Tesla Model Y’s Biggest Rival? 2025 BYD SEALION 7 Launches in the UAE

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Adrian
2025-02-21
254.8K
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On February 20, the 2025 BYD SEALION 7 officially launched in the UAE, offering two trim levels: Premium and Performance, priced at 172,900 AED and 192,900 AED, respectively. The BYD SEALION 7 is a mid-size electric SUV already available in major global markets such as China, Europe, and Australia, competing directly with the Tesla Model Y.

Tesla Model Y’s Biggest Rival? 2025 BYD SEALION 7 Launches in the UAE

Tesla Model Y’s Biggest Rival? 2025 BYD SEALION 7 Launches in the UAE

This article provides an in-depth review of the 2025 BYD SEALION 7, focusing on key aspects such as power, range, safety, and the vehicle’s exceptional driving experience. Read on for the full details!

How Far Can It Go on a Full Charge?

The SEALION 7 is equipped with BYD’s Blade Battery and offers only one battery capacity: 82.5 kWh, with a maximum WLTP range of 482 km. If your daily commutes are short, a full charge could last up to half a month.

Tesla Model Y’s Biggest Rival? 2025 BYD SEALION 7 Launches in the UAE

Additionally, the SEALION 7 features an advanced battery temperature management system, ensuring optimal performance in both hot and cold weather, ultimately extending battery life.

How Fast Does It Charge?

With intelligent fast-charging technology, the SEALION 7 ranks among the fastest-charging vehicles at charging stations.

Tesla Model Y’s Biggest Rival? 2025 BYD SEALION 7 Launches in the UAE

According to official data, SEALION 7 can charge from 10% to 80% SOC in just 25 minutes, while the remaining 20% (from 80% to 100%) takes only 18 minutes. This fast-charging system reduces charging time by 40% without compromising battery longevity.

How Safe Is It?

Collision safety

The SEALION 7 is built on the e-Platform 3.0 Evo, which increases the front-end buffer zone by 100 mm, significantly enhancing crash safety.

 11 standard airbags across all trims for comprehensive protection.

Tesla Model Y’s Biggest Rival? 2025 BYD SEALION 7 Launches in the UAE

Battery Safety

Blade Battery with LFP chemistry, providing greater stability and reliability in high-temperature environments.

Active Safety

SEALION 7 is equipped with a wealth of active safety features, such as Automatic Emergency Braking, which automatically triggers the brakes when it detects a possible collision, effectively reducing the rate of accidents in congested urban road conditions or when the driver's attention is not focused.

How Is the Driving Experience?

The SEALION 7 offers both single-motor RWD and dual-motor AWD configurations.

Model

BYD SEALION 7

Tesla Model Y

Trim

Premium

Performance

Rear-Wheel Drive

Performance All-Wheel Drive

Price

172,900AED

192,900AED

189,990AED

219,990AED

Max Power

230kW

390kW

220kW

357kW

Peak Torque

380Nm

690Nm

440Nm

659Nm

0 to 100km/h

6.7s

4.5s

6.9s

3.7s

Top Speed

215km/h

215km/h

217km/h

250km/h

Battery

82.5kWh

82.5kWh

60kWh

78.4kWh

Electric Range

482km

462km

455km

514km

• The SEALION 7 has more power and a larger battery than the Model Y.

• However, the Model Y accelerates faster and has a higher top speed.

• The SEALION 7 is significantly more affordable than the Model Y.

For enhanced braking performance, the SEALION 7 is equipped with four-piston brake calipers and perforated brake discs.

The suspension setup includes a double-wishbone front suspension and multi-link rear suspension, combined with BYD’s DiSus-C intelligent body control system and iTAC intelligent torque control system, improving ride comfort and stability on rough terrains.

Tesla Model Y’s Biggest Rival? 2025 BYD SEALION 7 Launches in the UAE

City Driving Experience

Compared to gasoline-powered vehicles in the same price range, the SEALION 7 delivers noticeably stronger acceleration, particularly from a standstill, with smooth power delivery and excellent agility, making lane changes effortless.

Tesla Model Y’s Biggest Rival? 2025 BYD SEALION 7 Launches in the UAE

To enhance passenger comfort, the SEALION 7 features double-layer laminated glass and multiple vibration-reducing designs, ensuring a quieter and smoother ride.

Highway Performance

• The DiSus-C system stiffens the chassis at high speeds for better stability.

• During high-speed cornering, it increases body support, reducing body roll.

• In emergency braking situations, the system enhances contact between the wheels and the road for improved safety.

Tesla Model Y’s Biggest Rival? 2025 BYD SEALION 7 Launches in the UAE

Handling on Rough Roads

• On uneven surfaces, DiSus-C softens the suspension to absorb vibrations.

• When encountering larger bumps, DiSus-C and the AWD system work together to maintain traction while minimizing discomfort inside the cabin.

• The iTAC torque control system prevents wheel slip in sandy conditions by redistributing torque to the wheels with better grip.

Design: Dynamic Coupe SUV

SEALION 7 features a sleek coupe-SUV design with an aerodynamic and elongated body.

Model

BYD SEALION 7

Tesla Model Y

Length

4830mm

4750mm

Width

1925mm

1921mm

Height

1620mm

1624mm

Wheelbase

2930mm

2890mm

The SEALION 7 is longer, wider, and has a longer wheelbase than the Tesla Model Y. However, thanks to CTB (Cell-to-Body) technology, it has a lower overall height, giving it a sleeker profile.

Tesla Model Y’s Biggest Rival? 2025 BYD SEALION 7 Launches in the UAE

The interior uses a variety of premium materials, with soft-touch surfaces covering over 80% of the cabin. The gear selector is a crystal shift knob, named “Heart of the Ocean”, adding a luxurious touch.

Tesla Model Y’s Biggest Rival? 2025 BYD SEALION 7 Launches in the UAE

Both front and rear passengers will immediately notice the exceptionally spacious headroom of SEALION 7, providing ample distance between the head and the roof.

Tesla Model Y’s Biggest Rival? 2025 BYD SEALION 7 Launches in the UAE

What Practical Features Does SEALION 7 Offer?

cargo space

SEALION 7 offers a trunk capacity of 500L, which expands to 1,769L when the rear seats are folded down. Furthermore, a 58L front trunk provides additional storage space, capable of fitting a 20-inch suitcase.

Tesla Model Y’s Biggest Rival? 2025 BYD SEALION 7 Launches in the UAE

Tesla Model Y’s Biggest Rival? 2025 BYD SEALION 7 Launches in the UAE

The SEALION 7 comes with BYD’s DiLink 100 multimedia system and it includes the following features:

Tesla Model Y’s Biggest Rival? 2025 BYD SEALION 7 Launches in the UAE

• 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster

• 15.6-inch rotating central touchscreen, supporting voice assistant, music, and more

• 12-speaker Dynaudio premium sound system

Tesla Model Y’s Biggest Rival? 2025 BYD SEALION 7 Launches in the UAE

• 50-inch AR-HUD (Augmented Reality Heads-Up Display), projecting navigation, speed, and road information onto the windshield for safer driving

Tesla Model Y’s Biggest Rival? 2025 BYD SEALION 7 Launches in the UAE

There are still many practical configurations, including:

• Wireless Charging: Two smartphone storage compartments, with the left side featuring a 50W wireless chargerequipped with active cooling to prevent overheating

Tesla Model Y’s Biggest Rival? 2025 BYD SEALION 7 Launches in the UAE

· Rear Seatback: the rear seatbacks are adjustable, further enhancing passenger comfort. 

• Heat-Insulating Glass: Standard across all trims, reducing cabin heat buildup in hot climates

• Panoramic Sunroof with Electric Sunshade for an open-air feel while providing sun protection

Tesla Model Y’s Biggest Rival? 2025 BYD SEALION 7 Launches in the UAE

Service

When do I service my car?

All EVs need a maintenance each after a year or 20,000km whichever comes first.

Where do I service my car?

BYD offers a convenient remote service provision! BYD's expert mobile technicians can come to your place for the purpose of conducting maintenance or repairs on your vehicle. If it is not possible for us to perform remote service, BYD will pick up your vehicle and bring it back once the work is done.

Where do I charge my car?

UAE offers a varied network of charging options for electric vehicles (EVs):

Malls: A majority of major malls in Dubai are equipped with EV charging stations. 

Fuel Stations: Several ENOC and ADNOC petrol stations in Dubai provide EV charging facilities.

Home Charging: For maximum convenience, consider installing a dedicated EV charger at your home.

What are the home charging options?

BYD's sales team can assist you in understanding the best installation solution for your home and desired charger types and finding the best fit for your needs.

Conclusion

2025 BYD SEALION 7 has outstanding performances in range, charging speed, power, handling and safety. It offers a well-balanced experience, making it suitable for short-distance travel by family users. Would SEALION 7 be your next EV? Let us know what you think!

AdrianAdrian
Chief editor information:

Adrian is an Editor. Psychology graduate with over 4 years in the automotive industry, 3 in front of the camera. Occasionally seen at his family owned tyre shop. He will only buy cars that pass the big bottle test.

2025-02-21
254.8K