BYD Philippines launched the Sealion 7 AWD Performance back in May, and after seeing how it’s been received on our roads, I think it’s the most complete electric SUV you can buy right now under P2.6 million.
The Sealion 7 is BYD’s answer to the Tesla Model Y and the growing crop of electric crossovers fighting for Filipino buyers. It sits above the Sealion 6 DM-i in the lineup and brings proper performance credentials — the kind that make you grin every time you floor the throttle on an empty stretch of SLEX.
Specs and Performance
Under the skin, the Sealion 7 uses a dual-motor all-wheel-drive system with a squirrel-cage induction asynchronous motor up front and a permanent magnet synchronous motor at the rear. Combined output is 530 PS (523 hp) and 690 Nm of torque — good for a 4.5-second sprint to 100 km/h. Top Gear Philippines actually measured it at 4.2 to 4.4 seconds in their testing.
The battery is an 82.6 kWh BYD Blade Battery using lithium iron phosphate (LFP) chemistry. That’s the same chemistry that’s earned a reputation for thermal stability and longevity, and it’s one of the main reasons I feel comfortable recommending this car for Philippine conditions. BYD claims 542 km of NEDC range on a full charge — more than enough for a week of EDSA commutes or a Manila-to-Baguio round trip without plugging in.
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Motor Type | Front: Induction Asynchronous / Rear: Permanent Magnet Synchronous |
| Combined Power | 530 PS (523 hp) / 388 kW |
| Combined Torque | 690 Nm |
| Battery | 82.6 kWh BYD Blade (LFP) |
| Range | 542 km NEDC |
| AC Charging | 11 kW (Type 2 / CCS2) |
| DC Charging | 150 kW max |
| 0-100 km/h | 4.5 sec (Top Gear measured 4.2-4.4) |
| Top Speed | 215 km/h |
| Drive | AWD (dual motor) |
| Length | 4,830 mm |
| Width | 1,925 mm |
| Height | 1,620 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2,930 mm |
| Ground Clearance | 163 mm |
| Cargo | 58 L frunk / 500 L rear / 1,769 L folded |
| Seating | 5 |
| Curb Weight | 2,340 kg |
Pricing and Value
| Currency | Price |
|---|---|
| Philippine Peso (PHP) | P2,588,000 (official SRP) |
| US Dollar (USD) | ~$41,200 (P2,588,000 / 62.79 PHP/USD) |
| Indian Rupee (INR) | ~Rs 39.3 lakh ($41,200 x 95.40 INR/USD) |
Exchange rates as of October 14, 2026. USD and INR figures are calculated equivalents for reference.
At P2.588 million, the Sealion 7 undercuts the Tesla Model Y L by about P260,000 while offering more power and a larger battery. It’s also significantly cheaper than the Porsche Cayenne Electric, which starts at over P6.8 million. The warranty package is solid too — six years or 160,000 km for the vehicle, eight years or 160,000 km for the battery. And BYD throws in a once-a-year periodic maintenance schedule, which they claim saves up to 50% compared to traditional C-segment SUVs.
What Others Are Saying
Top Gear Philippines gave the Sealion 7 a thorough review in September, calling it “a great car and a great halo car for the Sealion lineup.” They praised the performance but noted that the performance-oriented tire package is “a poor match for pockmarked Manila roads.” Real-world economy came in at 6 to 7 km/kWh on the highway and 3 to 4 km/kWh in heavy traffic — respectable for a vehicle with this much power.
Their bottom line: “The fully-loaded BYD Sealion 7 AWD Performance is a great car and a great halo car for the Sealion lineup, but it isn’t for everyone. Not everyone needs this much power.” Fair enough — but if you do want the power, there’s little else at this price point that comes close.
Philippine Driving Conditions
City Driving
The Sealion 7’s instant torque makes it a joy in stop-and-go EDSA traffic. The 542 km NEDC range means you’ll only need to charge once or twice a week for typical Manila commutes. The 360-degree camera with see-through mode helps in tight parking situations, and the 5.9-meter turning radius is manageable for a vehicle this size. Ground clearance is 163 mm — enough for most speed bumps and mild flooding, but you’ll want to be careful on deeper floods.
Long-Distance Travel
With 542 km of NEDC range and 150 kW DC fast charging, the Sealion 7 is well-suited for provincial trips. A Manila-to-Baguio run (about 250 km) is easily done on a single charge, and you can top up to 80% in about 30 minutes on a compatible DC fast charger along NLEX or SCTEX. The 11 kW AC charger means a full overnight charge at home or at a destination charger. If you’re planning to cross-shop with the BYD Ti 7, the Sealion 7 is the better pick for pure long-distance comfort — the Ti 7 is a PHEV with a smaller battery and less EV range.
Flooded Situations
The 163 mm ground clearance is decent for an EV but not exceptional. The battery pack is sealed and the Blade Battery has passed nail penetration and crush tests, so there’s no risk of hydrolock like with an internal combustion engine. That said, I wouldn’t recommend wading through knee-deep water — the low-mounted electronics and sensors are still vulnerable. If you live in a flood-prone area, this is something to consider carefully.
High Temperature
The LFP Blade Battery is inherently thermally stable — it’s much less prone to thermal runaway than the NMC batteries used in many competitors. BYD’s liquid cooling system keeps the battery in the optimal temperature range even in 36 to 38°C Philippine heat. The panoramic glass roof is a nice touch, but I’d recommend using the sunshade during midday parking to keep the cabin cool and reduce AC load.
The Bottom Line
The BYD Sealion 7 is the most well-rounded electric SUV in the Philippine market right now. It has the performance to satisfy driving enthusiasts, the range to eliminate anxiety, the safety credentials to give you peace of mind, and a price tag that undercuts its closest competitors. If you’re cross-shopping with the Tesla Model Y L or waiting for the VinFast VF 8, the Sealion 7 deserves a serious spot on your shortlist. And if you want something more practical and affordable, the GAC E8 HEV is another compelling option in the same conversation.