New BYD Sealion 7 introduces itself

Just as we lauded the arrival of the Sealion 7 SUV, BYD’s fifth model in two years, 
Ciaran Allen, Sales Director with Motor Distributors Limited tells me there are three 
more BYD models en route here by year end. 
A sporty new mid-size Sports Utility Vehicle, the BYD Sealion 7 is now available 
through dealers in a choice of three fully electric powered models.    
 
The entry model BYD Sealion 7 begins with a single-motor, rear-wheel-drive 
‘Comfort’ edition, followed by two all-wheel-drive models: ‘Design’ and ‘Excellence’, 
each fitted with an abundant selection of all-inclusive standard specifications. Prices 
begin from €45,435 for the entry-level Comfort model. 
 
First Impressions 
Produced in BYD’s stylish ‘Ocean Series’ design language, the Sealion 7 is 160mm 
taller and 30mm longer than its BYD Seal stablemate. It stands 4,830 mm long, 
1620mm in height, with a 2,930 mm wheelbase, which translates to a spacious 
interior front and rear. Luggage capacity is 520 litres, increasing to 1,789 litres, with 
an additional 58-litres in the front-trunk, the ‘frunk’, plus an additional 20 plus cabin 
storage spaces. 
The exterior of the BYD Sealion 7’s looks low-slung, the front air intakes very eye- 
catching, as are the headlights, bonnet contour, sleek body-line, with the rear subtle 
spoiler and full-width rear lights arrangement personalising its identity. Wheel 
choices are 19” and 20” depending on trimline. 
Inside Story 
All versions of the Sealion 7 come equipped with a generous range of standard- 
equipment and safety features that include: 
 Front and rear parking sensors 
 360-degree camera 
 Adaptive cruise control 
 Traffic-sign recognition 
 Intelligent speed-limit control 
The rotatable centre console is a 15.6-inch unit, delivering access to infotainment and 
driver assistance systems via the screen, which features BYD’s latest software 
showing a full 3D rendering of the car, allowing passengers to activate items such as 
windows and doors on visual cues. 
 
Comforts include; 
 Ventilated and heated front seats 
 Rear seats padded, angled, and optimised to minimise fatigue on long 
journeys 
 Four-way adjustable steering wheel 
 Driver’s seat electrically adjustable in eight directions with four-way power- 
adjustable lumbar support 

 Double-layered laminated glass in front doors 
 Privacy glass in the rear is optimised for sound and heat insulation 
 Large panoramic sunroof 
 Electric blind 
 Radio, phone, entertainment and online connectivity 
 Support for Android Auto and Apple CarPlay 
 ‘Hi BYD’ voice control enables occupants to regulate cabin temperature and 
interact with in-car entertainment and navigation systems.  
 
On the Road 
My test car at the launch was the All-Wheel- Drive, in Excellence trim, priced from 
€56,490. Built on BYD’s e-Platform 3.0 flat floor, it felt well planted from the off, the 
secondary roads west of Enfield seriously inviting on a gloriously sunny April 
morning. With nigh-on all the resistance I could muster, the Sealion 7 delivered a 
very rewarding drive, the pulsing of my licence from its sanctuary in my inner pocket 
a good indication of its ability to go rogue on command. 
Powered by a 91.3 kWh battery, the Excellent trim promised some 502km range, its 
390kW/530bhp and 690Nm of torque demanding restraint and respect in equal 
numbers, manifesting itself as great company on the varying road systems of my 
short, but informative drive. The driver can choose from four operating modes to 
suit their mood and intent, Eco, Normal, Sport and Snow. 
Blade Battery  
Like its predecessors, the Sealion 7 is powered by BYD’s own, in-house developed 
82.5 kWh cobalt free Blade Battery, with Comfort and Design versions offering 
ranges of 482km and 456km (WLTP) respectively and a charging time of 10% to 80% 
in 32 minutes. 
The Excellence version with its larger 91.3 kWh battery and 502km (WLTP) range, 
can be charged from 10% to 80% in 24 minutes. All versions of the Sealion 7 get 11 
kW three-phase AC charging as standard. 
 
BYD Sealion 7’s Cell-to-Body (CTB) battery installation integrates the Blade Battery 
into the vehicle structure – a unique design which, amongst other attributes, is safer 
and helps deliver added handling rigidity and more interior space. Additional 
beneficial features include a high-efficiency heat pump system which regulates the 
battery temperature, controls the passenger compartment temperature, and absorbs 
waste heat from the electric powertrain to help maximise range, particularly in cold 
conditions. 
 
A six-year manufacturer’s warranty and an eight-year battery and electric motor 
warranty applies to all BYD Sealion 7 models.  
 
For more information visit: www.bydauto.ie