After dropping several teasers of the BYD Sealion 7 EV, BYD Malaysia has opened bookings for the “performance SUV” – as the carmaker puts it – with a RM1,000 booking fee. The electric SUV would be BYD’s fifth model to enter the Malaysian market, and it is meant to compete against the Tesla Model Y.

Measuring 4,830mm long, 1,925mm wide, and 1,620mm tall with a wheelbase of 2,930mm, the Sealion 7 is longer than the Model Y, though it is not quite as wide. Several variants of the Sealion 7 are offered in other markets, with the range-topping model sporting a dual-motor setup with a total output of 390kW (530PS) and 690Nm of torque; good for a 0-100kmph time of 4.2 seconds.

Aside from that, the Sealion 7 offers up to 550km of range as measured on the stringent WLTP cycle, which is quite respectable for an electric SUV this size. It also supports up to 230kW DC charging, where it can juice up the battery from 30% to 80% in 25 minutes.

The BYD Sealion 7 can now be booked in Malaysia through BYD’s official website. As mentioned, a RM1,000 booking fee is required to place an order, and it will constitute as part payment towards the deposit. It remains to be seen just how many variants of the EV will be offered on our shores, though we reckon more details on the Sealion 7 for the local market will be revealed by BYD Malaysia very soon.