See Full Breakdown of BYD Sealion 8 vs Rivals: Kia EV9, Hyundai Ioniq 7 & Volvo EX90

The premium EV SUV space is about to explode. Three global automakers — BYD, Kia, and Hyundai — and Volvo’s new-age EV division are preparing for a direct showdown in 2026. At the center of it all stands the BYD Sealion 8, a seven-seater electric flagship that aims to blend Blade-Battery efficiency with attainable luxury.

But how does it truly measure up against the Kia EV9, Hyundai Ioniq 7, and Volvo EX90 — each representing a different philosophy of electric luxury? Let’s break it down in detail.

1. The Contenders — What Each Brand Represents

Model	Origin	Segment Positioning	Core Strength
BYD Sealion 8	China	Premium 7-seater EV	Blade Battery Tech + Value
Kia EV9	South Korea	Flagship electric SUV	Design + Tech Luxury
Hyundai Ioniq 7	South Korea	Full-size electric family SUV	Comfort + Range
Volvo EX90	Sweden	Luxury Performance EV SUV	Safety + Scandinavian Elegance

While Volvo and Hyundai target upper-luxury buyers, BYD’s strategy is clear — deliver comparable performance at a lower price point without compromising core EV tech.

2. Powertrain & Range Comparison

Model	Battery (kWh)	Drivetrain	Max Power (PS)	Torque (Nm)	Claimed Range (WLTP)	Architecture
BYD Sealion 8 AWD	100 (Blade Battery)	Dual Motor AWD	390	600	600 km	800 V
Kia EV9 AWD GT-Line	99.8 (NCM)	Dual Motor AWD	385	700	540 km	800 V
Hyundai Ioniq 7 AWD	100	Dual Motor AWD	380	700	610 km	800 V
Volvo EX90 AWD	107	Dual Motor AWD	517	910	580 km	800 V

Verdict:

The Sealion 8 stands tall with competitive output and range — slightly below Volvo in power but ahead in efficiency and thermal management. Its Blade Battery also gives it an advantage in long-term durability and cost of ownership.

3. Charging Performance & Infrastructure

Model	Max DC Charging (kW)	10–80 % Time	Home AC Charger (kW)	Architecture
BYD Sealion 8	180	28–30 min	11	800 V
Kia EV9	210	25 min	11	800 V
Hyundai Ioniq 7	230	27 min	11	800 V
Volvo EX90	250	30 min	11	800 V

Verdict:

While the EV9 and Ioniq 7 are marginally quicker in charging due to higher peak rates, BYD’s real-world charging consistency and battery cooling system minimize degradation — an underrated benefit in Indian heat.

4. Interior & Comfort Comparison

Model	Seating	Display Setup	Infotainment OS	Luxury Features
BYD Sealion 8	7	15.6” Rotating + 12.3” Cluster	DiLink OS 8.0 (OTA)	Vegan leather, 64-color ambient, tri-zone AC
Kia EV9	6 / 7	Dual 12.3” panoramic screens	Kia Connect OS	Massaging seats, fingerprint start
Hyundai Ioniq 7	6 / 7	14.5” infotainment + 12” cluster	Bluelink OS EV	Swivel captain chairs, glass roof
Volvo EX90	7	15” vertical display + HUD	Google Built-in OS	Wool-blend interior, Bowers & Wilkins audio

Verdict:

The Sealion 8 wins for innovation with its rotating screen and eco-luxury materials, though Volvo edges ahead in tactile richness. Kia and Hyundai emphasize comfort tech, but BYD’s cabin balances modern design with everyday usability.

5. Design & Aerodynamics

Model	Design Language	Drag Coefficient (Cd)	Key Styling Element
BYD Sealion 8	Ocean X Design	0.27	Coupe-SUV roofline + LED wave bar
Kia EV9	Opposites United 2.0	0.29	Boxy stance + futuristic headlamps
Hyundai Ioniq 7	Parametric Pixel Design	0.26	Pixelated LED array
Volvo EX90	Scandinavian Minimalism	0.27	Thor’s Hammer DRLs + flush surfaces

Verdict:

The Ioniq 7 has the best drag coefficient, but BYD’s sculpted Ocean X design gives it superior aesthetic balance — fluid yet commanding. It looks more elegant and family-friendly than Kia’s squared-off approach.

6. Pricing & Value Proposition

Model	Expected India Price (₹)	Segment	Positioning
BYD Sealion 8	38 – 56 lakh	Premium EV SUV	Value-Luxury 7-seater
Kia EV9	65 – 80 lakh	Flagship EV	Tech-Luxury
Hyundai Ioniq 7	70 – 85 lakh	Flagship EV	Range & Comfort
Volvo EX90	1.2 – 1.4 crore	Ultra-Luxury EV	Safety & Prestige

Verdict:

BYD’s aggressive pricing could redefine the ₹40–60 lakh EV bracket. For roughly half the EX90’s price, the Sealion 8 offers comparable practicality, longer range than Kia’s EV9, and the brand’s proven battery reliability.

7. Charging Ecosystem & After-Sales Support

BYD Sealion 8

• Partner networks: Tata Power EZ Charge, ChargeZone, Jio-bp Pulse.
• Home wallbox (11 kW) included.
• 8-year battery warranty / 1.6 lakh km.
• Expanding service centers in Delhi, Bengaluru, Mumbai, Chennai.

Kia EV9 & Hyundai Ioniq 7

• Access to Hyundai-Kia Ultra Charging Network (350 kW stations).
• Long-established after-sales footprint in India.

Volvo EX90

• Limited CBU import service network.
• Premium on-demand maintenance, high cost per visit.

Verdict:

While Hyundai and Kia lead in fast-charging density, BYD’s rapid localization + battery warranty confidence make it a safer long-term bet for Indian owners.

8. Brand Trust & Market Perception

Brand	Current EV Sales in India	Perception Score (2025 Survey)	Strength
BYD India	15 000 units (E6 + Atto 3 + Seal)	8.2 / 10	Battery Tech + Value
Kia India	8 000 EV6 units	8.0 / 10	Design + Service
Hyundai India	14 000 Ioniq 5 units	8.3 / 10	Reliability + Reach
Volvo Cars India	2 000 EV sales	8.5 / 10	Brand Prestige + Safety

Verdict:

BYD’s perception is rising rapidly, closing the gap with legacy brands thanks to consistent product quality and expanding EV charging partnerships.

9. Value Verdict — Which EV Wins for India?

Category	Winner	Why It Matters
Range & Efficiency	BYD Sealion 8	Blade Battery longevity + 600 km WLTP
Interior Luxury	Volvo EX90	Scandinavian craft + material quality
Tech & Infotainment	BYD Sealion 8 / Kia EV9 (tie)	DiLink OS + OTA vs Kia Connect UX
Charging Speed	Hyundai Ioniq 7	230 kW DC capability
Price Value Ratio	BYD Sealion 8	Same segment performance at lower cost

Final Take:

For premium Indian EV buyers, the BYD Sealion 8 offers the best blend of performance, practicality, and price.
It may lack the brand legacy of Volvo or Hyundai, but its real-world range, lower cost, and reliable Blade Battery make it the most sensible luxury EV SUV arriving in 2026.

FAQs — BYD Sealion 8 vs Rivals