BYD India has announced a price increase for the premium variant of its SEALION 7 electric SUV, marking the latest adjustment in the competitive premium EV segment. The Chinese electric vehicle manufacturer cited evolving cost dynamics as the primary reason for the pricing revision, which will take effect from January 1, 2026.

Pricing Structure and Changes

The price adjustment affects only the premium variant of the SEALION 7, with the company maintaining a differentiated pricing strategy across its model range.

All prices are ex-showroom

The ₹50,000 increase represents a modest adjustment of approximately 1.02% for the premium variant, while the performance variant continues to be offered at its existing price point of ₹54.90 lakh.

Implementation and Market Response

The revised pricing will be applicable to all new bookings made from January 1, 2026, onwards. According to Rajeev Chauhan, BYD India Head of Electric Passenger Vehicles (EPV) Business, the updated pricing reflects evolving cost dynamics while continuing to offer customers a compelling premium electric SUV proposition.

Sales Performance and Market Acceptance

Since its launch, the BYD SEALION 7 has demonstrated strong market performance in India's premium electric SUV segment. The model has achieved sales of over 2,300 units across the country, indicating growing acceptance and demand for premium electric SUVs in the Indian market.

The sales figures underscore the vehicle's positioning in the premium segment and reflect the increasing consumer appetite for high-end electric mobility solutions in India. The company's ability to maintain demand while implementing price adjustments demonstrates the brand's market positioning and customer loyalty in the competitive EV landscape.

The technological advancement since the internet age has repeatedly flipped fortunes for legacy giants facing upstart companies. Initially mocked and derided by industry titans, these tech startups went on to dethrone established players, capturing market share and building entirely new business models. The BYD-Tesla saga represents the latest example of how innovation and risk appetite can triumph over complacency rooted in market dominance.

Elon Musk vs BYD: From Laughter to Leadership Loss

Among the most prominent episodes is Elon Musk's dismissal of Chinese EV giant BYD. During a Bloomberg interview, Musk laughed when asked about the Shenzhen-based company, saying their cars were "not great" and dismissing them as serious competitors. "Have you seen their car?" the billionaire sneered.

BYD overtook Tesla as the world's biggest seller of electric vehicles, marking the first time it outpaced its American rival in annual sales. Tesla's deliveries dropped nearly 9.00% to 1.64 million vehicles worldwide, representing its second consecutive year of falling car deliveries.

Steve Ballmer vs iPhone: Missing the Smartphone Revolution

Microsoft Corp.'s then-CEO Steve Ballmer mocked the iPhone upon its launch, calling it "the most expensive phone in the world" and doubting its business appeal. "500 dollars? Fully subsidised? With a plan? I said that is the most expensive phone in the world. And it doesn't appeal to business customers because it doesn't have a keyboard," he declared.

The iPhone revolutionized mobile computing and became one of the most successful consumer products ever, while Windows Phone was eventually discontinued. Ballmer later admitted they "should have been in the hardware business sooner."

Blockbuster vs Netflix: Rejecting Digital Transformation

Blockbuster Inc., the dominant American home video rental company, dismissed Netflix Inc.'s DVD-by-mail and streaming model. The company rejected an offer to buy Netflix for $50 million, with CEO John Antioco deeming the unprofitable Netflix a niche business, stating "the dot-com hysteria is completely overblown."

New technologies enabled Netflix's shift to internet streaming, transforming it into a global streaming giant and major content production company, while Blockbuster filed for bankruptcy.

Nokia vs Android: Clinging to Legacy Systems

Nokia, the Finnish mobile phone pioneer, underestimated Android's potential by maintaining its Symbian operating system and later partnering with Windows Phone. The Google-developed OS offered flexible, customizable experiences and rich app ecosystems that attracted Samsung, LG, Sony, and Huawei.

Nokia's strategic blunders included partnering with Microsoft instead of embracing Android early, launching Android-based devices too late and poorly. Android now powers over 70.00% of smartphones globally.

Kodak vs Digital Cameras: Fear of Cannibalization

Kodak invented the world's first digital camera but downplayed digital photography, fearing it would cannibalize its profitable film business. The company's leadership prioritized short-term film sales over long-term digital innovation, despite being pioneers in the technology.

Digital cameras and smartphones eventually eliminated the film market entirely. Kodak filed for bankruptcy, while Samsung, Canon, Nikon, and Sony emerged as industry leaders.

Lessons from Corporate Overconfidence

These cases demonstrate recurring patterns where established companies' dismissal of emerging competitors stems from overconfidence in existing business models. Market leaders often underestimate disruptive technologies and new entrants, focusing on protecting current revenue streams rather than embracing innovation. The BYD-Tesla reversal joins a long history of technological disruption where yesterday's laughter becomes tomorrow's market reality.