Spec battle: 2026 Zeekr 7X vs 2025 Tesla Model Y vs 2025 BYD Sealion 7

The Tesla Model Y has been a familiar sight on Australian roads since 2022, winning fans with its blend of space, performance, and access to Tesla’s charging network. While sales lagged in early 2025, it still held a place in the top ten for the first half of the year, its fresh-faced Juniper uplift proving a popular move.

With the arrival of value-focused disruptor, the BYD Sealion 7 – which undercuts it by $4000 in its base variant – it is finally facing off against a true electric competitor. At the other end of the spectrum, the high-spec Zeekr 7X expected in late Q3/early Q4 is also shaping up as a potential rival, pending pricing.

We take a look beyond the battery and line up these electric SUV adversaries. 

Pricing and variants

Tesla has sharpened its value equation and the Model Y remains a benchmark in the segment. Priced at $58,900 plus on-road costs for the RWD, and $68,900 for the Long Range, the Model Y sits firmly in the sweet spot for tech-savvy buyers.

The BYD Sealion 7 offers the lowest entry price in this group. At $54,990 plus on-roads for the Premium and $63,990 for the Performance, it is designed to tempt buyers who want modern tech and safety at a sharper price point, undercutting its rivals and promising strong value for families and first-time EV owners alike.

The Zeekr 7X is the newcomer, with the first Australian deliveries due to kick off in September or October. While final pricing is still being settled, early estimates put the RWD at $65,000-$70,000, the RWD LR at $70,000-$78,000, and the range-topping AWD between $78,000 and $85,000 plus on-roads. Positioned as a premium alternative, the Zeekr 7X aims to bring larger batteries, fast charging, and luxury touches to the mix – slotting above BYD, and in some grades, well into Tesla territory. 

Performance and range

Performance 

Tesla’s Model Y RWD delivers a brisk 0-100km/h sprint in 6.9 seconds, with its single rear motor providing solid, linear acceleration that’s hard to match at this price point. The Zeekr 7X RWD is slightly quicker on paper, clocking a 0-100km/h time of 6.0 seconds and putting down 310kW of power – well above both its rivals. The BYD Sealion 7 Premium, with 230kW on tap, completes the dash in 6.7 seconds, neatly slotting between the other two. For outright punch, the Zeekr 7X has the highest power figure and the quickest sprint, while Tesla is not far behind and BYD remains competitive.

For those eyeing higher performance, the Zeekr 7X AWD claims a blistering 0-100km/h time of just 3.8 seconds, with a hefty 475kW on offer. That puts it well ahead of the Sealion 7 Performance (390kW and 4.5 seconds). Tesla’s Model Y Performance is not currently available in Australia, so it can’t be compared directly.

Zeekr 7X

Range

If you’re looking for maximum distance between charges, the Zeekr 7X RWD LR sets the bar with a claimed 615km WLTP range, thanks to its 100kWh battery (European spec). Tesla’s Model Y Long Range follows, offering 551km on the WLTP cycle from an 80kWh pack. The BYD Sealion 7 Premium is rated at 482km from its 82.56kWh battery, which is respectable but lags both Tesla and Zeekr.  

The entry-level Zeekr 7X RWD also slightly edges out the Model Y RWD, with a 480km WLTP range (75kWh battery) compared to 466km (60kWh) for the Tesla. 

At the top end, the Zeekr 7X AWD offers a range of 543km (European WLTP), again ahead of the Sealion 7 Performance, which manages 456km. So, for drivers wanting to travel further between charging stops, Zeekr 7X leads the field in both mid- and top-spec form, with Tesla close behind and BYD solid but not quite as far-reaching.

Charging

Across all price points, the Zeekr 7X leads by a significant margin with a DC fast-charging rate of 450kW, far outpacing the Tesla Model Y LR at 250kW and the BYD Sealion 7 at 150kW. This means, on paper, the Zeekr 7X could achieve much shorter charging times at suitable ultra-rapid charging stations (we estimate 16 minutes for 10-80 per cent state of charge), setting a new benchmark for this class.

While 450kW charging is market-leading, the Tesla Model Y still achieves a very decent rate, especially since maximum rates are only achievable in optimum conditions and from a low state of charge. Also, the top speed for DC  currently sits at 350kW, so going for the Zeekr for this reason alone is future-proofing at best.

Mind you, the Zeekr 7X is the only model to come with 22kW AC charging. By comparison, the Tesla Model Y and BYD Sealion 7 can only achieve 11kW on a wall or destination charger, which might be a consideration for those charging at work or home with a dedicated charger. 

Practicality

Cargo space

The Tesla Model Y RWD is clearly the most practical for cargo, offering 854 litres of luggage capacity plus a big 117 litre front trunk (‘frunk’). This is well ahead of both the Zeekr 7X RWD and BYD Sealion 7 Premium. The Zeekr 7X RWD, using European specs, comes in at 520 litres, offering more cargo space than the BYD, which has 450 litres. The Zeekr 7X has the smallest frunk space at just 42 litres, scoring below the Sealion 7’s 58 litres.

Towing
For towing, the Zeekr 7X will win across all price points as long as its European specs hold true when it is approved for Australia, with its 2000kg braked towing capacity (European spec). This is a good 400kg more than the Model Y RWD can tow at 1588kg (the Model Y LR inexplicably tows an additional 12kg on that), while the BYD Sealion 7 Premium is rated to tow only 750kg (1500kg for the Performance variant). 

Tesla Model Y

Size

When it comes to dimensions, the Zeekr 7X is the widest and tallest in this group, measuring 1930mm across and standing 1656mm high in all grades. For length, the BYD Sealion 7 (at 4830mm) takes the lead, just ahead of the Model Y (4792mm) and the Zeekr 7X (4787mm). In wheelbase measurements, the BYD Sealion 7 edges ahead slightly with 2930mm, a touch longer than the Model Y (2890mm) and Zeekr 7X (2900mm).

For ground clearance, the Zeekr 7X again stands out at 172mm – giving it the most breathing room over speed bumps and rougher driveways – while the Model Y offers 167mm and the Sealion 7 sits lower at 140mm. Extra clearance could translate to more peace of mind on country roads or poorly maintained urban streets.

It’s also worth noting the top-range Zeekr 7X AWD features adaptive air suspension, which can alter ride height and comfort on the fly – a feature neither BYD nor Tesla offers in these grades.

In summary, the Zeekr 7X has the most presence and capability on the road with a broad stance and the tallest cabin, while BYD claims the longest body and wheelbase, and the Tesla Model Y manages a marginally more compact footprint while still delivering a roomy interior. 

Connectivity and comfort

Connectivity
All three vehicles bring a high level of digital connectivity and convenience, but with a few important distinctions that will matter depending on your priorities.

The Tesla Model Y is well known for its minimal interior, dominated by a 15-inch central touchscreen powered by an AMD Ryzen chip that handles everything from navigation and climate control to entertainment and settings. It features native streaming for services such as Spotify and Netflix, built-in navigation with real-time traffic information, and two wireless charging pads come standard but are only 15-watt each.

The BYD Sealion 7 takes a slightly different approach, offering a rotating 15.6-inch central touchscreen that can switch from landscape to portrait, making it handy for both mapping and app use. The chipset running things in the background is a Snapdragon 8155, and the infotainment system supports Apple CarPlay and Android Auto – great for using your favourite phone apps for music, navigation, or voice commands. BYD gets 50-watt wireless phone charging, but only for one phone.

While its rivals already offer high spec levels, the Zeekr 7X promises to push the envelope even further in both connectivity and comfort. It’s fitted with a large digital instrument cluster and a 15.4-inch central display run by a Snapdragon 8295 (for tech-heads, it’s a 5nm process), with support for both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as standard. It also gets two spots for wireless phone charging at 50 watts.

BYD Sealion 7

Comfort
Both the Tesla Model Y and Zeekr 7X stand out for seat comfort, offering heated seats in both rows across all variants. Ventilated seats are included in the front row only for all three models – BYD Sealion 7, Tesla Model Y, and Zeekr 7X – regardless of grade.

The BYD Sealion 7 provides heated seats in the front row only, in both Premium and Performance grades, while the Tesla Model Y and Zeekr 7X offer heated seating for both front and rear passengers across every trim.

Lastly, while all models get a panoramic sunroof, the Tesla misses out on an electronic sunshade. The Zeekr 7X also gets a built-in window shade for the rear rows that can be operated using the window button on the door controls.

Warranty and ownership costs

When it comes to warranty, the BYD Sealion 7 leads with a six-year/150,000km vehicle warranty, covering both Premium and Performance grades. Tesla offers a four-year/80,000km warranty on both Model Y RWD and Long Range variants, while Zeekr 7X provides five years with unlimited kilometres across all models.

Battery warranty is identical for all three brands, with eight years or 160,000km of coverage.

Annual running costs, based on energy efficiency and a 14,000km yearly distance at $0.36 per kWh, are lowest for the Tesla Model Y RWD at $736. The Zeekr 7X RWD is estimated at $786, while the BYD Sealion 7 Premium costs $857. Mid-range and top-range running costs are highest for Zeekr 7X AWD ($928) and BYD Sealion 7 Performance ($902), while the Model Y Long Range remains comparatively inexpensive at $776.

* Source: Green Vehicle Guide. Assumptions include efficiency according to ADR 81/02 lab tests, driving 14,000km a year, with an average cost of $0.36c/kWh. Zeekr 7X figures use energy calculations based on battery and range.

Verdict: Which one should you buy?

Choosing between the BYD Sealion 7, Tesla Model Y, and Zeekr 7X depends on where your priorities lie; each brings clear strengths and some compromises at every price point.  

Entry-level:
The BYD Sealion 7 Premium is the most affordable path into this segment, undercutting its rivals on price while still offering a good suite of tech, wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, and a long vehicle warranty. Its running costs are a little higher and it trails on cargo space, towing, and rear seat comfort features.

Tesla’s Model Y RWD is sharper to drive, more efficient to run, and boasts the biggest boot, as well as heated and ventilated seats in both rows, but lacks phone mirroring for Apple and Android.

Zeekr 7X RWD lands with the highest charging speed, the biggest power figure, and the most up-to-date infotainment chip. It’s also alone in offering both heated and ventilated front seats and an unlimited kilometre warranty, but pricing is likely to be higher and boot space is mid-pack.

Mid-range:
Tesla Model Y Long Range is a strong all-rounder, with long range, low running costs, a big boot, and the same comfort and safety kit as the base grade. The Zeekr 7X RWD LR, meanwhile, sets the benchmark for battery size and range, and promises the fastest charging – making it an appealing option for road-trippers. It also brings more luxury features to the table, though, as the entry variant’s final local pricing remains to be seen.

Top-range:
The Sealion 7 Performance offers a big jump in power over the Premium and has a sharp driveaway price for an EV that can sprint to 100km/h in under five seconds, but it can’t match its rivals on outright performance, charging, or cargo flexibility.

The Zeekr 7X AWD is the powerhouse of the group – quickest to 100km/h, highest towing, greatest number of premium touches (like adaptive air suspension and twin 50-watt wireless chargers), and the most comprehensive tech suite. Its running costs are higher, but for those chasing all-out features (and who are willing to pay for them), it stands out. The Model Y Performance, at the time of writing, isn’t available in Australia.

In summary, the Sealion 7 is best on value and warranty, the Model Y blends efficiency, space, and ease of ownership, and the Zeekr 7X offers class-leading charging, performance, and tech – albeit potentially at a price.  his is a classic head-versus-heart decision. The Geely EX5 is clearly the cheapest upfront and still offers strong range and quick acceleration. For buyers focused purely on price, it’s the sensible pick. But limited boot space and no tow capacity could be deal-breakers.