BYD Expands Its Electric Vehicle Lineup with the Arrival of the Sealion 7 SUV

BYD is diligently broadening its presence in the Australian automotive market, setting the stage for the imminent debut of its electric Sealion 7 SUV, scheduled for February 2025. This mid-sized electric vehicle is poised to compete directly with established contenders such as the Tesla Model Y and a growing array of Chinese competitors, including the Xpeng G6, Deepal S07, and Leapmotor C10.

Recent government approval documents reveal that two distinct powertrain options have secured clearance for sale in Australia. The first configuration features a rear-wheel drive with a single motor producing 230kW, while the second option offers all-wheel drive through a dual motor setup—one motor delivering 160kW and the other 230kW, resulting in a remarkable total output of 390kW.

While the specifics regarding battery capacity and range have yet to be disclosed for the local market, European offerings of the Sealion 7 indicate that it can be equipped with either 82.5kWh or 91.3kWh lithium iron phosphate (LFP) batteries. In dual-motor variants with the larger battery, the WLTP-rated range reaches up to 502 kilometers, capable of DC fast charging at rates of up to 230kW. Those opting for the smaller battery can expect a range between 456 kilometers and 482 kilometers, supporting charging at up to 150kW.

Acceleration figures showcase the RWD model’s ability to sprint from 0 to 100 km/h in a brisk 6.7 seconds, while the all-wheel-drive variant achieves this feat in just 4.5 seconds.

In the Chinese market, the Sealion 7 is available with either 71.8kWh or 80.64kWh LFP battery options. Depending on the market, BYD also varies the vehicle’s electrical architecture between a 400V and an 800V system.

The Australian version of the Sealion 7 will feature wheel sizes of either 19 or 20 inches, with a claimed braked towing capacity of 750kg for the rear-wheel drive and 1500kg for the all-wheel drive variant. Dimensions reveal that the Sealion 7 measures 4830mm in length, 1925mm in width, and 1620mm in height, resting on a 2930mm wheelbase. Notably, this makes it 79mm longer, 53mm wider, and 4mm taller than the Tesla Model Y, with a wheelbase extended by 40mm.

BYD’s local distributor, EVDirect, has hinted at "competitive" pricing for the Sealion 7. For context, the entry price for the Model Y currently starts at $55,900, excluding on-road costs, while BYD’s mid-sized Seal sedan begins at $49,888 before on-road expenses.

Although BYD has previously introduced two mid-sized SUVs to the Australian market, the existing Atto 3 is a notably smaller electric SUV, and the Sealion 6 is offered exclusively as a plug-in hybrid, with a fully electric variant available in select international markets.

For additional details on the BYD Sealion 7, stay tuned for further updates.

Source:www.carexpert.com.au