Will this cement BYD as a top-ten brand in Australia? 2025 BYD Sealion 7 to launch next month as game-changing electric SUV, priced to compete with Tesla Model Y, Kia EV5, Xpeng G6, Deepal S07 and Leapmotor C10

The BYD Sealion 7 is officially on the way with a keen price tag and a mid-February launch date.

Starting at “under $60,000”, before on-road costs, for the entry-level Premium, the Sealion 7 will arrive as a key competitor to the Tesla Model Y ($55,900), Kia EV5 ($56,770), Xpeng G6 ($54,800) and Deepal S07 ($53,900) in the increasingly competitive electric mid-size SUV segment.

Earlier homologation filings revealed the now-confirmed two variant line-up, which will consist of a single-motor rear-wheel drive Premium variant with 230kW. A dual-motor all-wheel drive Performance variant headlines the range with 390kW.

That means the base-model Premium will exceed all of its entry-level competitors in terms of power, including the Tesla Model Y RWD Single-Motor, which delivers 220kW. The top-spec will fall short of the class-leading Model Y Performance, though, which outputs 415kW.

While exact pricing remains unconfirmed, BYD's Premium moniker is typically reserved for mid-range variants. A Dynamic usually sits below with a Performance at the top.

At launch, BYD has not mentioned a lower trim Sealion 7, suggesting the SUV could attract a slightly higher starting price tag compared to competitors and the rest of the BYD range. For example, the Seal sedan starts at $49,888, before on-road costs.

BYD’s lithium-ion-phosphate (LFP) 'Blade' battery will of course feature on the Sealion 7. Sized at 82.5kWh, it enables a 482km WLTP driving range on European models, less than key rivals like the G6 (560km), EV5 (555km) and Model Y (533km).

The brand is yet to lock in Australian Sealion 7 range figures but has promised “more than 500km”.

The Sealion 7 Performance will also deliver a claimed top speed 215km/h and a 0-100km/h sprint time of 4.5 seconds, which is also slower than the corresponding Model Y at 3.6 seconds.

It will come equipped with adaptive driving assist systems such as adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, automatic emergency braking and a surround-view camera.

Up to 80 per cent of the Sealion 7's interior will be upholstered in what BYD is calling 'vegan leather' — likely just artificial leather — bar the passenger and driver’s seats which will come clad in genuine Nappa leather. Although it remains unclear as to whether this is a standard feature or exclusive to the top-spec Performance variant.

Inside, there is a 15.6-inch rotating multimedia touchscreen for multimedia functions and a 10.25-inch digital driver's display, along with twin wireless charging pads and panoramic sunroof.

Vehicle-to-load functionality will also come standard, meaning you can power your appliances on the go. Exact output remains unconfirmed.

Four colours will be available: Cosmos Black, Atlantis Grey, Shark Grey and Aurora White.

Despite the tough competition, the CEO of BYD’s official distributor in Australia, David Smitherman, is confident that the Sealion 7 will be a sales hit.

“I expect the Sealion 7 to be the number one selling electric vehicle in our range,” he said.

“It sets a new standard for innovation and technology, and I challenge anyone to find a vehicle designed with comfort and performance like this one.”

Expressions of interest for the Sealion 7 can be made through the BYD Australia website from today.