BYD unveils new Sealion 7 electric SUV in Europe to drive rapid expansion plans

BYD’s new electric mid-size SUV stole the spotlight after making its European debut at the Paris Motor Show this week. BYD vows the Sealion 7 will extend its reach in Europe as a true challenger to top-selling EVs like Tesla’s Model Y.

BYD launches the Sealion 7 electric SUV in Europe

Although BYD unveiled several new models at the 2024 Paris Motor Show, it was the Sealion 7 that attracted the masses.

According to BYD’s global design director, Wolfgang Egger, the new model is “more than just an SUV.” He calls it “a lifestyle statement.”

As the former head designer of Audi, Alfa Romeo, and Lamborghini, Egger knows a thing or two about attractive vehicles, especially those for European buyers.

The Sealion 07 is “crafted for those who live life at full charge.” It’s the first model based on BYD’s upgraded e-Platform 3.0 Evo, which offers faster charging and improved powertrain capability. BYD launched the Sealion 7 (Sea Lion 07) in China in May, with a starting price of around $26,000 (189,900 yuan).

At 4,830 mm long, 1,925 mm wide, and 1,620 mm tall, BYD’s new electric SUV will rival Tesla’s top-selling Model Y (4,760 mm long, 1,921 mm wide, and 1,624 mm tall).

Taking on top-selling rivals

The Sea Lion 07 offers up to 379 miles (610 km) CLTC driving range in China. That’s for the Long-Range model, starting at about $28,000 (199,800 yuan).

Tesla’s base Model Y RWD gets up to 344 miles (544 km) CLTC range and starts at around $35,000 (249,900 yuan). The Long Range AWD Model Y begins at $40,200 (290,900 yuan) and gets up to 434 miles (688 km) driving range.

Inside, BYD’s electric SUV features a 15.6″ rotating touchscreen and a 10.25″ driver display. The new EV is also the first BYD vehicle to include DiPilot 100 “God’s Eye” ADAS. The system consists of 12 ultrasonic radars, five mm-wave radars, and 11 cameras for advanced drive-assist features.

According to BYD executive vice president Stella Li, responsible for overseas operations, the Sealion 7 “shows how BYD is reacting to customer demand and tastes” in Europe.

Li explained that the new mid-size electric SUV would “extend our reach” in the region. The Sealion 7 is BYD’s eighth vehicle to launch in Europe, including the Dolphin, Seal, and Seal U.

BYD made its European debut at the 2022 Paris Motor Show with three models, the Atto 3, Han, and Tang. Just 24 months later, BYD is launching its eighth vehicle at dealerships across the region.

During the event, BYD’s European managing director, Michael Shu, said, “Our customers have been showing great interest in high-performance SUVs, so today, the SEALION 7 comes to Paris.”

He added, “Besides its Blade Battery, cell-to-body construction, and our LFP battery chemistry, it is equipped with the world’s highest-speed electric motor in mass production, with a speed of 23,000RPM and 400 revolutions every single second. Shu said BYD is the only company that has achieved this feat.

Although BYD did not reveal prices, it said it will begin Sealion 7 deliveries in Europe by the end of the year.

Li recently told Germany’s Frankfurter Allgemeine Sonntagszeitung (FAS) that BYD expects sales to pick up in less than six months with new models rolling out. BYD’s leader said it would offer EVs priced around $27,500 and $33,000 (25,000 to 30,000 euros) in Germany.

Source: BYD, Automotive News