BYD Sealion 7 vs Tesla Model Y: Electric crossover duel
The Chinese crossover with up to 530 PS challenges Europe's best-selling electric car. We compare the two models.
The Tesla Model Y's new rival comes from China. Here is the BYD Sealion 7, a large crossover with interesting features in terms of both technology and powertrain. A real tough nut to crack for the American company, with BYD aiming to establish more and more roots in Europe and gradually erode the market share conquered by Tesla over the years.
All that remains, then, is to compare the two models and analyse every aspect of them.
Exterior
At 4.83 m long, the BYD is larger than the Model Y and demonstrates this with more imposing proportions, even to the eye. The lines are inspired by the ocean theme and inherit the styling shown on Seal and Seal U. Here, however, we find specific visual elements, such as an X-shaped front end, bulkier headlamp clusters and a rear end characterised by a horizontally developed light signature.
BYD Sealion 7, the new Chinese challenger
Tesla Model Y, the electric SUV to beat
At 4.75 m long, the Model Y now has a highly recognisable design, which will be restyled in 2025. The shapes are still aerodynamic, but there is the option of a sportier look if you opt for the Performance variant. The latter enhances the look with dedicated alloy wheels, red brake callipers and a carbon fibre spoiler.
| Model | Length | Width | Height | Wheelbase |
| BYD Sealion 7 | 4,83 m | 1.93 m | 1.67 m | 2.93 m |
| Tesla Model Y | 4.75 m | 1.92 m | 1.62 m | 2.90 m |
Interior
The Sealion 7 has an essential but nevertheless personal interior. The design of the dashboard picks up on the nautical theme, while the upholstery is quality, with leather and soft plastics. The large 15.6-inch swivel screen, which can be swivelled vertically and horizontally, and which is combined with the 10.25-inch instrument panel, is certainly eye-catching.
The luggage compartment is very usable, starting at 520 litres and reaching 1,789 litres by folding down the rear seats. To these are added the 58 litres of the frunk, the front compartment.
BYD Sealion 7, the interior
Tesla Model Y, the interior
The Tesla Model Y also focuses on minimalism with an interior featuring a large 15-inch touchscreen, the vehicle's true command centre. Through this screen it is possible to manage all the main functions, from infotainment to on-board comfort control, eliminating the need for traditional buttons.
Even the seats, available in elegant black or white, reflect the car's understated, modern design. Distinctive features include the fixed panoramic roof, which gives the interior a feeling of openness and brightness. The boot, with a basic capacity of 854 litres, offers generous and well-organised space, complemented by an additional 117 litres of frunk.
| Model | Digital instrumentation | Central monitor | Luggage compartment |
| BYD Sealion 7 | 10.25-inch | 15.6-inch | 520/1,789 litres + frunk 58 litres |
| Tesla Model Y | absent | 15-inch | 854/2,158 litres + frunk of 117 litres |
Motors
The Sealion 7 is available in three variants called Comfort, Design and Excellence. The Comfort has a 82.5 kWh battery pack and a 313 PS and rear-mounted electric motor for a range of 300 miles in the WLTP cycle. The Design, on the other hand, which also has the 82.5 kWh battery pack incorporates a twin electric motor (capable of developing all-wheel drive) with a total of 530 PS. In this case, the range is 283 miles. And at the top, the Excellence has a larger 91.3 kWh battery also outputting 530 PS for a range of 312 miles.
For the first two models, charging is up to 150 kW DC while the Excellence charges at 230 kW DC. There is 11 kW AC charging for all three.
Two versions for the BYD Sealion 7
The Tesla Model Y has four versions to choose from
In the UK the Tesla is offered in three versions: Long Range RWD, Long Range AWD and Performance AWD, with power outputs ranging from 347 PS to 514 PS, up to the 534 PS of the highest-performance variant. The latter is characterised by extraordinary acceleration, reaching 62 mph in just 3.7 seconds, and a top speed of 155 mph.
Range varies depending on the version chosen. The Long Range RWD, equipped with a 75 kWh battery, can travel up to 373 miles. The Long Range AWD, also with a 75 kWh battery, offer a range of 331 miles, while the Performance, with the same battery capacity, offers a range of 319 miles in the mixed cycle. The Tesla can be recharged up to 250 kW DC and 11 kW AC.
Both models use a heat pump that improves the car's efficiency when using air conditioning, even in cold temperatures.
| Model | Versions |
| BYD Sealion 7 |
82.5 kWh and 313 PS 91.3 kWh and 530 PS |
| Tesla Model Y |
50 kWh and 320 PS (not offered in UK) 75 kWh and 347 PS 75 kWh and 514 PS 75 kWh and 534 PS |
Prices
The Sealion 7 starts at £44,990 for the rear-wheel drive Comfort model, £49,290 for the mid-range Design trim and goes up to £57,290 for the Excellence with dual electric motors.
The prices of the Model Y start at £46,990 needed for the 347 PS RWD version and reach £59,990 for the Performance. In between, there is the Long Range AWD from £51,990.
| Model | Minimum price | Maximum price |
| BYD Sealion 7 | £44,990 | £57,290 |
| Tesla Model Y | £46,990 | £59,990 |
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