BYD SEALION 7 A CHALLENGER WITH TEETH

BYD's bold new EV SUV takes aim at premium rivals with power, tech, and presence

- Words By: Sohil Nikam

While Tesla is only just getting its act together for the Indian market, its fiercest global rival, BYD, has already settled in and set up camp. The Chinese electric powerhouse is already a few cars deep in India. Framed globally as a competitor to the Tesla Model Y, the Sealion 7 enters a segment in India where only a few set foot. It’s gunning to compete with names like the Hyundai Ioniq 5, Kia EV6, and BMW's iX1. Ambitious? Certainly. But is it up to the challenge?

STRIKING A DIFFERENT CHORD

BYD has never really played by the conservative rulebook, and the Sealion 7 is further proof. It's styled with intent, which is visible on its aggressive DRLs, tightly sculpted LED headlamps, and a sloping coupe-like silhouette that screams “look at me.” At nearly 4.8 metres in length, it stands just above the Hyundai Tucson in size but feels far sleeker in person. The stance is bold, and depending on the variant you pick - Premium or Performance - you get a choice of either 19 or 20-inch aero-optimised wheels. Thankfully, it doesn’t sit too low like some EVs trying too hard to be futuristic.