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.
BYD confirms pricing for seven-seat SEALION 8 family SUV
BYD Australia’s first seven-seat Super Hybrid SUV, the SEALION 8, resets expectations for what families should expect from a vehicle with the very latest in intelligent hybrid technology and safety.
Starting at $56,9901, the plug-in SEALION 8’s appeal goes way beyond its sticker: this SUV delivers serious performance, driving efficiency, smart tech and flexibility.
BYD Australia COO Stephen Collins says the addition of the larger SEALION 8 with the latest DM 5.0 Super Hybrid plug-in powertrain doubles down on the brand’s commitment to offer low- and zero-tailpipe emission vehicles that are priced right and made right for Australians.
“We are demonstrating with the SEALION 8 that advanced new energy vehicles should be within reach of larger families needing lots of space and flexibility,” Mr Collins said.
Three rows means seating for up to seven or the flexibility to reconfigure the cabin to deliver up to 1,960 litres of cargo space with the second and third row seats folded.
The SEALION 8 lineup comprises Dynamic FWD, Dynamic AWD and Premium AWD.
All variants feature BYD’s latest DM 5.0 Super Hybrid plug-in powertrain with second-generation Blade Battery technology – offering more than 100 kms of purely-electric driving and fuel-consumption as low as 1.0 L/100 kms, according to the NEDC combined test cycle2.
Combined maximum power and torque for the Dynamic FWD with 1.5-litre turbocharged engine and 19.0 kWh battery is 205 kW and 315 Nm respectively, with the AWD variants with larger 35.6 kWh battery producing 359 kW and 675 Nm.
Peace of mind for families comes from knowing the SEALION 8 is built on a strong foundation of safety; with nine airbags, third row ISOFIX anchor points, third row emergency locking seatbelts, seatbelt reminders all round and electronic child safety lock.
Standard equipment and family comfort features include automatic three-zone climate control, second and third row ceiling air vents, wireless3 Apple Carplay4 and Android Auto5 two USB-C charging ports front row, with one USB-C and USB-A for the second row6.
BYD dealers are now taking orders for the SEALION 8.
SEALION 8 pricing excluding on-road costs1:
| SEALION 8 | PRICE |
| SEALION 8 DM-I DYNAMIC (FWD) | $56,990 |
| SEALION 8 DM-P DYNAMIC (AWD) | $63,990 |
| SEALION 8 DM-P PREMIUM (AWD) | $70,990 |
Notes
1 Manufacturer’s recommended retail list price. Excludes statutory charges and other on-road costs which vary from State to State. Optional colours or features at additional cost.
2 Fuel consumption and CO₂ emissions data are based on standardised laboratory tests under ADR 81/02, which now adopts WLTP procedures (previously NEDC) using new sample vehicles. Results do not reflect real-world driving conditions and may not be replicable. Actual fuel use and emissions may vary depending on driving style, load, traffic, and environmental factors. BYD Australia provides both WLTP and NEDC data where possible.
3 Only Qi-supported devices compatible. Refer to device manufacturer. May require additional purchase of accessory to support wireless charging
4 CarPlay ® is a trademark of Apple, Inc, registered in the US and other countries.
5 Android Auto ™ is a trademark of Google LLC.
6 BYD reserves the right to vary vehicle specifications and standard features.
More details
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.
