Power Wheels Magazine A Notch Above
Before BYD Philippines launched their latest compact sport utility vehicle (SUV) model on May 28, 2026, we were able to test drive their all-new all-electric performance SUV – the 2026 BYD Sealion 7 – around a designated closed road course around Villar City in Las Piñas 23 days before the official launch. As a matter of course, we were asked to respect the imposed news embargo and not post or publish our test drive review until after the launch date. Well, it has been several weeks after the launch date, so here we go…
The all-new BYD Sealion 7 electric compact SUV had a public launch on May 28, 2026 but we were able to test drive it 23 days before its official introduction.
Now considered as the best-selling new energy vehicle (NEV) brand in the Philippines and around the world, Build Your Dreams (BYD), has an extensive portfolio of electrified vehicles in full battery electric (BEV) and plug-in hybrid guises, including Dual Mode-Intelligent (DM-I) and Dual Mode-Offroad (DM-O) variants. To promote BYD’s flagship compact SUV, the closed road course around Villar City was designed to demonstrate the Sealion 7’s latest EV technology that maximizes energy efficiency, driving performance, premium comfort and unparalleled safety.
On a sunny May 5, 2026, we had a portion of the main road in Villar City to ourselves to experience the capabilities of the BYD Sealion 7.
Energy Efficiency
Before BYD ventured into automobiles in 2003, the company started as a battery manufacturer in 1995. Their proprietary BYD Blade Battery is an innovative, ultra-safe Lithium Iron Phosphate (LFP) battery with long, flat cells arranged in a rigid, space-saving array that achieves a 50% increase in pack energy density over traditional blocks while largely eliminating the risk of thermal runaway. Equipped with an 82.56 kWh BYD Blade Battery, the Sealion 7 has a range of 542 kilometers on a single charge and a claimed power consumption between 15.5 to 21.0 kilowatt hours per 100 kilometers.
BYD integrated the Blade Battery into the Sealion 7’s structure to create a stronger, safer and more space-efficient body structure.
The Sealion 7 can be charged from 10% to 80% between 24 to 32 minutes using the DC Fast Charger available at the growing network of ACMobility EV Charging Hubs.
The Sealion 7’s battery pack can easily be charged with various AC and DC charging options, such as the Portable Charger that comes with the vehicle, and the 7kW Wall Charger that can be installed at home. Moreover, the growing nationwide network of ACMobility EV Charging Hubs further ensure that range anxiety, often associated with driving EVs, is now a thing of the past. Fully-charged, the Sealion 7 with its V2L (Vehicle-to-Load) function can also serve as an emergency power source in situations that require 220V electricity.
In an unlikely scenario where the battery charge is not enough to reach an EV Charging Hub, ACMobility can dispatch a “Power-on-Wheels” van equipped with a mobile charging equipment.
To showcase its ability as an emergency power source, BYD Philippines created a coffee nook and relaxation area powered by the Sealion 7’s V2L system.
Driving Performance
The Sealion 7 is powered by two squirrel cage induction asynchronous electric motors that churn out an outstanding 530 PS (523 horsepower) and 690 Newton-meters of torque. Power is delivered to an AWD (All-Wheel Drive) system that catapults the Sealion 7 from 0-100 km/h in just 4.5 seconds. During our short drive around Villar City, our driving instructor, Louie Ramirez, showed us how to set the instrument panel to measure our 0-100 km/h acceleration runs. We did exactly 4.5 seconds on our first try and 4.7 secs during an uphill run. Louie’s brother, George, who’s also an accomplished race car driver, said that he managed 4.2 seconds.
Two squirrel cage induction asynchronous electric motors, 523 hp, 690 Nm of torque, and AWD accelerates the Sealion 7 from 0-100 km/h in just 4.5 seconds.
We did exactly 4.5 seconds during our own 0-100 km/h acceleration test runs.
Acceleration numbers aside, the Sealion 7 also displays outstanding handling and road holding capabilities, which was demonstrated around a short slalom course, where the BYD electric compact SUV breezed through with aplomb. Louie, our driving instructor, mentioned that they would normally ask the media test driver to take it easy on the slalom portion, but because he knows of our performance driving abilities, he allowed us to have a go at it. Behind the wheel, the Sealion 7 AWD was so impressive that it made us wish we were on a full gymkhana course to further enjoy its handling prowess.
The AWD system of the Sealion 7 helped make it more agile around the pylons through the slalom course.
Tight 5.9-meter turning circle makes easy work of driving around narrow streets and sharp corners.
Premium Comfort & Practicality
As its flagship electric compact SUV model, BYD equipped the Sealion 7 with a spacious cabin that is both luxurious and practical. We luxuriated in soft leather seats that feature power adjustments and ventilation in the front row. Dual-zone air conditioning kept the interior cool and comfortable while a large panoramic glass roof gave us a terrific view of the skyline. A 12-speaker Dynaudio sound system recreated our favorite music with outstanding clarity while the infotainment system kept us in the loop with its unique 15.6-inch rotating touchscreen.
A spacious cabin, soft leather seats, dual-zone air conditioning and a large panoramic glass roof pampers the occupants inside the Sealion 7.
Front row bucket seats feature ergonomic support, power adjustment and built-in ventilation.
BYD’s 15.6-inch rotating touchscreen controls the infotainment and the 12-speaker Dynaudio sound systems.
While the Sealion 7 offers wireless charging of our mobile phones as one of its many convenience features, its expandable luggage capacity is one of this BYD’s practical features. There’s an 18-cubic-feet (500-liter) luggage compartment behind the rear seats that is easily accessible through the tailgate. Luggage capacity can expand to 63 cu. ft. (1,789 L) simply by folding the rear seats flat. There’s also a 2-cu.ft. (58 L) “frunk” or front trunk that can accommodate a small carry-on luggage and a backpack or two. Who says luxury shouldn’t be convenient and practical as well?
Rear leather seats are plush and comfortable. Folding center armrest has two drink holders and a little storage compartment.
18 cu. ft. (500 L) easily expand to 63 cu. ft. (1,789 L) by folding the rear seats flat.
A 2-cu.ft. (58 L) “frunk” or front trunk can be found under the front hood.
Unparalleled Safety & Security
For unparalleled safety in its class, BYD equipped the Sealion 7 with a comprehensive suite of advanced driver assistance system (DiPilot ADAS & Safety) including a 360° Camera with See-Thru View, FCW/RCW (Front/Rear Collision Warning), RCTA/RCTB (Rear Cross Traffic Alert/Braking), AEB (Autonomous Emergency Braking), LDA/LKA (Lane Departure/Keeping Assist) BSM (Blind Side Monitor), and DOW (Door Open Warning). Other active and passive safety features include TCS (Traction Control System), HHC/HDC (Hill Hold/Descent Control) and 8 airbags.
The BYD Sealion 7 comes equipped with the full suite of DiPilot ADAS + Safety advanced driving assistance system.
The DiPilot ADAS + Safety system is called “God’s Eyes” in other markets because of its unparalleled safety features.
For unparalleled security, the Sealion 7 can be controlled using the BYD App, which can activate, deactivate or adjust some of the vehicle’s features from a distance. The BYD App can start the Sealion 7 remotely or show valuable data such as battery level, mileage, speed, and others. The Sealion 7 can also be access using the NFC Card while its key fob can lock/unlock its doors, open the rear hatch, open windows, or start it remotely and turn the dual-zone A/C on to cool the interior when the Sealion 7 is parked under the hot sun.
Certain functions of the Sealion 7 can be controlled remotely on your mobile device through the BYD App.
The BYD NFC Card is useful when you don’t have the keyfob of your Sealion 7 with you.
But Wait, There’s More!
During our short but admittedly inefficient high-speed drive, we observed an actual power consumption of 25.4 kWh per 100 km that translates to around P3.95 per kilometer, which was a lot higher than BYD Philippines’ estimated running cost of P2.20 per kilometer. However, if we drove with less zeal, more restraint, and with efficiency and economy in mind, we believe BYD’s estimated P2.20/km running costs, which is claimed to generate up to 70% savings compared to the running costs of comparative compact SUVs powered by internal combustion engines (ICE), is entirely achievable.
If we temper our right foot, we can achieve an efficient running cost of P2.20/km, instead of the high P3.95/km that we got while driving the Sealion 7 fast and testing it at the acceleration and slalom courses.
BYD further claims that the Sealion 7’s once-a-year periodic maintenance service (PMS) can yield 80% savings on the total cost of ownership over a 5-year period compared to ICE SUVs. This substantial savings, plus BYD Philippines’ factory warranties, including a 6-Year Vehicle Warranty, 8-Year Electric Battery Warranty and 8-Year Electric Drive Unit Warranty, their 24/7 Hotline for emergency roadside assistance, and the aftersales service support of 81 BYD dealerships nationwide makes the Sealion 7 an even more attractive proposition as a daily-driven premium NEV.
Nope, the doggy underneath isn’t certified to service BYD autos. However, the Sealion 7 requires only 1 visit a year to the BYD dealership Service Center for PMS.
With a price tag of P2,588,000, the Sealion 7 is positioned at the premium compact SUV segment, which targets young, intelligent, highly successful and family-oriented customers who are considering electric vehicles with quality engineering, brand equity, and reliable aftersales support. While we cannot be considered as young anymore (or highly successful, for that matter), we’d like to think of ourselves as intelligent, moderately successful, and family-oriented. If we were in the market for a new vehicle, the 2026 BYD Sealion 7 will definitely be in our list.
