BYD Sealion 7 Review (2026): The Value Answer to the Model Y

BYD is already the volume leader among Chinese brands here, and the Sealion 7 is its most direct shot at the car everyone benchmarks: the Tesla Model Y. It is a mid-size electric SUV with a bigger battery, more range on paper, and a price that undercuts the Tesla by thousands.

How much is it?

Range and performance

Both grades use a large 82.6kWh battery for up to 502km WLTP, more than the base Model Y. The rear-drive Premium puts out 230kW for a brisk feel, while the AWD Performance is genuinely quick at 390kW and a 4.5-second 0-100km/h. The Premium is the value sweet spot for most buyers, with plenty of real-world range.

Inside

The Sealion 7 leans plush for the money: a rotating central touchscreen, panoramic roof, heated and ventilated power front seats, a head-up display and vehicle-to-load so you can run appliances off the battery. It is a lot of equipment at the price. The one practical caveat is the 400-litre boot, which is ordinary for the class, the Model Y's cargo space is a clear win for the Tesla.

Safety and ownership

Five-star ANCAP and a full active-safety suite. BYD covers the car with a six-year warranty and an eight-year battery warranty. The main long-term unknown, as with most Chinese EVs, is resale, which is still establishing itself and is the key trade-off against the lower purchase price.

The verdict

The BYD Sealion 7 is the value benchmark in the mid-size electric SUV class. It offers more battery, more range and more kit than the base Model Y for thousands less, and it carries a five-star safety rating. The Tesla still wins on boot space, charging network and resale, but if your priority is range and equipment per dollar, the Sealion 7 is the smarter buy. See the head to head in our Sealion 7 vs Model Y comparison, or browse the best Chinese cars guide.