Verdict
The BYD Sealion 7 costs RM163,800 against the Volvo EC40’s RM248,888, leaving RM85,088 in the buyer’s pocket while adding 32 km of claimed range and 87 litres of boot space. Its 2,930-mm wheelbase also makes it a substantially longer, roomier proposition. The EC40 counters with 420 Nm, all-wheel drive and far quicker 200-kW DC charging, although both reach 100 km/h in 7.3 seconds. For Malaysian families and long-distance users, the Sealion 7 is the more rational choice; the Volvo suits those who regularly depend on rapid charging and want its parking aids.
Pick the BYD Sealion 7 if you want the lower purchase price, 520-km range, 500-litre boot and 3.3-kW vehicle-to-load function.
Pick the Volvo EC40 if 200-kW DC charging, 11-kW AC charging, all-wheel drive and auto parking matter more than cabin and boot space.
Key differences
- Price: BYD Sealion 7 RM163,800; Volvo EC40 RM248,888.
- EV range: BYD Sealion 7 520 km; Volvo EC40 488 km.
- DC charging: BYD Sealion 7 110 kW; Volvo EC40 200 kW.
- AC charging: BYD Sealion 7 7 kW; Volvo EC40 11 kW.
- Length and wheelbase: BYD Sealion 7 4,830 mm and 2,930 mm; Volvo EC40 4,440 mm and 2,702 mm.
- Boot space: BYD Sealion 7 500 litres; Volvo EC40 413 litres.
Sealion 7
- 520-km claimed range and 71.8-kWh battery
- 500-litre boot and 2,930-mm wheelbase
- 3.3-kW V2L, ventilated front seats and head-up display
- 110-kW DC and 7-kW AC charging trail the Volvo’s 200 kW and 11 kW
- 228 hp and 380 Nm are lower than the Volvo’s 235 hp and 420 Nm
- Rear-wheel drive versus the Volvo’s all-wheel drive
EC40
- 200-kW DC and 11-kW AC charging
- 420 Nm and all-wheel drive
- Auto parking, auto high beam and six front and rear parking sensors
- RM85,088 more expensive
- 488-km range is 32 km shorter
- 413-litre boot is 87 litres smaller
| Price & overview | ||
|---|---|---|
| Price | RM163,800✓ | RM248,888 |
| Body type | SUV | SUV |
| Segment | Compact Executive | Compact Executive |
| Assembly | CBU | CKD |
| Ownership | ||
| Road tax / year | RM220 | RM220 |
| Powertrain | ||
| Engine Tech | 400V architecture | 400V architecture |
| Fuel | Electric | Electric |
| Number of Motors | 1 | 1 |
| Motor Horsepower | 228 hp | 235 hp✓ |
| Motor Torque | 380 Nm | 420 Nm✓ |
| Battery Capacity | 71.8 kWh✓ | 70 kWh |
| EV Range | 520 km✓ | 488 km |
| Charging Rate (AC) | 7 kW | 11 kW✓ |
| Charging Rate (DC) | 110 kW | 200 kW✓ |
| V2L | 3.3 kW | — |
| Drivetrain | ||
| Transmission | Single Ratio Automatic | Single Ratio Automatic |
| Transmission Manufacturer | — | Volvo |
| Driveline | Rear Wheel Drive | All Wheel Drive |
| Performance & Efficiency | ||
| 0-100 km/h | 7.3 seconds | 7.3 seconds |
| Top Speed | — | 180 km/h |
| Dimensions | ||
| Length | 4,830 mm | 4,440 mm |
| Width | 1,925 mm | 1,873 mm |
| Height | 1,620 mm | 1,582 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2,930 mm | 2,702 mm |
| Weight | 2,160 kg | 2,185 kg |
| Doors | 5 | 5 |
| Seats | 5 | 5 |
| Boot Space | 500 litres✓ | 413 litres |
| Front Tyre | 235/50R19 | 235/50R19 |
| Rear Tyre | 255/45R19 | 255/45R19 |
| Spare Tyre | N/A, Tyre Repair Kit | N/A, Tyre Repair Kit |
| Factory Tyres | Continental EcoContact 6 Q | Continental EcoContact 6 VOL |
| Chassis | ||
| Assembly | China (CBU) | Malaysia (CKD) |
| Front Suspension | Double Wishbones | MacPherson Strut |
| Rear Suspension | Multi-link | Multi-Link |
| Front Wheels | 19" Alloys | 19" Alloy |
| Rear Wheels | 19" Alloys | 19" Alloy |
| Steering | Rack and Pinion (Electric Power Steering) | Rack and Pinion (Electric Power Steering) |
| Chassis Notes | — | Sports Chassis |
| Crash Safety Ratings | ||
| EuroNCAP | — | 5 stars |
| Safety | ||
| Airbags | Driver and Front Passenger, Front and Rear Side, Front and Rear Curtain, Driver Centre Airbag | Driver and Passenger, Front Side, Driver's Knee, Front and Rear Curtain |
| ABS/EBD | ✓ | ✓ |
| Stability Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Alarm | ✓ | ✓ |
| Immobilizer | ✓ | ✓ |
| Airbag Disable Function | ✓ | — |
| Child Safety Lock | — | Electronic for Rear Doors |
| Seat Belts | 5 Three-point | 5 Three-point |
| Blind Spot Info System | ✓ | ✓ |
| ISOFIX | Available for Two Outer Rear Passenger Seats | Available for 2 Outer Rear Seats |
| Autonomous Braking System | Yes | Yes |
| Lane-keeping Assist | Steering Correction | Steering Correction |
| Collision Warning | ✓ | ✓ |
| Seatbelt Reminder | All Seats | For All Seats |
| Lighting | ||
| Headlamps | LED Projector | LED Projector with Auto High Beam |
| Taillamps | Full LED | LED Combination |
| LED Daytime Running Lights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Foglamps | — | ✓ |
| Rear Foglamps | ✓ | ✓ |
| Wing Mirror Turn Indicators | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cabin | ||
| Front Seats | Power-adjustable Front Seats, Ventilated | Power Adjustable Front 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 Vents |
| Sunroof | Panoramic Glass Roof | Fixed Glass Roof |
| Power Sockets | 1 Front, 1 Wireless Charger, 2 USB Front, 2 USB Rear | 1x 12V in front, 2x USB-C front, 2x USB-C rear |
| 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 | — |
| Audio | 15.6" Rotating Touchscreen with Apple CarPlay & Android Auto, Dynaudio HiFi Audio System | 9" Portrait Android Automotive OS Touchscreen with Apple CarPlay, 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 (Depress Brake to Start) |
| Locks | Keyless Operation | Keyless Entry |
| Auto Headlamps | ✓ | ✓ |
| Auto Wipers | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cruise Control | Adaptive Cruise Control | Adaptive Cruise Control with Steering Assist and Stop and Go |
| Steering Audio Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Steering Tilt | ✓ | ✓ |
| Steering Telescopic | ✓ | ✓ |
| Boot Operation | Powered Boot | Remote Control Activation |
| Parking Sensor Front | 2 Sensors | 6 Sensors |
| Parking Sensor Rear | 4 Sensors | 6 Sensors |
| Reverse Camera | Yes, 360-degree Camera | Yes, with 360-degree Camera |
| Auto Parking | — | Yes |
| Folding Wing Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Bluetooth | ✓ | ✓ |
| Navigation | ✓ | ✓ |
| Head-up Display | ✓ | — |
| Power Door | — | No |
| Hill Start Assist | ✓ | ✓ |
| Instrument Cluster | Full LCD Monitor | Full LCD Monitor |
| Parking Brake | Electronic | Electronic |
| Warranty | ||
| Warranty Mileage Manufacturer | 150,000 km | Unlimited✓ |
| Warranty Manufacturer | 6 years✓ | 5 years |
| Warranty Notes | 8-year/160,000-km Battery Warranty, 8-year/150,000-km Electric Drive Unit Warranty | 8-year/160,000 km Battery 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 & EC40 for sale
Sealion 7 vs EC40 FAQ
Is the BYD Sealion 7 or Volvo EC40 better?
The BYD Sealion 7 is the better fit for most buyers: it costs far less, travels 520 km on a charge and has a 500-litre boot. Choose the Volvo EC40 if its 200-kW DC charging and all-wheel drive are priorities.
What is the price difference?
The Volvo EC40 costs RM85,088 more than the BYD Sealion 7.
Which EV charges faster?
The Volvo EC40 charges faster on both AC and DC power, at 11 kW and 200 kW respectively. The BYD Sealion 7 is rated at 7 kW AC and 110 kW DC.