The all-new BYD Sealion 7 electric SUV brings bold styling, high-tech features, and strong performance to Ireland, starting from €45,435.
Contents
- 1 BYD Accelerates Irish Expansion with Launch of Sealion 7 SUV
- 2 Global Momentum and Local Growth Strategy
- 3 BYD Sealion 7: Model Overview and Pricing
- 4 Performance and Drive Modes
- 5 Design: Ocean-Inspired Aesthetics with Functional Elegance
- 6 Interior: Tech-Forward and Comfort-Oriented
- 7 Advanced Safety and Driver Assistance Features
- 8 First Impressions: A Value-Packed Electric SUV with Tesla-Rivaling Ambition
BYD Accelerates Irish Expansion with Launch of Sealion 7 SUV
Chinese EV powerhouse BYD (Build Your Dreams) has unveiled its latest electric vehicle in the Irish market: the BYD Sealion 7, a sleek, mid-size electric SUV poised to challenge Tesla’s dominance in the segment. This marks the fifth BYD model introduced in Ireland within two years, with plans for even more aggressive growth on the horizon.
According to MDL, BYD’s official distributor in Ireland, three new models are expected in 2025, followed by a B-segment hatchback and E-segment SUV in 2026—bringing the total to 10 models launched within just over three years.
Global Momentum and Local Growth Strategy
BYD’s rise is nothing short of meteoric. In 2024, the company produced 4.27 million electric vehicles, up 41% year-over-year and a staggering 709% increase since 2018. Its upcoming European manufacturing hub in Hungary, set to be operational by Q3 2025, will streamline supply chains and slash delivery times across the continent, including in Ireland.
In tandem, BYD’s Irish dealer network is also expanding, with new showrooms planned for the West, East, and South of the country over the next year.
BYD Sealion 7: Model Overview and Pricing
The BYD Sealion 7 enters the Irish market in three fully electric variants:
| Trim Level | Drivetrain | Battery Size | WLTP Range | 0–100 km/h | Price (incl. SEAI grant) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Comfort | RWD (Single Motor) | 82.5 kWh | 482 km | 6.7 sec | €45,435 |
| Design | AWD (Dual Motor) | 82.5 kWh | 456 km | 6.7 sec | €52,390 |
| Excellence | AWD (Dual Motor) | 91.3 kWh | 502 km | 4.5 sec | €56,490 |
All models come standard with 11 kW AC charging, while the Excellence edition supports DC fast charging up to 230 kW, allowing a 10% to 80% charge in just 24 minutes. The Comfort and Design trims take about 32 minutes for the same charge level.
BYD equips all Sealion 7 models with its cutting-edge Blade Battery technology—cobalt-free and engineered for safety and longevity. A six-year vehicle warranty and eight-year battery/motor warranty provide added peace of mind.
Performance and Drive Modes
Each variant of the Sealion 7 features four selectable drive modes—Eco, Normal, Sport, and Snow—tailoring performance to varying conditions. The Excellence trim boasts impressive acceleration, hitting 100 km/h in just 4.5 seconds.
Design: Ocean-Inspired Aesthetics with Functional Elegance
The Sealion 7 is part of BYD’s Ocean Series design language, standing 160 mm taller and 30 mm longer than its Seal sedan counterpart. It features:
- 19- or 20-inch alloy wheels (depending on trim)
- 520-litre boot capacity (expandable to 1,789 litres)
- 58-litre front trunk (frunk)
- Over 20 interior storage spaces
- Sleek, coupe-style roofline and aerodynamic curves
Interior: Tech-Forward and Comfort-Oriented
Inside, the Sealion 7 offers a premium cabin filled with soft-touch materials and thoughtful conveniences:
- 15.6-inch rotating infotainment display with 3D car rendering
- Voice control via “Hi BYD” for climate, navigation, and media
- Heated and ventilated front seats
- Eight-way power driver seat with lumbar support
- Rear seats designed for long-trip comfort
- Four-way adjustable steering wheel
- Double-layer laminated glass and privacy windows
- Panoramic sunroof with electric blind
- Android Auto and Apple CarPlay compatibility
Advanced Safety and Driver Assistance Features
Every Sealion 7 variant comes with a robust safety suite, including:
- Adaptive cruise control
- 360-degree camera system
- Front and rear parking sensors
- Intelligent speed-limit control
- Traffic-sign recognition
First Impressions: A Value-Packed Electric SUV with Tesla-Rivaling Ambition
Our initial drive in the new BYD Sealion 7 left a strong impression. It offers a compelling mix of performance, practicality, and premium features, all at a price that undercuts many rivals. As BYD continues its aggressive push across Ireland and Europe, the Sealion 7 signals a clear challenge to Tesla in the mid-size SUV segment.
