BYD Sealion 7: Tesla Model Y Competitor To Hit Australian Roads in February

The BYD Sealion 7 is set to make its debut in Australia in February 2025, further expanding BYD's already impressive Australian EV line-up. Known as the Sea lion 07 in China, this mid-size SUV will go head-to-head with the popular Tesla Model Y and Kia EV5, offering a larger and potentially more powerful and larger alternative to BYD's existing Atto 3.

▶️MORE: What BYD electric cars are coming to Australia?

Pricing and Variants

Although exact pricing is yet to be finalised, the BYD Sealion 7 will be "really competitively priced" according to EVDirect's David Smitherman and will likely start under $60,000. This means it will undercut the refreshed Tesla Model Y ($63,400), however pricing may be higher than the pre-refresh price of $55,900.

Performance and Range

The Sealion 7 will offer multiple powertrain configurations built on BYD's e-platform 3.0 architecture. These include a single-motor rear-wheel-drive, a more powerful single-motor variant, and a dual-motor all-wheel-drive option that delivers 390 kW and 670 Nm of torque. The top Performance variant is expected to accelerate from 0-100 km/h in just 3.8 seconds, showcasing the vehicle’s sporty capabilities.

In terms of range, the Sealion 7 will be equipped with a single 82.5 kWh battery, expected to offer a range of up to 480 km, depending on the variant. While the range figures are respectable, they fall short of the Tesla Model Y Long Range (533 km).

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Features and Technology

Inside, the BYD Sealion 7 will boast a modern, tech-driven cabin as seen in the BYD Seal, featuring a 15.6-inch rotating touchscreen and a 10.25-inch driver display. The vehicle will also support wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto alongside over-the-air updates for continuous feature enhancements. The spacious interior includes soft-touch materials and premium options like Nappa leather seats and vegan leather trim, further elevating the driving experience. For added convenience, rear passengers will enjoy ample legroom, USB ports, and independent climate controls.

For practicality, the Sealion 7 includes fold-down rear seats and a small front trunk for extra storage, making it a versatile choice for daily commutes and road trips.

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Safety and Technology

The BYD Sealion 7 is equipped with BYD's latest suite of driver assist technology. It includes adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, autonomous emergency braking, and a 360-degree camera system for comprehensive protection. Additionally, the SUV offers innovative tech like Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) functionality, enabling users to power devices directly from the vehicle