KATHMANDU: After test-driving BYD’s latest premium crossover SUV, the Sealion 7, I felt compelled to share some thoughts on its strengths and weaknesses.
Every vehicle has its pros and cons, and the Sealion 7 is no exception. But with BYD gaining traction in Nepal and this model positioned in the premium class, the bar is obviously higher.
The Sealion 7 is a 4.8-meter-long SUV that comes with a robust battery, impressive range and plenty of features. Priced at Rs 7.29 million, it offers solid value for money in its class.
Let’s take a look at its strengths first.
Bold Design
The Sealion 7 follows BYD’s “Ocean-X” design philosophy. The car has already earned iF Design Award, thanks to its sporty exterior. Its low hood, pop-out door handles and sweeping LED tail lamps add to its strong road presence.
Performance Options
The SUV may feel a bit underwhelming in Eco mode. But once you switch to Normal or Sports mode, the ride comes alive, especially in urban conditions. Powered by a 100 kW motor delivering 380 Nm of torque, it provides drivers with a satisfying experience at this price point.
Impressive Range
The SUV is equipped with a 71.8 kWh LFP battery. When fully charged, it offers a driving range of 440 km (WLTP-tested), with real-world driving still yielding over 400 km, which is a standout feature in its category.
Technology and Charging
The Sealion 7 is equipped with Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) technology, which allows the car’s battery to power household devices or appliances. It features an advanced driver assistance system (ADAS), a premium cabin and supports up to 110 kW DC fast charging.
Pricing and Features
Cimex Inc, the authorized BYD distributor in Nepal, has priced the Sealion 7 competitively in the domestic market. Considering that the Atto 3 Superior variant costs around Rs 6.8 million, this larger, more capable SUV costs only Rs 500,000 more.
Unlike other EVs, the cabin is button-rich, which is a characteristic of BYD vehicles. Drivers get a unique gear knob, dedicated buttons for AC, voice commands, auto hold and drive mode selection that are all neatly placed on the center console.
Weaknesses
While sporty on the outside, the SUV feels underpowered in Eco mode which may disappoint those expecting stronger performance across all drive settings.
The other thing is, the driver’s seat experience in the Sealion 7 may not feel drastically new for those upgrading from the Atto 3 Superior.
Final Thoughts
Aside from these two drawbacks, the Sealion 7 looks well-positioned to make a big impact in Nepal’s premium EV market. How well it performs commercially will become clearer during the upcoming festive season.
