VS
At a Glance
Power
359 kW
230 kW
Torque
675 Nm
380 Nm
Fuel
2.2 when hybrid battery charged / 7.8 coL/100km
19.8 kWh/100km l/100km
0-100 km/h
4.9 s
6.7 s
Engine
1498 cc
electric cc
Choosing between the BYD Atto 8 and the BYD Sealion 7 is one of the most common decisions car buyers in South Africa face. The BYD Atto 8 delivers 359 kW while the BYD Sealion 7 produces 230 kW. On fuel, the Atto 8 returns 2.2 when hybrid battery charged / 7.8 coL/100km while the Sealion 7 uses 19.8 kWh/100km l/100km — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at R1 259 900 for the Atto 8 and R1 109 900 for the Sealion 7. Both vehicles have their merits. The right choice depends on your priorities: fuel economy, performance, towing ability, safety features or total cost of ownership. This comparison covers every specification available so you can make an informed decision.
Specification
BYD Atto 8Performance AWD 2026 - From R1 259 900
BYD Sealion 7Premium 2025 - From R1 109 900
Performance
Power Output
359 kW
230 kW
Torque
675 Nm
380 Nm
0-100 kph
4.9 s
6.7 s
Top Speed
200 Km/h
215 Km/h
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
1498 cc
electric cc
Engine Layout
inline
—
Cylinders
4
—
Fuel Type
petrol-electric hybrid
electric
Forced Induction Device
turbocharger
—
Transmission
automatic
automatic
Number of Gears
-
-
Drive Wheels
all
rear
Full Time 4x4
✓ Standard
—
Fuel Economy
Fuel Consumption Average
2.2 when hybrid battery charged / 7.8 coL/100km
19.8 kWh/100km l/100km
Fuel Tank Capacity
60 litre + 35.6 kWh l
82.6 kWh l
CO2 Emissions
42 when hybrid battery charged g/km
-
Dimensions
Length
5040 mm
4830 mm
Width
1996 mm
1925 mm
Height
1760 mm
1620 mm
Wheelbase
2950 mm
2930 mm
Ground Clearance
184 mm
140 mm
Kerb Weight
2580 Kg
2225 Kg
Doors
5
5
Seats
7
5
Load Volume
270 / 960 / 1960 l
58 front + 500-1769 rear l
Towing & Payload
Load Capacity
—
410 lkg
Safety
ABS
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
EBD
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Brake Assist
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Stability Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Traction Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Airbag Count
7
9
Driver Airbag
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Passenger Airbag
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Side Airbags Front
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Curtain Airbags
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Features & Tech
Air Conditioning
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Climate Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Cruise Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Adaptive Cruise Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Bluetooth
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Satellite Navigation
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Reversing Camera
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Park Distance Rear
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Park Distance Front
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Sunroof
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Heated Seats
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Keyless Entry
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Alloy Wheels
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Warranty & Service
Warranty Period
5 vehicle / 8 battery
5 vehicle / 8 battery
Warranty Distance
100000 vehicle / 200000 battery Km
100000 vehicle / 200000 battery Km
Service Intervals
20000
20000
The Verdict
Which Wins?
Overall Winner
BYD Atto 8
3 / 4 categories
Performance
Atto 8
Fuel Economy
Atto 8
Value
Sealion 7
Practicality
Atto 8
Pros & Cons
BYD Atto 8
More powerful engine (359 kW)
Better fuel economy (2.2 when hybrid battery charged / 7.8 coL/100km)
Quicker 0-100 km/h (4.9 ss)
Higher starting price
BYD Sealion 7
Lower starting price (R1 109 900)
Higher fuel consumption (19.8 kWh/100km l/100km)
Less power than rival (230 kW vs 359 kW)
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel efficient, the Atto 8 or Sealion 7?
The Atto 8 uses 2.2 when hybrid battery charged / 7.8 coL/100km and the Sealion 7 uses 19.8 kWh/100km l/100km on the combined cycle. The Atto 8 is the more fuel-efficient choice. In real-world conditions with a mix of highway and urban driving, actual figures will be slightly higher.
Which has more power, the Atto 8 or Sealion 7?
The Atto 8 produces 359 kW and 675 Nm of torque while the Sealion 7 delivers 230 kW and 380 Nm of torque. The Atto 8 is the more powerful option.
What is the price difference between the Atto 8 and Sealion 7?
The Atto 8 starts from R1 259 900 and the Sealion 7 from R1 109 900. The Sealion 7 is cheaper by R150 000 at this variant level. Final on-the-road pricing varies by dealer and specification.
Should I buy the Atto 8 or the Sealion 7?
It depends on your priorities. If fuel economy matters most, check the L/100km figures above. If you need towing capacity, compare the towing ratings. For day-to-day South African driving - load shedding runs, potholed roads, school runs and highway commutes - consider ground clearance, service network coverage, and total cost of ownership including insurance and maintenance. Use the spec tables above to compare every detail before making your decision.