SEALION 8 – BYD has confirmed it will launch its first seven-seat PHEV SUV in Australia in Q1 of 2026. Called the SEALION 8, the full-size SUV represents the latest addition to BYD’s growing family of SEALION SUVs.
The groundbreaking New Energy Vehicle promises to be a revelation in the segment, offering superlative technology and performance while further demonstrating BYD’s resolute commitment to offering local consumers exceptional value.
Performance
Available from launch with two powertrain specifications – DM-i (Intelligence) and DM-p (Performance) – the PHEV SUV utilises BYD’s next-generation 5.0 platform and is fitted with either a 19kW (DM-i) or 35.6kW (DM-p) Blade battery.
The DM-i variant of the SEALION 8 is powered by a 1.5-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine producing 110kW and 220Nm, and a permanent magnet synchronous electric motor on the front axle producing 200kW and 315Nm. 0-100km/h is achievable in a sporty 8.6 seconds.
The range-topping DM-p variant of the SEALION 8 employs the same 110kW/220Nm, 1.5-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine. However, it also uses a 200kW and 315Nm permanent magnet synchronous electric motor on the front axle and a 141kW/360Nm permanent magnet synchronous electric motor on the rear axle.
This translates to a 0-100km/h time of just 4.9 seconds, making the all-wheel-drive SEALION 8 DM-p one of the fastest-accelerating seven-seater SUVs on the market at any price point.
Near-peerless performance isn’t the PHEV SUV’s only party trick, however.
SEALION 8 details
Visually, the SEALION 8 boasts an arresting exterior that’s as bold as it is beautiful. The front fascia is full of elegant lines, impactful angles, and sleek LED headlights and daytime running lights. This imbues the SUV with a bespoke, avant-garde style.
The SEALION 8’s side profile continues its themes of grace and modern muscularity. With a swooping roofline that hints at its performance credentials. While at the rear, a wraparound, full-length LED tail light evolves the design language of its EV sibling, the SEALION 7.
Inside, all seven occupants will be treated to an opulent and thoughtfully designed cabin that features:
- premium materials and accents,
- brilliant technology, and,
- depending on the variant,
- lavish amenities such as
- heated and cooled massaging seats for the first and second rows (DM-p).
The SEALION 8 will also benefit from the gamut of ADAS functionality that buyers have come to expect. Which will maximise safety for occupants and other road users alike.
“We’ve listened to our customers. We know the desire is here for a proper full-size, seven-seater PHEV SUV,” Wing You, BYD Australia General Manager, said.
“We’re incredibly proud of what the SEALION 8 will represent for BYD in Australia. It’s going to be a flagship model for us. In classic BYD fashion, it will exceed the consumers’ expectations for tech, luxury, and value.”
Full pricing and specs for the BYD SEALION 8 will be announced closer to the SUV’s launch in Q1 of 2026.
