BYD Sealion 7 vs Tesla Model Y: Which mid-size SUV is best?
One of the latest hopefuls seeking to challenge Tesla's dominance, the BYD Sealion 7 arrives from China with more than a hint of the Model Y about it. Tesla built its reputation on a minimalist, software-first approach, prioritizing range, efficiency and charging network. Chinese battery and automotive giant BYD takes a more traditional route, focusing on premium materials, lavish interior design and a feature-rich experience from the moment you step inside.
Families and company car drivers making the switch to electric have a decision to make. Can the Sealion 7's build quality and luxurious cabin justify a higher price tag against the newly refined and more affordable Model Y? We've compared both cars to find out.
How we tested and compared
We've driven both the Tesla Model Y and BYD Sealion 7 extensively on a variety of roads in the UK and abroad. Close attention is paid to performance and handling when navigating around town centres, along country roads and at motorway speeds. As well as assessing ride quality, we put their infotainment systems through their paces and tested the practicality of their back seats and boot capacity.
Specs
Independent rating: 6/10
Independent rating: 9/10
Pros: Now rides better, super quiet, the best tech, efficient
Cons: Still a firm ride, others do quality better, no Apple CarPlay or Android Auto
Price range: £44,990 to £60,990
Battery size: 75kWh
Maximum claimed range: 387 miles
Miles per kWh: 4.4v
Maximum charging rate: 250kW
Battery, range and charging
Winner: Tesla Model Y – it goes further on a smaller, more efficient battery and is backed by a convenient charging network
The BYD Sealion 7 enters the arena with a larger top-spec battery at 91.3kWh, but only manages a maximum claimed range of 312 miles from it. The Sealion 7's 230kW peak charging speed is respectable, but that shorter range means that overall efficiency is just average.
In contrast, the newly updated Tesla Model Y offers a maximum range of 387 miles from a smaller and lighter 75kWh battery. The charging speed is roughly similar at a peak of 250kW, but the Model Y benefits from Tesla's greatest asset: the Supercharger network. The car's navigation leads you to the best charger for any given journey and automatically preconditions the battery before you arrive, a value-add that BYD can't match.
Performance and drive
When it comes to performance, both the BYD Sealion 7 and Tesla Model Y offer a snappy 0-62mph time of 4.5 seconds and more than enough instant acceleration for any situation. BYD is so proud of that figure it puts it on the badge on the boot. Although performance is the same, the difference is in how they behave on the road.
Our full BYD Sealion 7 review describes the ride as an unsatisfying combination of 'wallowy and firm'. The mid-size SUV leans through corners and can feel bouncy, but it's also firm over potholes, with unresponsive steering that fails to live up to the sporty performance figures.
This is where the new and updated Model Y pulls ahead. The biggest flaw of the original car – its harsh ride – has been addressed. Our full Tesla Model Y review calls it 'far more composed over bumps' and a 'much more mature, even luxurious car.' While still firm, the Model Y is no longer uncomfortable and a lot more pleasant to drive, giving it an edge over the BYD.
Interior and practicality
Winner: BYD Sealion 7 – for its superior materials and premium cabin
Here's where the Sealion 7 lands its most convincing punches. Stepping inside, the cabin feels genuinely premium, with high-quality, posh materials and an intricate, flowing design. The build quality is impressive and passenger space is excellent, especially in the rear.
The Tesla Model Y's minimalist cabin has been subtly upgraded with more comfortable seats and better materials, but it can't match the traditional luxury or lavish feel of the BYD. For buyers who value plushness and smart design, the Sealion 7 has the clear advantage.
In terms of practicality, both of these mid-size SUVs are evenly matched. The BYD has a slightly bigger 520-litre boot and a 58-litre frunk, and holds a healthy 1,789 litres with the seats folded down. The Tesla officially lists its boot size as 854 litres, though that's measured to the roof. Measure to the window-line like most brands and you get something nearer to Sealion 7. Fold down the seats and the Model Y boasts a total cargo volume of 2,138 litres.
Price and value
Winner: Tesla Model Y – it's cheaper to buy across all trim levels while offering significantly more range
Undercutting the market leader on price is a proven strategy for any challenger brand, so it's odd that BYD has chosen to do the opposite. The entry-level Sealion 7 starts at £46,990, a full £2,000 more than the entry-level Tesla Model Y at £44,990, despite the Tesla offering more range for the money.
The price gap only widens as you add more kit. The top-spec, all-wheel-drive Sealion 7 Excellence is priced at a hefty £58,990, whereas the new Model Y Long Range All-Wheel Drive seems cheap by comparison at just £51,990. For your extra £7,000, the BYD gives you significantly less driving range, too. While BYD does offer a longer six-year vehicle warranty compared to Tesla's four, it's not enough to overcome a fundamental shortcoming in price and performance – the value proposition is not in the Sealion 7's favour.
Technology and infotainment
Winner: Tesla Model Y – Tesla is renowned for its slick and integrated user experience, but BYD isn't far behind in terms of intuitive software. Compatibility with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto give the Sealion 7 an undeniable usability boost, too
BYD has equipped the Sealion 7 with a showstopping 15.6in rotating touchscreen that's crisp, responsive and supports both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. With clever usability touches and a brilliant Dynaudio sound system, it's an excellent standalone piece of kit.
The Tesla Model Y sticks to its minimalist principles with a single 15.4in screen that controls everything. It still doesn't offer Apple CarPlay or Android Auto, which will be a deal-breaker for some. However, its strength lies in its neatly integrated software ecosystem. The native navigation, seamless link to the Supercharger network and the best-in-class smartphone app give drivers a hassle-free user experience. The addition of a new 8in screen for rear passengers is another advantage over the BYD.
The verdict: BYD Sealion 7 vs Tesla Model Y
The BYD Sealion 7 would be a compelling rival to the Tesla Model Y, but it's scuppered out of the gate by its pricing strategy. It's a spacious and well-built SUV with a premium-feeling interior and some excellent technology – in a vacuum, the Sealion 7 is an impressive car.
But in a market dominated by the Model Y, the Sealion 7 is edged out by the Tesla in too many key areas. The Sealion 7 is more expensive, has less range, is less efficient and offers a less composed driving experience than its main rival.
The 2025 update puts the Tesla Model Y back at the top of its game. It may not have the luxury feel of the BYD's cabin, but it's the superior EV and the more rewarding and economical car to own and drive.
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