The Sealion 7 is the fifth BYD model to launch in Ireland in the past two years, joining the Atto 3, Dolphin, Seal, and Seal U PHEV. But it doesn't stop there, as MDL, recently told us that it expects three further models to launch in 2025, with a B-segment hatchback and an E-segment SUV to follow in 2026.
If those targets are met BYD will be introducing 10 different models in the Irish market in the space of just over three years. This relentless drive should come as no surprise, as the Chinese auto giant built more than 4.27 million electric vehicles in 2024, a 41 per cent increase on the year before and a staggering 709 per cent rise on 2018.
BYD also expects its new European manufacturing facility in Hungary to be fully operational by Q3 of this year, which will significantly cut delivery times around the continent, including into Ireland.
MDL plans to further ramp up its Irish BYD dealer network, adding new showrooms in the west, east and south of the country over the next 12 months. Add all this together, and BYD looks to be building its own dreams of squashing its main rival, Tesla.
Focusing our attention back to the BYD Sealion 7 coupe SUV - entry to this range begins with a single-motor, rear-wheel-drive ‘Comfort’ edition (tested here ), followed by two all-wheel-drive models: ‘Design’ and ‘Excellence'.
Prices begin from €45,435 for the entry-level 'Comfort' model, rising to €52,390 for the 'Design' and €56,490 for the 'Excellence' (all inclusive of SEAI grant ).
Like its predecessors, the Sealion 7 is powered by BYD’s own, in-house developed 82.5kWh cobalt free Blade Battery, with the 'Comfort' version I had been testing returning a real-world range of about 400km. The 'Excellence' version comes with the bigger 91.3kWh battery and naturally more range. Out on the road, the BYD Sealion 7 performs reasonably well. It doesn't struggle through bends like the Seal U PHEV does, but lacks the oomph of the smaller Seal saloon.
The Sealion 7 scores pretty well on looks, with its long, rounded roof and sleek, flowing lines carrying through from front to back. Wheels are 19- and 20-inch depending on trimline. Luggage capacity is 520-litres increasing to 1,789-litres, with an additional 58-litre ‘frunk’ and over 20 cabin storage spaces.
As we have come to expect from BYD, a 15.6-inch rotating infotainment and driver assistance screen are prominent interior features. Standard spec in this car is seriously impressive, including comforts such as ventilated and heated front seats, four-way power-adjustable lumbar support, and a large panoramic sunroof.
Solely from a cost perspective, the entry-level 'Comfort' version makes the most sense, as at no point I felt this model needed anything more. Forking out an extra €11k for the 'Excellence' model for more range and slightly nicer wheels just doesn't make sense to me. Regardless of your choosing, a six-year manufacturer’s warranty and an eight-year battery and electric motor warranty applies to all BYD Sealion 7 models.
