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The BYD Sealion 7 is easily the most popular car in Singapore. I've seen the car at its launch event, and I've also sat in the Sealion 7 Performance dual motor variant when my colleague tested it.
However, I've never driven one until I was handed the keys to this - the Sealion 7 Dynamic, a Cat A COE variant. I've heard great things, and I like what I see, but this time, I'll get to experience it from behind the wheel. Here's the big question: Will Cat A power be sufficient in such a big car?
The BYD Sealion 7 is essentially a coupe SUV version of the BYD Seal, and with the latter being one of the best-looking BYD cars out there, the Sealion 7 has naturally inherited its good looks.
Up front, the head lights look to be lifted directly from the Seal, while the entire face of the car has been stretched taller - BYD's Ocean Series design has proven to be very versatile and transferable across different body styles.
The Sealion 7's coupe-like silhouette is completed with a sporty top spoiler extending seamlessly from its sleek, tapering roofline.
Meanwhile, a slim boot lip finishes off the wide-rear end with plenty of presence thanks to the stylish rear light bar.
You don't really need so much power
Now let's dive into what I was raring to find out - how does the Cat A drivetrain hold up?
In order to qualify for Cat A COE, the Sealion 7 Dynamic has been tuned to put out 100kW (134bhp), but it still produces a peak torque of 380Nm, which is the same as the more powerful Premium variant. Additionally, it also gets a smaller 71.8kWh battery pack, netting a WLTP range of 405km.
When it comes to actual driving, the high torque and responsive throttle result in very swift acceleration off the line - 0-60km/h is where the car shines. However, there's no escaping physics - the car's weight and limited power shows when you are trying to overtake at highway speeds. With a full load, and on inclines, you might find yourself wanting more power.
But for the majority of drivers here who spend most of our time puttering around town and navigating city traffic, you probably wouldn't even be driving fast enough to feel it.
And it is something that rings true for all Cat A cars with limited power. In fact, the responsive throttle mapping and instantaneous electric acceleration still allows this car to be quicker than comparable internal combustion vehicles.
As for the range, I drove a total of 248.2km and was left with 35% charge, with 148km of estimated range left - this puts the total range at just below 400km, which is impressively close to the claimed range, considering my lead foot.
Stretching your dollar to the limit
The more powerful variants of the Sealion 7 were the first to be launched in Singapore, and those cars were very well equipped for its price. Naturally, the question many might have is: "What am I missing out if I were to opt for the more affordable Cat A variant?"
After spending three days with the Sealion 7 Dynamic, I'm glad to tell you the answer is - not much.
There are only four main differences here - seats, head-up display, speakers and upholstery. With the Cat A Sealion 7 Dynamic, you'll miss out on driver seat lumbar adjustments and memory function, and the head-up display. You'll also get a 10-speaker set-up instead of the 12-speaker Dynaudio system, and vegan leather instead of Nappa leather for the upholstery.
You'll still get to enjoy wireless smartphone connectivity (both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto), along with a 50W wireless charger, ventilated front row seats, and the full suite of driving assistance - including the Intelligent Cruise Control (Adaptive Cruise Control with lane Centering).
The Sealion 7 is truly well equipped, and I really love how the brand has chosen to go with physical air-con vents instead of fiddly ones that have to be controlled through the touchscreen.
The vegan leather is soft and plush to the touch and the sound system, while unbranded, is actually among the better sounding ones in the market in my opinion. So you really aren't getting much less by opting for the Sealion 7 Dynamic, especially if you aren't the type to speed.
Easy to love, faultless experience
Being a Cat A model, it is clear that the Sealion 7 isn't performance oriented, but it manages to offer an easy and confident-inspiring drive. The double wishbone front and multi-link rear suspension set up probably has something to do with it - despite its weight, the Sealion 7 handles well with good body control and cornering stability.
The suspension is also well-tuned, being able to soak up quick bumps effectively while offering enough stiffness when the situation calls for it. Although the side-to-side motion typical of SUVs can still be observed on certain scenarios, it is made up for by the car's ability to soak up most uneven surfaces flawlessly - including speed regulating strips.
Even in Cat A guise, the BYD Sealion 7 is a surprisingly well-rounded option. At $196,888, it is a good $24,500 cheaper than the Cat B Premium model, all while offering comparable levels of creature comfort. The only real downside is the reduced range and power, which in my opinion, are non-issues for most drivers in Singapore. I can see why the Sealion 7 is so popular on our roads - it truly is a car that leaves not much else for you to yearn for.
In the market for a Cat A EV SUV? Here are some others that you can consider:
The Leapmotor C10 offers quite the pleasant cabin at one seriously tempting price
Two of the hottest models in the Cat A electric crossover segment face off
BYD's new entry-level model is well-sorted and keenly priced
