BYD Sealion 7 unveiled as Tesla Model Y competitor in Paris

BYD recently made a significant impact at the Paris Motor Show by unveiling its latest model tailored for the European market. The Sealion 7 midsize fully electric SUV is set to hit the roads later this month, aiming to rival popular competitors such as the Tesla Model Y and Hyundai Ioniq 5.

The Sealion 7, previously known as the Sea Lion 07 in China since 2023, has now been tailored for the European market while retaining BYD’s signature Blade battery and cell-to-body (CTB) construction. Despite specific details such as battery size remaining undisclosed, the Chinese line-up offers battery packs ranging from 71.8kWh to 80.6kWh. However, Europe will have the privilege of an all-wheel drive version featuring dual motors capable of accelerating from 0-62mph in just 4.5 seconds.

Built on BYD’s advanced e-Platform 3.0 Evo, which also supports models like the Seal saloon and Dolphin hatchback in the Ocean series, the Sealion 7 promises rapid charging speeds of up to 230kW.

Michael Shu, BYD’s European managing director, expressed, “Our customers have shown significant interest in high-performance SUVs, leading us to debut the Sealion 7 in Paris. It boasts our revolutionary Blade Battery, cell-to-body construction, and incorporates our LFP battery chemistry. Moreover, it houses the world’s fastest electric motor in mass production, operating at an exceptional speed of 23,000RPM and 400 revolutions per second. This remarkable achievement sets us apart as the sole company to reach such a milestone.”

Anticipated to commence deliveries by the end of the year, the Sealion 7 marks BYD’s eighth “new energy” vehicle (fully electric and PHEV) to enter the European market, with the UK being the fifth country in line.

Reflecting on their progress since the previous Paris Motor Show two years ago, Stella Li, executive vice president at BYD, proudly shared, “We continue to break new ground with each milestone. Just last month, we celebrated the production of our nine millionth new energy vehicle. It took us 13 years to achieve the first million, yet we managed to produce the next two million within only six months.”

Additionally, the Chinese auto giant is actively establishing two local production facilities within the EU, with a new plant in Hungary scheduled to produce the Sealion 7 in the coming future.

Among the other highlights showcased at the BYD stand in Paris, the Yangwang luxury sub-brand made its debut, originally unveiled at the Geneva Motor Show in February. Furthermore, the Seal U DM-I plug-in hybrid SUV, which recently launched in Europe, attracted plenty of attention at the event.