Meet the BYD Sealion 7
The Chinese brand, BYD, is giving a tough time to all other EV brands with the drop of a new model now and then!
The Sealion 7 is here to make waves in India’s electric SUV scene, priced between Rs 48.9 lakh and Rs 54.9 lakh. This car comes with an 82.56kWh battery pack and two options for you to choose from: a single-motor rear-wheel-drive (313hp, 380Nm) and a dual-motor all-wheel-drive (530hp, 690Nm).
The powerful AWD version was taken for a spin to see what it brings in for the customer.
What’s the Claimed Range?
BYD says the Sealion 7 AWD can go 542km on a full charge. Sounds impressive, right? But claims are one thing — real-world numbers are another.
Let’s dive into what we found when we tested it on Mumbai’s busy streets and open highways.
Real-World Range: The Numbers
The tests showed that Sealion 7 AWD delivers an overall range of 374.5 km on a single charge. Fro City driving it gives you an efficiency of 4.90km/kWh; you’re looking at about 405km of range, which is perfect for zipping through urban jungles!
For Highway Cruising, the efficiency drops to 4.17km/kWh, giving you around 344km. Still decent for those weekend getaways. At 2,340kg, this SUV isn’t the lightest, but it holds its own in the efficiency game.
How We Tested It
We didn’t just take BYD’s word for it. Our test was as real as it gets:
Fully charge the battery.
Set the tire pressures to BYD’s specs.
Drove a fixed loop in Mumbai—city streets and state highways—on a regular weekday.
Kept climate control at a comfy 22°C, used the audio system, indicators, and ventilated seats like any driver would.
The calculated range based on battery percentage used after each loop.
Our testing is all about giving you numbers you can trust, not just lab results.
Driving Modes and Regen Braking
The Sealion 7 offers multiple drive modes to suit your vibe, whether you’re chilling in the city or pushing it on the highway. It also has two regenerative braking levels, but here’s the catch: there’s no one-pedal driving mode.
When you lift off the accelerator, the SUV coasts for a bit before the regen kicks in, and even then, it’s milder than rivals like the Hyundai Ioniq 5 or BMW iX1. You’ll need to use the brake pedal to stop completely.
How Does It Stack Up?
Compared to other electric SUVs, the Sealion 7’s real-world range is solid but not class-leading. Its city range of 405km is great for daily commutes, but the highway range of 344km might have you planning your charging stops on long trips. The lack of one-pedal driving and weaker regen braking could be a bummer for some EV fans.
Why It Matters
If you’re eyeing the Sealion 7, these numbers give you a clear picture of what to expect. Whether you’re dodging traffic or cruising out of town, this SUV offers a balance of power and range. Just keep in mind its regen quirks and plan your drives accordingly.
Overall, the BYD Sealion 7 is a bold entry into India’s EV market, blending serious power with decent real-world range. While it doesn’t hit its claimed 542km, the 374.5km overall range is nothing to sneeze at. Ready to take it for a spin?
Also Read: