The BYD Sealion 7 is the latest addition to Australia’s rapidly expanding electric SUV market, promising a blend of performance, practicality, and value. This review covers the first Australian drive experience, highlights key features, and explores the current government incentives available to buyers.
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First Impressions and Design
The BYD Sealion 7 arrives in Australia as a mid-size electric SUV, measuring just over 4.8 metres in length, 1.9 metres wide, and 1.6 metres tall, riding on a near 3.0-metre wheelbase. The flat-floor electric vehicle (EV) architecture ensures a spacious cabin, particularly for rear passengers. Even the middle seat is comfortable for adults, a rarity in this segment. The boot offers 500 litres of cargo space, with an adjustable floor for taller items.
Exterior styling is modern but not groundbreaking, blending in with the current crop of electric SUVs. Inside, the Sealion 7 features a premium feel with heated rear seats, a panoramic sunroof, and a well-appointed interior that prioritizes function over flash. Physical controls for air vents and some functions make it more user-friendly than some rivals that rely solely on touchscreens.
Performance and Driving Experience
The Sealion 7 Performance, the top-spec variant, is powered by a dual-motor all-wheel-drive system delivering 390kW and 690Nm of torque, with a claimed 0-100km/h sprint of 4.5 seconds. The 82.56kWh lithium iron phosphate (LFP) “Blade” battery provides a WLTP-rated range of 456km, though real-world efficiency varies depending on driving conditions.
On the road, the Sealion 7 impresses with its smooth and effortless acceleration, with power delivered in a linear and controlled manner. The suspension is tuned on the firmer side, offering a European-style ride that feels premium and composed over larger bumps, though it can be a bit jiggly over smaller imperfections. Steering is responsive and can be adjusted via drive modes, becoming heavier in Sport mode for a more engaging drive.
Regenerative braking is present but not as strong or as customizable as some competitors, and the lack of a true one-pedal driving mode is noticeable in stop-start traffic. The Sealion 7 is easy to manoeuvre thanks to a 360-degree camera and parking sensors, making it a practical choice for urban environments.
Technology and Safety
BYD has equipped the Sealion 7 with a comprehensive suite of active safety features, including adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, and nine airbags. The car recently achieved a maximum five-star ANCAP safety rating. However, some reviewers found the lane-keep assistance to be overly aggressive and less refined than systems found in rivals like Tesla.
Inside, the Sealion 7 features a 10.25-inch digital driver’s display, a head-up display, and a large central touchscreen for infotainment. Wireless phone integration, a Dynaudio 12-speaker stereo, and a one-touch tailgate add to the convenience. Vehicle-to-load (V2L) capability allows owners to power electrical appliances from the car, a useful feature for camping or emergencies.
Efficiency and Charging
The Sealion 7 Performance’s official energy consumption is rated at 21.4kWh/100km, though real-world figures can be higher, especially on highway drives or uphill routes. Around town, consumption is closer to the claimed figure, making it a solid choice for urban commuting. The car supports AC charging up to 11kW and DC fast charging up to 150kW, allowing a 10-80% charge in about 32 minutes on a fast charger.
Warranty and Ownership
BYD offers a six-year, 150,000km warranty for the vehicle, with the battery covered for eight years or 160,000km. This is competitive in the Australian market and provides peace of mind for buyers concerned about long-term reliability.
Australian EV Incentives and Schemes
The landscape for EV incentives in Australia has changed in 2025, with most state-based purchase rebates now ended. However, several incentives and discounts remain, particularly for registration, stamp duty, and business purchases.
EV Incentives and Schemes Data Table (June 2025)
| State/Territory | Purchase Rebate | Registration Discount/Exemption | Stamp Duty Discount/Exemption | Other Incentives |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| NSW | None | None | None | None |
| VIC | None | Discount | None | None |
| QLD | None | Discount | Discount | None |
| SA | None | 3-year exemption (ended June 2025) | None | None |
| WA | $3,500 (ended 10 May 2025) | Flat rate for ‘green’ vehicles | None | Interest-free loans for chargers |
| TAS | $2,000 (ended) | Up to $100/year discount | None | Interest-free loans for chargers |
| ACT | None | Free rego for EVs | Exemption | Interest-free loans |
| NT | None | Free rego for EVs | Up to $1,500 | EV charger grants |
Federal Government Incentives:
The Australian Government offers a Fringe Benefits Tax (FBT) exemption for eligible EVs under $89,332, available through novated leases and company fleets. The luxury car tax threshold for EVs is also higher than for petrol vehicles ($91,387 vs $80,567 for 2024-25). There is also a $50 million federal initiative to support business EV uptake, offering interest savings on loans for eligible businesses.
How Does the BYD Sealion 7 Compare?
Compared to rivals like the Tesla Model Y, the BYD Sealion 7 offers more physical controls, a spacious and practical interior, and a competitive warranty. However, it falls short in driving dynamics, with a less engaging ride and less refined driver assistance systems. The Model Y offers longer range and a more polished software experience, but the Sealion 7 stands out for its value and practicality.
FAQs
1. What is the real-world range of the BYD Sealion 7?
The WLTP-rated range is 456km, but real-world figures can be lower, especially on highways or hilly routes.
2. Are there any government incentives for buying the BYD Sealion 7 in Australia?
Most state purchase rebates have ended, but registration, stamp duty, and charging incentives remain in some states. Federal FBT exemptions and higher luxury car tax thresholds also apply.
3. How long does it take to charge the BYD Sealion 7?
On a 150kW DC fast charger, the Sealion 7 can charge from 10-80% in about 32 minutes. On an 11kW AC charger, a full charge takes over eight hours.
The 2025 BYD Sealion 7 is a well-rounded electric SUV that offers strong performance, a spacious and practical interior, and a competitive warranty. While it may not match the driving dynamics or software polish of some rivals, it stands out for its value, comfort, and user-friendly features. With the current landscape of Australian EV incentives, the Sealion 7 is a compelling choice for families and commuters looking to make the switch to electric.