Sealion 7

Performance in the BYD Sealion 7 is more than skin-deep, with options that range from a rear-wheel-drive Premium (230kW/380Nm) to the top-of-the-line Performance variant (390kW/690Nm AWD). Max Davies of CarExpert says, "The Performance, meanwhile, is genuinely fast and hooks up with no issues thanks to its all-wheel drive configuration... mashing the throttle doesn’t provide the instant punch in the back EVs are known for. Instead, BYD has managed to program in a more progressive delivery." With a 0–100km/h time of just 4.5 seconds in the Performance model, families get sports car pace with the confidence of AWD traction.

Alex Misoyannis of Drive comments, "The power, unsurprisingly, dominates the experience in the flagship grade... The 4.5-second 0-100km/h acceleration claim is eminently believable." Despite this strength, reviewers like Nathan Ponchard from Chasing Cars highlight, "the accelerator pedal’s weird ‘flywheel effect’ is unnerving," and Feann Torr of carsales advances that "throttle calibration is touchy at slower speeds." While it is impressively brisk, some drivers may wish for a traditional one-pedal EV feel, which is not present here. All up, the Sealion 7 balances real-world usability with punchy acceleration and smooth electric cruising.

The Sealion 7 boasts a roomy, well-equipped cabin, highlighted by a massive 15.6-inch rotating touchscreen and premium synthetic leather seats. Max Davies (CarExpert) says, "Anonymous styling, poor rearward visibility... but the interior’s headline feature is that 15.6-inch touchscreen infotainment system, which can rotate 90 degrees." The sense of space is reinforced by a long wheelbase and low floor, providing excellent legroom and a 520L boot for family cargo.

Alex Misoyannis at Drive notes, "The Sealion 7’s interior is among the most conventional in the BYD range... but the gloss black panel [housing the instrument cluster] attracts fingerprints and sun glare." Material quality is strong for the price, and details like wireless phone charging and a panoramic sunroof stand out for daily use. Reviewers such as Feann Torr (carsales) critique the limited exterior and interior colour options and mention that "Build quality is solid, but the lack of a spare tyre is unacceptable." Overall, the Sealion 7 delivers a refined, high-tech, and comfortable cabin, albeit with some styling quirks and rearward visibility challenges.

Integrating advanced technology, the BYD Sealion 7’s centrepiece is the vibrant, rotating 15.6-inch touchscreen, complemented by a 12.3-inch cluster and Infinity audio. Max Davies (CarExpert) writes, "Swiping with three fingers adjusts climate controls... but the lane-keep assist can be snatchy and overactive." The infotainment system receives praise for its crisp interface and wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto integration, making it easy to use every day.

Alex Misoyannis (Drive) adds, "The 15.6-inch touchscreen is vibrant but prone to glare... safety tech is comprehensive but lane-centring is overly aggressive." The standard safety suite includes adaptive cruise control, AEB, 360-degree camera, and blind-spot monitoring, with Euro NCAP 5-star safety as reassurance. Nathan Ponchard (Chasing Cars) agrees that "the lane-keep assistance is aggressively snatch-and-grab," but praises overall usability. Some drivers may be frustrated by touchscreen-heavy climate controls, but voice commands cover common adjustments.

The Sealion 7 comes equipped with an 82.56kWh Blade battery, delivering up to 482km WLTP range for the RWD Premium and 456km for the AWD Performance. Max Davies (CarExpert) comments, "Driving range is significantly shorter than the Seal sedan... DC charging at 150kW is mediocre compared to rivals like the Model Y (170kW)." Charging is convenient via 11kW AC at home or up to 150kW DC public fast charging, enabling 10–80% top-ups in around 32 minutes.

Alex Misoyannis (Drive) observes, "real-world range hovers around 375–450km, well below Tesla’s efficiency," and Feann Torr (carsales) points out, "Charging speeds are far from class-leading at 150kW... rivals offer up to 350kW." Actual ownership experience shows energy use near 19.9kWh/100km, which is competitive, if not class-leading. Premium V2L support allows powering tools and devices from the car, making the Sealion 7 more versatile. For home AC charging, find a local professional installer for safe, fast setups.

Pairing a BYD Sealion 7 with solar power is an effortless way to maximise savings and sustainability. With typical rooftop solar and the SUV’s moderate AC charging rate, you can cover most regular driving needs with clean, low-cost energy. By scheduling charging for peak sunlight hours, daily refuelling becomes nearly free, and emissions shrink, even with frequent use. Many Australian families see a payback period of 2–3 years for combined solar and EV ownership, especially if daytime charging aligns with solar output.

Thanks to V2L (vehicle-to-load) capability, the Sealion 7 can even power small appliances or tools directly from its battery during camping trips or power outages—helpful for adventure or emergency scenarios. If you’re looking to integrate solar charging at home, find expert local solar installers or visit our solar hub for system advice and rebate details.