BYD Sealion 7 EV officially unveiled at Paris Auto Show

16 October 2024

The Paris Auto Show is always a hotbed of automotive innovation, and this year, BYD, the Chinese EV giant, chose the City of Lights for the European launch of its Sealion 7 EV. The SUV, previously known as the Sealion 07 in China, should help BYD expand its footprint in the European electric vehicle market.

BYD's presence at the Paris Auto Show has expanded rapidly. Just two years ago, it debuted at the event with three models. Now, the company has a lineup of eight vehicles available in Europe in its booth, offering a clear indication of the progress of its aggressive expansion strategy. The Sealion 7 is the next step in this strategy, offering European consumers a compelling option in the popular SUV segment.

The Sealion 7 is the first model built on BYD's e-Platform 3.0 Evo. It promises improved efficiency and performance, thanks in part to a "12-in-1" electric drive system. While BYD hasn't released detailed specifications for the European version, the Chinese model offers two battery options: 72 kWh and 81 kWh, with the larger battery providing a CLTC range of 379 miles. Fast charging goes up to 230 kW.

The interior features a minimalist aesthetic, with a large 15.6-inch rotating touchscreen dominating the center console. Premium materials like Nappa leather on the seats add a touch of luxury. The Sealion 7's dimensions are 190.2 inches long, 75.8 inches wide, and 63.8 inches tall, making it comparable in size to the Tesla Model Y.

BYD also displayed the U8, a rugged off-road SUV from its luxury sub-brand Yangwang, and the BYD Seal sedan, both making their French debut. Other models on display included the Dolphin, Atto 3, and Seal U.

BYD's rapid expansion in Europe is part of a larger global strategy, its cars are now available in 95 countries and regions worldwide and in September 2024, BYD sold 419,426 NEVs, a 45.91% increase year-on-year. Overseas sales contributed 33,012 of those, and saw a 17.74% increase from the previous year.

The Sealion 7 is expected to hit European roads by the end of this year. While European pricing hasn't been officially announced, the starting price in China is RMB 189,800 (approximately $26,670).

Via