00:52 03-11-2025

BYD Sealion 8 PHEV: three-row SUV specs, range and Australia launch

Chinese brand BYD continues to broaden its SUV lineup, unveiling the large seven-seat crossover Sealion 8, which is set to reach the Australian market in early 2026. It will be the company’s first big three-row model, slotting above the all-electric Sealion 7 and joining the family alongside the Shark 6 hybrid.

Built as a plug-in hybrid, the Sealion 8 pairs a 1.5-liter turbo engine rated at 110 kW with electric motors that deliver a combined output of up to 359 kW in AWD versions. The entry-level Dynamic trim uses a 19 kWh battery for up to 103 km of electric driving, while the flagship Premium packs a 35.6 kWh unit good for up to 152 km without charging. Average fuel consumption is just 1 liter per 100 km. On paper, those figures promise thrifty commuting and easy, confident performance.

At 5.04 meters long with a 2,950 mm wheelbase, the Sealion 8 is larger than a Toyota Kluger and offers up to 1,960 liters of cargo space with the seats folded. Inside, highlights include a 15.6-inch rotating display, a 21-speaker audio system, and massage chairs for the first two rows. The spec sheet reads more like a premium SUV than a mainstream family hauler, a mix that should appeal to buyers moving up from smaller crossovers.

According to BYD Australia head Stephen Collins, interest in the model is high: the company received more than a thousand expressions of interest in the first week. The brand expects to sell around 8,400 vehicles a year, and the Sealion 8 is set to be one of three key products for BYD on the continent. Judging by the early response, the positioning looks on point.

BYD is steadily evolving into a global player. The Sealion 8 suggests that Chinese hybrids can not only catch up but also surpass gasoline competitors in technology and features—at least judging by the numbers.