The premium electric SUV space in India just got a lot more interesting. Tesla finally arrived in the country with the Model Y, a car so globally iconic that it does not need an introduction.
On the other hand, we have a credible rival, known as the BYD Sealion 7. The Sealion 7 launched in early 2025 and quickly established itself as one of the top electric SUVs at its price point.
Both EVs are large, feature-loaded, and will make you forget the term "range anxiety". If you are looking for an electric SUV that costs upwards of Rs 50 lakh, then these two options are worth considering. In this report, we take you through their dimensions, colour options, features, powertrain, pricing and safety. Let's break it all down:
Price
Model | Tesla Model Y | BYD Sealion 7 |
Price (ex-showroom) | From Rs 59.89 lakh to Rs 67.89 lakh | From Rs 49.40 lakh to Rs 54.90 lakh |
The Model Y's base variant is around Rs 10 lakh more expensive than that of the Sealion 7.
If you compare the top-spec variants, the difference further increases to almost Rs 13 lakh.
The value proposition is clearly tilted towards the Sealion 7 on paper, but let's take a closer look at the specifications, which give you a clearer picture:
Dimensions
Parameter | Tesla Model Y | BYD Sealion 7 | Difference |
Length | 4790 mm | 4830 mm | (-40 mm) |
Width | 1982 mm | 1925 mm | +57 mm |
Height | 1624 mm | 1620 mm | +4 mm |
Wheelbase | 2890 mm | 2930 mm | -40 mm |
The Model Y is the larger car when it comes to its width, but the BYD leads with a longer wheelbase and length. Both cars have almost the same height,
It is worth noting that these figures are of the top-spec Model Y RWD Long-range, but Tesla also offers the Model Y L mid-variant which was launched recently in India and has significantly larger proportions compared to other variants of the SUV.
For families prioritising interior space and rear-seat comfort, the Model Y L's dimensional advantage is something you cannot ignore.
Seating layouts: The Sealion 7 is a 5-seater SUV with two rows, while the Tesla Model Y comes with both 5 and 6-seater configurations. The Model Y L comes with three rows, featuring a 2+2+2-seater layout. |
Colour Options
Tesla Model Y | BYD Sealion 7 |
Cosmic Silver (Only with Model Y L) | Aurora White |
Quick Silver* | Shark Gray |
Ultra Red | Cosmic Black |
Glacier Blue | Atlantis Gray |
Diamond Black | - |
Pearl White (multi-coat) | - |
Stealth Grey | - |
*Not available with Model Y L
The Model Y offers three extra shades over the Sealion 7, allowing buyers to choose from a wider range.
Apart from the Stealth Grey, all hues of the Model Y come at an additional cost. Want to know the price of these colours? Check out this story.
Powertrains
Model | Tesla Model Y | BYD Sealion 7 | |||
Battery Pack | NA | NA | NA | 82.5 kWh | 82.5 kWh |
Drivetrain | Rear-wheel drive | Rear-wheel drive Long range | All-wheel drive | Rear-wheel drive | All-wheel drive |
Claimed Range (WLTP) | 500 km | 622 km | 681 km | 567 km* | 542 km* |
No. of electric motor(s) | 1 | 1 | 2 | 1 | 2 |
Acceleration (0 to 100 kmph) | 5.9 seconds | 5.6 seconds | 5 seconds | 6.7 seconds | 4.5 seconds |
*NEDC-claimed range
The Tesla Model Y is available with three powertrains in India - standard RWD, Long Range RWD, and the long-wheelbase AWD Model Y L, while the Sealion 7 comes in two: a standard RWD Premium and an AWD Performance.
On claimed range, the Model Y L leads the pack with an impressive 681 km on a single charge, followed by the Long Range RWD at 622 km. The base Model Y RWD offers 500 km, which is still competitive. The Sealion 7 sits in the middle ground with 567 km for the RWD and 542 km for the AWD.
The Sealion 7 AWD Performance hits back hard with its 0 to 100 kmph time of 4.5 seconds, making it the quickest car in this comparison by a noticeable margin.
Features
Feature | Tesla Model Y | BYD Sealion 7 |
Auto LED Headlamps | ✅ | ✅ |
LED Taillamps | ✅ | ✅ |
Wheels | 19-inch alloy wheels | 20-inch alloy wheels |
Flush door handles | ✅ | ✅ |
Height-adjustable Driver Seat | ✅ | ✅ |
Ambient Lighting | ✅ | ✅ |
Infotainment Setup | 16-inch touchscreen | 15.6-inch touchscreen |
Wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto | ✅ | ✅ |
Instrument Cluster | ❌ | 10.25-inch display |
Heads-up Display | ✅ | ✅ |
Wireless Phone Charger | ✅ | ✅ |
Sound system | 9-speaker audio system | 12-speaker Dynaudio sound system |
Auto-dimming IRVM | ✅ | ✅ |
Climate Control | Dual-zone | Dual-zone |
Keyless entry | ✅ | ✅ |
Ventilated front seats | ✅ | ✅ |
Power-reclining seats in the second row | ✅ | ❌ |
Rear entertainment touchscreen | ✅(8-inch) | ❌ |
Powered front seats | ✅ (Driver and co-driver) | ✅ (Driver and co-driver) |
Panoramic glass roof | ✅ | ✅ |
Front and rear centre Armrest | ✅ | ✅ |
Powered tailgate | ✅ | ✅ |
Connected Car Tech | ✅ | ✅ |
Airbags | Multiple | 11 |
360-degree Camera | ✅ | ✅ |
ESC (electronic stability control) | ✅ | ✅ |
Rain Sensing Wipers | ✅ | ✅ |
Front and rear parking sensors | ✅ | ✅ |
Electronic parking brake with auto-hold function | ✅ | ✅ |
Rear defogger | ✅ | ✅ |
TPMS (Tyre Pressure Monitoring System) | ✅ | ✅ |
ADAS | ✅(Full Self Driving (FSD) as an optional extra. | ✅ |
Both SUVs arrive with a strong set of features, covering your basics plus adding premium features. You get your expected features like a panoramic glass roof, dual-zone climate control, ventilated powered front seats, 360-degree cameras, ADAS, and connected car technology as standard. At this price point, neither car feels underequipped.
The Sealion 7 adds a conventional 10.25-inch instrument cluster behind the wheel, giving the driver a dedicated display without having to glance sideways. Both cars come with crisp heads-up displays.
The Sealion 7's 12-speaker Dynaudio setup beats out the Model Y's 9-speaker setup. However, note that the Model Y L does get a superior 18-speaker audio system.
The rear seat experience tilts strongly in Tesla's favour. The Model Y gets power-reclining second-row seats and a dedicated rear entertainment screen. Opting for the Model Y L variant will also get you captain seats in the second row and an additional third row as well.
In terms of safety features, both cars provide all the equipment you would expect. Tesla's ace card in ADAS is Full Self-Driving, available as an optional extra. It cannot be activated in India yet due to regulatory restrictions, but it remains a future-proof feature that could unlock significant capability.
CarDekho Says…
Choose the Tesla Model Y if the overall package, brand image, and more autonomous driving features appeal to you. It is the larger car, offers a superior rear-seat experience with power-reclining seats and a dedicated entertainment screen, and also offers an additional row and comfortable seats for larger families. Moreover, it also gets some more features over the BYD. In addition to this, the Model Y also offers more range that you will appreciate in the long run.
Choose the BYD Sealion 7 if value, performance, and a more complete and conventional package are your priorities. It costs Rs 10 lakh less at entry level, yet does not compromise on any features and feels properly equipped. It is also the more fun-to-drive SUV due to its quicker acceleration with the AWD Performance variant.
In the end, it comes down to your expectations. Tesla's brand value, EV reputation, and extra space inside the cabin are clear advantages. However, the Sealion 7 offers almost everything that the Model Y does, while being quicker and also much more affordable. On paper, the Sealion 7 makes more sense, while the Model Y should be considered mainly for brand value and if the premium doesn't hurt your wallet.
Other EVs worth considering in this space:
Hyundai Ioniq 5: An SUV with a futuristic design and a spacious, lounge-like interior. One of the most desirable EVs under Rs 50 lakh in India.
Kia EV6: Similar DNA as the Ioniq 5, with a sportier focus and equally impressive fast-charging capability. Strong road presence and performance-oriented.
BMW iX1: A compelling option for those who want the prestige of a German luxury badge alongside modern EV tech.
Volvo EC40: A unique approach to the luxury EV segment brings in exclusivity, a clean design and minimalistic interior with a competent powertrain setup.