What is it?

As we see more and more EVs flood the market, a large majority of them are from China. One Chinese brand that has made a big impression is BYD, and the firm’s rapid growth here in the UK means it’s set to stay.

Having launched its first model in the UK only last year, a total of four other variants have gone on sale, and this new Sealion 7 is the fifth example to add to the mix.

What’s new?

With the likes of the Seal and Dolphin already proving popular, the Sealion 7 will be the brand’s largest car yet and will offer a mix of different powertrains, taking on cars like the Tesla Model Y, Ford Capri and Skoda Enyaq Coupe.

Also, with a decent amount of standard equipment, a long electric driving range and powerful electric motors, the Sealion shows that this Chinese firm is taking the coupe-esque SUV market seriously hoping it can steal sales away from the competition mentioned above.

What’s under the bonnet?

BYD is offering the Sealion 7 with different battery packs and electric motors to allow the consumer enough choice.

The standard car comes with an 82.5kWh battery pack and electric motor that pumps out 308bhp and gives a claimed range of 300 miles – while 0-60mph takes 6.5 seconds.

If you opt for the mid-spec car, you get the same battery pack and electric motor, but with the addition of another electric motor located on the front axle to allow for four-wheel-drive and power goes up to 523bhp. However, its claimed range decreases to 283 miles on a full charge but its acceleration from 0-60mph improves to 4.3 seconds.

The flagship model comes with a larger 91.3kWh unit, but has the same acceleration time and power as the former – but the range increases to a claimed 312 miles.

Like with other BYD models in the range, the Sealion 7 comes with blade battery technology which is free from cobalt and lithium-iron phosphate – making the manufacturing process cleaner and less toxic.

In terms of charging times, the entry-level 82.5kWh unit can be topped up at a speed of 150kW taking a 10 to 80 per cent charge in 32 minutes. The larger 91.3kWh unit has a maximum rate of 230kW with the same percentage increase in range reduced to just 24 minutes. Meanwhile, a great selling point towards this new BYD is that it comes with a heat pump and vehicle-two-load function as standard – which means you can plug in a domestic appliance using the car’s battery.

What’s it like to drive?

This category of vehicle usually struggles to deliver a dynamic driving experience due to its weight, size and taller centre of gravity. The biggest rival to the Sealion 7 is Tesla’s Model Y – which is a tough act to follow.

To drive, this Chinese SUV is perfectly adequate for normal use, and around town the car feels perfectly acceptable with light steering and being an EV, it’s quiet.

We’re driving the top-of-the-line Excellence trim which comes fitted with larger 20-inch alloy wheels and although the ride quality is fine at lower speeds, on the motorway it feels a little unsettled - though it is quiet and road noise is kept pleasantly low.

How does it look?

The Sealion 7 is more of a coupe-like SUV and features the traditional sloping roofline that falls back to the tailgate while the rear-end has a more rounded look to it.

In keeping with the firm’s design language, the Sealion 7 utilises the same water droplet rear tail lights along with a full-width rear light bar and front end with the same wraparound front headlights as other BYD models.


What’s it like inside?

Inside, you can tell that BYD has pushed the boat out, making the interior as good as it can be and feels very similar to the Seal saloon.

All the materials are well put together and everything you touch has a nice soft texture. Even the controls that you encounter when driving have a nice damping effect to give that premium feel. Like with the Seal and Seal U, the firm’s trademark rotating touchscreen is incorporated in the dashboard and the car comes with a new operating system which is easier to use on the move.

You sit high up, but occupants still get a decent level of headroom. Meanwhile, in the back, the seats are positioned lower which gives a lot more knee room, too.

Boot space stands at 520 litres – which is roughly the same as its rivals. Fold the back seats down and that capacity increases to 1,789 litres. There is a frunk located under the boot as well which gives an additional 58 litres of storage.

What’s the spec like?

At this moment in time, prices for the UK market have not been revealed just yet, but there will be three trim levels and all of them will come with lots of standard equipment.

The entry-level Comfort model comes with heated and ventilated vegan-friendly leather seats, as well as heated rear seats, keyless entry, climate control, a heat pump and a vehicle-to-load function which means you can use the car’s battery to power domestic devices.

The mid-spec Design adds 20-inch alloy wheels and the additional electric motor located on the front axle. The Excellence trim boasts Nappa leather and a head-up display.

Verdict

To sum up, the Sealion 7 SUV is a premium-feeling and well-equipped EV that offers a decent amount of practicality and electric range.

There is some sharpness to the ride but make no mistake, this additional entry into BYD’s expanding model line-up will certainly attract more punters into this new and successful Chinese firm