A proper head-to-head in South Africa — we cover price, performance,
petrol economy, safety and what it'll actually cost you to own each one long term.
Taigo starts ZAR 595,400 cheaperSEALION 7 from ZAR 1,109,900 · Taigo from ZAR 514,500
Key Specs Side by Side
The specs that matter most — highlighted where one car leads.
Spec
SEALION 7
Taigo
Maximum Power
390 kW
85 kW
Maximum Torque
690 Nm
200 Nm
Engine Size
Not Applicable
1000 cc
Combined Fuel Economy
Not Applicable
16.1 km/l
Ground Clearance
163 mm
168 mm
Boot / Load Bay
500 l
440 l
Airbags
9
6
Kerb Weight
2340 kg
1220 kg
Seating Capacity
5 seats
5 seats
Warranty
5 years/100000 km complete vehicle; 8 years/200000 km power battery; 5 years/100000 km drive unit
3 years / 120 000 km
= leads in this spec
The Bottom Line
SEALION 7 has a large lead in Hagalu's source-backed catalogue index over Taigo.
Where They Actually Differ
Performance
SEALION 7
+64 pts
Efficiency
SEALION 7
+27 pts
Safety
SEALION 7
+18 pts
Practicality
Taigo
+4 pts
What Each Car Gets Right (and Wrong)
Catalogue-index leader
SEALION 7
Strengths
More powerful engine output
Better fuel efficiency
Stronger listed safety equipment
Weak Spots
Lower published practicality figures
Best suited to:Published PerformancePublished Efficiency
Taigo
Strengths
Stronger published practicality figures
Weak Spots
Less powerful engine setup
Lower fuel efficiency
Fewer listed safety features
Best suited to:Published Practicality
Which One's Right for You?
SEALION 7
Buyers prioritising the stronger published powertrain figures
Buyers prioritising the lower published fuel or energy use
Buyers prioritising the more complete listed safety equipment
Taigo
Buyers prioritising the stronger published space and capacity figures
Full Specs, Side by Side
Spec
SEALION 7
Taigo
Model Introduced Year
2025
Current local generation year not confirmed
Generation
First South African SEALION 7 generation
Current South African Taigo listing; generation notes should be kept tied to the local model year and confirmed derivative data.
Facelift History
No separately marketed South African facelift announced as at August 2026
Model-year updates can affect trim, wheels, screens, safety equipment and colours. Use the latest South African price list when checking a specific vehicle.
Facelift Launched Since
Original current-generation version
Original current-generation version
Facelift Version Ending
Current
Current
Body Style
SUV
SUV
Model Year
2026
Current
Production Status
Active
published
Segment
Medium SUV
SUV
Vehicle Type
Passenger vehicle
SUV
Color Note
-
Colour availability changes by model year, production batch and dealer stock, check the current colour selector before ordering.
Dealer Stock Note
-
Flagship grade in the South Africa lineup
Drivetrain Note
-
4x2 configuration for the local line-up
Tare Mass Kg
-
1220 kg
Spec
SEALION 7
Taigo
Length
4830 mm
4266 mm
Width
1925 mm
1757 mm
Height
1620 mm
1515 mm
Wheelbase
2930 mm
2554 mm
Ground Clearance (Default)
163 mm
168 mm
Ground Clearance (With Full Seating Load)
140 mm
-
Fuel Tank Capacity
0 l
40 l
Boot/Cargo Space
500 l
440 l
Kerb Weight
2340 kg
1220 kg
Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW)
2750 kg
1710 kg
Payload Capacity
410 kg
-
Towing Capacity
1500 kg
-
Seating Capacity
5 seats
5 seats
Number of Rows
2 rows
-
Doors
5 doors
5 doors
Minimum Turning Radius
5.85 m
5.4 m
Front Headroom
980 mm
-
Rear Headroom
940 mm
-
Front Legroom
1100 mm
-
Rear Legroom
820 mm
-
Spec
SEALION 7
Taigo
Engine
Dual-motor battery-electric powertrain
3-cylinder SI engine 1.0 l TSI, 85 kW
Engine Code
Not Applicable
Not Officially Disclosed
Fuel Type
Electric
Petrol
Hybrid System
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Engine Displacement
Not Applicable
1000 cc
Cylinders
Not Applicable
Not Officially Disclosed
Cylinder Layout
Not Applicable
Not Officially Disclosed
Valves
Not Applicable
Not Officially Disclosed
Valves per Cylinder
Not Applicable
Not Officially Disclosed
Aspiration
Not Applicable
Not Officially Disclosed
Fuel System
Not Applicable
Not Officially Disclosed
Compression Ratio
Not Applicable
Not Officially Disclosed
Bore
Not Applicable
Not Officially Disclosed
Stroke
Not Applicable
Not Officially Disclosed
Maximum Power
390 kW
85 kW
Maximum Torque
690 Nm
200 Nm
Combined Power
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Combined Torque
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Motor Type
Front Induction; Rear Permanent Magnet Synchronous
Not Applicable
Number of Motors
2
Not Applicable
Motor Location
Front + Rear
Not Applicable
Drive Type
AWD
Not Officially Disclosed
Transmission
Single-Speed Reduction Gear
Not Officially Disclosed
Top Speed
215 km/h
Not Officially Disclosed
0-100 km/h
4.5 sec
Not Officially Disclosed
Quarter Mile
Not Officially Disclosed
Not Officially Disclosed
Drive Modes
Eco, Normal, Sport
Not Officially Disclosed
Launch Control
Not Officially Disclosed
Not Officially Disclosed
Rev Limiter
Not Applicable
Not Officially Disclosed
Power-to-Weight Ratio
166.7 kW/tonne
69.7 kW/tonne
Torque-to-Weight Ratio
294.9 Nm/tonne
163.9 Nm/tonne
Battery Capacity
82.56 kWh
Not Applicable
Usable Battery Capacity
Not Officially Disclosed
Not Applicable
Battery Type
LFP
Not Applicable
Battery Voltage
550.4 V
Not Applicable
Electric Range
456 km (WLTP)
Not Applicable
AC Charging Power
11 kW
Not Applicable
DC Charging Power
150 kW
Not Applicable
AC Charging Time
8 h 36 min (0-100%)
Not Applicable
DC Charging Time
32 min (10-80%)
Not Applicable
Regenerative Braking
Yes
Not Applicable
Spec
SEALION 7
Taigo
Gearbox
Single-Speed Reduction Gear
DCT
Drivetrain Layout
Front and rear electric drive units
4x2
LSD Available
Not Available
Not Applicable
Transfer Case
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Differential Lock
Not Available
Not Applicable
Paddle Shifters
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Final Drive Ratio
Not Available
Not Applicable
Number of Gears
1
Not Applicable
Transmission Type
Automatic
Dual-Clutch Automatic
Clutch Type
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Gear Shift Indicator
Standard
Not Applicable
Gear Shift Type
Crystal-motif gearshift lever
DCT
Drivetrain
AWD
4x2
4WD Engagement
Automatic electric all-wheel drive
Not Applicable
4WD Hi Range
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
4WD Lo Range
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
4WD Selector
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Automatic Shift Paddles
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Front Differential Lock
Not Available
Not Applicable
Gearbox Type
Single-speed reduction gear
DCT
Low Range Ratio
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Low Range
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Axle Layout
4x4
4x2
Rear Differential Lock
Not Available
Not Applicable
Transmission Speeds
1
Not Applicable
Differential Type Front
-
Not Available
Differential Type Rear
-
Not Available
Transfer Case Guard
-
Not Available
Spec
SEALION 7
Taigo
Claimed Mileage
Not Applicable
16.1 km/l
City Mileage
Not Applicable
13.0 km/l
Highway Mileage
Not Applicable
19.0 km/l
Fuel Tank Capacity
Not Applicable
40 l
Emission Standard
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
AdBlue Tank Capacity
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Auto Start Stop
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Real-world Mileage
Not Applicable
16.1 km/l
Charging Port Type
Type 2 AC; CCS2 DC
Not Applicable
Charging Type
AC and DC
Not Applicable
Fuel Tank Litres
Not Applicable
40
Combined Driving Range
456 km (WLTP)
Not Applicable
Electric Consumption
21.2 kWh/100 km (WLTP)
Not Applicable
Range Real World Highway
375 km
Not Applicable
Range Real World Mixed
400 km
Not Applicable
Spec
SEALION 7
Taigo
Airbags
9
6
ABS
Standard
Standard
Electronic Stability Control
Standard
Not Available
Traction Control
Standard
Not Available
Hill Descent Control
Standard
Not Available
Hill Start Assist
Standard
Not Available
Child Safety Lock
Standard
Not Available
ISOFIX Mounts
Standard
Not Available
Brake Assist
Standard
Not Available
Tyre Pressure Monitor
Standard
Not Available
Engine Immobiliser
Standard
Not Available
Seatbelt Warning All Seats
Standard
Not Available
Front Parking Sensors
Standard
Standard
AEB
Standard
Not Available
BA
Standard
Not Available
Brake Override System
Standard
Not Available
Curtain Airbags
Standard
Not Available
Driver Airbag
Standard
Not Available
EBD
Standard
Standard
Engine Immobiliser
Not Applicable
Not Available
Hill Hold
Standard
Not Available
Passenger Airbag
Standard
Not Available
Rear Cross Traffic Alert
Standard
Not Available
Seatbelt Pretensioners
Standard
Not Available
Seatbelt Reminder
Standard
Not Available
Side Airbags
Standard
Not Available
Stability Control
Standard
Not Available
TCS
Standard
Not Available
Knee Airbag
Not Available
Not Available
ABS EBD
Standard
Standard
Spec
SEALION 7
Taigo
Cruise Control
Standard
Standard
Adaptive Cruise Control
Standard
Not Available
Lane Keep Assist
Standard
Not Available
Lane Departure Warning
Standard
Not Available
Blind Spot Monitoring
Standard
Not Available
Rear Cross Traffic Alert
Standard
Not Available
Parking Sensors
Standard
Front and rear
Rear View Camera
Standard
Standard
360 Degree Camera
Standard
Not Available
Autonomous Emergency Braking
Standard
Not Available
Driver Fatigue Alert
Standard
Not Available
Traffic Sign Recognition
Standard
Not Available
Auto Highbeam
Standard
Not Available
Auto Wipers
Standard
Not Available
Rear Parking Sensors
Standard
Standard
Reverse Camera
Standard
Standard
Adaptive Cruise Control
Standard
Not Available
Park Assist
Standard
Not Available
Around View Monitor
Standard
Not Available
Blind Spot Warning
Standard
Not Available
Forward Collision Warning
Standard
Not Available
EV Mode
-
Not Available
Rear View Camera
-
Standard
Reversing Camera
-
Standard
Spec
SEALION 7
Taigo
Seat Material
Nappa leather
Cloth
Heated Seats
Standard
Not Applicable
Ventilated Seats
Standard
Not Applicable
Ambient Lighting
Standard
Not Applicable
Steering Wheel Material
Leather
Standard
60 40 Split Seat
Standard
Not Applicable
Driver Seat Adjustment
8-way electric
Not Applicable
Passenger Seat Adjustment
6-way electric
Not Applicable
Seat Trim
Nappa leather
Cloth
Steering Type
-
Standard
Front Armrest
-
Standard
Front Shoulder Room
-
Not Applicable
Rear Shoulder Room
-
Not Applicable
Interior Colour Options
-
Black
Fabric Seats
-
Cloth
Armrest Front
-
Standard
Interior Courtesy Lamps
-
Cabin trim, seating material, screen layout and driver-assistance equipment vary by derivative. Compare the chosen Taigo grade before assuming a feature is included.
Large difference in the source-backed catalogue index.
Why this scoreView full breakdown
Catalogue-index leader
SEALION 7
Performance
100/100
Efficiency
90/100
Safety
99/100
Practicality
62/100
Taigo
Performance
36/100
Efficiency
63/100
Safety
81/100
Practicality
66/100
How to Read This Comparison
🏆BYD SEALION 7
leads the catalogue index with 88 pts
vs 61 pts for Taigo
In Hagalu's source-backed catalogue index, SEALION 7 leads. However, Taigo may suit buyers prioritising different confirmed fields. Ultimately, the right choice depends on your driving priorities in South Africa.
Other Comparisons Worth Checking
See how similar cars go head-to-head — you might find a better fit than you expected.
There is no universal winner. Use the comparison table to match the exact South African derivatives on price, safety equipment, space, powertrain and ownership cover. The category indicators summarise published catalogue data; they are not a road test or customer rating.
Compare the published consumption or mileage rows for the exact derivatives using the same unit and test basis. A catalogue figure is useful for like-for-like comparison, but traffic, speed, load, weather and driving style can change actual fuel use.
Compare only equipment explicitly listed for each derivative, including airbags, stability control and driver-assistance systems. Confirm the exact trim with the manufacturer, and treat any independent crash-test result separately because equipment and ratings can differ by market.
A reliable five-year total cannot be calculated from catalogue data alone. Add the exact purchase and finance cost, fuel or electricity, insurance quotes, scheduled servicing, tyres and expected resale value. Check whether the selected derivative includes a service or maintenance plan.
Use the seating, boot or load-space, ISOFIX and safety rows as a first check. Then test the exact cars with your child seats, passengers and typical luggage, because published dimensions do not show every access or comfort difference.
Compare the published power, torque and 0–100 km/h rows when they are available for both exact derivatives. Vehicle weight, gearing and power delivery also matter, so catalogue outputs alone do not establish real-world overtaking or response.
Hagalu does not publish a guaranteed resale winner. Depreciation depends on age, mileage, condition, derivative, colour, supply and demand. Compare several current used-market listings and obtain trade-in valuations for equivalent examples before relying on a resale estimate.
Check the exact derivatives for drive type, ground clearance, tyres, approach and departure angles, wading depth and low-range gearing where officially disclosed. SUV styling or all-wheel drive alone does not prove that a vehicle is suitable for demanding off-road use.
Calculate each exact derivative using your monthly distance and a current fuel or electricity price, then add finance, insurance, scheduled service, tyres and licence costs. Hagalu does not claim a fixed monthly saving without those buyer-specific inputs.
It is worth more only when the exact price difference buys equipment, space, performance or ownership cover that matters to you. Compare like-for-like lifecycle states and derivatives; a current offer and a historical last-listed price are not directly equivalent.
In Depth — Breaking It All Down
This SEALION 7 and Taigo comparison uses the exact South African derivatives selected above. The catalogue index covers performance, efficiency, safety equipment, practicality and ownership cover only where comparable source-backed fields are present.
Performance index: SEALION 7 100 vs Taigo 36.
Efficiency index: SEALION 7 90 vs Taigo 63.
Safety-equipment index: SEALION 7 99 vs Taigo 81.
Practicality index: SEALION 7 62 vs Taigo 66.
Ownership-cover index: SEALION 7 not separately scored vs Taigo not separately scored.
These figures are Hagalu catalogue-comparison indicators, not customer ratings, crash-test scores, resale guarantees or a substitute for a road test. Each page shows its weighted source coverage beside the result.
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