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Electric
2025 BYD Sealion 7 electric SUV: price, specs, release date in Australia
Andrea Matthews
February 12, 2025
BYD Automotive is continuing its aggressive push into the new car market in Australia by taking aim at the Tesla Model Y with the introduction of its largest battery electric SUV to date, the BYD Sealion 7. From pricing to release date, here's what you need to know about the 2025 BYD Sealion 7.
BYD's ambition to become one of the biggest new car brands in Australia has recieved a further boost with the arrival of the BYD Sealion 7 in the top-selling medium SUV category. Priced from $54,990 plus on-road costs, the BYD Sealion 7 is competitively priced against the Model Y which will cost from $63,400 for its updated car which starts local deliveries in May. BYD's local importer EVDirect expects the Sealion 7 to become the brand’s best-selling vehicle locally when it goes on sale.
Last year BYD introduced both the Sealion 6 PHEV SUV and BYD Shark 6 PHEV ute, joining the BYD Atto 3 SUV, BYD Seal and BYD Dolphin. The Chinese brand has recently announced cheaper versions of the Atto 3 and Dolphin to drive increased electric car sales.
BYD Sealion 7 design highlights
How much will the BYD Sealion 7 cost in Australia?
Two versions of the BYD Sealion 7 will be offered to Australian car buyers: an entry-level variant called Premium and a sportier Performance variant.
The most affordable rear-wheel drive BYD Sealion 7 Premium is on sale for $54,990 plus on-road costs, while the more powerful dual-motor Performance variant hits the market at $63,990 plus costs.
Based on the same platform as the BYD Seal medium electric car, BYD says both Sealion 7 models will include a high specification including leather seats (heated and ventilated in the front), premium audio , heads-up display, 360 degree camera, driver assistance safety suite and panoramic sunroof. The Sealion 7 has also been confirmed to be equipped with the latest tech including remote opening via smartphone, BYD’s 15.6-inch large rotating touchscreen and Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) functionality which can power devices and appliances.
The Performance variant will be differentiated by 20-inch alloy wheels and red brake calipers and gains a heated steering wheel and heated rear seats over the Premium.
The BYD Sealion 7 will be available in Cosmos Black, Atlantis Grey, Shark Grey and Aurora White colours. Shark Grey will be charged at a premium.
When does the BYD Sealion 7 go on sale?
The BYD Sealion 7 is on sale now with expressions of interest now open via the BYD website or dealers.
The BYD Sealion 7 will have a Nappa leather upholstery
What is the range of the new BYD Sealion 7 SUV?
Both BYD Sealion 7 variants take power from the same 82.56kWh BYD Blade battery. In the rear wheel drive Premium model it is paired with a 230kW/380Nm motor expected to achieve 482km (WLTP) while the twin motors in the Performance model will generate 390kW/690Nm for a claimed driving range of 456km.
The range is similar to what's achieveable in the Kia EV5 long range models, which have a claimed driving range of up to 555km dependent on variant, however the Sealion 7 carries a superior level of specification.
Underlining the credentials of the its new electric SUV, BYD says that the Sealion 7 Performance variant will accelerate to 100km/h in just 4.5 seconds.
The BYD Sealion 7 is expected to charge at up to 150kW on a fast charger and should charge from 10 to 80 per cent in 32 minutes.
Is the BYD Sealion 7 a good alternative to the Tesla Model Y?
Just like the Tesla Model Y, the BYD Sealion 7 is a fully electric SUV which will sell in the popular medium SUV category. Both cars are almost line ball on exterior dimensions, although the BYD is slightly longer with a longer wheelbase.
Both the Telsa and BYD are spacious five-seaters, but the Model Y will likely have the edge on the Sealion 7 for luggage capacity thanks to its masterful packaging which includes a large 117-litre frunk which is big enough to hold a cabin bag.
Now launch pricing is confirmed, it is clear BYD is taking the fight to Tesla and the arrival of the Sealion 7 is likely to put additional pressure on the country's best selling EV.
Model Y deliveries declined from 28,709 in 2023 to 21,253 in 2024, reflecting both a softening in the Australian car market and electric vehicle sales, and increased competition from new brands.
In 2023, BYD sold more new energy vehicles (EVs and hybrids), worldwide than Tesla. BYD vehicles are sold in Australia via EVDirect which is building a network of dealerships to support the company's sales ambitions.
Total sales for BYD reached 20,458 in Australia in 2024, a 64.5 per cent increase over the previous year. In addition, over 4000 initial orders taken for the BYD Shark 6 ute last year have yet to be fulfilled.
2024 BYD new car sales in Australia by model
BYD Dolphin - 2116
BYD Seal - 6393
BTD Atto 3 - 5751
BYD Sealion 6 - 6198
The BYD Sealion 7 is expected to be the brand's best-selling car in Australia.
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