BYD SEALION 7 EV debuts in Malaysia, becoming the biggest competitor to Tesla Model Y

BYD has been frequently launching new cars in Malaysia in recent months. After the launch of the M6 in October, the BYD SEALION 7 has also entered the Malaysian market.

Unlike the BYD M6, the BYD SEALION 7 has a clear competitor—the Tesla Model Y. The Tesla Model Y became the best-selling model globally in 2023, surpassing even the Toyota Corolla in sales. So, what makes the SEALION 7 stronger than the Model Y?

First of all, the price. The SEALION 7 is cheaper than the Model Y. The price difference between the two Performance versions is around 90,000 RM.

The SEALION 7 is also larger than the Model Y. The SEALION 7’s dimensions are 4830×1925×1620mm with a wheelbase of 2930mm, while the Model Y’s dimensions are 4750×1920×1623mm with a wheelbase of 2891mm. This difference can be clearly seen in the comparison on pcauto.com.

The SEALION 7 uses the CTB (Cell to Body) technology, similar to the Model Y’s CTC (Cell to Chassis) technology. This technology not only provides a larger interior space but also offers excellent safety.

In terms of power, the Model Y is more powerful. Although the SEALION 7’s front and rear dual motors produce a combined 530 hp, which is higher than the 485.8 hp of the Model Y Performance, the SEALION 7’s heavier body means its 0-100 km/h acceleration takes 4.7 seconds, while the Model Y Performance accelerates in just 3.8 seconds. For normal driving, the difference is not significant.

In the standard version, the SEALION 7 accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in 6.7 seconds, while the Model Y takes 6.9 seconds, with the SEALION 7 having a slight edge. This is because the SEALION 7’s motor power reaches 230 kW, while the Model Y has 194 kW.

BYD has a long history in the battery field, and its Blade Battery is one of its most popular technologies. It is affordable, reliable, and even used in Toyota’s Bz3X and Bz4X models.

The SEALION 7 will be equipped with BYD’s Blade Battery, with a capacity of 82.5 kWh, providing a range of 542 km on a full charge, with a charging cost of about 20 RM.

Although fuel prices in Malaysia are not very high, the cost advantage of electric vehicles may not be obvious. However, with policies reducing diesel subsidies, gasoline may also lose some government support, leading to higher fuel prices.

In the first half of 2024, Malaysia’s pure electric vehicle sales reached 6,617 units, accounting for 2.7% of total vehicle sales, a 112% increase compared to 3,117 units in the same period of 2023. Among them, BYD’s market share is as high as 41%.

Tesla’s products are indeed strong, but mainly for Western countries. For many other regions, BYD offers a more affordable yet equally powerful alternative, making the SEALION 7 a great choice.