I drive the Chinese version of BYD Sealion 7 in Europe. Why is BYD so successful?

News about BYD competing with Tesla and even outpacing it in electric cars sold or in revenue are often these days. And BYD seems to be launching so many electric models, that it got us all confused regarding to which is what, and what is the actual hierarchy of its models.

And one of the newest of BYD models for overseas markets is the Sealion 7. A 4.83 meters SUV which is said to compete with Tesla Model Y, and that car has been until recently the number 1 in Europe in sales. So, this BYD must have everything put in it to compete in that segment.

Is it really good? If yes, what makes it good?

Since the market launch in Europe is expected to happen in most countries at the end of 2024 - beginning of 2025, these cars are not really yet out there for testing in Europe. What I’ve got here is a Chinese version, tested in Moldova, an European country, but still outside of EU, before market launch.

00:00 - Why is it so intriguing to test a BYD now, especially a Sealion 7?
01:00 - Why I drive a Chinese version in Europe, with few differences
02:03 - Design, silhouette and what's the secret
02:58 - Getting inside and exploring the interior
06:17 - Checking the space for rear passengers, trunk and checking if there is a frunk
07:16 - Specs and engineering secrets
08:53 - Driving the BYD Sealion 7 on bad, bumpy roads
09:34 - Driving on normal roads and checking sportiness
11:12 - Waking up at 5 AM and trying to precondition the battery at 1°C before going to a charger
15:28 - Climate control issue with the degrees needed to be set
16:12 - Getting to the fast charger and trying to charge via GBT port
17:21 - Final thoughts and conclusion

I am living in Thailand, owning a BYD Dolphin and I am very impressed of the quality after 15 months (36, 000 km). I already looked at the Sealion 7 and the interior looks extremely high quality.

[Codeplex-ID]

Why does this remind me of Gru explaining his new high-tech vehicle to minions

[stanleytolle]

Do the seats fold down flat so you can camp in the car? Something done a lot where I live.

[LeetCobra]

I have driven the eu version in Norway 2 times on test drive. And waiting to get the car i bougt in indigo grey in the end of januar or start og februar.

atm i belive the pre-heating of battery are only possible to start from the phone app for some reason.

[honesty_-nohe]

Charging from 53% SOC is a fools errand.

[ioncicc]

De ce nu mai postati in romana? Ma refer in special test-drive-uri de le pa.md inainte erau 2-3 test drive pe luna, acum 1-2 pe an…

[billakis]

Nice exterior, interior not that nice. The car overall is ok

[chriztof]

There is no preconditionnent on BYD Seal; seallion...
And dont know why this choice..?? dont LFP need this ..?

[stanleytolle]

It seems to me the touch screen is a real driving hazard. Need to be able to operate everything without looking at it. Touch screen needs to shut off when ever the car is in drive. In China the touch screens are causing a massive number of accidents.

[Whitecubes-xx]

Its probably the software update and connect it to internet and try to download the map.

[elzorab]

Ai pus un solo de baterie tare enervant și extrem de puternic, dacă dau volumul mai mic nu te mai aud pe tine.

[randallsmith]

You would be making a big mistake in the purchase of this make. Quality, who knows. No track record. Dealer network? Parts availability? Warranty enforcement ? Crash test?

[MohamedBoubaker-lx]

You need to prepare your video content before start recording