Usually, when you arrive at a media drive event for a new car, you’re greeted by some PR, there may or may not be a presentation, and then you jostle with the other journos for some keys and take the new car for a drive. However, BYD did things a little differently for the launch of its new Sealion 7 electric family SUV.

The Chinese giant took over the arena at the Milton Keynes stadium and created what could only be described as an ‘Experience Centre’ for the new premium electric SUV, complete with an elaborate high-level presentation with senior execs on hand and what appeared to be many of the UK’s motoring journalists, but also the wider Influencer community in attendance.

Understandable though perhaps for a new car that is set to disrupt segments with extraordinary tech, literally amped-up electric drivetrains and spacious practicality. The latest addition to BYD’s growing Ocean Series, it joins the Dolphin, Seal, and Seal U in the brand’s push to cover every key EV segment targeting the likes of the Hyundai Ioniq 5 or the waning Tesla Model Y.

To break it down, the BYD Sealion 7 is a mid-size family-friend EV, sitting on BYD’s evolved e-Platform 3.0 and powered by their Blade Battery – a cobalt-free lithium iron phosphate (LFP) unit that’s tough enough to survive the fearsome nail test without combusting. It’s also structurally integrated directly into the vehicle’s chassis using Cell-to-Body (CTB) technology, resulting in improved rigidity, a lower centre of gravity, and more interior space.

Designed by BYD’s global design director Wolfgang Egger – formerly of Audi fame – the Sealion 7 looks contemporary with the signature ‘X-face’ design, flanked by sleek U-shaped LED headlights copy-pasted from the Seal. The sides are smooth, with flush-fitting door handles and muscular haunches, while the rear features a full-width light bar and both roof and ducktail spoilers.

There are three versions of the Sealion 7 to choose from: the entry-level Comfort (rear-wheel drive, 313bhp) priced from £46,990, the mid-tier Design AWD at £51,990, and the £58,990 range-topping Excellence AWD – both of which deliver a whopping 530bhp and sprint from 0-62mph in just 4.5 seconds. The Comfort still clocks a respectable 6.7 seconds.

Range varies between models, with the Comfort delivering 300 miles WLTP but the Design slightly less at 283 miles due to added drivetrain weight. However, the flagship Excellence achieves 312 miles thanks to a larger, more thermally efficient 91.3kWh battery, which also supports 230kW ultra-fast charging.

Inside, the Sealion 7 is a showcase of BYD’s tech-forward approach. Dominating the dash is a 15.6-inch rotating touchscreen that switches between portrait and landscape modes. There’s also a 10.25-inch digital instrument panel, and in the Excellence trim, a head-up display.

The system supports both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, with deep integration that displays navigation and media info across the different screens. A voice assistant handles everything from opening the boot and adjusting the temperature to closing windows and the sunblind.

Thanks to the 2,930mm wheelbase rear legroom is superb – even for lanky lads like me. The rear seats recline, offer heating, and passengers benefit from USB-C ports, air vents, and plush materials.

Boot space is just as generous, with 520 litres available with the seats up, expanding to a massive 1,789 litres with them folded down. Up front, there’s also a 58-litre frunk, perfect for charging cables or a weekend bag. Storage solutions throughout the cabin are clever and plentiful.

In terms of materials, vegan leather is standard, but the Excellence model upgrades to Nappa leather. The cabin features layered surfaces, ambient lighting with 128 colours, a wireless charging pad delivering 50W, and a 12-speaker Dynaudio sound system.

Out on the road, the Sealion 7 feels planted and powerful. Sport mode sharpens throttle response dramatically, unleashing all 530bhp with a ferocity that belies the car’s family-friendly brief. BYD’s Intelligent Torque Adaption Control (iTAC) shifts power between the axles for grip and stability, while Frequency Selective Dampers keep the ride firm but never jarring. You can feel this in action during hard cornering as the clever chips work to adjust the car’s attitude through the bend.

The steering is well-weighted but lacks any feel – par for the course in modern EVs – and rear visibility through the mirror is a little limited due to the coupe-ish rear glass. But thanks to the 360-degree camera, that’s rarely a problem in tight spaces. Regenerative braking can be adjusted on the fly, and modes include Eco, Normal, Sport and Snow.

The Sealion 7 comes loaded with safety systems, including adaptive cruise control, lane centring, blind spot detection, rear cross-traffic alert, traffic sign recognition, driver attention monitoring, and 11 airbags as standard. There’s even a system that alerts you if your eyes wander from the road – which it did, amusingly, while I was talking to camera.

The BYD Sealion 7 is a cutting-edge EV that offers excellent space and pace that remains both practical and easy to operate, but also laugh-out-loud quick when you want it to be. If you’re looking for an efficient and quick EV that’s packed with gadgets that’ll have passengers going green with either envy, or the high Gs you’re pulling through corners, put the Sealion 7 on your shortlist.