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-   -   BYD Sealion 7 | Would you buy the RWD or AWD variant? (https://www.team-bhp.com/forum/electric-cars/292083-byd-sealion-7-would-you-buy-rwd-awd-variant.html)

Earlier this year, BYD launched an electric SUV in India called the Sealion 7. It is offered in two variants - Premium (rear-wheel drive) and Performance (all-wheel drive). Both variants come with an 82.56 kWh BYD Blade battery pack. Here's a link to the full official review of the car - (Review Link).



As mentioned earlier, only two variants are available. The biggest difference between them is an additional motor in the top-spec trim. Here's a detailed look at the Sealion 7's performance & features.

Premium

Top Features

- Drive Modes
- Regen Modes
- Paddle Shifters For Regen Modes
- Complete LED Lighting
- 19-inch Steel Wheels
- Heated ORVMs
- Double-glazed Windshield & Front Windows
- Panoramic Glass Roof
- Powered Tailgate
- Leather Upholstery & Seats
- Powered & Ventilated Front Seats
- Reclining Rear Seats
- Rear AC Vents
- 15.6-inch Infotainment
- 10.25-inch TFT Instrument Cluster
- Head-up Display (HUD)
- Wireless Android Auto & Apple CarPlay
- Wireless Smartphone Charger
- 12-speakers Audio
- 11 Airbags
- Level 2 ADAS
- All Wheel Disc Brakes
- Electronic Parking Brake with Auto Hold
- 360-degree camera
- TPMS
- Vehicle to Load Charging (V2L)
- NFC Key Card

Performance

Top Features Over Premium

- Dual Electric Motor (AWD)
- 20-inch Alloy Wheels
- Red Brake Calipers
- Intelligence Torque Adaption Control (iTAC)

Conclusion

Being a CBU import, there are not many options for buyers. Both variants of the Sealion 7 are loaded with tech and features. However, the Premium variant comes with a single motor which develops 308 BHP & 380 Nm and gets RWD. The Performance variant has dual motors and AWD. It puts out 523 BHP & 690 Nm. The features available remain almost the same.

Will you spend Rs. 6 lakh more over the Premium variant and opt for the Performance variant

The dual motor variants from BYD are absolute rocket ships. Be it Seal or Sealion, the acceleration has to be experienced to be believed. There is no ballpark to put the pull into perspective, even 6 cylinder turbocharged Germans that cost 1cr+ are nowhere as ferocious.

If I had to choose, I’d go with the premium. I’m not an off-roader, and the single motor is more than fast enough for me to sprint off the line at a traffic signal 99% of the time.

The single-motor setup also offers better range, slightly lower weight, and one less motor to worry about in terms of servicing or repairs.

From a resale perspective, the lower-priced single-motor version is likely to retain its value better than the AWD variant.

Even though I’m in the market for an SUV (including eSUVs), the Sealion isn’t on my list. Its inconsistent brand value, lack of a long-term vision for India (still relying on CBU imports), limited dealer network, and uncertain future value make it a questionable choice.

I do like its design, but not its proportions—I wish it were a bit taller. It feels like an elder sibling to the Atto 3 in both design and size. In its current form, it comes across as an overgrown hatchback or a coupe-like crossover - I'd have liked if it had been a full blown mid size SUV.

With all these factors, even though its a good car, its not in my shortlist.

Awd any day.
Instead of debating whether the added motor and awd is worth the additional 6 lakhs, let us think of it this way - you get 500 plus hp and a 0-100kmph time faster than cars which are more than twice the price.
I would consider this the cheapest way to 520hp and 6 lakhs is worth it.

If it was choice between 2 ICE cars, I would choose the AWD any day. But being an electric I would choose the RWD as the range would be around minimum 10 - 12% more than the AWD in real world driving conditions that's around 45-60 kms. It would compensate for the battery degradation in the long run.

Voted for Performance variant, in my view its a no brainer. Though a crude way, price per BHP for Performance variant is Rs 10,500/bhp while that of Premium variant is 16,000/bhp a whopping 65% more in comparison to Performance variant.

For whoever doubting BYD's long term viability, rest assured that they are here to stay and there's no escaping Chinese cars and their battery tech when it comes to EV's. Think India govt too knows that, and its in our interest to take advantage of their technology prowess than oppose.

If I was in the market for an EV, BYD Performance variant would be in my list. Its a good looking EV, though I would rank Audi EV's couple of notches higher in the same dept, however, they dont fall in the same size vs price bracket as Sealion 7.

Voted for Premium

I guess most people here would vote for the Performance variant as it provides more power at an additional cost, along with AWD. However, considering the Indian context, do you really need that much power? Many opinions might change if BYD offered AWD in the Premium variant as well.

In terms of features, you hardly get anything additional in the Performance variant. So, the decision would boil down to whether you prefer high power and AWD or not. I think I can easily live with the Premium variant and don't believe I will miss the high power that the Performance variant offers. Additionally, 300 bhp is not insignificant either.

Not in the market.
But if I were, I would go for the top AWD.
Because this vehicle, it is so accomplished.
And will last for a long time.
Atleast 8-10 years.

I voted for the Performance AWD. Simple reason is that I'd much prefer 523bhp/690Nm going to two axles rather than 308bhp/380Nm going to one!

But practically speaking I'd buy NEITHER. BYD will in the recent future upgrade the Performance variant with their DiSus-C adaptive suspension + 91.2KwH battery (as it already exists in China), just as they have suddenly added the adaptive suspension to the 2025 Seal AWD.

I'd suggest to wait for a few months for the 2025 Edition once these initial lots are over.

I had a 1 Hour test drive test on the BYD seal duel motor. The acceleration is completely insane. This test was in the Middle East and I was hitting triple digit speeds in a blink of an eye certainly has zero use case in India where the roads are full of surprises. After the test drive, I was pretty much nauseated because the ride was very spirited and the regen mode was set to high. So for India the single motor should be enough, but if you have spare change that you are willing to throw go for the best.

But such insane accelerations in India can put anyone in trouble very easily if not level headed.

Interesting times have come.
500+ bhp in a 55-60lakh car,
How much ever one might hate EVs, once you drive them, you will love them, which was the case with me as well.

The instant torque is a game changer.
I would go for the AWD, ICE cars charge way more for better performing variants, and you still have the tax benefit on the EVs, so the upgrade is anyday a bargain as you save on the RTO.

For a 6L price difference I will definitely go for the performance version. This kind of power and torque should be handled with care.

Performance variant.
In the Indian car scene, I generally see two types of pricing structure.
1) where the top variant and the lower variant of the same model are priced very nearby. Difference is hardly 10-20 percent.
2) where is the top variant and the lower variant are priced at the opposite ends of the spectrum. Example Hyundai Creta. The lower variant of the car is available at Rs. 1300,000/- on road. Whereas the top variant of the same car goes beyond Rs. 24,00,000/- on road.
In case of Example 1) Always choose the top variant. I feel that car companies go all in on their top variant. It has better built quality and more features which go beyond what is mentioned in the brochure.
In case of Example 2) it is the personal preference of the person. Many other points can be considered here.
All the very best for your purchase and do share your decision.
Thanks.