Video Summary
The BYD Seal Lion 7, in Malaysia, is available in rear-wheel drive or performance variants. The long-range rear-wheel drive model has one electric motor. The performance model has two electric motors powering all four wheels. As a result, the performance model will do zero to 100 in about 4.5 seconds, while the rear-wheel drive will do it in about six. Both variants are powered by an 82-kilowatt LFP battery, and can accept DC charging up to 150 kilowatts, and AC charging up to 11 kilowatts. AC charging has been significantly improved for the Seal Lion 7. This means charging at home should take less time. The C-Lion is built as a C-segment Coupe SUV, so the roof line slopes dramatically. It has a sleek body, and its execution is considered a little iffy. The headlights are full LED with scrolling indicators, and a U-shaped daytime running light signature. Illuminated Perspex pieces appear beneath the projector headlights, making the car look distinctive at night. There is aerodynamic engineering for the front end, which minimizes aerodynamic drag.Differences between the rear-wheel drive and performance models are the rolling stock. This rear-wheel drive has 19-inch alloy wheels with Continental EcoContact 6 tires. The all-wheel drive, high-end models size up to 20 inches and get red painted brake calipers. Flush door handles retract into the body when the car is locked, improving aerodynamic drag. One likeability is not having frameless windows for this coupe-like look
There is a BYD design badge on the fender, which is considered unnecessary. One thing that could be removed is the unpainted cladding around the wheel arches.
The dramatically raked rear end, according to BYD, means the car doesn't need a rear wiper. Quite a lot of water gathers at the rear, so a rear wiper would be helpful. The spoiler channels air over the rear windscreen. There are full-width LED tail lights with scrolling indicators that now have a weird fade-out function, broadly similar to the Mazda heartbeat. When you lock and unlock the car, the lights have a bit of an animation, which is good. The tailgate is very clean in terms of surfacing, but not in terms of badging. It has a massive BYD badge, BYD Seal Lion 7, and EV, which is too much. The number plate lives lower down and there is a diffuser bash plate thing, which demarks the car as an SUV.
Behind the tailgate is a good amount of space. Despite this being a rear-wheel drive car with a motor back there, the overall load height is pretty good. The floor can be adjusted in two heights. You can minimize the load lip, or maximize verticality. Three pockets are located behind the rear seats, along with USB ports. A 12-volt socket is absent. The reviewer sat in the rear and notes that there is plenty of leg room.
The electrically adjustable AC vents are now manual. The cabin is well-appointed, feels lush, and the real leather seats have plenty of adjustment, to include lumber support. Steering wheel is adjustable as well with a large range of motion. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are supported. Also supported is an full color heads-up display. ADAS functions are well-polished. There are lane centering assist, radar for blind spot detection, etc.
Energy efficiency is a concern. On assignment, driving up to the border, averaging 24 to 25 kilowatts to the hundred. When driving in town, energy efficiency went way up. Ultimately, this is not a driver's car; that distinction goes to the Mazda CX8.
At under 200,000 Ringgit for the real-wheel drive model, the Seal Lion 7 is a pretty solid package. It is not a driver's car, and this is by design. This is designed as a luxurious, comfortable family car, or executive shuttle.
