BYD Sealion 7, The Big Chinese SUV: Here’s How We Felt Driving It

The BYD Sealion 7 joins the Chinese automaker’s India lineup at a starting price of Rs 48.9 lakh (ex-showroom). What’s touted as BYD’s most premium electric SUV yet, the big question is whether it truly delivers the performance to match that positioning. Our experts at Zigwheels have put it to the test firsthand, and based on their experience, here’s a detailed look at what it’s like to drive the Sealion 7.

BYD Sealion 7: Specs On Paper

Before we discuss about the driving experience of the BYD Sealion 7, here’s a quick rundown of its specifications:

BYD Sealion 7: How Is It Like Driving The Car?

The Sealion 7 is indeed a big SUV but what’s surprising is it's still as quick. The AWD Performance accelerates from 0 to 100 kmph in just 4.5 seconds while the RWD Premium variant takes 6.7 seconds for the same sprint.

The Sealion 7 comes with four driving modes: eco, normal, sport, and snow. Our experts drove the SUV in eco mode, in which it prioritizes efficiency, making it ideal for city commutes. In the eco or normal mode, the Sealion 7 smoothly glides through traffic, offering instant power without any jerky movements. You don’t have to worry about constantly pressing the accelerator hard, as the car responds quickly to even a slight push to the pedal. Sport mode unleashes its full potential, offering quick acceleration and smooth high-speed overtakes, which is not quite necessary in city traffic.

We also found its handling to be neutral and predictable, making it easy to drive even in tight city lanes. The steering is light and responsive, though some may find it lacking feedback compared to sportier cars. Overtaking slow trucks or buses is effortless, and the excellent noise insulation keeps road and wind noise to a minimum, making long drives more relaxing.

The regenerative braking system allows drivers to recover energy while slowing down, helping to extend range. However, unlike Hyundai, Kia, and luxury EVs, the Sealion 7 lacks a one-pedal driving mode that would allow the car to come to a complete stop without using the brake pedal.

During a highway test, the Sealion 7 used only 10 per cent of its battery for a 70 km drive meaning a full charge can comfortably cover 450-500 km. That should make it perfect for a week’s worth of city commutes or even an intercity trip like Mumbai to Pune and back without worrying a lot about range.

(Also Read: BYD Sealion 7 Riding Comfort Explained)

BYD Sealion 7: Price And Rivals

The BYD Sealion 7’s prices range from Rs 48.9 lakh to Rs 54.9 lakh (ex-showroom). It competes with the Hyundai Ioniq 5, Kia EV6, Volvo EX40 and the BMW iX1 LWB.

The BYD Sealion 7 brings a well-rounded EV driving experience. While it may not have the most engaging steering feel, it makes up for it with effortless performance, strong acceleration, and great efficiency. Whether you’re driving in the city or on a long road trip, you can have a comfortable and stress-free ride in the Sealion 7. 

So, will you be driving the BYDSealion 7 soon? Let us know in the comments.