The BYD Sealion 7 is a high-end electric SUV now in India. It is for those who want performance, long driving range, modern tech, and luxury in an EV. BYD has positioned it above its middle EVs. It is one of the most premium full-battery electric SUVs in their current India lineup. In this review I cover its price, features, driving performance, range, safety, and suitability for Indian roads. I also add FAQs and a spec table so you can decide whether the Sealion 7 is right for you.
Quick Specification Table
| Specification | Premium Variant (RWD) | Performance Variant (AWD) |
|---|---|---|
| Battery | ~82.56 kWh Blade LFP | Same 82.56 kWh |
| Motor / Output | Single motor, ~313 PS, ~380 Nm | Dual motors, ~530 PS, ~690 Nm |
| 0-100 km/h Acceleration | ~6.7 seconds | ~4.5 seconds |
| Claimed Range (test cycle) | ~567 km | ~542 km |
| Charging Support | Fast DC charge plus AC charger included | Same plus higher performance DC charge |
| Key Features | Large rotating touchscreen, 11 airbags, ADAS, panoramic roof, 360° camera, heads-up display | Same feature list plus more power, AWD traction |
| Price (ex-showroom) | ~₹48.90 lakh | ~₹54.90 lakh |
| Delivery Timeline | Bookings open; deliveries from about 7 March 2025 | Same |
What is the BYD Sealion 7
Sealion 7 is a mid-sized electric SUV with modern design and luxury features. It uses a large battery pack (over 80 kWh). It comes in two variants for India: Premium and Performance. Both variants use the same battery. The Performance has more power and all-wheel drive, while the Premium is rear-wheel drive and tuned more for efficiency. BYD also uses its CTB (Cell-to-Body) structure for better safety and stable driving behavior.
Price, Booking, Delivery in India
The Sealion 7 was launched in India in February 2025. The Premium variant has an ex-showroom price of about ₹48.90 lakh. The Performance variant costs around ₹54.90 lakh. These are base prices; on-road cost will be higher depending on your city (tax, insurance, delivery etc). Bookings opened in mid-January 2025, with a token amount required of ₹70,000. BYD also offered matching benefits, an extended battery warranty, and a free home charger package for early buyers. Deliveries began roughly March 7, 2025.
Exterior Design and Road Presence
The design is sharp and modern. It has swept-back LED headlamps with DRLs, flared wheel arches, large air intake styling, and a roof spoiler. The tail features a full-width tail lamp design and dynamic lighting. The Sealion 7 shares some design cues with BYD’s Seal sedan, especially the sleek fastback roofline. The car looks premium and feels substantial. On Indian roads its size gives a strong presence, though parking and narrow lanes will be more challenging than small SUVs or EVs.
Interior, Comfort and Features
Inside, the cabin is high quality. The front seats are electrically adjustable and have heating and ventilation in certain trims. It has a two-zone automatic climate control system to keep front and rear comfortably cool. The overhead panoramic glass roof adds to a sense of spaciousness. For infotainment there is a large rotating 15.6-inch touchscreen, a 10.25-inch digital driver cluster, heads-up display, a 12-speaker audio system, ambient lighting with many colour options, and a 50W wireless charger. Safety features include 11 airbags, driver fatigue monitoring, and several advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS).
Also Read Isuzu D-Max Review 2025 – Tough Pickup Truck for Work, Adventure and Indian Roads
Power, Motor Options and Performance
The battery pack capacity for both variants is about 82.56 kWh.
- The Premium (RWD) variant uses a single motor delivering about 313 PS (horsepower) and 380 Nm torque. It accelerates from 0-100 km/h in approximately 6.7 seconds. Its claimed official range is around 567 km on a single charge.
- The Performance (AWD) variant uses dual motors producing about 530 PS and 690 Nm torque. It can reach 0-100 km/h in about 4.5 seconds, with claimed range of 542 km under test conditions.
These are claims under test cycles; real-world numbers will vary under Indian conditions.
Real-World Range and Efficiency
In real life, driving range tends to drop from claimed values. In recent tests, the Performance variant has shown around 405 km in city driving and about 344 km on highways on a full charge. Efficiency in city use is better due to lower speeds and more regeneration; highway runs use more power. The weight of the vehicle, tyre type, climate control use, road condition and ambient temperature also impact range significantly.
Charging and Battery Technology
BYD uses its Blade LFP battery technology (LFP = Lithium Iron Phosphate) which is known for safety and long life. It also uses CTB structure, which means the battery pack is part of the body, increasing structural rigidity and safety. The EV supports fast DC charging: the top trims can accept high DC charge rates (exact rate based on variant). It also supports “Vehicle-to-Load” capability, allowing you to use the car battery to power external devices — helpful for camping or emergency use. For home charging, a 7 kW AC charger is often included for early buyers or as an option.
Ride, Handling and Comfort
The Sealion 7 has a solid ride quality. Suspension is tuned to absorb undulations and rough patches well. At city speeds it is quiet, with smooth motor delivery. Steering is confident, though not sharp like small sporty cars. The AWD variant adds stability especially through corners and in wet or slippery surfaces. For Indian roads, the high ground clearance helps, but larger potholes, speed breakers or bad roads will still test the suspension. Cabin insulation is good; wind and tyre noise are controlled but can increase at higher highway speeds.
Safety, ADAS and Build Quality
BYD has fitted robust safety equipment. The SUV has 11 airbags, which is above many rivals. The built-in driver-assistance features include fatigue monitoring, adaptive cruise, lane-keeping aids, and a 360-degree camera. Build quality (panel gaps, fit finish, materials) is reported by many journalists to be very good. Badge-to-badge material feel, the glass surfaces, leatherette/leather upholstery and attention to detail are premium. The CTB battery structure improves safety in impacts.
Practicality for Indian Owners
Space in the Sealion 7 is comfortable. Rear seats offer good legroom for adults. Boot space is generous; plus there is a small front trunk (“frunk”) in some markets for storage of cables or small items. The rotating screen is nice for both driver and passenger. For daily chores (shopping, family drives, airport runs) the Sealion works well. But size means parking in tight inner-city roads, multi-storey car parks, or narrow lanes will require caution. Charging infrastructure is improving in India, but network is still limited in many places. Having a home charger or workplace charging is very helpful.
Strengths and Weaknesses
Strengths:
- Excellent claimed range for an EV in its class.
- Strong performance in both variants, especially for a large electric SUV.
- Premium feature load: large screens, ADAS, safety features, comfort additions.
- Battery safety (LFP), CTB design and build quality.
- Stylish design with good road presence.
Weaknesses / considerations:
- Real-world range falls significantly under claimed numbers on highways or heavy use.
- Size and weight make it less agile in tight city traffic or small parking spots.
- High initial investment and ex-showroom price; on-road cost and import/tax duties may increase final price.
- Long-term service, dealership network and spare parts for a premium EV still being built in India.
FAQs (for Indian buyers)
Q: When did bookings start and delivery begin?
Bookings for Sealion 7 opened around 18 January 2025. First deliveries are scheduled from 7 March 2025.
Q: How many variants are there and what are the differences?
There are two main variants: Premium (rear-wheel drive, more range, less peak power) and Performance (all-wheel drive, more power, slightly lower claimed range).
Q: What is the real range in city and highway Indian conditions?
In city driving, you can expect around 350-400 km on a full charge for the Performance trim, maybe more for the Premium. On highways, depending on speed, temperature and AC use, range might drop significantly (over 300 km less).
Q: What safety features does it offer?
It has 11 airbags, ADAS features like lane keeping, adaptive cruise, driver fatigue monitoring, 360-degree camera, good build quality with CTB battery integration.
Q: Does it make sense as an EV for Indian buyers?
Yes — if you have access to charging at home or work, especially AC charging for overnight. For people who travel long distances often or where public fast charging is sparse, planning will be needed. The feature set, safety, and performance are very good — but cost of ownership, taxes, and availability of support are considerations.
Final Verdict — Is the BYD Sealion 7 Worth It?
The BYD Sealion 7 is one of the most premium and powerful electric SUVs currently available in India. It delivers strong performance, long range (especially in the Premium trim), modern features and a solid safety package. For buyers who want an electric SUV that does not compromise on comfort, tech or status, this is among the best choices.
However, it is not perfect for everyone. The high price means you must be ready for a large upfront cost. Real-world range will be lower than test claims. And service/charging infrastructure in many Indian cities will be the real test. If your lifestyle allows you to charge regularly, and you value EV benefits—lower running cost, no fuel, quieter driving—the Sealion 7 is an excellent pick for 2025.
