Tesla Model Y L – Exterior Design

The Model Y Long Wheelbase measures 4967 mm in length, 1982 mm in width, and 1668 mm in height, with a wheelbase of 3040 mm, which is 150 mm longer than the standard model. Despite the increase in dimensions, the overall design language remains unchanged and continues to follow Tesla’s clean and minimalistic approach.

At the front, the SUV features sleek headlamps integrated with a connected LED daytime running light signature, while the rear is characterised by connected tail lamps with a distinctive backlit appearance. To accommodate the third row of seating, the roofline has been subtly raised towards the rear, giving the vehicle a slightly more upright stance without disrupting its aerodynamic profile. The Model Y L rides on 19 inch aero optimised alloy wheels as standard.

Tesla Model Y L – Interior Design and Features

Inside, the cabin retains Tesla’s signature minimalist layout, dominated by a centrally mounted 16 inch touchscreen that controls nearly all vehicle functions, including climate settings, seat adjustments, and lighting. The absence of physical buttons continues to be a defining trait, with even essential controls integrated into the touchscreen interface.

The steering wheel features a clean design with limited tactile controls. Rear passengers benefit from an additional 8 inch touchscreen mounted for the second row, allowing independent control over media and HVAC functions.

A key highlight of the Model Y Long Wheelbase is its three row seating configuration in a 2 plus 2 plus 2 layout. The second row features individual captain seats equipped with ventilation, heating, powered armrests, and one touch folding functions. The third row offers power recline, folding capability, and dedicated climate control, enhancing usability for occupants. Acoustic glass has also been incorporated to improve cabin insulation and reduce external noise.

Tesla Model Y L – Battery Pack, Range, Charging Infrastructure

The Model Y L is powered by an 85 kWh battery pack, paired with a dual motor all wheel drive setup. It produces an estimated 456 horsepower and 590 Nm of torque, making it the most powerful Tesla currently on sale in India.

Performance figures include a 0 to 100 kmph acceleration time of 5.0 seconds and a top speed of 201 kmph. Tesla claims a driving range of up to 681 kilometres on a single charge, positioning it strongly within the premium electric SUV segment.

Tesla continues to expand its charging footprint in India alongside the launch of the Model Y Long Wheelbase. At present, the company operates 20 Superchargers and 14 Wall Connectors across key locations in the country. Plans are underway to introduce seven additional Supercharger stations along major highway corridors connecting cities such as Delhi, Chandigarh, Jaipur, Ahmedabad, Mumbai, Pune, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, and Chennai.

Tesla has also initiated its home charging program for customers in India, aimed at improving convenience and accessibility for daily usage. The company claims that using its Supercharger network, the Model Y Long Wheelbase can add up to 288 kilometres of range in just 15 minutes of fast charging.

Tesla Model Y L – Safety Features

In terms of safety, the Model Y L comes equipped with a comprehensive suite of features. It includes nine airbags, which is an increase over the standard model, along with advanced driver assistance systems such as automatic emergency braking, forward collision warning, blind spot assist, and lane departure avoidance.

Tesla’s Full Self Driving capability is offered as an optional package priced at Rs 6 lakh. However, the availability and activation of several autonomous features remain subject to regulatory approvals in India, which may limit their real world functionality at present..

Tesla Model Y L – Price and Rivals

Priced at Rs 61.99 lakh ex showroom, the Model Y Long Wheelbase competes in the growing premium electric SUV space. Key rivals include the BMW iX1 Long Wheelbase, BYD Sealion 7 and Volvo EX40, all of which cater to a similar audience looking for luxury, performance, and electric mobility.

With the addition of a longer wheelbase, three row seating, and all wheel drive capability, the Model Y Long Wheelbase strengthens Tesla’s position in India by offering a more versatile and performance oriented package within its lineup.

The post Tesla Model Y L Launched at Rs 61.99 Lakh: A Complete Look at the BMW iX1 LWB Rival first appeared on Shutterdrives.

The post Tesla Model Y L Launched at Rs 61.99 Lakh: A Complete Look at the BMW iX1 LWB Rival appeared first on Shutterdrives.

The post Tesla Model Y L Launched at Rs 61.99 Lakh: A Complete Look at the BMW iX1 LWB Rival appeared first on Shutterdrives.

In this review, we take a closer look at how the BYD Sealion 7 performs across key aspects including its design, interior execution, ride and handling characteristics, and battery performance in real world conditions.

BYD Sealion 7 – Exterior Design

From a design standpoint, the BYD Sealion 7 adheres to BYD’s established Ocean Series design language, characterised by clean lines and a coupe silhouette. The overall stance of the vehicle appears modern and sophisticated without appearing excessively aggressive or overstated.

The BYD Sealion 7 measures 4830 mm in length, 1925 mm in width, and 1620 mm in height, along with a wheelbase of 2930 mm, which is certainly appreciated when evaluating cabin space and overall proportions. The variant tested was the Premium trim, which is equipped with 19 inch alloy wheels. Buyers can also opt for the Performance variant, which features larger 20 inch alloy wheels that further enhance the vehicle’s stance. The front fascia is defined by sleek LED headlamps complemented by signature daytime running lights that lend the SUV a contemporary appearance.

Along the side profile, the flush fitting door handles contribute to the aerodynamic design of the vehicle, although from a usability perspective, they may not appeal to all users. Towards the rear, the connected LED tail lamp setup along with the subtle integrated spoiler completes the overall look.

In its entirety, the exterior design of the BYD Sealion 7 manages to appear modern and premium while retaining a certain sense of subtlety. At the same time, it maintains a distinctive identity that allows it to stand apart on the road without appearing overly dramatic.

BYD Sealion 7 – Interior Design and Features

The moment you step in, the cabin genuinely gives you a very premium feel, and you do get the sense that you are sitting in something that feels like it belongs to a higher segment, closer to what you would expect from a ₹50 lakh vehicle, and not something you would typically associate with a non luxury badge. And that, in itself, works strongly in the Sealion 7’s favour.

The black on black interior theme, complemented by black leather upholstery and the use of soft touch materials across the dashboard and door pads, contributes positively to the overall in cabin experience. The consistency in fit and finish further reinforces the sense of quality expected from a vehicle in this segment.

At the centre of the interior layout is the large 15.6 inch infotainment touchscreen, which continues to be a signature feature across BYD’s global lineup. As seen on other models from BYD, this unit comes with the ability to rotate between landscape and portrait orientations. While the rotating function adds a sense of novelty, its practicality in day to day usage may be perceived as somewhat unnecessary by certain users.

The infotainment system integrates the majority of vehicle functions, including the HVAC controls. This results in the absence of physical switches for essential climate control adjustments. Notably, adjusting blower temperature requires a three finger swipe gesture across the touchscreen, which can prove to be distracting, particularly while driving. For a function that is frequently accessed, this method of operation may not be the most intuitive in real world conditions.

In terms of comfort and convenience features, the BYD Sealion 7 is equipped with a 12 speaker Dynaudio sound system, powered and ventilated front seats, automatic headlamps and wipers, and a gesture controlled powered tailgate. The vehicle also features dual zone climate control along with dynamic ambient lighting that enhances the overall cabin experience. The Sealion has a large 520 litre boot, which easily fits 2 large size suitcases, the SUV also comes with 58 litre frunk suited for small bags or backpacks.

Additionally, the fixed panoramic sunroof contributes to a greater sense of space and airiness within the cabin, particularly for rear seat occupants. The BYD Sealion 7 also offers a ventilated wireless phone charger, which adds to everyday practicality.

BYD Sealion 7 – Interior Comfort

The front seats in the BYD Sealion 7 are extremely comfortable and offer a good balance of bolstering and cushioning. Thanks to the multiple electronic adjustment settings on offer, it does not take long to find an ideal driving position. For someone around six feet tall, there is no noticeable compromise in terms of headroom or knee room in the front row. The driving position itself feels well suited for both city commutes and longer highway journeys, and overall comfort levels are appreciably better than several similarly priced electric vehicles currently available in the market.

Moving to the rear, this is where the Sealion 7 manages to stand out. Given its coupe inspired roofline, one would typically expect a compromise in rear seat headroom. However, even for an occupant measuring six feet in height, there is adequate headroom on offer. While it may not match what you would experience in a conventional upright SUV, it is certainly better than what is generally seen in coupe styled SUVs.

The rear seating position is set slightly lower, which almost gives the impression of sitting in a sedan. Despite this, knee room remains generous, largely due to the 2930 mm wheelbase. Even with the front seat adjusted to a six foot driver’s seating position, rear passengers still benefit from sufficient knee room. Under thigh support is also commendable, supported by well cushioned seats with adequate bolstering.

One notable omission, however, is the absence of individual climate controls for rear passengers. While the vehicle is equipped with dual zone climate control, the addition of a three zone setup could have further enhanced rear seat comfort. That said, the factory fitted privacy tinted glass helps in keeping cabin temperatures in check by limiting heat ingress, which is particularly important in Indian climatic conditions. Additionally, as mentioned earlier, the fixed panoramic sunroof contributes to a greater sense of airiness within the cabin

BYD Sealion 7 – Ride and Handling

Powering the rear wheel drive variant of the BYD Sealion 7 that we tested is an 82.56 kWh battery pack that utilises BYD’s Blade Cell LFP technology. This setup produces a claimed 310 horsepower and 380 Nm of torque. For buyers seeking higher performance, there is also a dual motor all wheel drive Performance variant on offer, which delivers a significantly higher output of 530 horsepower and 690 Nm of torque.

From the get go, the rear wheel drive variant does live up to its claimed performance figures. As expected from an electric vehicle, torque delivery is instantaneous the moment you put your foot down. However, what stands out is how well it manages to move despite its size and weight. Weighing close to 2.3 tonnes, the Sealion 7 feels responsive under acceleration and gathers speed with surprising urgency for an SUV of this size.

The suspension setup appears to be tuned towards a slightly firmer side. On Indian roads, particularly when encountering potholes or uneven surfaces, there is a noticeable firmness that translates into a mild thud filtering into the cabin. That said, on smoother tarmac or open highways, this stiffer suspension works to the vehicle’s advantage by lending it a more planted and composed feel at higher speeds.

Steering feedback builds up progressively with speed, which complements the vehicle’s driving dynamics well. While there is a certain degree of body roll present, as expected from an SUV, it is kept reasonably in check by the suspension setup. The vehicle also offers multiple drive modes and in Sport mode in particular, throttle response feels noticeably sharper, enhancing overall responsiveness during spirited driving.

BYD Sealion 7 – Safety and Charging 

On the safety front, the BYD Sealion 7 is equipped with a comprehensive Level 2 ADAS suite that includes features such as lane departure warning, driver attention monitoring, adaptive cruise control, and a 360 degree surround view camera system, among several other active safety technologies. A particularly noteworthy inclusion is the provision of 11 airbags. In a segment where even luxury offerings typically offer seven to eight airbags.

In terms of charging, the vehicle is supplied with a 7 kW wall mounted charger as part of the standard package. The Sealion 7 also supports AC charging of up to 11 kW, which allows for a full charge in approximately seven to eight hours, making it suitable for overnight charging. DC fast charging compatibility is also available for quicker top ups when required. Additionally, the vehicle is equipped with Vehicle to Load functionality, allowing it to power external electrical devices when needed.

As for range, the rear wheel drive single motor variant that was tested offers a claimed ARAI certified range of 567 kilometres on a full charge. In real world usage, over the course of two days involving a mix of city commutes, highway runs, and some spirited driving in and around the Nandi Hills region near Bengaluru, the vehicle returned an indicated range of approximately 480 kilometres on a full charge, which is commendable under varied driving condition.

BYD Sealion 7 – Verdict

The rear wheel drive variant of the BYD Sealion 7 is priced at ₹49.4 lakh, going up to ₹54.9 lakh ex showroom for the dual motor all wheel drive Performance variant. This places it in direct competition with the BMW iX1 Long Wheelbase, which is priced at ₹49.9 lakh, as well as the Volvo EX40, which is priced at ₹50.1 lakh ex showroom.

In comparison, the BYD Sealion 7 presents itself as a product that feels a segment above in several key areas, particularly in terms of performance, perceived interior quality, and the amount of space on offer within the cabin. There are certain elements that may come across as slightly gimmicky, especially with respect to some touchscreen based controls, and the suspension setup does lean towards the firmer side on rougher road surfaces.

However, beyond these aspects, the BYD Sealion 7 is a well put together electric SUV that delivers strongly where it matters most. Its road presence also deserves mention, as it consistently attracts attention and stands out in everyday traffic.

For buyers considering an electric SUV in the ₹50 lakh price bracket, the Sealion 7 makes a compelling case for itself, and would be a strong recommendation even when evaluated against offerings such as the BMW iX1 Long Wheelbase and the Volvo EX40

The post BYD Sealion 7 Review: Can It Beat the BMW iX1 LWB? first appeared on Shutterdrives.

The post BYD Sealion 7 Review: Can It Beat the BMW iX1 LWB? appeared first on Shutterdrives.

The post BYD Sealion 7 Review: Can It Beat the BMW iX1 LWB? appeared first on Shutterdrives.