Last checked September 2026. Tesla updates its Model Y line-up and prices frequently; confirm on Tesla’s UK site before ordering.
The Tesla Model Y is one of the best-selling electric cars in the UK, and the BYD Sealion 7 is BYD’s most direct challenge to it: a roomy five-seat electric SUV with a long equipment list and a six-year warranty. We compared them on everything that matters to UK buyers.
BYD Sealion 7 vs Tesla Model Y at a glance
| BYD Sealion 7 | Tesla Model Y | |
|---|---|---|
| Starting price | £46,990 (Comfort RWD) | £41,990 (Standard RWD) |
| Other versions | Design AWD £51,990; Excellence AWD £58,990 | Premium Long Range RWD £48,990; Long Range AWD £51,990; 7-seat from £54,490; Performance about £62,000 |
| Official range | 283 to 312 miles | Up to about 390 miles (Long Range) |
| Fastest charging | 150kW (Comfort, Design); 230kW (Excellence) | 175kW (Standard); 250kW (Long Range) |
| 10-80% charge | About 32 min (24 min Excellence) | About 25 to 28 min |
| 0-62mph | 6.7s (RWD) / 4.5s (AWD) | About 7s (Standard) to 3.3s (Performance) |
| Boot | 520 litres + 58-litre front boot | Up to 854 litres (incl. underfloor) + 117-litre front boot |
| Seats | 5 | 5, or 7 on Long Range AWD |
| Warranty | 6 years / 93,750 miles; battery 8 years / 155,000 miles | 4 years / 60,000 miles; battery 8 years / 100,000-120,000 miles |
| Insurance group | 46 to 50 | 34 to 47 |
| Euro NCAP | 5 stars (2025) | 5 stars (2025) |
Price
The Model Y Standard starts about £5,000 below the cheapest Sealion 7, and the Premium Long Range RWD costs roughly the same as the Sealion 7 Comfort while offering considerably more range. The BYD comes with more equipment as standard, including heated seats, adaptive cruise control and vehicle-to-load (the ability to power appliances from the car’s battery), but the Tesla has the lower starting price.
Range and charging
This is the Tesla’s biggest advantage. The Model Y Long Range goes well over 350 miles on the official test, while the Sealion 7 manages 283 to 312 miles depending on version. What Car? saw around 249 miles in real-world driving from the Sealion 7 Comfort.
The cheaper Sealion 7 versions charge at up to 150kW, which is slow for a car at this price. The top Excellence model uses a different battery that charges at up to 230kW, bringing it close to the Tesla. Model Y owners also get Tesla’s Supercharger network. See our charging times and costs guide.
Space and practicality
Both are roomy family SUVs, but the Model Y is the more practical. Its boot is one of the biggest in the class once you count the deep underfloor well, and its front boot is twice the size of the BYD’s. It is also available as a seven-seater, which the Sealion 7 is not. The Sealion 7 has generous rear legroom and a useful 520-litre boot, but it cannot match the Tesla for luggage.
Comfort, quality and driving
The Sealion 7’s cabin is plush and well equipped, and it is quiet on long motorway runs. However, reviewers found its ride unsettled and its steering numb. The Model Y’s Premium versions are refined and composed, although the entry-level Standard has simpler suspension that is bumpier and noisier, and a more basic interior. As with all Teslas, there is no Apple CarPlay or Android Auto.
Running costs
- Insurance: the Sealion 7 sits in groups 46 to 50, while the Model Y Standard starts in group 34. That can mean a noticeably higher premium for the BYD. See our insurance groups guide.
- Warranty: BYD’s six years on the car and up to 155,000 miles on the battery beats Tesla’s four years comfortably. See our warranty comparison.
- Servicing: BYD electric cars now need servicing only every two years. See our servicing costs guide.
What the experts say
- Sealion 7: Top Gear 6 out of 10, Carwow 7 out of 10. Praised for space and equipment, marked down on ride, range and charging speed on lower trims.
- Model Y: Auto Express 4.5 out of 5, Carwow 9 out of 10. Praised for space, efficiency and the charging network; criticised for rear visibility and the Standard’s basic interior.
Verdict
The Tesla Model Y is the better all-rounder. It is cheaper to start, goes further, charges faster, carries more and is available with seven seats. Choose the BYD Sealion 7 if you want more standard equipment and a much longer warranty, and can get a good discount. The Comfort RWD offers the best range and value in the Sealion 7 line-up.
Other Chinese alternatives worth a look include the XPeng G6, Deepal S07 and Leapmotor C10.
Frequently asked questions
Is the BYD Sealion 7 bigger than the Tesla Model Y?
The Sealion 7 is slightly longer, at 4,830mm, but the Model Y has more luggage space and is also offered with seven seats.
Which has more range, the Sealion 7 or Model Y?
The Model Y. Long Range versions claim well over 350 miles, against 283 to 312 miles for the Sealion 7.
Is the BYD Sealion 7 expensive to insure?
It sits in insurance groups 46 to 50, which is high for a family SUV. The Model Y starts in group 34.
Does the Sealion 7 have a longer warranty than the Model Y?
Yes. BYD gives 6 years or 93,750 miles on the car and 8 years or 155,000 miles on the battery. Tesla gives 4 years on the car.