coupe-like silhouette, advanced technology, and competitive pricing make it a direct competitor to the Tesla Model Y, Australia’s best-selling EV. With a starting price of $54,990 (before on-road costs) for the Premium variant and $63,990 for the Performance model, the Sealion 7 undercuts its Tesla rival while offering comparable features and performance.
The Sealion 7 comes in two trims:
-
Premium: Rear-wheel drive (RWD), 230kW/380Nm, 82.56kWh battery, 482km WLTP range.
-
Performance: Dual-motor all-wheel drive (AWD), 390kW/690Nm, 82.56kWh battery, 456km WLTP range.
Both variants are equipped with BYD’s signature Blade battery, known for its safety and efficiency, and boast a high level of standard equipment, including a panoramic sunroof, 15.6-inch rotating touchscreen, and a 12-speaker Dynaudio sound system.
On-Road Performance
The Sealion 7’s on-road performance has been a focal point of early reviews, with Australian journalists praising its refinement and comfort, though noting some limitations in dynamic handling. During a media preview in Adelaide, the Performance variant, with its dual-motor setup delivering 390kW and 690Nm, impressed with its smooth yet powerful acceleration. The claimed 0-100km/h time of 4.5 seconds feels believable, offering brisk performance for a family SUV. However, the accelerator response is less aggressive than a Tesla, providing a more progressive power delivery that suits urban and highway driving.
The Premium variant, with its single 230kW rear motor, is no slouch either, achieving 0-100km/h in approximately 6.7 seconds. Reviewers noted its effortless torque delivery, making it ideal for suburban driving and quick overtakes. The steering is light and precise, facilitating easy maneuvering in tight spaces like parking lots or T-intersections. However, the steering lacks feedback, which can make the Sealion 7 feel disconnected during spirited driving.
BYD has tuned the Sealion 7’s suspension specifically for Australian roads, incorporating a front double-wishbone and rear multi-link setup with frequency-selective damping (FSD). This results in a compliant ride that absorbs larger bumps and potholes well, particularly in the Premium model with its 19-inch wheels. The Performance variant, equipped with 20-inch Michelin Pilot Sport EV tires, feels slightly firmer over sharp imperfections but remains composed. On a brief gravel road test, the AWD Performance model handled uneven surfaces with poise, suggesting versatility for light off-road use. However, the 2.3-tonne kerb weight contributes to noticeable understeer when cornering aggressively, and the tires can protest under hard turns.
Road noise is well-contained, thanks to double-glazed side windows and a refined cabin design. The Sealion 7 cruises quietly at 70km/h, with minimal wind or tire noise, making it an excellent choice for long-distance commuting. However, some reviewers noted that rougher road surfaces can produce audible damper noise, particularly in the Performance model.
Interior and Technology
The Sealion 7’s cabin is a highlight, offering a spacious and premium environment that rivals more established brands. The interior design draws inspiration from the BYD Seal, featuring a 15.6-inch rotating touchscreen infotainment system as the centerpiece. This sharp, responsive display supports Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, and over-the-air (OTA) updates, ensuring the system stays current. While the touchscreen controls most functions, including climate settings, BY Eschews physical buttons for critical operations like window controls and gear selection, improving usability compared to screen-heavy rivals like the Tesla Model Y.
The front seats are electrically adjustable (eight-way for the driver, six-way for the passenger) and upholstered in artificial leather in the Premium model, with Nappa leather available in the Performance variant. Both trims offer heated and ventilated front seats, while the Performance model adds heated rear seats and a heated steering wheel. The rear cabin is notably spacious, with ample knee and headroom for adults, aided by a flat floor and a panoramic sunroof with an electric blind. Boot space is competitive, with 574 liters and a small frunk for additional storage. However, the lack of a spare tire, replaced by a tire-inflation kit, may concern buyers in rural areas.
Safety features are comprehensive, with the Sealion 7 earning a five-star ANCAP rating under 2025 criteria. It includes nine airbags, adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, autonomous emergency braking, and a 360-degree camera system. A head-up display (HUD) projects key information onto the windshield, enhancing driver focus. However, some reviewers noted that the touchscreen-based climate controls can be distracting, and the 10.25-inch instrument cluster feels busy and less intuitive than competitors.
BYD Sealion 7 Specifications
|
Feature |
Premium |
Performance |
|---|---|---|
|
Price (before on-roads) |
$54,990 | $63,990 |
|
Drivetrain |
RWD, single motor |
AWD, dual motor |
|
Power/Torque |
230kW/380Nm |
390kW/690Nm |
|
Battery |
82.56kWh Blade |
82.56kWh Blade |
|
Range (WLTP) |
482km |
456km |
|
0-100km/h |
~6.7 seconds |
4.5 seconds |
|
Wheels |
19-inch alloys |
20-inch alloys (Michelin Pilot Sport) |
|
Charging |
11kW AC, 150kW DC |
11kW AC, 150kW DC |
Comparison with Rivals
The Sealion 7 enters a crowded mid-size EV SUV market, facing stiff competition from the Tesla Model Y, Xpeng G6, Leapmotor C10, and Kia EV5. Its pricing gives it an edge, undercutting the Model Y’s starting price of $63,400 (for the updated Juniper model) and offering more standard equipment. The Xpeng G6, priced at $54,800-$59,800, is a close competitor but lacks an AWD option. The Leapmotor C10, starting at $45,888, is cheaper but less powerful and equipped. The Kia EV5, at $56,770, offers a longer range (up to 555km) but lacks the Sealion 7’s performance credentials.
The Sealion 7’s strengths lie in its value proposition, spacious interior, and refined ride. However, its 150kW DC charging speed lags behind rivals like the Xpeng G6 (up to 280kW) and Tesla Model Y (up to 250kW), potentially impacting long-distance travel. Additionally, while the Sealion 7’s range of 456-482km is competitive, it falls short of the Model Y’s 311-387 miles (approximately 500-623km) in some variants.
BYD Sealion 7 vs. Key Competitors
|
Model |
Starting Price (before on-roads) |
Range (WLTP) |
Power |
Charging (DC) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
BYD Sealion 7 Premium |
$54,990 |
482km |
230kW |
150kW |
|
BYD Sealion 7 Performance |
$63,990 |
456km |
390kW |
150kW |
|
Tesla Model Y RWD |
$63,400 |
~500km |
220kW |
250kW |
|
Xpeng G6 |
$54,800 |
~435-570km |
190-218kW |
280kW |
|
Leapmotor C10 |
$45,888 |
~420-530km |
170kW |
100kW |
|
Kia EV5 |
$56,770 |
~555km |
160kW |
150kW |
Market Positioning and Value
BYD’s aggressive pricing strategy positions the Sealion 7 as a value leader in the mid-size EV SUV segment. Its $54,990 starting price is significantly lower than the Model Y and competitive with other Chinese brands like Xpeng and Leapmotor. The inclusion of premium features like a panoramic sunroof, Dynaudio audio, and a comprehensive safety suite adds to its appeal. Additionally, BYD offers a six-year/150,000km vehicle warranty and an eight-year/160,000km battery warranty, providing peace of mind for buyers.
The Sealion 7’s success will likely hinge on its ability to attract buyers seeking a balance of performance, technology, and affordability. While it doesn’t match the Model Y’s range or charging speed, its lower price and richer feature set make it a compelling alternative. The Sealion 6 plug-in hybrid, priced at $42,990-$52,990, remains a cheaper option for those not ready to go fully electric, but the Sealion 7’s pure EV powertrain appeals to a growing segment of eco-conscious buyers.
Areas for Improvement
Despite its strengths, the Sealion 7 has some drawbacks. The reliance on touchscreen controls for climate settings can be distracting, and the lack of a spare tire may deter buyers in remote areas. The 150kW DC charging speed is adequate but not class-leading, and the range could be improved to match top competitors. Additionally, while the Sealion 7 is refined, it lacks the dynamic edge of sportier rivals like the Kia EV6 or Tesla Model Y, particularly in cornering.
Conclusion
The 2025 BYD Sealion 7 has made a strong impression in its Australian debut, offering a blend of competitive pricing, advanced technology, and a comfortable ride tailored for local conditions. Its spacious interior, premium features, and powerful Performance variant make it a serious contender in the mid-size EV SUV market. While it may not outshine the Tesla Model Y in range or charging speed, its lower price and rich equipment list give it a distinct edge. For families and EV buyers seeking value and practicality, the Sealion 7 is a compelling choice, signaling BYD’s growing influence in Australia’s EV landscape.
As BYD continues to expand its Australian lineup, with plans for a seven-seat SUV like the BYD Tang by the end of 2025, the Sealion 7 sets a high standard for the brand’s ambitions. With sales targets of over 40,000 vehicles annually, BYD is poised to challenge established players like Tesla and Toyota, and the Sealion 7 is a key step toward that goal.