Reaching the 10,000-kilometer milestone is always a significant point for car owners. After 4 months with my BYD Sealion 7, I wanted to share an honest, detailed review covering reliability, driving experience, software, and more. Whether you’re an owner, a prospective buyer comparing it against competitors like the Tesla Model Y or Xpeng G6, or simply curious about EV ownership, this review is for you.
Reliability & Repairs
Let’s start with the most critical aspect: reliability. Over these initial 10,000 kilometers, my BYD Sealion 7 has required absolutely no repairs. The car has performed flawlessly without any mechanical or electrical hiccups, offering peace of mind for those considering a new EV brand.
Driving Experience
The driving experience with the Sealion 7 has been comfortably uneventful. While that might sound negative, it’s actually exactly what you’d want from a family SUV—predictable and stress-free. However, it’s important to mention two things clearly:
- Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC): Functions perfectly, maintaining speed and distance reliably.
- Intelligent Cruise Control (ICC): Far from perfect and not confidently usable yet. More details about ICC issues are available in my dedicated video.
Phantom Braking & Parking Challenges
Earlier, I experienced phantom braking occasionally, but after adjusting my driving habits and disabling certain aggressive notifications, these instances ceased entirely.
One peculiar issue arises occasionally during parking—sometimes the gear feels engaged in reverse but remains in drive. This can be confusing, and it’s something to watch out for when maneuvering in tight spaces.
Noise Levels: Wind vs. Road
Contrary to many third-party reviews, wind noise in the Sealion 7 isn’t significant from my experience. Road noise from tires, however, is noticeably louder. The car’s highly sprung suspension also contributes to vibrations and increased road feedback, particularly on uneven surfaces.
Suspension and Body Roll
As a family-oriented SUV, some body roll is present, especially during aggressive turns or over bumps at higher speeds. This is typical for an SUV of its stature and comfort-oriented suspension. Some owners have mitigated this by installing aftermarket suspension upgrades.
Charging & Battery Performance
Charging, both at home and publicly in Singapore and Malaysia, has been convenient and trouble-free. There was only one instance of a faulty AC charger during a trip to Malaysia. Additionally, it’s normal for the battery cooling fan to run during charging, which may heat up the cabin slightly.
Energy Efficiency
My real-world energy consumption closely matches BYD’s stated 15.5–17 kWh/100 km range. Specifically, my average city and occasional highway driving averages around 15.4–15.5 kWh/100 km, demonstrating good efficiency for daily commuting.
Interior Quality
The interior has held up remarkably well, even with frequent family use. However, the all-black interior does attract dust and dirt, requiring regular cleaning to maintain its appearance.
Exterior & Maintenance
Interestingly, I’ve noticed my Atlantis Grey Sealion 7 attracting more bird droppings than previous cars. While research suggests certain car colors may attract birds more, I’d be curious if other owners have similar experiences.
Additionally, the unique windshield washer design—spraying water directly from the wiper blades—uses less water, making it less effective at cleaning stubborn debris. Increasing detergent concentration in washer fluid has slightly improved cleaning effectiveness.
Reverse Camera and Visibility
The wide-angle reverse camera, while providing excellent overall visibility, makes objects appear farther away than they are, requiring extra care when parking in tight spots.
Tire Wear
At 10,000 kilometers, my tires measure about 5mm at the front and slightly less (4.5mm) at the rear. Contrary to concerns about accelerated tire wear due to the vehicle’s weight, tire degradation appears consistent with typical usage.
Software Updates & Customization
Software remains a point of mixed feelings. Currently stuck on version 2412, while others have already received version 25503, highlights BYD’s inconsistent OTA rollout strategy. However, the Android-based infotainment system’s flexibility to customize and install third-party apps significantly enhances user experience, providing an advantage over more restricted competitors.
Final Thoughts: Do I Regret My Purchase?
Absolutely not. Every car has quirks, but the BYD Sealion 7’s overall performance, reliability, and everyday usability have exceeded expectations. Despite minor annoyances, the positives far outweigh the negatives.
For transparency, I am not affiliated with or compensated by BYD. My insights are purely based on personal experience, intended to provide genuine and unbiased guidance for potential buyers.
Thanks for joining me on this journey. Here’s to many more kilometers ahead!
Do check out the review video if you want to know more.