With sales surging in China, BYD is taking its business overseas as it looks to keep its record growth streak alive. BYD just launched its new midsize electric SUV, the Sealion 07, in another European market. Can BYD’s new electric SUV compete with Tesla’s top-selling Model Y?
BYD Sealion 07 arrives in another European market
BYD’s newest electric SUV stole the spotlight after making its European debut at the Paris Auto Show last month.
The Sealion 07 is “more than just an SUV,” according to BYD’s chief designer, Wolfgang Egger, it’s “a lifestyle statement.” Egger knows a thing or two about European design as the previous head designer of iconic brands like Audi and Lamborghini.
After launching the new Sealion 07 in other European markets earlier this month, BYD’s electric SUV is now headed to Norway.
BYD’s Sealion 07 EV is now available to order in Norway, starting at around $42,200 (NOK 469,900). The new model is only available in the Excellence trim as of right now.
Powered by a 91.3 kWh BYD Blade battery, the EV SUV offers up to 312 miles (502 km) WLTP range. It also delivers a whopping 530 hp for a 0 to 62 mph (0 to 100 km/h) sprint in 4.5 seconds.
You can see Egger’s influence with a sleek “Ocean Aesthetics” exterior design. The interior features a 15.6″ rotating touchscreen and a 10.25″ driver display. It’s also loaded with DiPilot 100 “God’s Eye” ADAS. The system includes 12 ultrasonic radars, five mm-wave radars, and 11 cameras for advanced drive-assist features.
Extending BYD’s reach in Europe
With DC fast charging of up to 230 kW, the EV can charge up (10% to 80%) in 24 minutes to get you back on the road.
BYD’s new Sealion 07 “knows how to make every journey effortless.” It can carry up to 1,789 L of luggage (with the rear seats folded down) and tow up to 3,300 lbs (1,500 kg), plenty for a small boat or trailer.
The electric SUV was first launched in China in May as the Sea Lion 7, starting at around $26,000 (189,900 yuan). BYD’s base Standard Range model offers up to 341 miles (550 km) CLTC range in China. The Long Range trim, starting at $27,600 (199,800 yuan), gets up to 379 miles (610 km) CLTC range.
At 4,830 mm long, 1,925 mm wide, and 1,620 mm tall, BYD’s new electric SUV is often compared to the Tesla Model Y (4,760 mm long, 1,921 mm wide, and 1,624 mm tall).
| BYD Sea Lion 07 trim in China | Starting price | Range (CLTC) |
| 550 Standard | 189,800 yuan ($26,250) | 550 km (341 miles) |
| 610 Long Range | 199,800 yuan ($27,625) | 610 km (379 miles) |
| 610 Smart | 219,800 yuan ($30,389) | 610 km (379 miles) |
| 550 4WD Smart Navigation | 239,800 yuan ($33,154) | 550 km (341 miles) |
According to data from The Norwegian Council for Road Safety (OFV), Tesla’s Model Y is the best-selling EV in the country through October, with nearly 13,500 units sold. The Volvo EX30 (6,215), Volkswagen ID.4 (5,789), Tesla Model 3 (5,433), and Toyota bZ4X (5,372) round out the top five through the first ten months of 2024.
The Sealion 07 is BYD’s eighth vehicle to launch in Europe, joining the popular Dolphin, Seal, Seal U, and Atto 3 models.
BYD’s executive vice president, Stella Li, said the new midsize electric SUV “shows how BYD is reacting to customer demand and tastes.” Li believes it will “extend” BYD’s reach in Europe.
According to data from CnEVPost, BYD sold 19,232 Sealion series models in October alone, up 65% from September.
European deliveries are scheduled to begin in 2025. Can BYD’s new electric SUV compete with Tesla’s Model Y or the Volvo EX30? Let us know what you think in the comments below.