BYD Sealion 7 Impresses in Euro NCAP Crash Tests

Get ready, automotive enthusiasts and, most importantly, safety-conscious families! I’ve received hot-off-the-press information straight from the Euro NCAP desks about the safety evaluation of the highly anticipated BYD SEALION 7, with results expected in April 2025. Let’s dive deep into what this large SUV promises in terms of protection and whether it truly delivers what’s expected from a modern vehicle.

BYD SEALION 7 Euro NCAP Results Revealed

Expectations are high for the BYD SEALION 7, a 5-door SUV weighing a substantial 4,905 lbs (2,225 kg), tested in its ‘Comfort’ LHD (left-hand drive) 4×2 version. Euro NCAP, known for its rigorous testing, evaluated the vehicle across four critical areas, and the initial numbers are quite promising, signaling a strong contender in the large SUV segment. The assessment applies to all SEALION 7 variants, including the 4×4 (Design Excellence), based on the tested vehicle’s VIN.

Overall, the SEALION 7 demonstrated solid performance. It’s interesting to note how manufacturers are increasingly focused on safety, something we see in several launches, like the updates to the 2026 Kia Sportage, which is also aiming to carve out its space in the competitive SUV market.

Overall Scores for the BYD SEALION 7

Assessment Area	Score	Percentage
Adult Occupant Protection	34.8 Pts	87%
Child Occupant Protection	46.0 Pts	93%
Protection of Vulnerable Road Users	48.4 Pts	76%
Safety Assistance	14.3 Pts	79%

Adult Occupant Protection: A Detailed Look (87%)

In this category, the SEALION 7 achieved an excellent 87%. In the frontal offset impact test (11.9 out of 16 Pts), the passenger compartment remained stable, and the dummies indicated “good protection of knees and femurs” for both driver and front passenger. BYD also proved that this protection extends to occupants of varying sizes. Interestingly, it was rated as a “moderately benign impact partner,” which is a positive point for other vehicles in a crash.

However, not everything was perfect. In the full-width rigid barrier test, the thorax protection for the rear seat passenger was rated “weak.” A point BYD needs to address! Conversely, the driver had “good” protection in all critical areas. In the side impact tests (barrier and pole), the SEALION 7 was flawless, earning the maximum score (16.0 out of 16 Pts) with “good” protection across all critical zones. The excursion control (lateral body movement) was “adequate,” and the center airbag performed well, protecting the heads of front occupants. To learn more about Euro NCAP tests, you can visit their official website.

In rear impact tests (3.9 out of 4 Pts), protection against whiplash was “good” for both front and rear seats. For rescue and extrication (3.0 out of 4 Pts), the SUV features advanced eCall, multi-collision braking, an ISO-compatible rescue sheet, and submersion verification compliance.

Children On Board? The SEALION 7 Excels in Protection! (93%)

The BYD SEALION 7 really shines here with an impressive 93%! Crash tests with 6- and 10-year-old dummies showed “good” protection in all critical body areas, resulting in a maximum score (24.0 out of 24 Pts). This shows special care from the brand for its youngest passengers, a decisive factor for many families seeking a spacious and safe SUV like the Corolla Cross Hybrid.

In the safety features section (10.0 out of 13 Pts), the front passenger airbag can be deactivated to allow the use of rear-facing child seats, with clear warnings to the driver. Additionally, a child presence detection system issues alerts if a child is left unattended in the vehicle — a life-saving technology. The SEALION 7 also aced the child restraint system installation check (12.0 out of 12 Pts), properly accommodating all types of restraint systems it was designed for.

And What About Pedestrians? Safety for Vulnerable Road Users (76%)

With 76%, protection for vulnerable road users (pedestrians and cyclists) was good but leaves room for improvement. Head protection in pedestrian impacts was “largely adequate,” but the results were “poor” around the rigid windshield pillars and its base. Pelvis protection was “predominantly good,” while femur, knee, and tibia results were more “mixed.”

The SEALION 7’s Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB) system (24.1 out of 27 Pts in mitigation) responds well to pedestrians and other vehicles. The response to pedestrians was “good,” but “marginal” for those behind the vehicle. For cyclists, performance was also “good,” but protection against “dooring” (when a door opens into a cyclist’s path) was “marginal.” In contrast, AEB for motorcyclists performed “well” and earned maximum points.

Technology in Life’s Favor: Assistance Systems (79%)

Safety assistance systems scored 79%. Traffic sign recognition and speed limit information (2.5 out of 3 Pts) allow the driver to configure the intelligent speed limiter (Intelligent ACC) with precision up to 3 mph (5 km/h). This level of embedded technology is becoming more common, as seen in modern electric vehicles including the Hyundai Ioniq 5 with its impressive torque and ultra-fast charging.

Occupant status monitoring (1.9 out of 3 Pts) includes seat belt reminders for all seats and a direct driver monitoring system that detects fatigue and some forms of distraction. Lane support (2.5 out of 3 Pts), with Lane Departure Warning and Emergency Lane Keeping Assist, gently corrects steering and can intervene more aggressively in critical situations, performing well with a human-machine interface rated as “GOOD.” Finally, Car-to-Car AEB (7.5 out of 9 Pts) performed well, operating from 2.5 mph (4 km/h) using camera and radar.

Standard Safety Equipment on the SEALION 7

• Front Airbags (Driver and Passenger)
• Pretensioners and Load Limiters
• Side Airbags (Head, Thorax, Pelvis)
• Center Airbag (Front)
• Isofix/i-Size (Passenger and Rear)
• Passenger Airbag Deactivation Switch
• Child Presence Detection
• Seat Belt Reminder (All Seats)
• Active Hood (“Active Bonnet”)
• AEB for Vulnerable Road Users (Pedestrians, Cyclists, Motorcycles)
• Car-to-Car AEB
• Speed Assistance
• Lane Assistance System
• Fatigue/Distraction Detection

Strengths and Weaknesses: A Critical Analysis

Strengths	Areas for Improvement
Excellent Child Protection (93%)	Thorax protection for rear passenger (frontal) rated “weak”
Maximum score in Side Impact (Adult)	Poor pedestrian head protection (A-pillars)
Extensive list of standard equipment	Rear pedestrian AEB “marginal”
Good performance of central airbag	Marginal cyclist “dooring” protection
Advanced eCall and Multi-Collision Brake System	–

Considering the SUV segment, the BYD SEALION 7 appears strong, but the competition isn’t standing still. Models like the 2025 Dacia Bigster also promise to shake up the market with their offerings.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) about the BYD SEALION 7

1. Is the BYD SEALION 7 a safe car?
   
   Yes, according to the preliminary Euro NCAP results for 2025, it shows good overall performance, especially in child protection and adult side impacts, achieving high scores.
2. What are the main safety technologies in the SEALION 7?
   
   It comes with a comprehensive package, including multiple airbags, AEB for vehicles, pedestrians, and cyclists, lane assistance, fatigue monitoring, advanced eCall, and child presence detection.
3. Is the safety rating valid for all SEALION 7 versions?
   
   Yes, the rating applies to both the tested 4×2 Comfort version and the 4×4 Design Excellence with electric powertrain.
4. What were the weakest points for the SEALION 7 in the tests?
   
   Thorax protection for the rear passenger in full-width frontal impact was rated “weak,” and there were areas of “poor” pedestrian head protection around the windshield pillars.
5. When will the Euro NCAP assessment be officially published?
   
   The full evaluation is expected to be published in April 2025.

Analyzing the data, the BYD SEALION 7 emerges as a very interesting option in the growing electric SUV market, especially for those who prioritize child occupant safety. Scoring 93% in this category is a remarkable achievement! Although there are specific areas for improvement, like rear passenger thorax protection in a type of frontal crash and some pedestrian impact zones, the overall picture is positive. The extensive list of standard active and passive safety technologies also favors the Chinese model, which seems determined to win over European consumers not only by design and technology but also by safety robustness. It’s a clear sign that Chinese manufacturers are taking safety seriously, which is great for all of us, the consumers. This is an ongoing evolution seen in many brands, even in more traditional segments, such as discussions about the return of the V8 by Mercedes-AMG with a futuristic touch, showing that innovation and tradition can go hand in hand.

And what do you think about the BYD SEALION 7’s safety results? Do you believe it has the potential to shake up the large SUV market? Leave your comment below!