The Sealion 7 has become a very common sight on our roads. I have seen it at events, sat in it during other drives, and heard plenty of opinions from owners and fellow journalists. What I had not done until this point was spend proper time behind the wheel of the Cat A version (shocking, I know).
This one is the Dynamic, the entry point into the range. On paper, it gives away power to the higher variants, but it promises to keep most of the design, space and equipment that people like about the car. The big question is whether that formula works in daily Singapore driving.
Design that really stands out
The Sealion 7 is effectively the coupe SUV interpretation of the Seal, and that is a good place to start. It is sleek, modern and carries a strong presence.
The front end is sharp, with clean diagonal lines and a purposeful look. From the side, the tapering roof gives it a sporty profile, while the full-width rear light bar adds width and visual drama at night.
It looks like a premium product, and it does not feel out of place in a more expensive company.
What it really feels like
To qualify for Cat A, the Dynamic produces 134 bhp, while torque remains a healthy 380 Nm. Around town, that torque is what you notice most.
Throttle response is immediate, the car steps off the line eagerly, and in urban traffic, it feels more than adequate. In fact, at lower speeds, it will still feel quicker than many combustion cars.
At higher speeds, particularly when you want to overtake quickly, the limitations become apparent. With passengers on board or on an incline, you may find yourself wanting more. That said, those situations make up only a small part of how most drivers here use their cars day to day.
For typical commutes and city duties, the drivetrain does the job comfortably.
Real-world usability
The Dynamic uses a 71.8kWh battery, and in everyday use, a figure close to 400km is realistic. That is reassuringly near the official claim and makes weekly ownership straightforward.
Charging becomes routine rather than something you constantly think about.
You are not missing much.
One of the most pleasant surprises is how well equipped the Dynamic remains.
You still get wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a powerful wireless charger, ventilated front seats and the full suite of driver assistance systems, including adaptive cruise control with lane centring.
The differences versus the Premium are fairly specific. There is no head-up display, the driver’s seat loses memory and lumbar adjustment, the audio system is not the branded Dynaudio unit, and the upholstery is vegan leather rather than Nappa.
The vegan leather feels soft and upmarket, and the standard sound system performs perfectly well for everyday listening. After living with the car, it is clear that the essentials are all still here.
Physical air vents are another highlight. They are simple, intuitive and easy to adjust on the move.
Comfort and composure
Ride quality is well judged. The suspension handles uneven surfaces confidently, and the car remains stable and predictable through corners.
You are always aware that this is a sizeable SUV, but it never feels unwieldy. It is easy to place on the road and inspires confidence quickly, even if you are new to it.
The range at a glance
- Dynamic 71.8kWh (Cat A)
5.3 km per kWh • 134bhp • single speed - Premium 82.5kWh (Cat B)
5 km per kWh • 308bhp • single speed - Performance 82.5kWh (Cat B)
4.7 km per kWh • 523bhp • single speed
There is a noticeable jump in performance as you move up the ladder. The key consideration is how much of that extra capability you will genuinely use.
Final thoughts
Even in this more modest specification, the Sealion 7 is a very complete package. It looks good, feels solid, comes generously equipped and delivers the kind of smooth, effortless drive that makes EV ownership appealing.
Yes, more power would always be welcome, and the higher variants will naturally feel stronger on the highway. For many drivers in Singapore, however, the Dynamic already covers the majority of real-world needs.
It is easy to see why it has become such a popular choice.
Technical Specifications
BYD Sealion 7 Dynamic
Powertrain: Single Electric Motor, Front Wheel Drive
Power: 134 bhp
Torque: 380 Nm
Gearbox: Single-Speed (A)
0-100km/h: 11.8 Seconds
Battery Capacity: 71.8 kWh
Drive Range: 405 km (claimed)
Energy Consumption: 5.3 km/kWh (claimed)
Price: S$196,888 with COE (accurate at the time of this article)
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