BYD Sealion 7 Premium 2026: the electric SUV that takes on the Tesla Model Y

BYD Sealion 7 Premium: the Chinese SUV that knocks out the Tesla Model Y

The BYD Sealion 7 Premium is an electric SUV that surprises with its quality and performance. Picture this: a year ago, in February 2025, I had a drive in a BYD Sealion 7 Performance. Impressive, I thought, then I forgot about it like an old slipper. Meanwhile, this Chinese electric beast was storming the sales charts. In Poland it is not yet king of the road like the Tesla Model Y, but according to IBRM Samar data, BYD models gained a sizeable fan base in 2025, outpacing more than a few boring European offerings.

I could not leave it at that. I took the Sealion 7 Premium for a week and… well, hats off. This is not some cheap toy from AliExpress – it is a solid mid-size SUV that, for just under 240,000 PLN at list price (and with discounts even below 220,000 PLN), gives the Tesla Model Y – which starts at 215,000 PLN – a real run for its money. The Chinese do not skimp on equipment – it is like buying a Rolls-Royce at Skoda money.

Price and equipment: no penalty for saving

The Sealion 7 Premium is the entry into the range – 239,900 PLN gross according to dealer price lists. The Performance, with two motors and 390 kW, jumps to around 280,000 PLN. But why that crazy power when the Premium with its rear-mounted 230 kW and 380 Nm motor feels like a cheetah on steroids? 0-100 km/h in 6.7 seconds – faster than my old 1980s tractor.

The 91.3 kWh Blade battery (according to European market specifications) delivers a 502 km WLTP range. Better than the Performance (456 km), because less power means fewer losses. AC charging at 11 kW, DC up to 150-230 kW depending on version – 10 to 80% in 24 minutes for top variants. V2L? Of course – you can plug in a small grill at a picnic.

Equipment? LEDs everywhere, 19-inch alloys, a huge panoramic glass roof with sunshade, leather seats with heating and ventilation. A 15.6-inch screen with CarPlay and Android Auto, a 10.25-inch digital cockpit, 12-speaker audio. Safety? Five Euro NCAP stars, nine airbags. The only thing missing is a piano in the boot.

Space and comfort: business class for the kids

Length 4.83 m, width 1.92 m, height 1.62 m, wheelbase of almost 3 m. Inside? Space like in a Gothic cathedral. In the back, even at one metre eighty with a hat on, I sit like a lord. Kids? They think it is a private jet. Boot 500 l + 58 l frunk – more than the Mazda CX-5, which offers 438 l and pretends to be premium.

Details? Continental tyres, retractable door handles with the BYD logo, illuminated charging port. This is not Chinese kitsch – it is a thoughtfully engineered product that puts European manufacturers to shame.

On the road: solid as a British oak

As a driver? It is not a McLaren, but for the city and the motorway – ideal. Power delivery is smooth, the cabin is quiet, the suspension swallows potholes like a sponge soaks up water. The steering is precise, the ride is comfortable. Not for drift fans, but for normal people – brilliant.

Downsides? The infotainment is a bit like an old Windows – too much touching, too few buttons. DC charging is not the fastest by today's standards. The range is good, but rivals like the new Hyundai Ioniq 5 or Kia EV6 are nipping at its heels.

Competition in Poland? The Tesla Model Y RWD from 215,000 PLN, but with a smaller battery. The Skoda Enyaq and VW ID.4 – pricier and duller. The Sealion 7 is a fresh breeze from Asia.

Bombshell verdict: buy the Premium, don't be sold on the Performance

Performance? Only if you have too much money and a complex. The Premium is the sweet spot: range, equipment, price. Rating: 4.5/5. It is the most underrated EV in Poland in 2026. Some say it is the future of motoring. I say it is already the present. And on that bombshell… go and buy one before prices go up!

FAQ (Frequently asked questions)

❓ How much does the BYD Sealion 7 Premium cost in Poland in 2026?

The list price of the BYD Sealion 7 Premium is 239,900 PLN gross. At dealer showrooms, however, discounts can be negotiated that bring the final price below 220,000 PLN. The Performance version with 4×4 drive costs around 280,000 PLN. That is still less than comparable European models with similar equipment.

❓ What is the real-world range of the BYD Sealion 7 Premium?

The official range under WLTP is 502 kilometres on a single charge of the 91.3 kWh Blade battery. In practice, with normal city and highway driving, you can comfortably count on 420-450 km. In winter this drops to around 350-380 km, which still beats many competing electric cars in this price segment.

❓ How fast does the BYD Sealion 7 charge?

AC charging is done at up to 11 kW – a full charge at home takes about 8-9 hours. At DC fast-charging stations, the BYD Sealion 7 accepts up to 150-230 kW depending on the version. Charging the battery from 10% to 80% takes about 24-30 minutes in optimal conditions. It is not a world record, but it is more than enough for daily use.

❓ Is the BYD Sealion 7 better than the Tesla Model Y?

It depends on priorities. The Tesla Model Y RWD starts at 215,000 PLN, but has a smaller battery and more basic standard equipment. The BYD Sealion 7 Premium at 239,900 PLN offers a bigger battery (91.3 kWh vs around 60 kWh in the base Tesla), a longer range (502 km vs around 455 km) and significantly richer standard equipment – leather seats, ventilation, a panoramic roof and a better audio system. If value for money matters, the Chinese SUV wins. If you prefer the Supercharger network and the Tesla badge, the choice is obvious.