The BYD SEALION 7 will start from £44,990 on-the-road in the UK, Chinese biggest EV maker announced on Thursday. This sporty, stylish SUV offers advanced EV technology, a spacious and refined interior, an intelligent in-car interface, and rapid charging up to 230 kW—strengthening BYD’s presence in Europe’s car market.
As the seventh pure-electric BYD model in Europe and the fourth in the Ocean Series (following the DOLPHIN, SEAL and SEAL U), the SEALION 7 is crafted for tech-savvy families. It features an overall length of 4,830 mm, a 2,930 mm wheelbase, a WLTP range of up to 312 miles, a top speed of 113 mph, and acceleration from 0-62 mph in just 4.5 seconds.
The SEALION 7, designed by BYD’s Global Design Director Wolfgang Egger, adapts the Ocean Series design language, seen in the DOLPHIN hatchback and SEAL saloon, into a sporty SUV. Its athletic stance combines power and efficiency, enhancing the range of its Blade Battery.
The front showcases the Ocean Series’ signature ‘X face’ motif, symbolizing dynamic motion. Dual U-shaped LED headlights and sculpted curves evoke ocean waves. The side profile combines a smooth yet assertive look, with a low front, rounded roofline, and fastback rear with a subtle ducktail spoiler. Crisp creases along the body create a dual waistline, while flush door handles enhance its streamlined appearance.
The rear shows off a muscular haunch and a full-width light signature, including the Ocean Series’ latest ‘water-drop’ taillights. At 30mm longer and 160mm taller than the SEAL, the SEALION 7 emphasizes its unique SUV positioning.
Built on BYD’s award winning e-Platform 3.0, the SEALION 7 features the Blade Battery, an industry-leading battery that combines safety, efficiency, and durability. Using lithium iron phosphate (LFP) as a cathode material, it’s cobalt-free, ethically sourced, and highly resistant to extreme temperatures. The Blade Battery’s cell-to-body installation integrates directly into the vehicle frame, maximizing cabin space and torsional stiffness. The SEALION 7 can charge from 10% to 80% in as little as 24 minutes with ultra-fast 230 kW DC charging on top-spec models, making it ideal for long trips.
BYD’s engineering innovation enables the SEALION 7’s rear motor to reach 23,000 rpm, the world’s fastest mass produced EV motor. Producing 230 kW and 380 Nm of torque, it powers the rear-wheel-drive Comfort model from 0 to 62 mph in 6.7 seconds, with a top speed of 113 mph. The AWD Design and Excellence trims add a second 160 kW motor on the front axle, delivering a combined output of 390 kW and accelerating from 0 to 62 mph in just 4.5 seconds, while maintaining the 113 mph top speed.
The SEALION 7 is available with two battery capacities and three configurations to balance performance and range. The Comfort and Design trims come with an 82.5 kWh battery, offering up to 300 miles WLTP range on RWD models and 283 miles on AWD. The top-spec Excellence AWD trim boasts a 91.3 kWh battery, achieving the longest range in the lineup at 312 miles WLTP. All versions offer 11 kW AC charging and up to 150 kW or 230 kW DC fast charging, depending on the model. A highly efficient heat pump, synonymous across the BYD range, is standard, helping to maximise range, particularly in cold conditions.
The SEALION 7’s e-Platform 3.0 architecture provides excellent handling and stability through a double-wishbone front suspension and multi-link rear axle. Equipped with Frequency Sensitive Dampers, the SUV adapts to road conditions, offering firm stability on smooth roads and a softer ride over rough surfaces. The AWD models also feature BYD’s Intelligent Torque Adaption Control (iTAC), which optimizes torque allocation, boosting traction and safety.
With its SUV form and 4,830 mm length, the SEALION 7 offers a spacious cabin for five adults. A 2,930 mm wheelbase and flat rear floor maximize legroom, while the slim Blade Battery allows generous headroom even with the SUV’s sleek roofline. Premium comfort features include an eight-way power-adjustable driver’s seat, heated and ventilated front seats, double-layered laminated glass for noise reduction, and a large panoramic sunroof with a sunshade. Storage includes a 520-litre boot (expandable to 1,789 litres with rear seats folded), a 58-litre front compartment, and over 20 small storage compartments.
The SEALION 7 integrates BYD’s latest technology, centred on a 15.6-inch rotatable touchscreen. The intuitive interface offers a 3D car rendering, interactive controls, Android Auto and Apple CarPlay integration, and a 10.25-inch digital instrument panel. The Excellence AWD also includes a Head-Up Display. BYD’s voice control system enables front and rear passengers to interact with the infotainment and climate systems through voice commands. The BYD SEALION 7 also features a 12-speaker audio system developed in conjunction with Danish speaker specialist Dynaudio.
Equipped with BYD’s DiPilot 10 suite, the SEALION 7 offers a wide range of driver-assistance features: including adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, front and rear cross traffic alert and cross traffic braking, 360-degree cameras, and blind-spot detection. An intelligent speed limit and traffic-sign recognition system further enhance driving safety, while 11 airbags and ISOFIX child-seat connectors add protection in the cabin.
The SEALION 7 is available in Comfort, Design, and Excellence trims, each loaded with high-end features. The Comfort model includes heated seats, dual-zone climate control, a 15.6-inch rotatable screen, a wireless charging pad, and V2L capability for powering household devices. Design models add 20-inch alloy wheels, and Excellence models feature Nappa leather seats and a Head-Up Display.
The BYD SEALION 7 will go on sale in the UK in Q1 2025. Pricing starts at £44,990 for Comfort RWD models, £49,290 for Design AWD and £57,290 for Excellence AWD.
All versions of the BYD SEALION 7 are offered with excellent warranty conditions as standard, consisting of a six-year manufacturer’s warranty and eight years for the battery and electric motor.
