With “Ifs,” this BYD could pose a serious threat to the Tesla Model 3

Affordable offers on the accessible electric saloon market are rare, but BYD offers a winning recipe with its e7.

BYD unveiled the e7, an elegant electric saloon with simple yet effective technological solutions. With a wheelbase of 2,820 mm, a small LFP battery providing at least 400 km of range in WLTP equivalent, and a 134 hp electric motor, this model is set to soon debut on the Chinese market… and unfortunately not leave it.

The BYD e7 adopts a sober and refined style, highlighting harmonious proportions with sleek headlights, a dynamic line, and a trapezoidal front air intake. The rear remains just as minimalist but elegant with simple taillights and a discreet bumper. No eccentric bodywork or flamboyant lighting signatures— a delight for insurers in case of an accident! Although some exterior elements reflect its affordable positioning, such as traditional door handles and 16-inch gray wheels, the overall look remains distinguished.

More than austerity: the reason for BYD

In terms of equipment, the BYD e7 focuses on simplicity. It lacks 360° cameras and radars but features a panoramic sunroof. Despite the absence of flashy technologies, BYD’s technical and aesthetic choices reveal a strategy centered on efficiency and durability.

With dimensions of 4,780 mm in length, 1,900 mm in width, and 1,515 mm in height, the BYD e7 positions itself as an alternative to more well-known models, including, of course, the Tesla Model 3, but at a much lower price—offered starting at €15,000 in China, half the price of the Tesla. Thanks to its minimal equipment and especially its small battery, its curb weight varies around 1,500 kg depending on the version, which gives it a rare lightness in this electric sector. This allows the small 134 hp motor to reach 150 km/h effortlessly and without excessive consumption. We keep telling you that in automotive, lightness is the best friend of efficiency.

Although the French market is largely dominated by SUVs, the BYD e7 could offer an interesting alternative with its sleek design and practical features at a reasonable price. This type of saloon could potentially appeal to a audience looking for an affordable electric vehicle, without compromises on style or practicality. “The BYD e7 thus embodies a pragmatic vision of electromobility that could redefine consumer expectations in France.” If only it wasn’t exclusively reserved for the Chinese market…

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