The first time I saw the BYD Sealion 7, I honestly thought it was a European design. Those sharp headlamps, the muscular body lines, and that continuous LED tail bar it all screamed confidence. BYD clearly wants to move beyond the tag of being just a value EV brand.
Design and Presence – A Street Dominator with Attitude
The Sealion 7 looks athletic, almost like it’s flexing its muscles just standing still. No overdone chrome, no gimmicks just clean, confident styling. When I first saw it live at the Auto Expo, a guy next to me whispered, Bro, it looks like a Tesla Model Y. I laughed and said, Yeah, but from China, at half the price.
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The front LED bar is mesmerizing at night, and the rear end gives off a Porsche Macan vibe but in a sleeker, electric way. It’s one of those designs that looks even better in motion than in photos.
Power and Range – Big Claims, Real-World Questions
BYD claims a range of 500–600 km (CLTC). Sounds great, right? But those numbers are usually 20% higher than what you’ll actually get. Realistically, I’d expect around 450 km. Still solid for a car of this size and performance. The dual-motor AWD version reportedly packs around 530 bhp and hits 0–100 km/h in roughly 4 seconds. Impressive on paper. But as I’ve learned over the years, Indian heat and highway conditions can humble even the best batteries. I remember driving the MG ZS EV long-distance claimed 461 km, barely gave 340. That’s why I’ll believe Sealion’s range only after a Mumbai Pune test run.
Interior and Tech – Calm, Screens, and Serious Silence
Step inside, and the first thing you notice is peace. BYD cabins have always been quiet, but the Sealion 7 takes that to a new level. The 15.6-inch rotating touchscreen is sharper, faster, and more intuitive than before. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto work flawlessly, though the real fun lies in BYD’s own OS it’s smooth but sometimes a little Chinglish slips through.
I still remember when I drove the Atto 3. I said “Open sunroof,” and it changed the music instead. Funny moment. Thankfully, the Sealion 7 seems smarter now, but let’s give it a few months before calling it flawless.
Price and Positioning – BYD’s Premium Ambition Is Clear
Make no mistake, BYD wants to take on Hyundai’s Ioniq 5 and Kia’s EV6 head-on. If the Sealion 7 lands between ₹40–50 lakh, it could pull serious interest especially from buyers who crave a Tesla-like feel without the badge (or the import duty). And service? Surprisingly, BYD has improved. A Delhi-based Atto 3 owner told me last year, They fixed everything in three hours, bro.That’s not something we used to hear about Chinese brands. So yes, they’re learning the trust game.
Weak Spots – Every Shine Has Its Shadow
The Sealion 7’s software, though better, still has a few rough edges. Some translations are awkward, and the screen occasionally lags. Build quality has improved, but the door shut still lacks that European ‘thunk.’ Small detail, but car geeks notice it instantly.
Final Take – Future-Ready, But Trust Takes Time
To put it bluntly, the BYD Sealion 7 is a bold statement. It’s BYD saying, “We’re done playing safe.” This SUV could completely change how Indians perceive Chinese EVs if, and only if, the range, software, and service hold strong. But as I always say, “Trust in EVs isn’t built overnight.” You have to live with them, charge them, road-trip with them. The Sealion 7 definitely has the potential now it just needs that little bit of human warmth we usually find only in the Europeans.