BYD introduces the SEALION 7 to European customers at the Paris Motor Show. Combining sporty performance, a stylish SUV design, cutting-edge EV technology, a beautifully finished, spacious cabin and a smarter in-car interface, the new model dramatically extends the reach of BYD, the world’s leading manufacturer of new energy vehicles, in the European car market.
The SEALION 7 is the eighth new-energy vehicle (BEV and PHEV) to be launched by BYD in Europe, and it catapults the manufacturer into the heart of one of region’s most popular vehicle segments.
With an overall length of 4,830mm and a wheelbase of 2,930mm, the long-journey security of rapid charging speeds of up to 230kW, and stunning performance (a top speed of 215km/h and a 0-100km/h time as low as 4.5 seconds), the SEALION 7 perfectly matches the needs of tech-savvy European customers searching for a sporty family car with impeccable environmental credentials.
Speaking at the reveal, BYD Executive Vice President Stella Li said, “We’ve noticed demand for precisely this type of vehicle in Europe, so we’re delighted to introduce the SEALION 7 here in Paris.
We are confident that its mix of SUV design and packaging, Blade Battery technology, range, performance and generous specification will appeal to many customers across Europe.
The SEALION 7 shows how BYD is reacting to customer demand and tastes in the region, and widening our product line-up to ensure the best possible coverage of the most important vehicle types. This will be a key factor as we continue to extend our reach in Europe.”
Ocean series design, translated into a sporty SUV shape
Created at BYD’s Shenzhen studio, under the guidance of the company’s Global Design Director Wolfgang Egger, the SEALION 7 takes the Ocean Series design language, seen on models like the DOLPHIN hatchback and SEAL sedan, and adapts it to a sporty SUV body style. The result is a car boasting a powerful and athletic stance, but also an extremely efficient shape that helps to deliver impressive range from its Blade Battery.
The front of the SEALION 7 incorporates a ‘X face’ motif, familiar from other Ocean Seriesmodels, and is designed to have a sense of forward motion to reflect the SEALION 7’s dynamic prowess. Yet the Ocean theme is retained through the use of Dual U ‘floating’ LED headlights and deeply sculpted curves that echo the motion of waves.
The side profile is smooth yet poised, with the low front countered by a rounded roof and dramatic fastback that’s punctuated by a subtle ducktail rear spoiler. Subtle surfacing, with a crisp crease rising along the flanks, creates a dual waistline, helping to retain an athletic stance despite the SUV body. And the clean look and efficiency are enhanced further by flush handles that recede into the door itself when the SEALION 7 is in motion.
Further back, there’s a muscular haunch over the rear wheel to reflect the SEALION 7’s performance potential and dynamic focus, and then a full-width light signature across the tailgate that includes the latest evolution of the Ocean Series ‘water-drop’ fail-lights.
The car’s overall length is 10mm longer than the BYD SEAL’s, but the different positioning is best reflected in its height, because the SEALION 7’s roofline sits 160mm taller than its stablemate’s.
Revolutionary Blade Battery with advanced Cell-to-Body installation
The SEALION 7 is based on the company’s state-of-the-art vehicle architecture, called e-Platform 3.0. Designed exclusively for electric vehicles, e-Platform 3.0 features BYD’s revolutionary Blade Battery, technology that has been at the centre of the brand’s European introductions.
BYD has been pioneering battery technology for over two decades, making it an established market leader; it has already sold more than nine million new-energy vehicles (BEV and PHEV). The Blade Battery is the latest result of BYD’s unwavering commitment to technical progress through huge investment in research and development.
Developed in house by BYD, the Blade Battery is designed to deliver class-leading safety, durability, performance and packaging. The technology is incredibly space efficient, allowing more cells to be squeezed into the same area than with a conventional battery construction – while still resulting in a slim pack that helps BYD’s engineers and designers to optimise the SEALION 7’s cabin space.
In addition, the Blade Battery uses lithium iron phosphate (LFP) as a cathode material. LFP has higher levels of safety and durability compared with conventional lithium-ion batteries, while also being 100% free of cobalt, a material that has raised ethical and environmental concerns in the mining industry.
LFP batteries are also more resistant to extreme temperatures, less sensitive to fluctuations in temperature and can withstand more charge and discharge cycles with hardly any loss of capacity, making them particularly durable.
The Blade Battery construction has an exceptional safety level, since it exceeds the requirements of the punishing Nail Penetration Test – a rigorous method of evaluating battery thermal runaway and simulating the consequences of a serious road accident.
On top of the Blade Battery itself, the SEALION 7, like the SEAL, benefits from BYD’s pioneering Cell-to-Body (CTB) battery installation – a key technical difference compared with other EVs. Instead of a traditional layout, CTB integrates the Blade Battery into the entire vehicle structure, with the top cover of the pack also acting as the floor of the passenger compartment.
CTB features a high-strength honeycomb-like aluminium structure, enhancing safety – and using the battery pack as a structural component also helps to deliver incredible torsional stiffness.
High performance, rapid charging, and intelligent dynamics
The Blade Battery and CTB construction represent the core of the SEALION 7, but the new model also features BYD’s innovative electric drivetrain, which integrates most of the key electrical control and management components into one device, improving efficiency and aiding packaging.
There’s also a highly efficient heat pump as standard across the line-up, which uses waste heat from the electric powertrain to maximise range, particularly in cold conditions.
The new SEALION 7 is available in variety of configurations. In the most powerful form, complete with two motors and intelligent four-wheel drive, the SEALION 7 can accelerate from 0-100km/h in just 4.5 seconds, while the top speed is 215km/h. The car can be recharged at speeds of up to 230kW.
On the road, the SEALION 7 features a full suite of safety and driver-assistance systems, and harnesses the e-Platform 3.0 architecture to deliver a rewarding drive and engaging dynamics. The Cell-to-Body construction helps to ensure not only huge levels of torsional rigidity but also a low centre of gravity, while the suspension is tailored for excellent handling and secure vehicle control.
The driving behaviour is enhanced further by a new Intelligent Torque Adaption Control (iTAC) system, which is offered on dual-motor four-wheel-drive versions. It works by intelligently allocating torque, using torque shift, reducing torque and even applying negative torque to minimise skidding. This improves safety and enhances the SEALION 7’s driving experience.
SUV style ensures a spacious and comfortable cabin
The SEALION 7’s raised SUV design helps to deliver outstanding cabin space and practicality, making it particularly relevant to European customers. Its overall length of 4,830mm and a long wheelbase measuring 2,930mm (10mm longer than even the BYD SEAL), plus the e-Platform 3.0’s completely flat rear floor, create comfortable amounts of space in the cabin for five adults.
The Cell-to-Body construction and the compact Blade Battery mean the floor remains relatively thin for such a high-range EV, allowing generous amounts of headroom, despite the rakish roofline.
Appropriately for an Ocean Series model, the SEALION 7’s dashboard treatment has a nautical theme, blending BYD’s typical high technology with flowing shapes and a double layer centre console for airy sophistication.
Even the door handles are designed to give the feeling of a ‘floating wing’. Best-in-class, high-quality materials feature throughout, with vegan or Nappa leather upholstery, depending on the trim level. Two interior colour treatments are available, complementing the four exterior shades that will be offered.
On sale in October, with first deliveries from Q4 2024
Pricing and full specifications for the BYD SEALION 7 will be released across European markets in the near future. The SEALION 7 will go on sale later this month, with first deliveries to customers expected before the end of 2024.
