Verdict
The RM25,000 dearer BYD Sealion 7 is the more substantial EV choice: its 71.8-kWh battery claims 520 km of range, the rear motor produces 228 hp and 380 Nm, and 0-100 km/h takes 7.3 seconds. It also brings a 500-litre boot and a 2,930-mm wheelbase. The Omoda Jaecoo J7 costs less, has lower RM120 annual road tax and a full-size spare, but its 1.6-litre turbo petrol powertrain takes 9.2 seconds to 100 km/h and its boot holds 412 litres.
Pick the BYD Sealion 7 if you want 520 km EV range, quicker 7.3-second acceleration and more rear-seat footprint from its 2,930-mm wheelbase.
Pick the Omoda Jaecoo J7 if RM25,000 lower upfront cost, RM120 yearly road tax and a full-size spare suit your petrol-SUV needs.
Key differences
- Price: BYD Sealion 7 RM163,800; Omoda Jaecoo J7 RM138,800.
- Powertrain: BYD Sealion 7 has a 228-hp/380-Nm electric motor; Omoda Jaecoo J7 has a 194-hp/290-Nm 1.6-litre turbo petrol engine.
- 0-100 km/h: BYD Sealion 7 7.3 seconds; Omoda Jaecoo J7 9.2 seconds.
- Range/fuel: BYD Sealion 7 claims 520 km from a 71.8-kWh battery; Omoda Jaecoo J7 has a 51-litre petrol tank.
- Wheelbase and boot: BYD Sealion 7 2,930 mm and 500 litres; Omoda Jaecoo J7 2,672 mm and 412 litres.
- Road tax and warranty: BYD Sealion 7 RM220/year and six years/150,000 km; Omoda Jaecoo J7 RM120/year and seven years/150,000 km.
Sealion 7
- 520 km claimed EV range from a 71.8-kWh battery
- 228 hp and 380 Nm; 7.3-second 0-100 km/h time
- 500-litre boot and 2,930-mm wheelbase
- RM25,000 more expensive
- RM220 annual road tax versus RM120
- Tyre repair kit instead of a full-size spare
J7
- RM25,000 lower purchase price
- Full-size spare tyre
- Seven-year/150,000-km manufacturer warranty
- Slower 9.2-second 0-100 km/h time
- Smaller 412-litre boot
- No EV range, DC charging or 3.3-kW V2L function
| Price & overview | ||
|---|---|---|
| Price | RM163,800 | RM138,800✓ |
| Body type | SUV | SUV |
| Segment | Compact Executive | C-Segment |
| Assembly | CBU | CKD |
| Ownership | ||
| Road tax / year | RM220 | RM120✓ |
| Powertrain | ||
| Engine Tech | 400V architecture | 16-valve DOHC with direct fuel injection, turbocharger and variable valve timing |
| Capacity | — | 1,598 cc |
| Horsepower | — | 194 hp |
| Torque | — | 290 Nm |
| Fuel | Electric | Petrol |
| Bore | — | 77 mm |
| Compression Ratio | — | 9.9 |
| Number of Motors | 1 | — |
| Motor Horsepower | 228 hp | — |
| Motor Torque | 380 Nm | — |
| Battery Capacity | 71.8 kWh | — |
| EV Range | 520 km | — |
| Charging Rate (AC) | 7 kW | — |
| Charging Rate (DC) | 110 kW | — |
| V2L | 3.3 kW | — |
| Drivetrain | ||
| Transmission | Single Ratio Automatic | Dual-clutch Automatic (Wet) |
| Transmission Name | — | 7-speed Dual-clutch Gearbox |
| Gears | — | 7 |
| Driveline | Rear Wheel Drive | Front Wheel Drive |
| Performance & Efficiency | ||
| 0-100 km/h | 7.3 seconds✓ | 9.2 seconds |
| Top Speed | — | 180 km/h |
| Dimensions | ||
| Length | 4,830 mm | 4,500 mm |
| Width | 1,925 mm | 1,865 mm |
| Height | 1,620 mm | 1,680 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2,930 mm | 2,672 mm |
| Weight | 2,160 kg | — |
| Fuel Tank | — | 51 litres |
| Doors | 5 | 5 |
| Seats | 5 | 5 |
| Boot Space | 500 litres✓ | 412 litres |
| Front Tyre | 235/50R19 | 235/50R19 |
| Rear Tyre | 255/45R19 | 235/50R19 |
| Spare Tyre | N/A, Tyre Repair Kit | Full Size Spare |
| Factory Tyres | Continental EcoContact 6 Q | Cooper Evolution CTT |
| Chassis | ||
| Assembly | China (CBU) | Malaysia (CKD) |
| Front Suspension | Double Wishbones | MacPherson Struts |
| Rear Suspension | Multi-link | Multi-link |
| Front Wheels | 19" Alloys | 19" Alloys |
| Rear Wheels | 19" Alloys | 19" Alloys |
| Steering | Rack and Pinion (Electric Power Steering) | Rack & Pinion (Electric Power Steering) |
| Safety | ||
| Airbags | Driver and Front Passenger, Front and Rear Side, Front and Rear Curtain, Driver Centre Airbag | Driver & Front Passenger, Front Side and Rear Curtain Airbags, Front Centre Airbag |
| ABS/EBD | ✓ | ✓ |
| Stability Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Alarm | ✓ | ✓ |
| Immobilizer | ✓ | ✓ |
| Airbag Disable Function | ✓ | ✓ |
| Child Safety Lock | — | Manual for rear doors |
| Seat Belts | 5 Three-point | 5 Three-point |
| Blind Spot Info System | ✓ | ✓ |
| ISOFIX | Available for Two Outer Rear Passenger Seats | Available on outer two rear seats |
| Autonomous Braking System | Yes | Yes |
| Lane-keeping Assist | Steering Correction | Steering Correction |
| Collision Warning | ✓ | ✓ |
| Seatbelt Reminder | All Seats | All Seats |
| Lighting | ||
| Headlamps | LED Projector | LED Projectors |
| Taillamps | Full LED | Full LED |
| LED Daytime Running Lights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Foglamps | — | ✓ |
| Rear Foglamps | ✓ | ✓ |
| Wing Mirror Turn Indicators | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cabin | ||
| Front Seats | Power-adjustable Front Seats, Ventilated | Driver & Front Passenger Powered Seats |
| Rear Seats | 60:40 Split-folding | 60:40 Split-fold |
| Front Air-con | Dual-zone Automatic Climate Control | Dual-zone Automatic Climate Control |
| Rear Air-con | Rear Vents | Rear AC Vents |
| Sunroof | Panoramic Glass Roof | Panoramic Sunroof |
| Power Sockets | 1 Front, 1 Wireless Charger, 2 USB Front, 2 USB Rear | 1 Front, 1 USB Front, 2 USB Rear, 2 Wireless Chargers |
| Interior Lighting | Map Lights and Ambient Lights | Map Lights, Ambient Lighting |
| Cup Holders | 2 Front, 2 Rear | 2 Front, 2 Rear |
| Sun Shade | Panoramic Glass Roof Shade | Panoramic Glass Shade |
| Audio | 15.6" Rotating Touchscreen with Apple CarPlay & Android Auto, Dynaudio HiFi Audio System | 14.8-inch Portrait Touchscreen with Sony Sound System, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto |
| Convenience | ||
| Power Windows | Four Windows, Auto Up and Down with Anti-Pinch | Four Windows, Auto Up and Down with Anti-pinch |
| Engine Start | Keyless Push Button | Keyless Push Button |
| Locks | Keyless Operation | Keyless Operation |
| Auto Start/Stop | — | ✓ |
| Auto Headlamps | ✓ | ✓ |
| Auto Wipers | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cruise Control | Adaptive Cruise Control | Adaptive Cruise Control |
| Tiptronic | — | ✓ |
| Steering Audio Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Steering Tilt | ✓ | ✓ |
| Steering Telescopic | ✓ | ✓ |
| Boot Operation | Powered Boot | Powered Boot |
| Parking Sensor Front | 2 Sensors | 4 Sensors |
| Parking Sensor Rear | 4 Sensors | 4 Sensors |
| Reverse Camera | Yes, 360-degree Camera | Yes, 360-degree Camera |
| Folding Wing Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Bluetooth | ✓ | ✓ |
| Navigation | ✓ | ✓ |
| Head-up Display | ✓ | ✓ |
| Hill Start Assist | ✓ | ✓ |
| Instrument Cluster | Full LCD Monitor | Full LCD Monitor |
| Parking Brake | Electronic | Electronic |
| Warranty | ||
| Warranty Mileage Manufacturer | 150,000 km | 150,000 km |
| Warranty Manufacturer | 6 years | 7 years✓ |
| Warranty Notes | 8-year/160,000-km Battery Warranty, 8-year/150,000-km Electric Drive Unit Warranty | — |
Specs shown for the selected variant of each car. ✓ marks the better figure where lower/higher is objectively better. Road tax: West Malaysia, private registration.
Used Sealion 7 & J7 for sale
Sealion 7 vs J7 FAQ
Is the BYD Sealion 7 or Omoda Jaecoo J7 better?
The Sealion 7 is better for EV driving, performance and space, with 520 km claimed range, 7.3-second acceleration and a 500-litre boot. The J7 is the lower-cost petrol alternative, with a full-size spare and a longer seven-year manufacturer warranty.
What is the price difference?
The BYD Sealion 7 costs RM163,800 and the Omoda Jaecoo J7 costs RM138,800, so the difference is RM25,000.
Which one has more practical luggage space?
The BYD Sealion 7 has the larger boot at 500 litres, 88 litres more than the Omoda Jaecoo J7's 412 litres. The J7 counters with a full-size spare, while the Sealion 7 uses a tyre repair kit.