BYD and Tesla are at present engaged in a struggle to draw electrical automobile (EV) consumers in Malaysia, and the primary battle noticed the Seal tackle the Mannequin 3 within the sedan market. Within the SUV area, Tesla obtained a head begin when it launched the Mannequin Y in July 2023, however BYD now has a rebuttal within the type of the Sealion 7 that went on sale right here in November 2024.
How does the Sealion 7 stack up in opposition to the Mannequin Y by way of value, dimension and different areas? On this publish, we’re taking a more in-depth take a look at each and laying out the info and figures so you’ll be able to resolve which EV fits you greatest.
Pricing: Sealion 7 undercuts the Mannequin Y
Just like the ‘Seal vs Mannequin 3’ comparability, BYD has a knack for undercutting the competitors and the Sealion 7 isn’t any exception. With a beginning retail value of RM183,800 on-the-road with out insurance coverage, you may get the Premium variant of the Sealion 7, whereas the top-spec Efficiency will set you again RM199,800.
The Mannequin Y is obtainable in three variants, beginning with the Rear-Wheel Drive at RM191,000, which is adopted by the Lengthy Vary All-Wheel Drive at RM238,000 and Efficiency All-Wheel Drive at RM280,000. Take into account that these figures are decrease than what was initially introduced, as Tesla Malaysia revised its pricing for Mannequin Y in April final yr.
Dimensions: Mannequin Y is smaller however gives extra practicality on paper
By way of dimensions, the Sealion 7 is essentially related in dimension to the Mannequin Y from the skin. The previous wins on the subject of general size (+80 mm) and wheelbase (+40 mm), however loses when evaluating peak (-4 mm) and width (-53 mm).
The wheelbase benefit ought to give the Sealion 7 a roomier cabin, however the Mannequin Y fights again by providing superior entrance boot area (117 litres vs 58 litres). Rear boot area additionally favours the Mannequin Y (854 litres vs 500 litres), though the determine quoted for the Tesla is capability loaded to the roof, which is impractical for many situations.
Efficiency and vary: Sealion 7 and Mannequin Y commerce blows
Whereas Tesla doesn’t present detailed data on their powertrains on their official web site, the 0-100 km/h instances point out the Mannequin Y isn’t quick on energy. The Sealion 7 in its base type serves up 313 PS and 380 Nm for a century dash time of 6.7 seconds, which is quicker when in comparison with the Mannequin Y RWD (6.9 seconds) whereas providing extra WLTP vary (480 km vs 455 km).
The Sealion 7 Efficiency with its dual-motor setup gives increased outputs of 530 PS and 690 Nm for a faster 0-100 km/h time of 4.5 seconds. This is sufficient to beat the mid-spec Mannequin Y Lengthy Vary AWD (5 seconds), though it loses out to the Mannequin Y Efficiency AWD that may full the dash in 3.7 seconds. The all-wheel drive variants of the Mannequin Y additionally provide extra vary (533 km LR AWD, 514 km Efficiency AWD) when in comparison with the Sealion 7 Efficiency that gives simply 454 km.
Charging instances: Tesla wins right here
That is one other space the place Tesla doesn’t disclose figures, because it merely states that its Superchargers are in a position to output 250 kW to offer 270 km of vary in simply quarter-hour. Nevertheless, it’s extensively reported that the Mannequin Y can deal with as much as 210 kW, which is greater than the Sealion 7 at 150 kW, the latter taking 32 minutes to get from a 10-80% state of cost.
AC charging is equivalent at 11 kW for each fashions, which makes the Sealion 7 the primary BYD EV bought right here to get 11 kW, equal to Tesla.
Upkeep: Much less servicing with Mannequin Y, however shorter guarantee
We’ve already recognized from the ‘Seal vs Mannequin 3’ comparability that Tesla takes a distinct method to aftersales in comparison with the opposite manufacturers. The Mannequin Y’s service schedule merely contains changing the cabin air filter each two years in addition to an air-con desiccant bag substitute and brake fluid test each 4 years. There’s no official pricing proven on Tesla Malaysia’s web site, however the cabin air filter in america is priced at USD15 (about RM68).
As for the Sealion 7, consumers have varied service packages provided which might be priced between RM2,688 and RM17,688 relying on the variety of years and variant you go for. The Commonplace bundle covers tyre alignment, balancing and rotation; single-speed transmission oil service; air-conditioning filter substitute and refrigerant service; brake fluid service and drive motor coolant service.
The Plus bundle contains all of the objects listed within the Commonplace, however provides wiper blade replacements, key fob battery substitute, 12V battery substitute in addition to brake disc and pad replacements. This bundle begins at RM11,488 for six years with the bottom Premium and rises all the way in which to RM17,688 for eight years with the Efficiency.
Guarantee for the Mannequin Y is simply 4 years or 80,000 km, whereas the Sealion 7 is roofed six years or 150,000 km for the BYD. The Mannequin Y’s battery and drive motor guarantee corresponding to the BYD, with the identical eight-year/160,000 km protection, though the BYD’s guarantee for the drive motor is simply as much as 150,000 km.
BYD additionally supplies particular person warranties for sure automobile programs, that are both coated for 3 years or 60,000 km, or 4 years or 100,000 km, in order that’s one thing to remember.
Remaining ideas
If worth is what you’re after, the Sealion 7 makes a convincing case for itself with succesful powertrains and a beneficiant package listing shared between the 2 obtainable variants. Except for the variety of motors, painted brake calipers and bigger wheels, the remainder of the Commonplace variant is just about equivalent to the Efficiency.
Commonplace options embody full-LED lighting, a ten.25-inch digital instrument cluster, a rotating 15.6-inch infotainment touchscreen, a 12-speaker Dynaudio sound system, powered entrance seats with air flow and heating capabilities, keyless entry and begin with NFC card key, a panoramic glass roof, wi-fi Apple CarPlay and Android Auto help in addition to a complete ADAS suite.
As for the Mannequin Y, you’ll must pay up in order for you higher package. As an example, the RWD and LR AWD include 19-inch wheel as commonplace, with the choice a 20-inch set costing a further RM10,000. If you need the Tesla in a distinct color apart from white, you’ll must pay for that too.
The usual Autopilot system is nicely sufficient, however it’ll value a fairly penny to improve to Enhanced Autopilot and even Full Self-Driving Functionality do you have to want extra options on high of the fundamental function set. It’s price noting that the Mannequin Y is due for a facelift – codenamed Juniper – quickly, whereas the Sealion 7 is model new to our market.
We’ve already had a go within the Tesla Mannequin Y, so take a look at Hafriz Shah’s assessment of the Tesla EV right here. Stay up for the BYD Sealion 7’s assessment in due time on our web site.
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