Review: BYD Sealion 7 Performance - The RM200k EV that brings power, tech & value to Malaysia

Before we dive into the details, let's clear the air—the BYD Sealion 7 Performance isn't here to convince every sceptic. If electric vehicles still don't spark joy for you or if brand prestige remains non-negotiable, that’s perfectly understandable. 

This review isn't about changing minds; it's about exploring possibilities. However, if you're genuinely intrigued by cutting-edge tech, real-world driving thrills, and extracting every ounce of value from your hard-earned ringgit, then buckle up—this is your kind of ride.

Meet the BYD Sealion 7 Performance AWD, BYD’s flagship electric SUV here in Malaysia, squarely aiming at heavy hitters like the Tesla Model Y, Hyundai Ioniq 5, and even newcomers like the Xpeng G6. 

Priced between RM183,800 and RM199,800, the BYD Sealion 7 brings together bold design, strong performance, generous space, and modern tech into one impressive package.

It’s offered in two variants: Premium and Performance. The Premium is rear-wheel drive with 313 PS, while the Performance delivers 530 PS through an all-wheel-drive setup.

Wondering how to spot the Performance model? Just look out for the “4.5secs” badge on the back and those red brake calipers—that’s your giveaway.

Regardless of variant, both are styled to look sleek, modern, and confident—and truth be told, BYD nailed the execution.

At first glance, the Sealion 7 gives off a sleek, confident vibe. Its aerodynamic shape, strong stance, and thoughtful detailing don’t shout for attention—they just naturally draw your eye. This isn’t some far-off concept car made real; it’s a stylish, modern SUV that fits right into the rhythm of Malaysian city life.

Designed by ex-Audi designer Wolfgang Egger, the Sealion 7 has a clean, athletic look that’s both futuristic and grounded. The bold X-shaped front gives it real presence, while the low-slung body and flowing lines—BYD says they’re inspired by the ocean—add a sense of motion, even when it’s parked.

Around the back, the slim tail lights feature what BYD calls a ‘water drop’ design. They’re sharp, elegant, and give the rear a high-tech finish. It’s sporty, eye-catching, and still practical enough to be your daily ride.

But style, although captivating, is merely the beginning. Performance, as clearly indicated by the badge, is where the real excitement lies. Underneath its streamlined exterior lies a potent drivetrain producing 530 PS and 690 Nm of torque, distributed effortlessly through an advanced all-wheel-drive system. 

Achieving 0 to 100 km/h in just 4.5 seconds is impressive, but it’s the effortless, whisper-quiet yet exhilarating acceleration that truly stands out. Cornering remains remarkably flat, steering precise, and even the notoriously slippery Malaysian highways during monsoon rains feel confidently manageable.

However, sporty performance usually entails compromise—here, the trade-off manifests as a slightly firmer ride compared to comfort-oriented rivals like the Honda CR-V or Toyota Harrier.

The ride isn’t harsh but provides a subtle firmness and responsiveness geared towards enthusiastic driving. If ultimate softness is your priority, a test drive is advisable to see if this suits your tastes.

When it comes to everyday usability, the Sealion 7 adeptly finds its balance. City driving is smooth, refined, and whisper-quiet, with impressively controlled road and wind noise even at higher speeds. 

On highways, the SUV delivers a stable, composed experience, making longer journeys a pleasant affair. One small caveat: regenerative braking adds noticeable resistance during cruising, especially at higher settings, so sticking to the standard mode ensures a more natural driving experience.

Range anxiety remains a common concern for Malaysian EV drivers, and realistically, the Sealion 7 offers around 400 to 420 km per full charge under typical local driving conditions, although officially rated up to 542 km (NEDC).

This real-world range comfortably covers KL commutes, weekend drives to popular destinations like Genting or Melaka, and even interstate journeys to Penang or Johor.

Charging convenience is a significant strength here, with 11 kW AC home charging capability. This feature is crucial as it allows a comfortable full recharge overnight in around 8 to 9 hours, making the vehicle ready each morning.

Surprisingly, approximately 30% to 40% of EV models available in Malaysia still rely on slower 6 to 7 kW AC charging, highlighting the Sealion 7’s forward-thinking approach. Its no 22kW like flagship BMW and smart electric vehicles, but it’s good enough.

When venturing farther, the 150 kW DC fast-charging support proves invaluable, delivering a 10% to 80% battery top-up in about half an hour.

With Malaysia's rapidly expanding fast-charging network, particularly in urban centres and along highways, extended road trips have become increasingly hassle-free—though careful route planning remains advisable for rural adventures.

Step inside, and the Sealion 7’s cabin makes a strong first impression. Taking centre stage is a massive 15.6-inch rotating infotainment screen that can flip between portrait mode—great for maps—and landscape mode for your music and videos.

Or at least, that’s the idea. In reality, if you’re using wireless Android Auto or Apple CarPlay (which most people will), the screen stays locked in landscape mode since those platforms don’t support portrait orientation.

Still, the rest of the cabin delivers where it counts. A rich-sounding 12-speaker Dynaudio sound system comes standard, along with ventilated Nappa leather seats and a panoramic sunroof. No need to shell out extra for add-ons—it’s all included.

We really liked where they placed the 50W wireless phone charger—right under the centre air vents. It’s a smart move, because the cool air from the vents helps keep your phone from overheating while it’s charging.

BYD even added a small dedicated vent at the base of the charger for extra airflow, which is a neat touch. The placement also feels intuitive—you just drop your phone in and go. No fiddling, no awkward angles.

Among the BYD lineup currently available in Malaysia—like the Dolphin, Atto 3, and Seal—the Sealion 7 clearly has the most refined and premium-feeling interior. Materials, layout, and overall execution suggest BYD’s earnest move into premium territory. 

Although not quite at the level of European luxury brands like Mercedes, Audi or BMW, the quality versus cost ratio remains remarkable. A minor oddity is the door latch, which protrudes slightly and doesn't quite match the otherwise polished cabin feel.

Practicality is another strength. With ample legroom, a flat rear floor, and 500 litres of boot space—expandable further with rear seats folded—the Sealion 7 comfortably accommodates family life and adventure gear alike. 

Safety features are comprehensive, including nine airbags, Level 2 ADAS systems such as adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, rear cross-traffic alert, and more. Importantly, driver assistance settings remain consistent between journeys, eliminating repetitive adjustments each time you start the car.

If you're cross-shopping, comparisons with rivals like the Tesla Model Y, Xpeng G6, and Hyundai Ioniq 5 are inevitable. Tesla offers excellent software integration but lacks Android Auto and Apple CarPlay and rides notably firmer.

The Xpeng G6 emphasises technology but is still establishing its presence locally. Hyundai’s Ioniq 5 prioritises comfort above outright sportiness, which may appeal to some buyers more than others.

At approximately RM200,000, the Sealion 7 Performance offers flagship-level acceleration comparable to vehicles like the explosive Volvo EX30 Ultra Twin Performance but in a significantly more spacious package, all while undercutting the Volvo by around RM30,000.

It’s a compelling value proposition, making premium-level performance accessible without an exorbitant price tag.

Ultimately, the BYD Sealion 7 Performance isn't merely following market trends—it confidently pushes boundaries forward, blending advanced technology, genuine practicality, and thrilling performance. If you’re seeking a forward-thinking SUV that delivers far beyond mere badge prestige, this could very well be your next vehicle.