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China’s seven-seat disruptor: BYD Sealion 8 plug-in hybrid priced to light a fire under Hyundai Santa Fe, Toyota Kluger

 
John Law
Road Test Editor

BYD has announced pricing for its three-row, seven-seat flagship SUV, the Sealion 8 plug-in hybrid


Popular Chinese carmaker BYD has announced pricing for its seven-seat disruptor, the Sealion 8 plug-in hybrid. 

The large, three-row SUV will be available in three trims, starting with Dynamic FWD ($56,990), followed by an all-paw version for $63,990 and topped with the upmarket Premium, for $70,990 — all prices listed are before on-road costs. 

This is keen pricing, as we’ve come to expect from BYD, undercutting the similar size but five-seat Omoda 9 PHEV ($61,990), for example.

BYD’s latest effort also slides under key hybrid rivals in top-spec Premium trim, including the Toyota Kluger Grande ($85,135) and Hyundai Santa Fe Calligraphy ($77,150). 

First examples of the Sealion 8 are expected to arrive in Australian dealers before March.

READ MORE: BYD Sealion 8 tech specs revealed

There are two powertrains in the BYD Sealion 8 lineup, the base front-wheel drive pairs a 1.5-litre turbo-petrol four-cylinder with a 19kWh battery. Power and torque outputs are 205kW and 315Nm and 103km of electric-only range according to NEDC standards. 

The big talking point is the AWD grade, which ups grunt to 359kW and 675Nm thanks to more powerful electric motors. 

Its 0-100km/h claim (in its China home market) is an impressive 4.9 seconds, and a larger 35.6kWh battery improves driving range to 152km — again, according to the more lenient NEDC standard. 

All-wheel drive Sealion 8 grades benefit from ‘DiSus-C’ adaptive dampers for the suspension teamed with various drive modes. 

BYD will confirm full features closer to the Sealion 8’s market launch in Australia, though highlights include tri-zone climate control, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, along with USB charging ports for first and second rows. 

Expect heated and ventilated seats, higher end sound systems and more in the top-spec Premium trim. 

BYD Sealion 8 2026 pricing

Prices listed are before on-road costs

  • Sealion 8 Dynamic FWD: $56,990
  • Sealion 8 Dynamic AWD: $63,990
  • Sealion 8 Premium AWD: $70,990

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