3 reasons to buy the BYD Sealion 7 EV

BYD Cars Philippines has recently expanded its Sealion model line for the local market with the introduction of the Sealion 7. With that said, the Sealion series has stepped up in terms of size as the latest model is a mid-size crossover. 

For that reason alone, many will no doubt flock towards the BYD Sealion 7. More size, after all, invariably more interior space - and that’s always a plus for Filipino buyers. But what other reasons would you have for getting the all-new BYD Sealion 7? Let’s find out here. 

Attractive wagon-like exterior design

As most of you already know, crossovers are the new hip thing in the global automotive market. This, of course, also applies to the Philippine market. 

With the exception of those who prefer sedans and hatchbacks, this is a good thing, as crossovers do have some inherent strengths. The one downside to these cars, however, is how, over time, they have begun to look the same. 

In the case of the BYD Sealion 7, however, it assumes a different crossover design direction while keeping the identity of Sealion, and by extension, BYD, strong. 

For starters, the BYD Sealion 7 breaks the crossover mold by assuming a wagon-like body shape and stance. It is highly apparent on its low-slung roofline that rakes downwards its rear section into a hatch-like shape. 

With the aforementioned, the Sealion 7 contrasts with numerous other crossovers on the market that usually go for a sport-utility vehicle (SUV)-like design.

From the side, the Sealion 7 does come with the usual black plastic claddings, but its notably low height, combined with its 20-inch alloy wheels (wrapped in Michelin Pilot Sport EV tires), are obvious clues to what the vehicle can do. 

Apart from the abovementioned, the BYD Sealion 7 comes with a rather low drag coefficient of 0.23, which is on par with the Audi A6 e-tron Sportback and a smidge higher than the Porsche Taycan (0.22). 

Size-wise, the BYD Sealion 7 is 4,830 millimeters (mm) long, 1,925 mm wide, and 1,620 mm in height. It also has a wheelbase length of 2,930 mm, and a ground clearance of 163 mm. According to BYD, the vehicle also has a turning radius of 5.9 meters and a curb weight of 2,340 kilograms (kg). 

Besides looking like an absolutely rakish wagon, the BYD Sealion 7 also comes with plenty of nifty exterior features, such as automatic headlamp functionality, full LED lighting, power-folding/adjustable side mirrors, rain-sensing wipers, power tailgate, and a puddle lamp - among others. 

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High-performance EV

The very crux, or rather the chief reason to add the BYD Sealion 7 is its powertrain. Specifically, its dual-motor, all-wheel-drive drivetrain that can produce an impressive 522 horsepower and 690 Newton-meters of torque. 

With those figures, the Sealion 7 is technically the most powerful midsize EV crossover in the market right now. Supporting this is the fact that it can accelerate from zero to 100 kilometers per hour (kph) in just 4.5 seconds. It also has a very brisk top speed of 215 kph. 

For its battery, the Sealion 7 uses an 82.6-kilowatt-hour (kWh) lithium-iron phosphate blade unit. This provides the all-new model with a range of 542 kilometers, according to the New European Driving Cycle. 

Topping up the model can be done via an alternating current (AC) port or a direct current (DC) port. Like its on-road performance, charging the car using its DC port is also lightning quick, with a charging time of just 30 minutes (30-80 percent state-of-charge). 

Like most EV models in the market right now, the Sealion 7 comes fitted with a regenerative braking system and a vehicle-to-load function. The model also comes with several drive modes, which include economy, normal, sport, and snow. 

To match its huge power output, the BYD Sealion 7 also comes equipped with frequency-selective damping shock absorbers. It isn’t quite up to par with the Chinese marque’s intelligent DiSus systems, but it can still automatically adjust shock stiffness depending on prevailing road conditions. 

Its suspension type, meanwhile, is a double wishbone for the front and a multi-link suspension for the rear. It also utilizes front ventilated and drilled disc brakes and a ventilated rear disc brake.  

Plenty of comfort features, safety equipment

Yet another reason to buy the BYD Sealion 7 is the sheer amount of creature comforts it comes with. 

Chief among these is an automatic dual-zone climate system, power-adjustable front seats, leather upholstery, ambient lighting, and a panoramic glass roof. 

Added convenience for the vehicle is provided by a 60:40 split-folding rear seat and a trunk that can hold up to 500 liters with the rear seats up. Fold its rear seats down, and one has access to a cavernous trunk that can swallow up to 1,769 liters of stuff. 

For on-board entertainment, toggling various car functions, and navigation, the BYD Sealion 7 depends on a 15.6-inch rotating infotainment touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. This screen also gets hands-free calling and audio streaming, while sound output is done via a 12-piece Dynaudio speaker set. 

Other noteworthy tech features inside the car include a voice assistant, over-the-air software updates, 4G connectivity, an NFC card reader, and access to the BYD Cloud Service (BYD app). 

Topping up devices inside the EV is done via USB ports, a 12-volt accessory outlet, and a wireless smartphone charging pad. 

Furthermore, the Sealion 7 also comes with the following driving features: 

• Keyless entry with keyless start
• Push-to-start button
• Leather multi-function steering wheel
• Tilt and telescopic steering column
• Anti-glare rearview mirror
• 10.25-inch digital gauge cluster
• Driver’s lumbar support and seat adjustment memory
• Head-up display

Additionally, the model also didn’t skimp on safety gear. On the passive side, the BYD Sealion 7 comes fitted with dual front airbags, side airbags, side curtain airbags, far side airbags anti-lock braking, ISOFIX, hill-hold control, hill-descent control, tire pressure monitoring, and electronic child locks. 

Supporting the aforementioned is the BYD suite of advanced driver-assist systems called the DiPilot. This consists of: 

• Adaptive cruise control
• Automatic emergency braking
• Front collision warning
• Rear collision warning
• Front cross traffic alert and braking
• Rear cross traffic alert and braking
• Lane departure warning
• Six parking sensors
• 360-degree view camera
• Door open warning
• Emergency lane keep assist
• Drive attention warning
• Intelligent cruise control
• Intelligent torque adaptation control

Final thoughts

With its price of P2.588 million, the BYD Sealion 7, considering what it provides to would-be adopters, is a huge amount of value. For starters, the vehicle has a good amount of creature comforts combined with a very comprehensive safety kit - two elements that will see a lot of mileage on the usually chaotic streets of Philippine cities. 

The coup de grace of the Sealion 7, however, is its powertrain. Because, get this, it is significantly more powerful (on paper) than the Tesla Model Y Performance AWD. In fact, the said Tesla Model Y variant produces 460 hp. Considering that you'll be paying less for a Sealion 7 despite its sports car levels of output, it makes it all the more enticing. 

Plus, it definitely doesn’t look like any other SUV-styled crossover in the market right now. And yes, this is going to be a huge selling point for those wanting a ride that will stand out. 

So, for those on the hunt for an upmarket five-seater EV, do visit the nearest BYD dealership and ask to test-drive the Sealion 7. Because who knows, this could be the right one for you. 

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