Plug-in hybrids (PHEVs) may have been responsible for BYD’s stratospheric rise in the Philippines, but that doesn’t mean that they’re abandoning their pure electric vehicle offerings. Just teased for a local release is the BYD Sealion 7—a fastback-style performance SUV that has the Tesla Model Y and Toyota bZ4X in its sights.
Pointing to a launch (or at least a preview) at the Manila International Auto Show from April 9 to 12, the Sealion 7’s teaser page is now live on BYD Cars Philippines’ official website.
The Sealion 7 is designed by Wolfgang Egger, the former Audi and Lamborghini head designer who’s now BYD’s head designer. Marrying the brand’s ocean-inspired aesthetics with a sleek, aerodynamic fastback shape, it exudes elegance and performance. Inside, the cabin is said to be inspired by a sailboat and tries to capture movement, suspension, and volume.
It measures in at 4,830 mm in length, 1,925 mm in width, and 1,620 in height. Its wheelbase is at a generous 2,930 mm. As a BEV, the Sealion 7 has a 58-liter front truck to supplement its 500-liter conventional rear trunk.
Although no specs are available now, BYD did receive a Department of Energy certification a couple of months before for a solitary variant—the Sealion 7 AWD Performance. Based on their submitted numbers, it means having a combined 530 horsepower (390 kW) and 690 Nm of torque thanks to dual electric motors. 0 to 100 km/h is done in a scant 4.5 seconds, while top speed is set at 215 km/h.
As always, it packs BYD’s LFP blade battery. With a 82.56-kWh net size, it means a range of 456 kilometers (WLTP). Charging can be done at a maximum of 11 kW with an AC connection or 150 kW with a DC connection. It also comes with a V2L discharge adapter.
Controlling all that power, the Sealion 7 employs frequency selective dampers along with beefy brakes (ventilated and cross-drilled upfront and ventilated at the back) and 20-inch alloy wheels with 245/45R20 tires.
In terms of standard features, the locally certified variant of the Sealion 7 receives a 15.6-inch rotating center screen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, 12-speaker Dynaudio sound system, 10.25-inch LCD instrumentation, powered front seats with ventilation, and a full set of BYD’s advanced driver assistance systems called DiPilot.
As for pricing, expect the Sealion 7 to go head-to-head with the Tesla Model Y and the Toyota bZ4X. As such, BYD will likely undercut both of its dual motor, all-electric SUV rivals. It will probably come with a price tag somewhere in the region of P 2.4 to P 2.6 million.
Chinese vehicles lose their main advantage at ₱2M above: their price points.
ReplyDeleteWhere the hell is the Atto 2? The Dolphin is an outdated vehicle.
Ha? Then why is the Shark 6 and the Tang DM-i selling well even though their prices are above 2M?
DeleteApparently getting launched along with the Sealion 7 at MIAS.
DeleteI agree. Launching BEVs above the 2M Peso mark will not yield dividends for BYD and ACMobility. The somewhat lackluster sales of the Seal EV, Tang EV, and Han prove that. I feel those models are there just for the sake of having offerings to cover the market in their respective price points. BYD's strength lies in PHEVs (both Affordable and Premium) and Affordable BEVs. The Premium BEV segment is filled with fierce competition from the likes of Tesla, Hyundai, Kia, Zeekr, etc.
DeleteBYD sold very well when they pivoted to PHEVs. All things considered, EVs are much more niche here. But BYD's going to try. They were shocked at how competitive the Model 3's pricing ended up being that's why the Seal EV hasn't really sold that well.
DeleteUly, I've noticed that the sweet spot pricing for BEVs here in the Philippines is anything below 3M pesos. If a BEV is priced at 3M pesos and above, that BEV becomes a niche product. I say this because the Teslas are selling well here, their pricing is below 3M pesos. BYD on the other hand, yes they'll try to outsell the Tesla Model Y by pricing the Sealion 7 right. They may replicate what they did with the Seagull which is BYD Cars PH's best selling BEV (is also the first BYD BEV launched under ACMobility's BYD distributorship).
DeleteThe BYD Han and Tang EVs are heavily discounted, both can be had for below 3M, but they’re still not selling that many. The Seal RWD is priced a bit shy of 2M, same problem. I’m of the belief that BYD BEVs can’t sustainably command prices that high. BYD’s sweet spot for BEVs is in the sub-2M mark. The Sealion 7 may change that, but it remains to be seen, and I remain doubtful that will be the case. I believe the Sealion 8 PHEV will outsell the Sealion 7 EV once it launches, despite the Sealion 8 having a late lead and having similar to higher indicative pricing depending on the trim.
DeleteProblem with the Tang, Seal, and Han BEVs, they're not being aggressively marketed by BYD Cars Philippines themselves as they're being treated as niche products which is why even with discounts, they're not sell8ng that well.
DeleteI would rather get a TMY AWD at 2.7M if they price the SL7 AWD at 2.4-2.6M. At this price point, a small variance in price means little to nothing.
ReplyDeleteThe Tesla Model Y L Six-Seater at 100K more is also an interesting proposition.
DeleteWaiting for Atto 2 😘
ReplyDeleteYes please. Been wanting Atto 2 full EV
DeleteHow can this undercut Tesla if the Tesla Y base is at 2.369M? BYD should be cheaper by at least 400-500k for it to sell.
ReplyDelete