IS THIS A PIECE OF NORWAY? Chinese cars are waiting for their real breakthrough in Norway. The BYD Sealion 7 might be the car that makes the difference.
Photo: JON TERJE HELLGREN HANSEN
BYD Sealion 7 under 500:
“Tesla challenger” and “Tesla killer” are two of the auto industry’s most overused terms. But now … The BYD Sealion 7 is now in Norway with all the prerequisites to challenge Norway’s definitive best seller.
BYD importer RSA released the price of its new electric SUV on Tuesday:
A Tesla Model Y with all-wheel drive and WLTP range of 600 km now costs 483,000 NOK, plus winter wheels.
BYD Sealion 7 with 4WD and WLTP estimate of 502 km costs 469,000 NOK until the end of the year, then 499,900 NOK, plus delivery and winter wheels.
Chinese BYD has challenged Tesla’s position as the world’s largest electric car manufacturer, albeit with a significantly broader portfolio.
BYD is moving towards a position as the world’s fourth-largest car manufacturer, up from 49th place five years ago, but is still not among the top 10 in Norway.
This is the model that aims to change that position.
– We believe we can be the largest in Norway within three years, says RSA director Frank Dunvold, who sets a sold target of 6000 units by 2025.
COMING TO TAKE YOU: BYD has challenged Tesla globally, while Tesla still holds a significant advantage in Norway.” alt=”” loading=”lazy” style=””/>
COMING TO TAKE YOU: BYD has challenged Tesla globally, while Tesla still holds a significant advantage in Norway.
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More models coming
We have only taken a short test drive with the car in Oslo; too little to give any comprehensive assessment, but enough to determine that it is a notch above the six models BYD has previously sent on the road in Norway.
The spaciousness and range of the Model Y give the best seller an edge, at least among those who appreciate Tesla’s minimalism.
The Sealion 7 scores higher on acceleration, material quality, and noise, and for an increasing number, Xi and Musk are political burdens of roughly the same size.
If “Made in China” is still a hurdle in Norway, the Sealion 7 may be the best card yet to loosen the brakes. Built on the same platform as the Seal and Seal U, but refined with a new heat pump, better safety solutions, and a more powerful motor (the first BYD with over 23,000 rpm).
Additionally, at least one more compact segment model in BYD’s Ocean series is expected in 2025.
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Here are the latest news we have test-driven:
Charging time
The driving comfort in the Sealion 7 is enhanced by integrating the battery into the car’s chassis, contributing to making the car stiffer. At the same time, it is nimble enough, with an acceleration of 0–100 km/h in just under 4.5 seconds, surpassing most all-wheel drive cars in this price range.
BYD as a manufacturer is more or less self-sufficient when it comes to key components. The company was established as a battery manufacturer 30 years ago this year, and indeed, their battery technology may be their greatest competitive advantage.
They produce their own batteries, so-called blade technology (chemistry of LFP, lithium iron phosphate), which, by the way, Tesla purchases from BYD.
This car has a battery pack of 91.3 kWh (82.5 kWh net), which can be charged with a maximum power of 230 kW, with fast charging from 10 to 80 percent taking 24 minutes.
BYD has not provided consumption figures for the car, but the new heat pump is expected to provide good efficiency.
Comfortable seats
The noise level is interesting, aided by double glazing and with one of the better sound systems in its class. It has a 15.3-inch rotating infotainment screen, plus an informative driver display behind the steering wheel.
The seats are comfortable. The Excellence version, which is the only version available in Norway, comes with
The car comes with a 58-liter frunk and a luggage compartment of 520 liters, including the same well that Tesla has in its Y. It features a panoramic glass roof, can hold 75 kg on the roof, and can tow up to one and a half tons.
However, a tow hitch is not included, unlike in the Model Y.
Read all of Motor’s car tests:
What are the performance specifications of the BYD Sealion 7 compared to the Tesla Model Y?
Of 91.3 kWh gross and 82.5 kWh net capacity, allowing for a competitive range and performance.
The Sealion 7 features impressive specifications, making it an attractive alternative to established models like the Tesla Model Y. With a weight of 2440 kg, it combines this heft with acceleration capabilities that bring it from 0 to 100 km/h in just 4.5 seconds, and a top speed of 215 km/h—placing it firmly within the performance realm expected by enthusiasts.
Charging is efficiently handled, with a maximum charging power of 230 kW, allowing the vehicle to go from 10% to 80% charge in approximately 24 minutes. This reflects BYD’s commitment to ensuring their models are both practical and efficient for everyday use.
Dimensions of the Sealion 7 include a length of 4830 mm, width of 1925 mm, height of 1620 mm, and a wheelbase of 2930 mm, providing ample interior space for passengers. The cargo capacity is commendable too, with a total storage space of 520 liters, expandable to 1789 liters with the rear seats folded down, plus an additional 58 liters in the front trunk (frunk).
the BYD Sealion 7 is positioned as not just another electric vehicle, but as a formidable contender that combines range, efficiency, and performance. BYD’s ambitions of securing a larger market share in Norway signal an exciting chapter in the evolving landscape of electric vehicles, particularly as they aim to become the largest electric car manufacturer in the region within the next three years.