Seven up
Battery-electric vehicles (EV) have become saving graces, as of late, following the meteoric rise in fuel prices.
For Filipinos who have easy access to home or public EV chargers, the benefits to owning an EV are substantial – independence from unpredictable oil markets, zero tailpipe emissions and significantly lower maintenance costs (no oil, filter, belts, etc). But another major appeal is an EV’s ability to produce instantaneous power and torque.
Few as we may be, some of us like a car with strong acceleration for everything from safe overtaking to high-performance driving (say, a gymkhana course). BYD Cars Philippines aims to please affluent Filipinos with an eye for luxury and power with its all-new Sealion 7, which will be available only in the all-wheel-drive Performance variant.
Members of the motoring media got to try it ahead of its launch in May 2026 to see if it is a worthy rival to high-performance crossovers like the Ford Mustang Mach-E and the Tesla Model Y.
Premium look
At first glance, the Sealion 7 Performance shares styling cues with other BYD models like the immensely popular Sealion 6 DM-i compact crossover.
These include pointed LED headlights that have intricate, downward extensions for the LED daytime-running lights. But the lower bumper exudes aggression, thanks to the gloss-black, faux ducts that give this EV a permanent scowl.
Down the side, you get a high beltline that accentuates the considerable fender flares, which are there to accommodate the 20-inch alloy wheels with 245/45-series tires. The sleek appearance is emphasized by the pop-out door handles that are much less difficult to operate than in the Model Y.
The rear is where the Sealion 7 Performance’s sporty character truly shines – the prominent tailgate spoiler and steeply raked rear windscreen give the car a coupe-like profile (in similar vein to the BMW X6 luxury crossover). The full-width LED taillights add that unmistakable BYD look, while giving this EV a sense of occasion.
This big BYD is available in four colors, namely Shark Gray, Cosmos Black, Aurora White and Deep Sea Blue.
Cosseting cabin
If you’re coming from the already-impressive cabin of the Sealion 6 DM-i, you will enjoy the Sealion 7 Performance even more.
Fine black leather and soft-touch materials abound make this feel more palatial than the Ford or Tesla, but particular praise goes to the fabulous air-conditioned front seats with electrically adjustable lumbar support and leg rest for the driver’s side. Meanwhile, the luxury vibe is emphasized by the strong, dual-zone, climate-control system and the panoramic moonroof.
As with many other BYDs, you get a 15.6-inch, rotating touchscreen infotainment system with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, which is mated to a 12-speaker Dynaudio surround-sound system. Although less complicated to use than the Model Y, the touchscreen’s menus and controls could be simpler.
Immense power
The real party piece of the BYD Sealion 7 Performance becomes apparent when you boot the throttle.
That’s because this plush cruiser is powered by an 82.6-kWh LFP Blade battery mated to front and rear electric motors – combined output is a sensational 523 horsepower and 699 Newton-meters of torque that are coursed through all four wheels. Our acceleration tests in a closed course in Villar City demonstrated sheer might that only an EV can provide.
With our unit filled with camera gear and three occupants, we did 0 to 100 km/h in 4.8 seconds – the power was manageable, thanks to the non-electronic, Frequency Selective Damping Shock Absorbers that provided a supple ride, along with safe handling in the slalom course. However, the numb steering and spongy brake pedal detracted from a true performance-driving experience.
Happily, the Sealion 7 Performance is equipped with BYD’s DiPilot active-safety suite, which include life-saving features like Automatic Emergency Braking System, Front Cross Traffic Brake, Rear Cross Traffic Brake, Emergency Lane Keeping Assist and Intelligent Cruise Control.
BYD Cars Philippines likewise claims a maximum NEDC range of 542 kilometers on a single full charge, along with the ability to charge from 30 to 80 percent in just 30 minutes using a DC fast-charger. A full road test would allow us to verify these claims, along with exploring this big EV’s full driving prowess.
Tesla beware?
Overall, the all-new 2026 BYD Sealion 7 Performance is a strong contender in the premium, high-performance, crossover EV segment.
With prices expected to be under P2.7 million, it offers sensational value for money against the P3,499,000 Ford Mustang Mach-E Premium AWD. However, the Chinese upstart is in the firing line of the formidable Tesla Model Y Premium All-Wheel Drive at P2,749,000, which has become the benchmark in this segment for its practicality, driving prowess and battery range.
But given that BYD Cars Philippines has snatched sales away from bigger foes like legacy Japanese automakers, Tesla Philippines’ high may end soon.
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