BYD is about to make some changes to its EV family in Malaysia once again by adding the 2026 BYD Sealion 7 into the lineup. The upcoming launch of the refreshed model has been confirmed by Sime Motors to take place this Thursday, 31 July 2026.
The 2026 Sealion 7 model is set to become the second BYD refreshed model to launch in Malaysia after the Atto 3 Facelift that was released here last month. However, we don’t expect the changes done to the Sealion 7 to be as visible as the Atto 3, though.
What to expect from the 2026 BYD Sealion 7?
This is because we believe most of the changes that the 2026 Sealion 7 is going to carry into the market will likely revolve around upgraded battery capacity and charging capability.
This is because the Sealion 7 that is currently available in Malaysia was built using the 400V e-Platform 3.0. Both Sealion 7 Premium RWD and Performance AWD variants in Malaysia are powered by the same 82.5kWh battery and support a DC charging speed of up to 150kW.
Over in Europe, the Sealion 7 Excellence AWD was built using the 800V e-Platform 3.0 Evo instead. It was fitted with a 91.3kWh battery which allows it to deliver a WLTP-rated range of 502km and can also support a DC charging speed of up to 240kW.
Meanwhile, we also expect the 2026 Sealion 7 to bring some exterior and interior changes, though likely quite minor. One possible change is the implementation of a column shifter as the drive selector, instead of a gear selector on the centre console – we have seen this on the Sealion 7 for the Korean market.
How much will the 2026 BYD Sealion 7 cost?
So, how about the pricing? As a reference, the current recommended retail price (RRP) of the Sealion 7 Premium is RM183,800 while the RRP of the Sealion 7 Performance is RM199,800.
You most probably have heard about the new policy that the Ministry of Investment, Trade, and Industry (MITI) has imposed on fully imported (CBU) EVs. Before that, BYD had also reportedly cancelled (or put on a long pause) its original plan to build a local assembly (CKD) plant in Tanjung Malim due to unfavourable terms from MITI, although there was some sign that the CKD operation may take place in Kulim instead.
Regardless of that, the 2026 Sealion 7 should be a CBU release. So, does this mean that the Sealion 7 will be priced at over RM300,000 then?
Guess we have to wait until the official launch event this Thursday, 30 July, to find out.
[ SOURCE ]
