Tesla Model Y vs BYD Sealion 7: Real world range compared

The Tesla Model Y and BYD Sealion 7 both sit in the entry-level luxury EV segment in India. While the Model Y Long Range starts at Rs 67.89 lakh, the Sealion 7 Performance is priced at Rs 54.90 lakh. But how do these two EVs fare on the range front, especially when put under the rigours of real-world testing? Using data gathered during our time with these cars, we tell you which one can go the distance.

Disclaimer: The Model Y we’ve tested is the pre-update model with a claimed ARAI range of 622km. Tesla updated the Model Y RWD in India last October with a greater claimed range of 661km. This comes courtesy of a larger 84.2kWh battery, up from the original India-spec Model Y’s 78.1kWh unit.

Tesla Model Y vs BYD Sealion 7: Specifications and price

The Sealion 7 gets a larger battery pack and a dual-motor AWD drivetrain

The Sealion 7’s battery pack is nearly 4.5kWh larger than the unit powering the Model Y Long Range. Moreover, the BYD EV comes with a dual-motor setup, which translates to all-wheel-drive (AWD) capability. Then there are power figures, where the Sealion 7 sets itself apart with 231hp and 280Nm more on offer. This results in the Chinese EV being 1.1 seconds quicker in the 0-100kph run. Finally, there is Rs 12.99 lakh separating the BYD Sealion 7 Performance AWD from the Tesla Model Y Long Range RWD.

Explore a detailed comparison of prices, specs and features between the Tesla Model Y and BYD Sealion 7.

Tesla Model Y vs BYD Sealion 7: Real-world range

The Model Y Long Range offers more real-world range

While there is an 80km difference in their maximum claimed range, this figure cannot be taken into account. That’s because the two cars have been tested under different test cycles by their respective brands. However, in our real-world range tests, the Tesla Model Y Long Range RWD achieved better efficiency.

The Model Y Long Range managed 20km more when driven in city conditions, and that gap widened to an impressive 156km on the highway. This means that the average range the Tesla could have achieved on a full charge during our time testing it was 88km more than what the BYD Sealion 7 Performance AWD could have managed.

Autocar India’s range testing

For our real-world range comparisons, we begin with each car’s battery fully charged and tyre pressures set as per the manufacturer’s recommendations. We drive the cars on a fixed loop covering both city and highway stretches while maintaining set average speeds. We then calculate the range based on the percentage of charge consumed. The AC is set to 22deg C in auto mode, and we use features such as the music system, lights and ventilated seats as needed, just as a regular user would. This approach ensures consistency and gives a clear idea of what to expect in actual conditions.

Prices are ex-showroom, India.