BYD Sealion 7 vs Volvo XC40
What's the difference?

BYD Sealion 7

$46,990 - $68,888

2025 price

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Volvo XC40

$36,990 - $55,990

2024 price

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Mitsubishi Pajero Sport

Renault Megane E-Tech

Renault Scenic E-Tech

Summary

2025 BYD Sealion 7

2024 Volvo XC40

By Emily Agar

Safety Rating

Electric motor type

Multi-Motor – Mixed Types

Electric motor type

Permanent Magnet

Vehicle type

Battery Electric

Vehicle type

Battery Electric

Electric range

456 km

Electric range

485 km

Energy consumption

—

19.4 kWh/100km

Battery capacity

82.56 kWh

82.00 kWh

Seating

Likes

Looks the part of a premium SUV
Well-equipped with comfort and safety
Oodles of passenger room

Cute kerb-side presence
Decent cabin space for class
Good driving range and energy consumption

Dislikes

Some tech gremlins still to sort out
Exterior design too similar to Porsche
Multimedia display houses all functions

Ride comfort isn't there on long journeys
Loud cabin at higher speeds
Interior trims don't match grade level

2025 BYD Sealion 7 Summary

Looking across BYD's line-up, you'd think you were reading the attractions for the local aquarium! And now the Sealion 7 has entered the splash zone, or more accurately, the most popular car segment - the mid-size SUV.

It fights for pole position against the long-running electric favourite, the Tesla Model Y but newcomer Cupra Tavascan also offers some sporty competition.

For this review we're testing the flagship Performance grade to see whether or not it offers family-friendly fun.

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2024 Volvo XC40 Summary

The XC40 Recharge Twin Motor is the flagship model for the segment leading small electric SUV from Volvo.

Well positioned in terms of price, specifications and driving range, it continues to prove itself a fierce rival to the Mercedes-Benz EQA, Lexus UX and newcomer BMW iX1.

But does it bring its A-game to every attribute buyers in the small electric SUV segment demand? In this review, we put it to test to find out.

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Deep dive comparison

2025 BYD Sealion 7 2024 Volvo XC40

Verdict

The BYD Sealion 7 Performance is well-priced and well-equipped. It more than holds its own against its mid-size electric SUV rivals. It has great motor outputs and it handles comfortably on the road. There's a lot to like here but some of the technology needs to be tweaked.

Verdict

The Volvo XC40 Recharge Twin Motor is a cute small electric SUV that offers a decent specs list and a sweet urban driving experience. It’s not the nicest ride on a longer journey but it does have a decent range to be able to tackle one, if needed. I didn’t love the interior design but there’s lots the XC40 gets right.

BYD Sealion 7 vs Volvo XC40 What's the difference?

Summary

Deep dive comparison

Verdict

Verdict

BYD Sealion 7 vs Volvo XC40
What's the difference?