BYD Sealion 7, Crossover SUV EV with a Sportscar Feel

Katadata OTO Rating:

Performance, Stability, spacious cabin, features

The ADAS system that is startling when it intervenes during sudden braking.

Performance and Stability

The Jakarta - Bandung trip was the initial test of the BYD Sealion 7's performance. Honestly, the power output from this car feels explosive, like racehorses ready to bolt as soon as the starting gate opens.

It should be noted, the Performance variant is equipped with an electric motor producing 390 kW, equivalent to 522 hp, and 690 Nm of torque. Its battery can be used for a range of up to 542 km with an All-Wheel Drive (AWD) system.

Combined with an 82.56 kWh LFP (Lithium Ferro Phosphate) battery. BYD states the average range can reach up to 542 km.
BYD claims that with this power source combination, acceleration from 0 - 100 km/h can be achieved in 4.5 seconds. Meanwhile, the top speed is limited to 250 km/h.

Photo : KatadataOTO

Thanks to this capability, there were practically no significant issues overtaking vehicles during the trip. It almost felt like I forgot I was driving an SUV; the feel is more like a sports sedan.

The driving pleasure is also supported by excellent body balance, thanks in part to the FSD (Frequency Selective Damping) and iTAC (Intelligent Torque Adaptive Control) suspension technology, which maintains the vehicle's position during maneuvers like changing lanes and tackling corners.

During the trip, driving the BYD Sealion 7 was very enjoyable. KatadataOTO has two notes on the car's active safety system: the warning from the DFM (Driver Fatigue Monitoring) feature when concentration wanes or focus is lost while driving.

The second is the sudden panic brake when a vehicle abruptly stops ahead while navigating the congested city streets of Bandung. The braking intervention is automatic, sudden, and certainly startling, which has the potential to cause a rear-end collision.

Conclusion

The BYD Sealion 7 is currently the most enjoyable electric SUV to drive. The combination of its electric motor, battery, and suspension system results in a powerful car that is very solid to drive.

Passengers are also spoiled by various features, including an entertainment system with a top-tier audio system. The soundproof and spacious cabin, along with the large panoramic glass roof, provides a unique sensation.

The BYD Sealion 7 Performance is priced at Rp 719 million. Meanwhile, there is a lower variant option called Premium with a less powerful motor, offered at Rp 629 Million.