BYD Sealion 7 vs Tesla Model Y: Which Electric SUV Should You Buy?
The Sealion 7 is BYD's direct answer to the Model Y. In Australia it is cheaper, has a bigger battery and slightly more range, and comes with a longer vehicle warranty. The Model Y has a far bigger boot, charges faster and has Tesla's software and Supercharger network. In the UK, Tesla's new Model Y Standard now starts below the Sealion 7.
| BYD Sealion 7 Premium | Tesla Model Y RWD | |
|---|---|---|
| Price (before on-road costs) | A$54,990 | A$58,900 |
| Battery | 82.5 kWh (LFP) | 60 kWh |
| Range (WLTP) | 482 km | 466 km |
| Power / 0–100 km/h | 230 kW / 6.7 s | 220 kW / 5.9 s |
| Boot (seats up / down) | 500 L / 1,358 L | 854 L / 2,138 L |
| Max DC charging | 150 kW | 175 kW |
| Vehicle warranty | 6 years / 150,000 km | 5 years / unlimited km |
| Battery warranty | 8 years / 160,000 km | 8 years / 160,000 km |
Australian figures as of mid-2026. BYD offers A$4,000 cashback on the Sealion 7 to 21 December 2026. Prices change often — confirm with the dealer.
Price
In Australia the Sealion 7 Premium (A$54,990) starts about A$4,000 below the Model Y RWD (A$58,900), and BYD's A$4,000 cashback to 21 December 2026 doubles that gap. The all-wheel-drive Sealion 7 Performance is A$63,990. In the UK the order flips: the Model Y Standard costs £41,990 and the Sealion 7 starts from £44,990.
Battery, range and charging
The Sealion 7 carries a much bigger 82.5 kWh Blade (LFP) battery, yet its WLTP range is only slightly longer (482 km vs 466 km) because the Model Y is more efficient. The Tesla also charges faster on DC (175 kW vs 150 kW) and has the Supercharger network, which matters most on long trips.
Space and practicality
This is the Model Y's biggest win: 854 litres of boot with the seats up against 500 litres in the Sealion 7, plus a front trunk. If you carry prams, dogs or camping gear, test both with your own luggage. The Sealion 7 answers with a plusher, quieter cabin that reviewers often rate above the Tesla's.
Warranty
BYD gives 6 years / 150,000 km on the car in Australia; Tesla gives 5 years / unlimited km for private buyers since January 2026. Both cover the battery for 8 years / 160,000 km on these versions. In the UK BYD's 6 years / 93,750 miles is well ahead of Tesla's 4 years / 60,000 miles.
Which should you buy?
Choose the Sealion 7 for a lower Australian price, a bigger battery, a longer warranty and a more luxurious cabin. Choose the Model Y for boot space, efficiency, faster charging, better software and Superchargers — and, in the UK, a lower entry price. Buying used? Decode the VIN to confirm the version and battery, and check recalls and history either way.
FAQ
Is the BYD Sealion 7 cheaper than the Tesla Model Y?
In Australia, yes — A$54,990 vs A$58,900 before on-road costs, with A$4,000 BYD cashback to 21 December 2026. In the UK the Model Y Standard (£41,990) is cheaper than the Sealion 7 (from £44,990).
Which has more range, Sealion 7 or Model Y?
The entry Sealion 7 Premium is rated at 482 km WLTP and the Model Y RWD at 466 km, so the BYD goes slightly further despite being less efficient.
Which has the bigger boot?
The Model Y, by a long way: 854 litres with the seats up against 500 litres in the Sealion 7.
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