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Seven-seater BYD Sealion 8 PHEV will soon arrive in Australia with three distinct powertrains, lavish equipment, and a peak output of 359kW
BYD Australia has revealed preliminary local details, including a three-grade lineup, for its large Sealion 8 flagship SUV. Expected to be BYD’s largest and most expensive vehicle, the Sealion 8 and smaller Sealion 5 will launch in early 2026.
The two models will join the current BYD Sealion 6, furthering an offensive against PHEV SUV segment leader Mitsubishi Outlander, while bolstering BYD’s defences against upcoming plug-in variants of the Chery Tiggo 9, Toyota RAV4, and Skoda Kodiaq.
Now confirmed for the Sealion 8 are three grades which each carry their own unique powertrain. In a similar fashion to the Sealion 6, the grade walk will focus more on the driveline, rather than equipment.
Pricing for the Sealion 8 is not yet available, but will likely exceed the Sealion 6’s $42,990 before on-roads entry price.
The Sealion 8 range opens with the Dynamic FWD – a 205kW/315Nm front-driver which pairs a 1.5-litre turbo petrol engine with a single electric motor. It claims an EV range of 103km, a figure notably obtained under lax NEDC testing standards.
In the middle of the Sealion 8 grade walk sits the Dynamic AWD, which adds a secondary electric motor and larger 35.6kWh battery to accomplish an EV driving range of 152km (NEDC).
Topping off the range is the Sealion 8 Premium AWD, which delivers 359kW/679Nm. It is not clear which of the all-wheel drive models, if both, deliver the claimed peak output, nor can it be determined if both claim the same EV driving range.
Known additional equipment for Sealion 8 AWD models is BYD’s “DiSus-C smart suspension”, an active damping suspension system which aims to improve ride quality and handling.
Standard equipment for all Sealion 8 models includes a large 15.6-inch touchscreen, 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster, 21-speaker sound system, first- and second-row massaging seats, and a 50W wireless device charger.
The BYD Sealion 8 is currently unrated by independent safety body ANCAP. It is equipped with nine airbags and a range of driver safety aids.
Chasing Cars will provide additional details surrounding the BYD Sealion 8 as they become available closer to the model’s early 2026 launch date.
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