2025 BYD Sealion 7

The 2025 BYD Sealion 7 EV is an all-electric mid-sized sport utility vehicle. (Photo: Rory Daley)

With BYD still a young entrant into the Jamaican market there was still much to come from the new energy giant. Unveiled at the recently held Jamaica Auto Show, the Sealion 7 is the product designed to showcase its true technical prowess in the electric vehicle space.

EXTERIOR

The Sealion 7 was already a head-turner in pictures. In the flesh, on the floor of the Jamaica Auto Show 2025, it was even more of a design revelation.

It looks as if the BYD Seal sedan and the Song Plus SUV had a lovechild. What’s not apparent in the pictures is the sheer size of the Sealion 7. The sedan DNA shrinks its dimensions since it possesses a low coupé-like roof line that screams sporty. Yet, as an SUV, it retains the physical mass necessary for the vehicle to be labelled midsized. The combination of both philosophies can be best noticed in the lower section. The massive 20-inch wheels on the as-tested AWD trim enhance looks, point to performance, and give a drawn concept car vibe, completed by the 45 series tyres. Over them is the ubiquitous plastic cladding every modern SUV wears at this point.

INTERIOR

Stepping into the Sealion via its keyless entry system has occupants entering into a tech-fest. The clean ergonomic layout, raised to the premium level by its great fit and finish, and the quality of the materials wrapped across every major surface. All major functions are either power-operated or automated for effortless utility: The driver’s seat adjusts itself upon entry and exit to aid ingress and egress, the driver’s aids assist in either heavy stop-and-go traffic or long highway slogs.

Space is one of the new tenants of luxury, and the Sealion 7 contains an abundance of such, enhanced by the panoramic sunroof. Refinement is the other modern luxury element and, as an electric vehicle, the BYD is quiet, allowing full enjoyment of the 12-speaker audio system accessed through the 15.6-inch rotating infotainment screen that contains a micro-management level of vehicle options and control.

Unfortunately, the native navigation is gone, now replaced by available Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, not that they will be needed for much else. Drivers, from their powered ventilated leather seats, do have a 10.25-inch LCD screen instrument cluster, but it will probably be ignored for the sizeable head-up display — undoubtedly the best in its class. Even better, many of the vehicle functions can be handled by voice recognition.

Practicality is a thing. The Sealion 7 has the storage space — front and back, and the connectivity to deal with everyday family usage demands, including such niceties as 50W wireless charging. A suite of passive and active safety systems will also calm the mind of the most nervous driver.

ON THE ROAD

Driven by electric motors at each axle, the Sealion 7 uses the all-wheel traction to harness the 523bhp and near-equivalent 509lb/ft of torque supported by its 82.5kWh Blade Battery to easily meet the 4.5s badge on its rear. A 100km/h mark can be reached in the low four-second range — fast, even for an EV — giving it sports car-level performance to match the looks.

It charges at a maximum of 150kWh DC fast charging, which is now available on the public charging networks, and 11kWh via AC charging. Range is rated at 465km. Real-world driving will see close to that figure. The best option is to set it to its most efficient mode and activate the advanced driver assist features.

Sealion 7, at its essence, is a family SUV. To do so it must be comfortable for everyday use and handle in a manner that keeps the large majority of its intended audience happy. In that sense, the Sealion 7 meets all segment targets and more, pushing deep into the premium market.

However, despite the sports car crushing numbers, the higher performance of the BYD is best reserved for more seasoned drivers who can take advantage of the feedback from the chassis, suspension, and all-wheel drive system at the impressive velocities that can be achieved. For the rest of the potential owners, the speed of the Sealion 7 will be best accessed to deal with holes in traffic, pesky taxis, and the multitude of Pops and Bangs edition numbers that roam Jamaican roads.

The 2025 Sealion 7 brings BYD’s key automotive philosophies, its Ocean X Face design language, the innovative Cell To Body technology for safety and stability, and its ultra-safe blade battery technology for range, charging speed, and performance, all together in one vehicle. (Photo: Rory Daley)