The BYD Sealion 07 DM-i is the Chinese brand’s new SUV, also expected to arrive in Europe. Despite sharing a similar name, it doesn’t have much in common with the BYD Sealion 7, which is a coupe SUV aimed at rivaling the Tesla Model Y. However, it retains a similar design and belongs to BYD’s Ocean series. It’s likely that a different name will be used for the European market.
Beyond the name and design, this new model is also the first BYD vehicle—and the first in the world—to be equipped with DeepSeek, the Chinese AI that has attracted a lot of attention in recent months. The official launch will take place on May 8, 2025, in China, where pre-orders are already open with prices ranging from 189,800 to 229,800 yuan (approximately €23,000 to €28,000).
BYD Sealion 07 DM-i with DeepSeek and Drones
The Sealion 07 DM-i stands out with BYD’s “Ocean Aesthetics” design language, featuring an aggressive front end with E-shaped LED headlights connected by a slim light strip. The bumper includes black and silver details with sporty side air intakes, while the profile is defined by smooth lines, two-tone alloy wheels, and a distinctively shaped D-pillar. At the rear, a full-width light bar and contrasting trim complete the look.
Dimensions are close to those of the electric Sealion 7—likely justifying the name retention—with a length of 4.8 m, width of 1.9 m, height of 1.75 m, and a wheelbase of 2.8 m.
Inside, the Sealion 07 DM-i reflects a design philosophy called “Glacier World”, with a symmetrical dashboard split by a black panel that integrates a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster and a large 15.6-inch rotating central touchscreen. The infotainment system is DiLink 100, supported by DeepSeek AI, enabling advanced voice control.
One of the most intriguing features is the optional Lingyuan BYD Intelligent Drone system, developed in collaboration with DJI. Through a dedicated app, the car can control a drone for takeoff, tracking, and automatic return, opening up new opportunities for filming on the move or professional applications—a growing trend among Chinese automakers.
The Sealion 07 DM-i is available with two ADAS configurations:
- DiPilot 100, featuring a triple-camera system.
- DiPilot 300, which also includes LiDAR.
Both offer advanced functionalities like urban and highway navigation, traffic light recognition, obstacle avoidance, and automatic parking, placing this SUV among the top of its segment in terms of active safety.
Performance and Range
Built on BYD’s fifth-generation hybrid platform, the Sealion 07 DM-i offers two variants. The base version pairs a 1.5T turbo petrol engine (115 kW) with a 200 kW front electric motor, for a total range of up to 1,320 km (CLTC) and 150 km in pure electric mode.
The DM-p version adds a rear electric motor, enabling all-wheel drive and a combined output of 469 hp. This version accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in just 4.7 seconds, while still offering 135 km of electric-only range.
