I test drove BYD's latest midsize SUV. It accelerates faster than a Porsche Cayenne Coupe S.

Business Insider

2 days ago

In April, BYD outsold Tesla in Europe for the first time.
The Chinese EV giant has a key model in almost every segment, including the Sealion 7.
Our reviewer was impressed by the midsize SUV's handling.
BYD is on a roll, with a key model in nearly every segment: the Dolphin in compact hatchbacks, the Seal in sedans, the M6 in MPVs, and the Atto 3 in compact SUVs. The lineup reflects a strategy designed to match drivers' needs in nearly every stage of life.
Last month, I borrowed a Sealion 7 and spent three days driving it around Singapore to get a feel for the car.
The midsize SUV has two variants: Premium and AWD Performance. I test drove the higher-end AWD Performance model, which is priced at 219,000 yuan, or about $30,500.
The Sealion 7 was first unveiled at the 2023 Guangzhou Auto Show and made its international debut at the 2024 Paris Motor Show.
In the first half of 2025, BYD overtook Toyota to become Singapore's top-selling car brand. By April, it was also outselling Tesla in EV sales across Europe.
On the outside
After spending three days driving the car around Singapore, I can't find much to complain about the Sealion 7's design. Even the panel gaps and finish are solid — a big step up from how people used to view Chinese cars.
Part of BYD's visual success comes down to its design team, led by Wolfgang Egger, who joined BYD in 2017. Egger was the designer behind some of Alfa Romeo's best-looking models.
As the more premium Sealion variant, this one features red brake calipers — perhaps a subtle hint at how fast it can go.
The less subtle way BYD is shouting about how fast its Sealion 7 AWD Performance is? A "4.5S" badge slapped on the back — signaling that it hits 62 mph from a standstill in just 4.5 seconds.
The Porsche Cayenne Coupe S takes 4.7 seconds.
Behind the wheel
Since we're on the topic of performance — and given that this is the more powerful variant — the risk of losing my license on Singapore's heavily policed roads felt real.
Speed limits here top out at just 90 km/h, or about 56 mph. Whenever a car crept up behind me, I was tempted to unleash all 523 bhp and 690 Nm of torque. And funnily enough, it felt like, or maybe I imagined, that every Tesla I passed was daring me to do it.
I'll admit it: I may have caved once or twice. But after watching how fast the range dropped whenever I floored it, I decided to drive like a more responsible 40-something.
It's worth highlighting how refined the Sealion 7 feels in everyday driving. On the expressway, it cruises comfortably at fast speeds with minimal wind or road noise. Tire noise is slightly noticeable, though — this variant runs on performance-oriented Michelin Pilot Sport EVs, which tend to be louder due to their tread pattern.
Still, that hardly matters when you have the standard 12-speaker DynAudio sound system and double-glazed windows. Together, they ensured I could enjoy my playlist without interruption. For the curious: Bruno Mars, The Weeknd, Sam Smith, John Mayer, Stereophonics, and Fuel were part of the mix.
The 15.6-inch touchscreen rotates to portrait mode and controls everything from windows and climate to in-car karaoke. When karaoke is activated, the screen displays a QR code that passengers can scan — so drivers don't get distracted by the lyrics.
Back in 2008, I reviewed a Chinese SUV at a time when the country was still new to exporting cars. I remember thinking its handling was underwhelming, even questioning how safe it would be in an emergency maneuver.
Well, it's now 2025, and it's clear that ride and handling have improved. In this all-wheel-drive variant, I would be confident to take it down winding roads. Steering feedback is reassuring, and stopping power is just as strong.
On the inside
The seats are comfortable and well-cushioned, offering solid support for long drives. That said, I found the back seats were a bit low for my liking — a matter of personal preference, but worth keeping in mind for taller passengers.
The driving position is excellent, with great outward and all-around visibility. All the key controls are within easy reach, and the steering wheel is perfectly sized for a confident grip.
If there's one area that could be improved, it's the font size on the driver display. It's slightly too small, especially for those not quite ready for reading glasses, but not far off either.
I also found the Driver Attention Warning overly sensitive — it popped up every time I yawned, displaying a coffee icon and suggesting I take a break, which became mildly irritating.
I returned the keys to the BYD Sealion 7 feeling genuinely impressed. While I haven't tested the more affordable Premium variant, the extra 42,620 Chinese yuan for the AWD Performance model feels justified. It has stronger performance, larger wheels with better tires, and an all-wheel-drive system that adds both confidence and capability.
I drove 223 miles on a full charge and returned the car with 7% battery remaining — about 20 miles of range. That falls slightly short of the brochure's quoted 460 km, or 286 miles, WLTP range, but in real-world conditions, it's still solid for everyday use.