Green NCAP has released test results for four vehicles that quantify the real-world efficiency trade-offs between electric and petrol powertrains. The evaluation covers the electric BYD Sealion 7 and CUPRA Born alongside the petrol-powered BMW 5 Series and X2.
The testing program emphasizes Driving Experience metrics critical to daily usability. For EVs, these include charging performance and heater impact on range. For conventional vehicles, the focus centers on real-world fuel consumption estimates.
Highlights
- BYD Sealion 7 experienced a 16% range reduction in cold weather, while the CUPRA Born saw a 33% decline under identical conditions.
- Both BMW petrol models earned “Adequate” ratings for consumption and range, demonstrating predictable cold-weather performance.
- The CUPRA Born achieved the highest sustainability rating at 86%, while both BMWs scored below the three-star threshold.
- Green NCAP noted the Sealion 7’s charging speed fell approximately 8 minutes short of BYD’s stated 32-minute charge time.
Electric Vehicle Performance in Cold Conditions
BYD Sealion 7 Results
The BYD Sealion 7 Comfort features an 82.5 kWh usable battery and a curb weight of 2,225 kg. Testing revealed the following performance metrics:
- Warm weather range: 400 km (248 miles)
- Cold weather range: 337 km (209 miles)
- Range reduction: 16%
- Overall Sustainability Rating: 73% (four stars)
The Sealion 7 demonstrated competent cabin pre-warming and strong heat-retention capabilities. However, charging performance earned a “Poor” evaluation. While the vehicle briefly reached its declared 150 kW maximum charging power, the measured fast-charging time from 10% to 80% battery capacity exceeded BYD’s official 32-minute claim by approximately 8 minutes.
Green NCAP also flagged inaccurate on-board consumption readings and recommended BYD release a software update to provide drivers with reliable information.
CUPRA Born Results
The CUPRA Born, a five-door hatchback weighing 1,839 kg with 60 kWh usable battery capacity, showed greater sensitivity to temperature variations:
- Warm weather range: 328 km (204 miles)
- Cold weather range: 221 km (137 miles)
- Range reduction: 33%
- Overall Sustainability Rating: 86% (four-and-a-half stars)
Green NCAP noted the Born’s on-board consumption readings demonstrated strong accuracy:
- Highway consumption: 27.1 kWh/100 km
- Mixed on-road route: 17.9 kWh/100 km
- Urban driving: 13.8 kWh/100 km
Petrol Vehicle Performance
Both BMW petrol models received “Adequate” ratings for Consumption and Range. Internal combustion vehicles use waste heat for cabin warming, resulting in moderate fuel consumption increases rather than severe range penalties.
BMW 520i (1,800 kg)
- Warm weather consumption: 6.8 l/100 km
- Cold weather consumption: 8.1 l/100 km
- Clean Air Index: 6.5/10
- Sustainability Rating: 46% (two-and-a-half stars)
BMW X2 sDrive20i (1,620 kg)
- Warm weather consumption: 7.1 l/100 km
- Cold weather consumption: 8.0 l/100 km
- Clean Air Index: 6.6/10
- Sustainability Rating: 49% (two-and-a-half stars)
Both vehicles demonstrated effective exhaust after-treatment systems, minimizing harmful pollutant emissions and local air quality impact.
Sustainability Rating Analysis
Green NCAP’s overall Sustainability Rating incorporates industry-average emissions from manufacturing and supply chains. The electric vehicles benefited from zero local tailpipe emissions, strong energy efficiency, and Europe’s relatively green average electricity mix.
The petrol BMWs, despite advanced clean-air technology, remain constrained by unavoidable CO2 emissions from fossil fuel combustion. This limitation significantly affects Greenhouse Gas Index performance.
Dr. Aleksandar Damyanov, Technical Manager at Green NCAP, noted the industry must focus on perfecting EV thermal management to eliminate cold-weather range anxiety. The Sealion 7 demonstrates the sector is progressing toward this goal.
Green NCAP has corrected some recent test results for accuracy on its website.
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