BYD Sealion 7 SUV Shows Its Strength on Rural English Roads

Over a month-long test in Somerset, the BYD Sealion 7 Comfort SUV proved a compelling alternative to established models such as the Tesla Model Y and Hyundai Ioniq 5. Priced at £48,090 with an optional Polar White metallic finish, it offers an 82.5 kWh Blade Battery promising roughly 300 miles of range and 150 kW rapid charging. The vehicle’s standout features include a massive central touchscreen that can rotate between landscape and portrait, a yawn-detecting assistant, and a quiet, spacious cabin that reduces driver fatigue on long trips.

While the handling was praised for its confidence on winding lanes and the adaptive cruise system felt like a helpful co-driver, the protruding door handles and occasional suspension stiffness on rough surfaces were noted as drawbacks. Local residents expressed surprise and interest at seeing a Chinese-made electric SUV in rural England, signalling growing acceptance of Chinese brands in the UK market.