4 hours ago
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A cheaper version of the BYD Sealion 7 electric SUV isn't in the plan, as current Premium and Performance versions knock on the door of Tesla's Model Y in sales.
Electric Cars
Demand for the BYD Sealion 7 electric SUV has surpassed the company’s expectations, such that there are no plans for a more affordable version to expand its appeal.
The Sealion 7 has risen to comfortably become Australia’s second-best-selling electric vehicle, reporting 4468 registrations so far this year – behind only the Tesla Model Y (5897).
"Yeah, I think that's probably fair to say," BYD Australia chief operating officer Stephen Collins told Drive, when asked if the Sealion 7 has surpassed expectations.
"What we'll deliver over the next couple of months is going to be pretty amazing, I think.
"It's been really strong. Probably a bit stronger than what we thought, yeah."
The end of Fringe Benefits Tax (FBT) exemptions on plug-in hybrids – not fully-electric cars – has helped the Sealion 7 rank as BYD’s most popular model in 2026, bumping the hybrid Shark 6 ute to second on 3480 sales.
The Sealion 7 range starts from $54,990 plus on-road costs, about $3000 dearer than a Zeekr 7X and $4000 more than a Tesla Model Y, but closer to $10,000 more than the slightly smaller but still-popular Geely EX5.
It did not eventuate, with Collins telling Drive in recent days there is "not really" a need for a Sealion 7 Dynamic to join the range.
"We're really happy with Sealion 7. Yeah, no plans to change at this point," he said.
In China, the 71.8kWh battery is paired with a 170kW/310Nm electric motor for a 189,800 yuan (AD$39,500) price – compared to 199,800 yuan (AUD$41,600) for the long-range version above it.
If introduced in Australia at about $50,000 before on-road costs, it risks stepping on the toes of the smaller Atto 3, which is expected to rise in price from $44,990 plus on-roads for today's Premium grade late this year, as part of an 'Evo' model update.
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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
