BYD is on a roll in India, and the new Sealion 7 is proof that the Chinese EV giant is serious about competing with the likes of Hyundai Ioniq 5, Volvo EX40, and BMW iX1. Launched in February 2025 at a starting price of ₹48.90 lakh (ex-showroom), the BYD Sealion 7 sits in the premium electric crossover space.
What makes it special? For starters, BYD has packed it with an 82.56kWh Blade Battery, a rotating 15.6-inch touchscreen, ADAS Level 2+, and even Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) technology – a feature rare in this price band. With a claimed range of up to 567 km, blistering 0-100 km/h times (just 4.5 seconds in AWD trim), and a luxury-laden cabin, the Sealion 7 is positioned as both a family car and a performance EV.
For Indian buyers looking beyond the mainstream luxury brands, this BYD could be the dark horse in the EV race. Let’s dive into the details.
Table of Contents
Engine, Mileage & Performance
The Sealion 7 is offered in two variants:
- Premium (RWD) – 308 bhp, 380 Nm, 0–100 km/h in 6.7 seconds, range up to 567 km (NEDC).
- Performance (AWD) – 523 bhp, 690 Nm, 0–100 km/h in 4.5 seconds, range up to 542 km (NEDC).
Both use BYD’s signature 82.56kWh Blade Battery, paired with an 8-in-1 electric powertrain. The torque delivery is instant, and the AWD trim offers sports-car-like acceleration that rivals even luxury German EVs.
For India, real-world range can be expected between 450–500 km, depending on driving style and AC usage. With 11kW AC charging and 150kW DC fast-charging, a 30–80% top-up takes under 40 minutes at a DC station.
Design & Features
BYD calls its design philosophy “Ocean Aesthetics”, and the Sealion 7 carries bold lines with a coupe-SUV stance.
Exterior highlights:
- Sleek LED headlamps with C-shaped DRLs
- Flush-fitting door handles
- 19- or 20-inch machined alloy wheels
- Wraparound connected LED tail lamps
- Gloss-black diffuser for a sporty rear
Interior highlights:
- Rotating 15.6-inch infotainment screen (Apple CarPlay & Android Auto wireless)
- 10.25-inch driver’s display
- Nappa leather ventilated seats with memory function
- Panoramic glass roof
- DYNAUDIO 12-speaker audio system
- Multi-zone climate control with PM2.5 purifier
The cabin feels premium and tech-heavy, something Indian buyers in this segment expect. Boot space is 500L plus a 50L frunk, which adds practicality for long road trips.
ALSO READ: BYD M6 – A Futuristic 7-Seater Electric MPV for the New Age Family
Safety & Technology
Safety has been given top priority, with the Sealion 7 securing a 5-star Euro NCAP crash test rating.
Key safety features:
- 11 airbags (one of the highest in the segment)
- ABS, EBD, TCS, Hill Hold, Auto-Hold
- 360° camera with parking sensors
- Level 2+ ADAS: Adaptive Cruise Control, Lane Keep Assist, Emergency Braking, Blind Spot Detection, Cross-Traffic Alert
- Driver fatigue monitoring and attention warning
BYD also uses Cell-to-Body (CTB) technology for enhanced rigidity and crash safety.
Colours & Variants
The BYD Sealion 7 is available in two trims and four shades:
Variants:
- Premium RWD – ₹48.90 lakh (ex-showroom)
- Performance AWD – ₹54.90 lakh (ex-showroom)
Colours: Cosmos Black, Aurora White, Atlantis Grey, Shark Grey.
Pros & Cons
Pros:
- Long claimed range (up to 567 km)
- Futuristic cabin with rotating screen
- Packed with safety tech and ADAS
- Blistering acceleration in AWD trim
- Practical boot + frunk combo
Cons:
- Limited charging infra in Tier-2/3 cities
- BYD brand perception still behind Germans in luxury space
- Pricey compared to Hyundai Ioniq 5
- No 7-seat option unlike some rivals
- Real-world range lower than claimed
Price & Rivals
- YD Sealion 7 Premium RWD – ₹48.90 lakh
- BYD Sealion 7 Performance AWD – ₹54.90 lakh
Rivals:
- Hyundai Ioniq 5 (₹49.11 lakh)
- BMW iX1 LWB (₹52.89 lakh)
- Volvo EX30 (₹42.50 lakh)
- Volvo EX40 (₹53.80 lakh)
- BYD Seal (₹43.34 lakh, sedan alternative)
In this segment, the Sealion 7 offers more power and features at similar pricing, making it a strong contender.
Final Verdict
The BYD Sealion 7 is not just another EV – it’s a statement product. With premium features, long range, and explosive AWD performance, it directly challenges the likes of BMW and Volvo at a relatively competitive price.
Yes, BYD still has to fight brand skepticism in India, but if you want a feature-rich, futuristic EV with head-turning design and strong practicality, the Sealion 7 makes a very strong case. For families and enthusiasts alike, it’s one of the most exciting EV crossovers in the ₹50–55 lakh bracket.
Frequently Ask Questions
Q1. What is the real-world range of the BYD Sealion 7?
Expect 450–500 km depending on driving style and climate control use.
Q2. Does the Sealion 7 support fast charging?
Yes, it supports 150kW DC charging, giving 30–80% charge in under 40 minutes.
Q3. How many airbags does the Sealion 7 have?
It comes with 11 airbags, among the highest in its class.
Q4. Which is better – BYD Sealion 7 or Hyundai Ioniq 5?
The Sealion 7 offers more power and range, but the Ioniq 5 has a stronger service network and slightly lower price.
Q5. Is BYD a reliable brand in India?
BYD is relatively new in passenger EVs here but has a strong track record in electric buses and batteries globally. The Sealion 7 also comes with up to 8 years/1.6 lakh km battery warranty.
