Advantages: affordable price, premium interior, very fast
Disadvantages: mediocre handling, stiff suspension, excessive wind noise
BYD’s Rapid Growth
BYD has evolved from an obscure manufacturer to a global leader in plug-in hybrid sales, even surpassing Tesla in all-electric vehicle sales. This success is driven by a constant stream of new models appearing at an incredible pace. Unlike traditional automakers, BYD has the agility of a startup, combined with the capabilities of Chinese automotive industry.
Key Model for Australia
The BYD Sealion 7 is positioned as a serious competitor to the Tesla Model Y. This crossover is offered in two trims: base Premium starting from AU$54,990 and top-tier Performance from AU$63,990. Testing was conducted specifically on the Performance version.
Technical Specifications
› Model: 2025 BYD Sealion 7 Performance
› Starting price: AU$63,990
› Dimensions: 4,830 mm length, 1,925 mm width, 1,620 mm height
› Wheelbase: 2,930 mm
› Weight: 2,340 kg
› Powertrain: two electric motors, 82.56 kWh battery
› Power: 523 hp, torque 690 N·m
› 0-100 km/h acceleration: 4.5 seconds
› Efficiency: 20.5 kWh/100 km
Competitive Pricing Strategy
BYD’s price advantage is significant: the model costs considerably less than the Tesla Model Y Long Range and is almost twice as affordable as the Model Y Performance. Despite this, the manufacturer didn’t skimp on technical aspects.
Unexpectedly Luxurious Interior
The Sealion 7’s interior impresses with material quality that competes with European premium brands. The centerpiece is a 15.6-inch multimedia system display that rotates between portrait and landscape modes.
The instrument panel, steering wheel, door panels, and seats are made from a combination of leather and suede. The build quality is impressive even compared to more expensive European models.
Power and Efficiency
With 523 hp, the car accelerates to 100 km/h in 4.5 seconds. However, the real range is about 400 km, which is somewhat less than claimed. Charging speed is limited to 150 kW, requiring 32 minutes to charge from 10% to 80%.
Dynamic Characteristics
Handling is not the model’s strongest point – the car tends to understeer. But for everyday use, it’s perfectly suitable thanks to light steering and excellent visibility.
Comfort and Noise
The suspension is somewhat stiff, and at speeds above 60 km/h, noticeable wind noise from the mirrors and pillars is apparent. This distinguishes the Sealion 7 from other electric crossovers in this class.
Conclusions
The Sealion 7 Performance offers excellent value for money, being significantly cheaper than the Tesla Model Y. The interior quality was a pleasant surprise, exceeding expectations even compared to expensive European models.
The emergence of competitors like the BYD Sealion 7 indicates serious changes in the global automotive market. Chinese manufacturers demonstrate the ability to create technologically advanced cars at competitive prices, forcing traditional manufacturers to reconsider their strategies. BYD’s success is particularly noticeable against the backdrop of growing electric vehicle popularity, where technological advantages and affordability become decisive factors for buyers.