The future of Europe’s auto industry is a bit uncertain, but one thing is for sure: even with new tariffs, imports of Chinese EVs will continue. This could be the next big hit. It’s called BYD Sealion 7, and it was developed by China’s largest automaker and is directly targeted at the Tesla Model Y. On paper, it has all the electro-mechanical elements that an automaker looking to compete with Tesla could want, but when you zoom out a little bit, there’s an X-factor that resonates on an emotional level with consumers. The question arises as to whether there is. So let’s get down to business.
The 2024 Paris Motor Show won’t be the first time we’ll see this particular crossover, but it will be the first time we’ll see it in European trim. In fact, it has already been released in its home country of China as Sea Lion 07 and in Hong Kong as Sea Lion 7. This should clear up any questions you may have regarding pronunciation.
Inside the BYD Sealion 7 is a structurally integrated proprietary Blade battery pack with lithium iron phosphate chemistry. For Europe, it boasts a huge capacity of 91.6kWh, and although range estimates are not available yet, judging simply from the vehicle class and battery pack size, it will exceed 300 miles on a moderate WLTP cycle. It’s not surprising though. Admittedly, the specs for the European model are quite light, but the battery pack can be charged at 230 kW, and the top-spec all-wheel drive model is said to be able to run from 0 to 102 km/h in 4.5 seconds. It’s really fast.
In terms of technology, European buyers will be able to experience a rotatable 15.6-inch touchscreen infotainment system with suitably sophisticated software. Also, an actual digital gauge cluster in front of the driver adds landmarks to your battle with the Sirion 7. Tesla Model Y. Oh, and all Sealion 7 models come equipped with a heat pump, which improves both cool-weather range and interior comfort. Nice.
So far, so promising. A bit of a strange name aside, the BYD Sealion 7 seems to have the bones to take on established crossover EVs in the European market, such as the Tesla Model Y, Hyundai Ioniq 5, and Volkswagen ID.4. There’s only one thing that can get in the way. It’s the styling.
Let’s start with some small details that probably should have been cleaned up. But it’s already too late. Angular wheel arch trims clash with everything and require an angular character line around the arch trim, which creates its own problems. For example, the charging port door has a peculiar bend and doesn’t seem to fit into the quarter panel. Also, there is too much contact between the front door and front fender. Perhaps you could get it back by removing the unnecessary fender emblem and giving the character line more room, but if that emblem-like element detracts from the car’s appearance, why include it in the first place? mosquito? Still, if you remove these issues, it will actually look quite sharp.
What you should be aware of is the larger potential problem of how derivative your design is. Seaion 7 would make a great background vehicle for Grand Theft Auto 6, as it has familiar elements but definitely doesn’t violate intellectual property laws by being a shameless rip-off. The headlight graphics are very Renault-like, the grooved 10-spoke wheels feel like a mash-up of two recently available BMW designs, and the taillight silhouette has hints of the new Mercedes-Benz, with elements The floating C-pillar has been around for some time. For more than a decade, the Searion 7 has felt like someone stretched the roof of a Mini Cooper Coupe.
Similar transactions occur internally. The electronic shifter is very modern Volkswagen Group, the steering wheel has a hint of Kia Telluride, and the slab-faced dashboard with square air vents is topped with a 15.6-inch rotating touchscreen. Even though it is, it feels strangely old. The end result is a vehicle with no clear visual identity. It’s good not to ride the waves too much, but a brand looking to establish itself in the West needs a clear identity. After all, cars are not rational. People want what they drive to reflect what they see in themselves, and BYD doesn’t yet have that sense of place in the public consciousness.
Admittedly, there are ways in which a somewhat anonymous style is okay. Consumers are price sensitive above all else, so a less appealing style can certainly be offset by a sufficiently low asking price. Looks like we’ll have to wait until later this year to find out, as the BYD Seaion 7 is expected to go on sale in Europe later this year. While we won’t see this electric crossover in the U.S. anytime soon due to tariffs on Chinese EVs, it’s still a car to watch on a global scale. How it takes off in Europe may tell us a lot about the future of the European auto industry.
(Photo provided by BYD)
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