BYD Sealion 7 enters Indonesian market, is PH next?

MANILA: BYD has unveiled the Indonesian-spec Sealion 7 at the ongoing Indonesia International Motor Show (IIMS). 

The said launch at IIMS follows the electric vehicle (EV) model’s initial ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) introduction in Malaysia. Prior to the said motor show, the model likewise made its debut in other nearby territories, such as Thailand and Singapore. 

With more ASEAN countries having access to the Sealion 7 crossover EV, this begs the question: is the Philippine market next? 

For now, BYD Cars Philippines has yet to indicate if it is also bringing in the Sealion 7, though it appears that the marque's local arm might be launching the Shark 6 DM-O and eMAX7 first. 

Regardless, the mid-size model’s continuously expanding presence in ASEAN regions suggests that a local launch is imminent. 

In Indonesia, however, the Sealion 7 was unveiled at a price ranging from RP 629 million to RP 719 million. At current exchange rates, the said price figures are equivalent to P2.235 million-P2.555 million. 

BYD Sealion 7 Overview

As hinted by its name, the BYD Sealion 7 slots within the Chinese marque’s fully electric “Ocean Series,” and it is classed as a mid-size five-seater crossover. Per the brand, it is designed to directly compete against the Tesla Model Y - a nameplate yet to be introduced to the Indonesian market.

Similar to many BYD EV units, the Sealion 7 comes with a cushy interior equipped with the following features:

• 15.6-inch rotating infotainment system
• Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
• Leather upholstery
• 12-piece Dynaudio sound system
• Power tailgate
• Panoramic sunroof
• Suite of advanced driver-assist systems 
• Full LED exterior lighting 

In terms of powertrains, the Sealion 7’s entry-level version uses a rear-mounted single-motor setup with rear-wheel-drive, while the higher-spec trim comes with a dual-motor setup with all-wheel-drive. 

The more powerful of the two is the dual-motor trim, which can generate up to 523 horsepower and 690 Newton-meters of torque. Its 82.56-kilowatt-hour battery can also provide a range of 542 kilometers, as indicated by the New European Driving Cycle. 

Likewise available on the Indo-spec EV is an intelligent regenerative braking system, the BYD Intelligent Torque Adaption Control suspension system, and fast charging capabilities. When utilizing the appropriate charger, the vehicle can reach 30-80 percent state-of-charge in just 30 minutes. 

Additionally, BYD Indonesia shared that the Sealion 7 is capable of accelerating from zero to 100 kilometers per hour (kph) in just 4.5 seconds. It also boasts a top speed of 215 kph. 

For reference, here is a table showing the mechanical specs and capabilities of the BYD Sealion 7 Performance in Indonesia: 

Model	BYD Sealion 7 Performance
Electric motor setup	Dual motor (front and rear)
Drivetrain	All-wheel-drive
Suspension system	Intelligent Torque Adaption Control
Horsepower	523
Torque	690 Nm
Zero to 100 kph time	4.5 seconds
Top speed	215 kph

Also read: 

BYD to introduce eMAX7 in PH

Is this the PH-spec BYD Shark 6’s would-be pricing?

BYD Shark 6 arrival in PH confirmed