Electric SUVs with large price tags are everywhere, but BYD wants to break the shape with its Sealion 7, which will be launched this year.

The Chinese car manufacturer, who claims to be on the verge of surpassing Toyota in sales, is now putting its view on the SUV market. The medium -sized, five -seater sealion 7 is designed to compete with Tesla Model Y.Currently the world’s best -selling electric vehicle.

Undermine the competition

At Sealion 7’s disclosure in Adelaide on February 12, BYD suggested that its price in Australian retailers would enter something under Model Y’s starting price of approximately $ 48,838 ($ 61,000).

BYD has announced that Sealion 7’s base models will start at £ 43633.53 ($ 54,499) before the premium RWD version and £ 51232.31 ($ 63,990) before road costs for the Performance AWD model.

That price point can make Sealion 7 very appealing – and give it an advantage over new offers from Zeekr, Xpeng, Smart and other brands. It will also strive to sway buyers away from conventional medium-sized SUVs such as Toyota RAV4, Mazda CX-5, Honda CR-V, Hyundai Tucson and Kia Sportage.

Missing Tesla Model Y’s space

Although it will be priced in the same way as the currently available BYD Sealion 6, starting about £ 43234.02 ($ 54,000), there is a large distinction: 6 is a plug-in hybrid (PHEV), while 7 is a completely electric vehicle.

This will create an exciting dynamic in retailers, which puts those who value user -friendliness and lower operating costs for an possibly against those who need the extended supply for a PHEV. Inside, Sealion 7 has an elegant, modern cabin.

The cabin has quilted and perforated simulated leather, while satin accents and seams on the console and dash improve the feeling of the premium materials. A panoramic roof fills the cabin with lightweight and passengers on the back seat enjoy plenty of head and legroom.

The floating center console hides a comfortable storage compartment and USB ports (a chilled wireless phone charger is also ahead of the short gear selector). The trunk may not be as large as Model Ys, but there is extra storage in the front luggage compartment.

Design and practical

The 60/40 Split-Folding rear seats allow for more cargo space. However, the cabin feels spacious. Frontor has lots of seat adjustments, an airy feel and a lot of storage. A digital instrument cluster and a larger central infotainment screen included, with the latter that can rotate 90 degrees between portraits and landscape orientations.

Like everyone BYD Vehicles, it has updates to the software and the smartphone’s key functionality. The rear seats offer a surprising amount of space. Higher individuals will appreciate the generous space, and the legroom is excellent, which allows adults to ride comfortably. The seal 7 is also expected to have equipment levels similar to the seal 6.

Imagine heated, ventilated and power-adjustable front seats, an available head-up screen and a massive 15.6-inch central infotainment screen with Apple Carplay and Android Auto. Says BYD Sealion 7 has a dynaudio sound system with a subwoofer in the luggage compartment and promises rich, engrossing sound.

Challenges Tesla Model 3

Under the Sealion 7, its platform and electrical system with the sealing sedan since, which has been shown to be Tesla Model 3’s toughest competition. This means a single motor, rear -wheel -drive configuration or a double motor, four -wheel drive.

The single engine versions offer either 170 kW or 230 kW power, while the double motor version has a significant 390kW. The latter uses a more robust battery to pull its juices. News.com.au Recently had the opportunity to test a variant with a single engine and briefly experience the double motor version during a trip to ByD plants in China.

The test run was limited to a large, open sliding cushion with cones, so it was not exactly representative of how the Australians will use a medium -sized SUV. However, it was enough to find that Sealion 7 delivers the agile driving experience of an EV and has plenty of easily accessible power.

Driving impressions

Even the single engine version accelerates smoothly and should offer plenty of power for city driving. The double motor model delivers even more impressive acceleration off the line. The steering is easy and does not offer much feedback, but it is accurate and responsive.

The car was equipped with Michelin tires which offered excellent grip, although the test track area was not typical of the roads that many met daily. However, the underlying technology is solid. If BYD continues its local suspension and technological development, Sealion 7 will be a strong competitor among the highest medium -sized SUVs.

Perhaps the most decisive factor for Sealion 7 will be its market positioning on its arrival in 2025. The approximately £ 44034.65 ($ 55,000) SUV segment-which includes electric, hybrid and petrol-powered vehicles-become increasingly competitive and prices will to remain remain an important differentiage.