When contemplating electrical autos (EVs) in Australia proper now, Tesla and BYD are the 2 dominating manufacturers. Tesla initiated the EV motion within the nation and continues to steer in gross sales, whereas BYD, a significant Chinese language producer, is quickly gaining floor.
Tesla just lately confirmed the much-anticipated replace of its Mannequin Y, which is at present Australia’s best-selling EV. In response, BYD is making its transfer by introducing the newly launched Sealion 7, an all-electric mannequin concentrating on the mid-size SUV phase—the preferred car class in Australia.
Can the Sealion 7 problem the Mannequin Y’s supremacy?
2025 BYD Sealion 7 Worth and Options
Pricing performs a big position within the electrical car market, and BYD has a aggressive edge over Tesla with its marketed costs. The Sealion 7 is out there in two variants, beginning with the single-motor Premium mannequin (230kW, 380Nm, RWD) priced at $54,990. As compared, Tesla’s entry-level Mannequin Y Juniper, which is rear-wheel drive, is listed at $63,400.
The following variant is the Sealion 7 Efficiency, which incorporates a twin-motor setup (390kW, 690Nm, AWD) that may speed up to 100 km/h in simply 4.5 seconds and is priced at $63,990. The equal Tesla mannequin, the Lengthy Vary AWD, is out there for $73,400.
Whereas reductions could emerge from each manufacturers, the present pricing paints a transparent image.
The primary distinction between the 2 BYD variants lies of their powertrains, as most different specs are comparable. The entry-level Premium mannequin comes geared up with all-LED lights, 19-inch alloy wheels, a glass roof with a sunshade, and a power-operated tailgate. Inside, you’ll discover heated and ventilated leather-based seats, a big 15.6-inch rotating central touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto capabilities, a secondary 10.25-inch driver show, a head-up show projected onto the windscreen, and a 12-speaker sound system.
Choosing the Efficiency mannequin provides efficiency options similar to bigger 20-inch alloy wheels, a heated steering wheel, and extra rear-seat heating.
Each fashions make the most of an 82.56kW battery, providing a driving vary of 482 km for the Premium and 456 km for the Efficiency. The Sealion 7 helps as much as 11kW AC charging and 150kW DC quick charging.
Dimensions-wise, the Sealion 7 stands at over 4.8 meters in size, 1.9 meters in width, and 1.6 meters in top, with a close to three-meter wheelbase that gives ample house for rear passengers. Even at 175 cm tall, I discovered all three rear seats, together with the center one, fairly spacious. The cargo space gives 500 liters of storage with the rear seats up and options an adjustable flooring top for higher comfort with bigger gadgets.
Though there’s no official ANCAP security score but, BYD signifies that the car is predicted to attain a five-star score based mostly on crash testing. It features a complete suite of lively security options and 9 airbags.
BYD additionally offers a six-year, 150,000 km guarantee, with particular particulars to examine within the tremendous print, whereas the battery guarantee extends to eight years or 160,000 km.
Preliminary Impressions of the 2025 BYD Sealion 7
The general public driving preview of the Sealion 7 was primarily carried out on city roads in Adelaide and lasted about 40 minutes. Though it felt too transient to gauge the car’s full capabilities, it showcased a snug and refined driving expertise, easily dealing with damaged street surfaces whereas retaining exterior noise to a minimal.
In our expertise with the dual-motor Efficiency variant, energy supply was easy and unrelenting, however it additionally required some acclimatization, because the car continued to propel ahead barely even after easing off the accelerator.
Regardless of its ample energy, the Sealion 7 Efficiency felt a bit heavy throughout maneuvers. The grip was good, and lateral motion was minimal, but the tires may generally specific discomfort beneath stress. Nonetheless, it is very important word that its major position is as a family-friendly SUV, so sporty agility is probably not important. Given this, the Premium variant would possibly provide a greater stability, as it’s cheaper, boasts an extended vary, and contains a lot of the identical gear with out sacrificing efficiency considerably.
Verdict on the BYD Sealion 7
Preliminary impressions of the BYD Sealion 7 spotlight its aggressive pricing, considerate packaging, and well-rounded options, together with a snug driving expertise. Nonetheless, additional testing shall be essential to totally consider its efficiency capabilities in numerous driving situations.
Rating: 3.7/5
Specs for the 2025 BYD Sealion 7:
- Worth: From $54,990 (MSRP)
- Kind: EV, 5 seats, 5 doorways, medium SUV, RWD or AWD
- Vary: 456 km-482 km (WLTP)
- Battery capability: 82.56 kW lithium-ion
- Battery guarantee: 8 years/160,000 km
- Motors: 1 rear everlasting magnet synchronous (230kW/380Nm), Twin-motor AWD (390kW/690Nm)
- AC charging: As much as 11 kW, Kind 2 plug
- DC charging: 150 kW, CCS combo plug
- 0-100 km/h: 4.5 seconds (Efficiency)
