As sales soar in China, BYD is taking its business overseas as it looks to keep its record growth alive. BYD recently launched its new mid-size electric SUV, the Sealion 07, in another European market. Can BYD's new electric SUV compete with Tesla's best-selling Model Y?
BYD Sealion 07 arrives in another European market
BYD's new electric SUV has been a hit after making its European debut at the Paris Auto Show last month.
The Sealion 07 is “more than just an SUV,” according to BYD's chief designer, Wolfgang Egger, “it's a lifestyle statement.” Egger knows a thing or two about European design as a former chief designer for iconic brands like Audi and Lamborghini.
After launching the new Sealion 07 in other European markets earlier this month, BYD's electric SUV is now headed to Norway.
BYD's Sealion 07 EV is now available to order in Norway, starting at around $42,200 (NOK 469,900). The new model is only available in Excellence trim as of now.
Powered by a 91.3 kWh BYD Blade battery, the EV SUV offers a range of up to 312 miles (502 km) WLTP. It also delivers 530 hp at 0 to 62 mph (0 to 100 km/h) in 4.5 seconds.
You can see Egger's influence with the “Ocean Aesthetics” exterior design. The interior has a 15.6″ rotating touchscreen and a 10.25″ driver display. It is also loaded with DiPilot 100 “Eye of God” ADAS. The system includes 12 ultrasonic radars, five mm-wave radars, and 11 cameras for advanced driver assistance features.
Expanding BYD's reach in Europe
With DC fast charging of up to 230 kW, the EV can charge (10% to 80%) in 24 minutes to get you back on the road.
BYD's new Sealion 07 “knows how to make every journey easier. It can carry up to 1,789 L of cargo (rear seats folded down) and tow up to 3,300 lbs (1,500 kg), plenty for a small boat or trailer.
The electric SUV was first introduced in China in May as the Sea Lion 7, starting at around $26,000 (189,900 yuan). BYD's base Standard Range model offers a range of up to 341 miles (550 km) on CLTC in China. The Long Range trim, which starts at $27,600 (199,800 yuan), goes up to 379 miles (610 km) of CLTC range.
With a length of 4,830 mm, a width of 1,925 mm, and a height of 1,620 mm, BYD's new electric SUV is often compared to the Tesla Model Y (4,760 mm length, 1,921 mm width, and 1,624 mm height).
| BYD Sea Lion 07 is cut in China | The original price | Grade (CLTC) |
| 550 Standard | 189,800 yuan ($26,250) | 550 km (341 miles) |
| 610 Long Distance | 199,800 yuan ($27,625) | 610 km (379 miles) |
| 610 Smart | 219,800 yuan ($30,389) | 610 km (379 miles) |
| 550 4WD Smart Navigation | 239,800 yuan ($33,154) | 550 km (341 miles) |
According to the data from Norwegian Council for Road Safety (OFV), Tesla's Model Y is the best-selling EV in the country through October, with nearly 13,500 units sold. The Volvo EX30 (6,215), Volkswagen ID.4 (5,789), Tesla Model 3 (5,433), and Toyota bZ4X (5,372) rounded out the top five for the first ten months of 2024.
The Sealion 07 is BYD's eighth vehicle to launch in Europe, joining the popular Dolphin, Seal, Seal U, and Atto 3 models.
BYD's senior vice president, Stella Li, said the new mid-size electric SUV “shows how BYD responds to customers' needs and preferences.” Li believes it will “expand” BYD's reach in Europe.
According to the data from CnEPPostBYD sold 19,232 Sealion series models in October alone, up 65% from September.
European deliveries are scheduled to begin in 2025. Can BYD's new electric SUV compete with Tesla's Model Y or the Volvo EX30? Let us know what you think in the comments below.
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