16 hours ago
12
The price of BYD's Tesla Model Y rival could limbo below $50,000, with a new, cheaper Dynamic grade approved for sale and under consideration for showrooms later this year.
Electric Cars
A more affordable Dynamic version of the 2025 BYD Sealion 7 electric SUV appears to be destined for Australian showrooms later this year, possibly priced from less than $50,000 before on-road costs.
BYD has filed to certify a new, third version of the Sealion 7 electric SUV for sale in Australia with the Federal Government, with a less powerful 170kW rear electric motor, down from the current, entry-level Premium's 230kW.
Combined with a lower quoted weight – 2160kg vs 2225kg – it points to a new entry-level 'Dynamic' version of the Tesla Model Y rival, with a smaller, circa-70kWh battery pack and shorter driving range.
A representative for BYD Australia told Drive an entry-level Sealion 7 is "under consideration for later this year," but it is yet to be locked in.
Prices are yet to be confirmed, but Premium and Performance versions of the Sealion 7 are $2000 dearer than equivalent BYD Seal electric sedans.
It suggests the Sealion 7 Dynamic could start from $48,990 plus on-road costs – up from the Seal Dynamic's $46,990 – undercutting the $54,990 plus on-road costs RRP of the current Sealion 7 Premium.
Such an RRP would place it in good stead against the cheaper but shorter-range and smaller Geely EX5 ($44,990), and similarly-sized but more expensive Tesla Model Y RWD ($58,900).
In China, entry-level Sealion 7 variants pair a 170kW/380Nm rear motor with a 71.8kWh lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery pack, rated for a 550km driving range based on Chinese CLTC testing.
It is the same figure quoted for the flagship all-wheel-drive model, which lists 456km in Australia under more stringent WLTP testing – albeit with a slightly larger battery (82.56kWh vs 80.64kWh) than its Chinese counterpart.
It would point to a WLTP-rated range of 440km to 450km for the Dynamic in Australia, not far off a standard-range Tesla Model Y RWD (466km, for $58,900 plus on-roads).
For context, the Seal Dynamic sedan uses a 61.44kWh battery and 150kW/310Nm rear motor for 460km of WLTP range.
This battery is not available in the Sealion 7 globally, however, and given the SUV's less aerodynamic shape, its fitment would likely cap the entry-level Model Y rival's claimed range at about 390km – or even less in the real world.
BYD claims DC fast charging at up to 180kW for the 71.8kWh battery in China, but history has shown that the company's models sold in export markets do not recharge as quickly as those offered at home.
The Seal Dynamic is limited to 110kW, while Premium and Performance versions of the Seal and Sealion 7 in Australia are capped at 150kW, provided the charger can support a voltage high enough.
The fastest-charging BYD sold in right-hand-drive markets is a Sealion 7 Excellence in Europe with a 91.3kWh battery, which can support up to 230kW DC.
This is not available in Australia, and there remains no timeframe for when it may go on sale locally, despite being offered in the UK.
If the 2025 BYD Sealion 7 Dynamic is given the green light for showrooms, expect to hear more details – including pricing – on the model-range addition later this year.
Electric Cars Guide
Alex Misoyannis has been writing about cars since 2017, when he started his own website, Redline. He contributed for Drive in 2018, before joining CarAdvice in 2019, becoming a regular contributing journalist within the news team in 2020. Cars have played a central role throughout Alex’s life, from flicking through car magazines at a young age, to growing up around performance vehicles in a car-loving family. Highly Commended - Young Writer of the Year 2024 (Under 30) Rising Star Journalist, 2024 Winner Scoop of The Year - 2024 Winner
