Go big or go home. That’s how BYD likes to think. With much fanfare and style, the Chinese giant booked a stadium arena in Milton Keynes for the UK media launch of its new Sealion 7.
The Sealion 7 joins the Dolphin, Seal, and Seal U DM-i in its growing Ocean Series for its British line-up. Positioned as a mid-size premium SUV, it features a sleek design, a luxury interior, gadgets galore, and impressive performance credentials.
“Ocean Aesthetic” Styling
You’re looking at the styling of the Sealion 7, and you’re thinking: “Hmm… nice, but a bit samey-wamey?” Well, you’re not entirely wrong in that it is a little generic Chinese EV SUV in looks. It’s a sharp, smooth, and handsome-looking family mover with clear links to the brand’s “Ocean Aesthetic” design theme.
You can identify the similar ‘X-face’ front and slim U-shaped LED headlamps from its sister Seal saloon. At the rear, a full-width light bar and roof-mounted and integrated ducktail spoilers complete a confident design that doesn’t shout for attention but delivers an appealing aura.
Power, Range, and a Shocking Electric Surge
Built on BYD’s e-Platform 3.0, the Sealion 7 benefits from the brand’s Blade Battery technology, which uses a cobalt-free lithium iron phosphate chemistry for added safety and durability. The battery also forms part of the car’s structure through cell-to-body (CTB) integration, thereby reducing weight, increasing rigidity, and improving cabin packaging – a lower interior floor being an obvious benefit.
The range spans 300 miles (Comfort), 283 miles (Design), and up to 312 miles for the Excellence, which also introduces a larger 91.3kWh battery. Fast-charging capability is strong across the board, but the Excellence stands out with 230kW ultra-rapid charging, delivering a 10–80% top-up in 24 minutes.
Related:
BYD’s Yangwang U8: A 1,100 HP Electric Off-Roader With All The Moves
UK Spec and Prices
Three variants are available in the UK market, where we tried the car. The Comfort model features a single motor, rear-wheel drive, and 313bhp, delivering 0–62mph in 6.7 seconds and prices start at £46,990. For big performance, step up to the Design AWD and Excellence AWD, as both offer dual motors, 530bhp, and hit 62mph in a brisk 4.5 seconds. Prices are £51,990 and £58,990 respectively. Considering size, style, and pricing, it targets rivals such as the Kia EV6, Hyundai Ioniq 5, Ford Mustang Mach-E, and the Tesla Model Y.
Packed with Tech
Step inside, and the Sealion 7 immediately impresses. You’re greeted by a 15.6-inch rotating touchscreen dominating the center console, switching between portrait and landscape views at the touch of a button – or a simple voice command. The infotainment system is responsive, customizable, and fully supports Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
A second 10.25-inch digital instrument panel sits ahead of the driver, while the Excellence model adds a head-up display for key information on the move. BYD’s voice assistant goes beyond novelty, offering extraordinary functionality. We’ve seen systems that can adjust the climate control, but this one will also open and close the windows, sunblind, and even the tailgate (which also has two buttons, plus a third on the key-fob and ‘kick-open’ function). You can catch out the AI Voice Control, but it’s surprisingly effective, very patient, and keeps an eye on you through the driver monitoring system! A 12-speaker Dynaudio audio system, ambient lighting with 128 color settings, and a dual wireless charging setup offer up to 50W.
Capacious and Comfy
Trim materials feel solid and well-appointed. Vegan leather upholstery is standard, with Nappa leather reserved for the top-spec Excellence. With a 2,930mm wheelbase, the Sealion 7 offers impressive legroom in the rear. Taller passengers will find generous space, and the back seats recline for added comfort. Heated cushions, USB-C charging ports, and rear vents ensure that passengers are well looked after.
The boot offers 520 liters with the seats up, expanding to 1,789 liters when folded, plus a 58-liter front trunk (or frunk) that adds extra usability, with thoughtful storage compartments throughout the cabin and astonishingly deep cupholders!
Performance
Out on the road, the 530bhp Sealion 7 Design we tested, glides along serenely – as you’d expect. In Normal mode, it’s calm and composed, delivering the kind of refinement appropriate to a premium SUV. Slip it into Sport, and it frankly goes a bit bonkers!
Acceleration is immediate, and the Intelligent Torque Adaption Control (iTAC) channels all that thrust effectively to avoid you flinging yourself off the road. You can feel it at work through corners as it quells understeer and pulls the car tight into a corner, with little of the body lean or shimmy of past SUVs. The car feels planted and balanced, and Frequency Selective Dampers provide excellent ride comfort.
Driving Experience
Be under no illusion; this is a ‘sports utility vehicle,’ not a sports car. There is no feel to the steering, no exciting sharpness to its direction changes, but rather, it presents mature confidence to demolish miles with pace. The tapered rear glass somewhat restricts rear visibility, though a 360-degree camera system more than compensates when maneuvering.
Regenerative braking can be adjusted on the fly, and four driving modes – Eco, Normal, Sport, and Snow – allow the driver to tailor performance to conditions. All models come equipped with 11 airbags, adaptive cruise control, lane centering, blind spot detection, rear cross-traffic alert, driver attention monitoring, traffic sign recognition, etc.
Verdict
The 2025 BYD Sealion 7 is more than a new electric SUV. It’s a statement of intent. With premium styling, cutting-edge tech, rapid performance, and impressive range, it feels like a competitor to Europe’s best EV offerings. Whether you’re looking for family practicality, long-distance usability, or the thrill of instant torque, the Sealion 7 is worth checking out. The level of AI-driven voice-control tech alone could be worth the entry price, as it can keep you and your passengers amused for hours.
