VS
At a Glance
Power
205 kW
390 kW
Torque
315 Nm
690 Nm
Fuel
2.9 when hybrid battery charged / 6.9 coL/100km
21.2 kWh/100km l/100km
0-100 km/h
8.6 s
4.5 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 205 kW while the BYD Sealion 7 produces 390 kW. On fuel, the Atto 8 returns 2.9 when hybrid battery charged / 6.9 coL/100km while the Sealion 7 uses 21.2 kWh/100km l/100km — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at R1 059 900 for the Atto 8 and R1 319 900 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 8Premium 2026 - From R1 059 900
BYD Sealion 7Performance AWD 2025 - From R1 319 900
Performance
Power Output
205 kW
390 kW
Torque
315 Nm
690 Nm
0-100 kph
8.6 s
4.5 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
front
all
Full Time 4x4
—
✓ Standard
Fuel Economy
Fuel Consumption Average
2.9 when hybrid battery charged / 6.9 coL/100km
21.2 kWh/100km l/100km
Fuel Tank Capacity
60 litre + 19.0 kWh l
82.6 kWh l
CO2 Emissions
56 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
2315 Kg
2340 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
Sealion 7
Fuel Economy
Atto 8
Value
Atto 8
Practicality
Atto 8
Pros & Cons
BYD Atto 8
Better fuel economy (2.9 when hybrid battery charged / 6.9 coL/100km)
Lower starting price (R1 059 900)
Less power than rival (205 kW vs 390 kW)
BYD Sealion 7
More powerful engine (390 kW)
Quicker 0-100 km/h (4.5 ss)
Higher fuel consumption (21.2 kWh/100km l/100km)
Higher starting price
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel efficient, the Atto 8 or Sealion 7?
The Atto 8 uses 2.9 when hybrid battery charged / 6.9 coL/100km and the Sealion 7 uses 21.2 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 205 kW and 315 Nm of torque while the Sealion 7 delivers 390 kW and 690 Nm of torque. The Sealion 7 is the more powerful option.
What is the price difference between the Atto 8 and Sealion 7?
The Atto 8 starts from R1 059 900 and the Sealion 7 from R1 319 900. The Atto 8 is cheaper by R260 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.