Research

BYD Sealion 7 vs Omoda Jaecoo J8

BYD Sealion 7

BYD Sealion 7

Omoda Jaecoo J8

Omoda Jaecoo J8

Verdict

At RM183,800, the BYD Sealion 7 asks RM5,000 more than the RM178,800 Omoda Jaecoo J8, and the money buys a quicker, roomier EV on paper: 308 hp/380 Nm, 6.7 seconds to 100 km/h, 567 km range and a 500-litre boot. The J8 counters as a D-segment petrol SUV with 246 hp/385 Nm, a taller body, 7-year warranty, full-size spare, auto parking and stronger rear-seat kit. If charging fits your life, the BYD has the harder numbers; if not, the J8 is easier to justify.

Sealion 7

Pick the BYD Sealion 7 if you want the quicker electric SUV with 567 km range, a 500-litre boot and 150 kW DC charging.

J8

Pick the Omoda Jaecoo J8 if you want a petrol D-segment SUV with a 7-year warranty, full-size spare, auto parking and more rear-seat comfort features.

Key differences

  • Price: BYD Sealion 7 RM183,800; Omoda Jaecoo J8 RM178,800
  • Powertrain: BYD Sealion 7 electric motor with 308 hp/380 Nm; Omoda Jaecoo J8 1,998 cc turbo petrol with 246 hp/385 Nm
  • Acceleration and top speed: BYD Sealion 7 0-100 km/h in 6.7 seconds, 215 km/h; Omoda Jaecoo J8 9.0 seconds, 200 km/h
  • Size: BYD Sealion 7 4,830 mm long, 1,925 mm wide, 1,620 mm tall, 2,930 mm wheelbase; Omoda Jaecoo J8 4,820 mm, 1,930 mm, 1,699 mm, 2,820 mm
  • Boot and weight: BYD Sealion 7 500 litres and 2,635 kg; Omoda Jaecoo J8 200 litres and 1,892 kg
  • Energy: BYD Sealion 7 82.5 kWh LFP battery, 567 km range, 11 kW AC and 150 kW DC charging; Omoda Jaecoo J8 65-litre petrol tank

Sealion 7

  • Much quicker: 6.7 seconds to 100 km/h versus 9.0 seconds
  • Far bigger boot at 500 litres versus 200 litres
  • Longer 2,930 mm wheelbase versus 2,820 mm
  • Costs RM5,000 more
  • Much heavier at 2,635 kg versus 1,892 kg
  • Tyre repair kit only, while the Omoda Jaecoo J8 gets a full-size spare

J8

  • Lower RM178,800 price
  • Longer 7-year/150,000 km manufacturer warranty versus 6-year/150,000 km
  • Adds auto parking, 6 front and 6 rear parking sensors, reclining rear seats and rear window shades
  • Slower to 100 km/h at 9.0 seconds versus 6.7 seconds
  • Much smaller boot at 200 litres versus 500 litres
  • Higher road tax at RM439 a year versus RM335
Price & overview
PriceRM 183,800RM 178,800
Body typeSUVSUV
SegmentC-SegmentD-Segment
AssemblyCBUCKD
Powertrain
Engine Tech16-valve DOHC with direct fuel injection, turbocharger and variable valve timing
Capacity1,998 cc
Horsepower246 hp
Torque385 Nm
Cylinder ArrangementInline
Timing TypeChain
FuelElectricPetrol
Compression Ratio9.5
Number of Motors1
Motor Horsepower308 hp
Motor Torque380 Nm
Battery TypeLithium Iron Phosphate
Battery Capacity82.5 kWh
EV Range567 km
Charger Type (AC)Type 2
Charging Rate (AC)11 kW
Charger Type (DC)CCS
Charging Rate (DC)150 kW
V2L3.3 kW
Drivetrain
TransmissionSingle Ratio AutomaticConventional Automatic
Transmission Name8-speed Automatic
Gears8
DrivelineAll Wheel DriveFront Wheel Drive
Performance & Efficiency
0-100 km/h6.7 seconds9 seconds
Top Speed215 km/h200 km/h
Dimensions
Length4,830 mm4,820 mm
Width1,925 mm1,930 mm
Height1,620 mm1,699 mm
Wheelbase2,930 mm2,820 mm
Weight2,635 kg1,892 kg
Fuel Tank65 litres
Doors55
Seats55
Boot Space500 litres200 litres
Front Tyre235/50R19245/50R20
Rear Tyre255/45R19245/50R20
Spare TyreN/A, Tyre Repair KitFull Size Spare
Factory TyresContinental EcoContact 6 QMaxxis Victra Sport 5 SUV
Chassis
AssemblyChina (CBU)Malaysia (CKD)
ChassisUnibodyUnibody
Front SuspensionDouble WishbonesMacPherson Struts
Rear SuspensionMulti-linkMulti-link
Front Wheels19" Alloys20" Alloys
Rear Wheels19" Alloys20" Alloys
Front BrakesVentilated DiscVentilated Discs
Rear BrakesSolid DiscSolid Discs
SteeringRack and Pinion (Electric Power Steering)Rack and Pinion (Electric Power Steering)
Safety
AirbagsDriver and Front Passenger, Front and Rear Side, Front and Rear Curtain, Driver Centre AirbagDriver & Front Passenger, Front Side and Rear Curtain Airbags
ABS/EBD
Stability Control
Alarm
Immobilizer
Airbag Disable Function
Child Safety LockElectronic for Rear Doors
Seat Belts5 Three-point5 Three-point
Blind Spot Info System
ISOFIXAvailable for Two Outer Rear Passenger SeatsAvailable For Second Row Seats
Autonomous Braking SystemYesYes
Lane-keeping AssistSteering CorrectionSteering Correction
Collision Warning
Seatbelt ReminderAll SeatsAll Seats
Lighting
HeadlampsLED ProjectorLED Projectors
TaillampsFull LEDFull LED
LED Daytime Running Lights
Rear Foglamps
Wing Mirror Turn Indicators
Cabin
Front SeatsPower-adjustable Front Seats, VentilatedDriver & Front Passenger Powered Seats
Rear Seats60:40 Split-folding60:40 Split-folding and Reclining
Front Air-conDual-zone Automatic Climate ControlDual-zone Automatic Climate Control
Rear Air-conRear VentsDual-zone Automatic Climate Control
SunroofPanoramic Glass RoofPanoramic Sunroof
Power Sockets1 Front, 1 Wireless Charger, 2 USB Front, 2 USB Rear1 Front, 1 Wireless Charger, 2 USB Front, 2 USB Rear
Interior LightingMap Lights and Ambient LightsMap Lights, Ambient Lighting
Cup Holders2 Front, 2 Rear2 Front, 2 Second Row, 2 Third Row
Sun ShadePanoramic Glass Roof ShadePanoramic Glass Shade, Rear Window Shades
Audio15.6" Rotating Touchscreen with Apple CarPlay & Android Auto, Dynaudio HiFi Audio System12.3-inch Touchscreen with Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, 12-Speaker Sony Sound System
Convenience
Power WindowsFour Windows, Auto Up and Down with Anti-PinchFour Windows, Auto Up and Down with Anti Pinch
Engine StartKeyless Push ButtonKeyless Push Button
LocksKeyless OperationKeyless Operation
Auto Start/Stop
Auto Headlamps
Auto Wipers
Cruise ControlAdaptive Cruise ControlAdaptive Cruise Control
Paddle Shift
Steering Audio Control
Steering Tilt
Steering Telescopic
Electric Steering Adjustment
Boot OperationPowered BootPowered Boot
Parking Sensor Front2 Sensors6 Sensors
Parking Sensor Rear4 Sensors6 Sensors
Reverse CameraYes, 360-degree CameraYes, 360-degree View Monitor
Auto ParkingYes
Folding Wing Mirrors
Bluetooth
Navigation
Head-up Display
Hill Start Assist
Instrument ClusterFull LCD MonitorFull LCD Monitor
Parking BrakeElectronicElectronic
Warranty
Warranty Mileage Manufacturer150,000 km150,000 km
Warranty Manufacturer6 years7 years
Warranty Notes8-year/160,000-km Battery Warranty, 8-year/150,000-km Electric Drive Unit Warranty
Ownership
Road tax / yearRM 335RM 439

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.

Sealion 7 vs J8 FAQ

Is the BYD Sealion 7 or Omoda Jaecoo J8 better?

The BYD Sealion 7 is better if charging is not an issue: it is quicker, has 567 km EV range and a much larger 500-litre boot. The Omoda Jaecoo J8 makes more sense if you want petrol, a longer warranty and rear-seat comfort kit.

What is the price difference?

The BYD Sealion 7 costs RM183,800, while the Omoda Jaecoo J8 costs RM178,800. That makes the BYD RM5,000 more expensive before looking at road tax, which is RM335 for the BYD and RM439 for the J8.

Which one has more luggage and cabin space?

The BYD Sealion 7 has the clear luggage advantage with 500 litres versus 200 litres, plus a longer 2,930 mm wheelbase. The Omoda Jaecoo J8 is wider and taller, and adds reclining rear seats and rear window shades.

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