Chinese electric vehicle manufacturer BYD has launched its new electric SUV, Sealion 7, at the Bharat Mobility Global Expo. This SUV is available in two variants – AWD and RWD. BYD’s existing portfolio in India includes the Atto3, E Max 7, and Seal.
Sealion 7 Features and Design
Although BYD has not disclosed the price of the Sealion 7, bookings can be made for ₹70,000. The front design of the SUV closely resembles that of the company’s Seal sedan. The Sealion 7 features a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster and a 15.6-inch rotating touchscreen infotainment system. It also includes amenities like automatic climate control, a 12-speaker audio system, and a panoramic sunroof.
Battery and Performance
The Sealion 7 comes with an 82.56 kWh battery. The AWD variant generates 523 hp of power and 690 Nm of peak torque, while the RWD variant has a single electric motor producing 308 hp of power and 380 Nm of peak torque.
BYD claims that the AWD variant of the new electric SUV, Sealion 7, offers a range of approximately 542 km on a single charge, while the RWD variant offers around 567 km of range.
BYD’s Record Sales and Market Competition
Last year, BYD set a sales record, selling nearly 4.25 million units. The company faces stiff competition in the international EV market from Elon Musk’s Tesla. In December, BYD set a monthly sales record by selling 509,440 units, of which 207,734 units were EVs. The company’s total EV sales for the year were approximately 1.76 million units, marking a 41% year-on-year increase.
BYD’s Response in the Indian Market
In India, BYD has received a good response for the Seal EV. It is available in two options: single and dual motor, and two battery packs. The price ranges from around ₹41 lakh to ₹53 lakh (ex-showroom). There are three variants: Premium, Dynamic, and Performance. The company aims to rapidly expand its sales and service network. The entry-level Dynamic variant of the Seal EV comes with an RWD setup and is priced around ₹41 lakh (ex-showroom). The Premium variant with an RWD setup is priced around ₹45.55 lakh, while the top-end Performance variant is priced at ₹53 lakh.