Recently updated, the new Model Y again challenges the BYD Sealion 7. Dimensions, equipment and prices are still very similar
The redesigned Tesla Model Y has arrived in the UK. Awaited, photographed and finally seen live, it debuted with several updates, both in terms of aesthetics and equipment. Will it still be the world’s best-selling electric car? It is too early to say, as several very strong competitors have entered the market in the last year.
The first is the new BYD Sealion 7, a direct competitor to Musk’s SUV in terms of size and mechanics, which comes from China and has very similar content and technology, but a slightly smaller boot and slightly more competitive prices. As always, we compared them again on paper to find out all the main differences and similarities.
Starting with the exterior and in alphabetical order, we begin with the dimensions of the BYD. With a length of 4.83 m, the Chinese car is indeed larger than the Model Y and shows this with much more imposing proportions. Its general lines are reminiscent of something aquatic, and indeed its name is Sealion, a mammal found in the coldest regions of the world, which was the source of inspiration for the designers.
In addition to the rounded shapes, this new BYD also features the ever-present X-shaped front end that characterises all of the brand’s cars, but this time combined with bulkier light clusters and an almost coupé-like rear end characterised by horizontally developed headlights with a light signature.
BYD Sealion 7, the new Chinese challenger
Tesla Model Y (2025)
The redesigned Tesla Model Y, on the other hand, is completely new at the front and rear and has changed slightly in size. The mid-life update of the American SUV has in fact increased its dimensions by around 4 cm, a change also aimed at improving aerodynamics (Cx goes from 0.23 to 0.22).
The Model Y “Juniper” – as the project is called – is now 4.79 metres long, 1.92 metres wide and 1.62 metres high, with a wheelbase that stops at 2.89 metres. All new are the front headlights and rear lights, which are now connected by a single light band that has certainly freshened up the car’s overall design, as well as high and low beams on a second level. The rear is also inspired by coupé shapes.
On board, the BYD Sealion 7’s interior is generally simple, but nevertheless personal. The dashboard in particular, like the exterior, has been designed with an eye to the sea and echoes the nautical theme, while the upholstery is high quality with leather and soft plastics.
In terms of technology, on the other hand, the large 15.6″ swivel screen, which can be swivelled vertically and horizontally, and which is combined with the 10.25″ instrument panel, is certainly very impressive. Finally, although it does not have record-breaking capacity, the boot is well exploitable and has a volume that starts at 520 litres and reaches 1,789 litres when the rear seats are folded down. Add to this the 58 litres of the frunk, the front compartment.
In terms of technology, the large 15.6-inch screen, which can be tilted and swivelled, combined with the 10.25-inch instrument panel, is certainly impressive. Finally, the boot, although not record-breaking in capacity, is very usable, with a volume that starts at 520 litres and reaches 1,789 litres when the rear seats are folded down. Add to this the 58 litres of the front boot.
BYD Sealion 7, the interior
Tesla Model Y 2025, the interior
Minimalism is also the key word for the interior of the newly renovated Tesla Model Y. In keeping with the tradition of Musk’s cars, the interior is also very minimalist, with the new large 15.4-inch touchscreen at the centre, the true command centre of the vehicle, from which it is possible to manage all the main functions, from infotainment to on-board comfort control, eliminating the need for traditional buttons.
As with the rest of the range, the Juniper features a new 8-inch rear monitor in the centre of the front tunnel, dedicated to rear-seat entertainment: it can be used to control the climate control and a range of multimedia content, including some games for the kids.
Among the most interesting features are the enormous fixed panoramic roof, which gives the interior a feeling of great brightness, and the boot with a truly remarkable capacity: 854 litres in 5-seater configuration, rising to 2,158 litres in 2-seater configuration, all completed by the additional 117 litres of boot space.
BYD Sealion 7, the boot
Tesla Model Y, the boot
But let’s leave aside the interior and exterior and move on to the mechanicals, where there are a few things to say. Starting with the BYD Sealion 7, the Chinese crossover is available in two versions called Comfort and Excellence.
The first uses an 82.5 kWh battery and a rear-mounted 313 PS electric motor for a range of 300 miles in the WLTP cycle. The second uses a 91.3 kWh battery pack and a twin electric motor powertrain (capable of activating four-wheel drive) with a total of 530 PS. In this case, the range is 312 miles. Both versions can be recharged up to 230 kW in direct current, which drops to 11 kW in alternating current.
Two versions for the BYD Sealion 7
Tesla Model Y (2025)
The new Tesla, on the other hand, will initially only be available in the UK in the Long Range All-Wheel Drive version, the top of the range, with a claimed WLTP cycle range of 353 miles, 0-62 mph time of 3.5 seconds and a top speed of 135 mph.
Obviously, the powertrain is dual motor and therefore capable of developing electric all-wheel drive, and is powered by a 78.4 kWh net capacity battery that can be recharged via a DC fast charger with a maximum output of 250 kW and a standard AC charger with a maximum output of 11.5 kW.
Both models use a heat pump to improve the car’s air conditioning efficiency in cold weather.
82.5 kWh and 313 PS
91.3 kWh and 530 PS
78.4 kWh and 450 PS
The BYD Sealion 7 starts at £46,990 for the rear-wheel drive model and goes up to £58,990 for the top-of-the-range variant with dual electric motors.
The new Tesla Model Y, on the other hand, can only be ordered in the UK for the time being in the Launch Edition Long Range AWD version with a price of £60,990, alternatively it can be leased (PCP) with a variable duration, from 24 to 48 months.
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