Summary
The BYD Sealion is a mid-large electric SUV that sits at the top of the ever-expanding BYD family. It was unveiled in 2024 before arriving in the UK in early 2025.
The Sealion 7 is related to the BYD Seal saloon, although it uses a more advanced version of the Seal’s platform, including more advanced electric motor and drive technologies for better performance and efficiency.
Initial media reviews for the BYD Sealion 7 have been disappointing. Despite praise for its spacious cabin and decent levels of kit for the money, several reviewers have pointed out that the Sealion 7 is more expensive and not as good to drive as a Tesla Model Y.
The ride and handling of the Sealion 7 have also been questioned by several reviewers, with Darren Cassey from Carwow describing it as “not very comfortable” and Dean Gibson from Auto Express pointing out that it “doesn’t drive as sweetly” as some alternatives.
On the positive side, it has an excellent safety rating according to testing by Euro NCAP, scoring a full five stars when testing in April 2025.
As of May 2025, the BYD Sealion 7 holds a New Car Expert Rating of A, with a score of 71%. It scores top marks for its excellent safety rating and zero tailpipe emissions, but its running costs are only average and its media review scores have been poor.
Sealion 7 highlights
- Spacious interior compared to a petrol SUV
- Competitive pricing and specification
- Some tech not intuitive enough
- Reasonable battery range, although not class-leading
Sealion 7 lowlights
- Ride quality not particularly comfortable
- Driving experience is sub-par
- Fit and finish not a match for class leaders
- The name is a bit cringey
Key specifications
Body style: Mid-large five-seat SUV
Engines: Electric
Price: From £44,990
Launched: Winter 2024/25
Last updated: N/A
Next update due: TBA
Image gallery
Highlighted reviews and road tests from across the UK automotive media. Click any of the boxes to view.
Safety rating
Independent crash test and safety ratings from Euro NCAP
Adult protection: 87%
Child protection: 93%
Vulnerable road users: 76%
Safety assist: 79%
The BYD Sealion 7 scored top marks in its Euro NCAP safety assessment in 2025, with excellent results in every category.
Eco rating
Independent economy and emissions ratings from Green NCAP
No eco rating
As of May 2025, the BYD Sealion 7 has not been assessed by Green NCAP.
The Green NCAP programme measures exhaust pollution (which is zero for an electric car) and energy efficiency. Electric cars are much more energy-efficient than combustion cars, so the Sealion 7 is likely to score very highly in Green NCAP testing if and when it takes place. Check back again soon.
Running cost rating
Monthly cost of ownership data provided exclusively for The Car Expert by Clear Vehicle Data
No data yet
As of May 2025, we don’t have independently verified data available for the BYD Sealion 7. Check back again soon.
Reliability rating
Reliability data provided exclusively for The Car Expert by MotorEasy
No reliability rating
The BYD Sealion 7 is still a very new car, we don’t have enough data to generate a reliability rating.
The Car Expert’s reliability information is provided exclusively to us using workshop and extended warranty data from our partner, MotorEasy, sourced from both official dealerships and independent workshops.
As soon as MotorEasy has sufficient data on the Sealion 7, we’ll publish the results here.
Recalls
Official DVSA safety recalls that have been issued for the BYD Sealion 7
As of May 2025, we are not aware of any DVSA vehicle safety recalls affecting the BYD Sealion 7. However, this information is updated very regularly so this may have changed.
You can check to see if your car has any outstanding recalls by visiting the DVLA website or contacting your local BYD dealer.
Similar cars
If you’re looking at the BYD Sealion 7, you might also be interested in these alternatives.
Audi Q6 e-tron | BMW iX3 | Cupra Tavascan | Ford Mustang Mach-E | Genesis Electrified GV70 | Hyundai Ioniq 5 | Jaguar I-Pace | KGM Torres EVX | Kia EV6 | Mercedes-Benz EQC | Mini Countryman Electric | Nissan Ariya | Peugeot e-3008 | Polestar 3 | Renault Scenic E-Tech | Skoda Enyaq | Subaru Solterra | Tesla Model Y | Toyota bZ4X | Vauxhall Grandland Electric | Volkswagen ID.4
The ranks of mid-to-large electric SUVs are swelling by the week, with almost every major brand offering at least one vehicle that could rival the BYD Sealion 7 on price and/or specification. It’s a hugely competitive market out there, so keep an eye on our Expert Rating scores and new car offers from the leading brands to make the best decision for your needs.
More information
More news, reviews and information about BYD at The Car Expert
Buy a BYD Sealion 7
If you’re looking to buy a new or used BYD Sealion 7, The Car Expert’s partners can help you find the right car.
Lease a BYD Sealion 7
If you’re looking to lease a new BYD Sealion 7, The Car Expert’s partners can help you find a competitive deal.
Personal contract hire deals from Carparison Leasing. Find out more
Personal contract hire deals from Select Car Leasing. Find out more
Subscribe to a BYD Sealion 7
Subscriptions are becoming a very popular way for consumers to try an electric car for a few weeks or months to help decide whether it’s a suitable alternative to a petrol car. If you’re interested in a car subscription, The Car Expert’s partners can help. (PS: What’s a car subscription?)