Tesla Model Y vs BYD Sealion 7 is a timely comparison in India’s growing premium electric SUV segment. Tesla has officially entered the Indian market with the launch of the Model Y, which is now open for bookings. In contrast, the BYD Sealion 7, first revealed at the Bharat Mobility Global Expo has already been on sale for a few months. While the two models arrived through different timelines, they are now positioned head-to-head in the same competitive space.
This article presents a detailed Tesla Model Y vs BYD Sealion 7 comparo across critical segments such as design, interior, features, powertrain, range, and pricing.
Tesla Model Y vs BYD Sealion 7 – Exterior Design
In terms of exterior styling, the Tesla Model Y vs BYD Sealion 7 comparison reveals two distinctly different design directions.
The Tesla Model Y follows the brand’s familiar minimalist design language. Its fastback profile, smooth surfaces, and flush door handles give it an aerodynamic and futuristic appearance. The car sits lower than traditional SUVs and carries a clean, clutter-free silhouette that has become a Tesla signature.
The BYD Sealion 7, on the other hand, embraces a more design-forward approach. It follows the brand’s “Ocean Aesthetics” design philosophy, featuring a larger footprint and a more upright stance. The U-shaped LED lighting signature at the front, bold character lines, and the finer detailing gives it a more aggressive and contemporary SUV feel.
Dimensionally, the Sealion 7 is the larger vehicle. It measures 4,830 mm in length and 1,925 mm in width, while the Model Y is slightly more compact at 4,751 mm long and 1,920 mm wide.
Tesla Model Y vs BYD Sealion 7 – Interior and Features
When it comes to interiors, the Tesla Model Y vs BYD Sealion 7 comparison highlights two very different design languages.
The Model Y’s cabin is quintessential Tesla — minimalist to the core. A single 15.4-inch central touchscreen that takes care of almost all functions of the vehicle, including navigation, climate control, and media. There’s no traditional instrument cluster or physical buttons. While this clean approach may appeal to tech-savvy users, it might not suit everyone’s preferences.
In contrast, the BYD Sealion 7 leans toward a more conventional luxury SUV cabin. It features a fully digital 10.25-inch instrument cluster and a rotating 15.6-inch infotainment screen, along with physical buttons for essential controls. Materials include Nappa leather, and features like ventilated front and rear seats, a panoramic sunroof, and wireless charging are all present. It also comes with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto,
Both cars come with Level 2 ADAS features, but Tesla’s self-driving system is a whopping ₹6 lakh optional extra, although India-specific updates remain to be seen on the Model Y.
Tesla Model Y vs BYD Sealion 7 – Battery, Range, and Powertrain
In the Tesla Model Y vs BYD Sealion 7 comparison, both variants of the Sealion 7 are equipped with an 82.56 kWh Blade Battery. The Premium RWD version produces 313 PS and 380 Nm of torque, delivering a certified WLTP range of 567 km. The higher-spec Performance AWD variant uses a dual-motor layout to generate 530 PS and 630 Nm, though its claimed range is slightly lower at 542 km due to the added powertrain complexity.
Tesla, on the other hand, has not officially disclosed battery capacity or output figures for the India-spec Model Y. That said, the company claims a WLTP range of 500 km for the Standard RWD variant, which accelerates from 0 to 100 kmph in 5.9 seconds. The Long Range RWD model offers a longer 622 km driving range and completes the 0–100 km/h sprint in 5.6 seconds. Both variants of the Model Y are rear-wheel-drive and have a top speed of 201 kmph
Tesla Model Y vs BYD Sealion 7 – Pricing & Market Positioning
In the Tesla Model Y vs BYD Sealion 7 pricing comparison, both models arrive in India as completely built units (CBUs), attracting high import duties that influence their final ex-showroom prices. Tesla’s Model Y is available in two rear-wheel-drive variants: the Standard version at ₹59.89 lakh and the Long Range at ₹67.89 lakh, both ex-showroom pricing.
BYD positions the Sealion 7 more aggressively, with the Premium RWD variant priced at ₹48.90 lakh and the Performance AWD at ₹54.90 lakh. This creates a significant price gap between the two offerings—₹10.99 premium for the base Tesla Model Y over the entry-level Sealion 7, while the top-spec Model Y Long Range costs ₹12.99 lakh more than BYD’s flagship Performance variant
These two cars also will go up against rivals such as, Kia EV6, Hyundai Ioniq 5, and EV’s from luxury carmakers such as the Mercedes Benz EQA, BMW iX1 and Volvo EX40.