31/05/2026

Contributing Editor Keshy Dhillon / keshy@piston.my Editorial

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SUNDAY | MAY 31, 2026

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Winds of change BY BRIAN PEREIRA BYD’s push for localisation next logical step as landscape for fully imported EVs set for revamp

Media drive group at Mansion Macalister showroom.

BYD MALAYSIA recently organised a media drive to Penang, and the objective was simple – to witness the opening of BYD Mansion Macalister. But the timing of the drive made it a bit more interesting, as Malaysia’s EV landscape is also set to change with new requirements for fully imported EVs. So, while the drive did give us a better idea of how BYD cars behave over long distances, it also served as a reminder that BYD’s next challenge in Malaysia may not just be their products. The real uphill battle will be the localisation of their products. But before we get to that, let me first tell you about how the drive went. The first leg from BYD Ara Damansara to Penang was done in the BYD Sealion 7 Premium. Being an SUV, it’s easy to get in and out of, has a more commanding driv ing position, and generally settles into the role of a long-distance EV cruiser quite well. There are a few small things that helped the Sealion 7’s case. The cabin was already cooled before we got in, thanks to the remote air-conditioning function CARS

through the BYD app. This sounds gimmicky, but with the tropical Malaysian cli mate, it definitely comes in handy. The mirror controls are also placed where one would expect them to be, and not hidden behind various sub-menus of the infotain ment screen, which some EV mak ers still seem to think is a good idea. The seats were supportive enough for the four-hour jour ney, with good thigh and lum bar support and

quiet, comfortable, easy to drive, and its 360° camera proved genu inely useful once we reached George Town’s tighter and busy streets. In that environment, the cameras were a nice feature to have. On the second day, the drive back to Kuala Lumpur was done in the BYD Seal Performance, which was a very different experience from the Sealion 7. Where the Sealion 7 feels relaxed and high-riding, the Seal y,

passive suspension, and while it feels composed at highway speeds, it can get slightly wafty over undu lations before settling down. It is not uncomfortable, but there are moments when you are reminded of the car’s size and heft. That said, the Sealion 7 is the no-brainer option as a long distance cruiser. It is , 7

two tonnes, the Sealion 7 Premium’s 312 PS single-motor setup also felt more than sufficient for highway use. It is not what you would call “set your pants on fire” quick, but it has enough get-up-and-go to move out of its own way. The Sealion 7 sits on y

adjustability, although I would have preferred a little more height adjust ment and steering reach. The view out was good, the head-up display was clear, and the cabin felt well isolated from the out side world. For something that weighs over

Rear shot of the BYD Sealion 7 Premium.