Byd Sealion 7: the test drive of the Chinese electric SUV that challenges European brands. Prices and features

The Chinese brand Byd continues its march towards conquering new markets in Europe with new models. The latest is the mid-size electric suv Sealion 7, which introduces some technological innovations at a list price starting at around 48,000 euros.
We tested it along a mixed route around the city of Frankfurt (Germany) and took the opportunity to talk to Alfredo Altavilla, a new Byd consultant, who told us about the Chinese tech company's plans, including that of taking a European passport.

Underpinning the Sealion 7 is the e-Platform 3.0 architecture designed exclusively for electric vehicles and equipped with Byd's Blade battery (already seen on other models), which is characterised by its ability to house a greater number of cells than a conventional battery, while maintaining a slim battery pack and adopting lithium-iron-phosphate (LFP) technology. The latter technology is more resistant to extreme temperatures, less sensitive to temperature fluctuations and can withstand more charge and discharge cycles.
The dimensions of the SUV are quite generous: 4,830 mm long, 1,925 mm wide, 1,620 mm high and with a wheelbase of 2,930 mm. Luggage compartment capacity is 520 litres and can be increased to 1,789 litres by folding down the rear seatback. There is also a 58-litre front compartment.
The styling of the Sealion 7 came from the hand of the famous German designer Wolfgang Egger (ex Audi), taking the styling language of the Ocean Series, already seen on the Dolphin and the Seal saloon, and adapting it to the style of the new sports suv. The presence at Byd of Egger as well as that of the Italian Altavilla underlines the Chinese managers' desire to enter the Old Continent market with products customised for this territory.
Back to the styling of the sports suv, the front end incorporates an 'X' motif (already seen on other Ocean Series models) and is designed to create a sense of forward motion. The ocean theme can be seen in the integrated Dual U LED headlamps and sculpted curves reminiscent of the movement of waves.The sleek side profile and sloping front end are counterbalanced by the rounded roof and a subtle ducktail rear spoiler. On the flank surface, a sharp groove creates a double beltline and gives an athletic posture despite the SUV proportions.
In the rear, the full-width light signature represents the latest evolution of the Ocean Series 'teardrop' brake lights.

There are three versions of the Sealion 7 available: Comfort with rear-wheel drive and a 230 kW motor powered by an 82.5 kWh battery with a price starting at 47,990 euro; Design Awd with all-wheel drive due to the addition of a 160 kW front motor (390 kW total) and confirmed 82.5 kWh battery with a price starting at curca 54,000 euro. Finally, Excellence Awd with two motors (one for each axle) for a total of 390 kW powered by a 91.3 kWh battery with a list price starting at 59 thousand euros. The range of the three versions is respectively 482 km, 456 km and 502 km (Wltp homologation cycle).
Despite the weight of over 2,200 kg (2,436 kg for the Excellence), the acceleration is always interesting, as for all electric cars: 6.7 seconds from 0 to 100 km/h for the Comfort version and 4.5 seconds for the other two. The top speed is 215 km/h for all versions.
Driving it, we noticed that the weight and ground clearance make it rather awkward and the stiffness of the suspension limits on-board comfort. There are four driving modes: Eco, Normal, Sport and Snow.

When we climbed aboard, we immediately noticed a distinct height of the driver's seat, which even the electrically adjustable driver's seat does not go down.
The driver can count on a 10.25-inch digital dashboard, the head-up display (on the Excellence Awd) and in the centre of the dashboard is a 15.6-inch screen that can rotate 90 degrees to offer either vertical or horizontal viewing and, of course, is equipped with the Android Auto and Apple CarPlay protocols. The voice assistant is capable of raising and lowering the cabin temperature, as well as interacting with in-car entertainment and navigation, managing preferences according to the position of the passenger giving the command.
The absence of physical buttons makes returning to the main menus more cumbersome, especially when driving. The touch also lacks tactile feedback that would surely have limited distractions. Finally, the climate was ineffective, not warming the cabin as required.
Safety and driver assistance systems are not lacking: the Byd DiPilot 10 system integrates a series of wave radar sensors and a multifunctional video system to help provide intelligent driving assistance, such as adaptive cruise control and Traffic Jam Assist.

The issue of EU-imposed duties on Chinese e-cars has been under discussion for months now. Byd, which has built two poles in Turkey and Hungary, has responded promptly. A move that allows a 100% Chinese colossus to avoid paying duties. Moreover, the presence of Alfredo Altavilla and his decades of experience in the world's biggest companies will help in making the best decisions also with respect to pole procurement. Perhaps with an eye towards Italian suppliers, known for their quality and experience.
Right now the Chinese brand is already working on two other products that will be the ones to take the brand to the heart of the European market: a b-suv and a full electric A-segment model.