BYD has officially entered Australia’s large seven-seat SUV segment with the launch of the 2026 BYD Sealion 8 PHEV, marking the brand’s first three-row passenger vehicle in the country.
Positioned above budget-focused plug-in hybrids but below premium European rivals, the BYD Sealion 8 will rival popular family SUVs such as the Toyota Kluger Hybrid and Hyundai Santa Fe. It offers a long electric-only driving range, adequate performance, and extensive equipment as standard.
The Sealion 8 will be offered in three variants and is priced from $56,990 before on-road costs, with deliveries expected to commence soon.
2026 BYD Sealion 8 price and variants in Australia
| Variants | Price * |
| BYD Sealion 8 Dynamic FWD | $56,990 |
| BYD Sealion 8 Dynamic AWD | $63,990 |
| BYD Sealion 8 Premium AWD | $70,990 |
* All prices exclude on-road costs.
While BYD has resisted undercutting the cheapest seven-seat PHEV SUVs on the market, the Sealion 8 is positioned as a more premium offering. The flagship Premium AWD is closely aligned with mid-spec hybrid rivals such as the Toyota Kluger GXL AWD.
BYD Sealion 8 PHEV powertrain specifications
The BYD Sealion 8 is offered in three variants, all sharing the same turbo-petrol engine but differing in electric motor layout and total system output.
| Specification | BYD Sealion 8 Dynamic FWD | BYD Sealion 8 Dynamic AWD | BYD Sealion 8 Premium AWD |
| Petrol engine | 1.5L turbo, 110kW/220Nm | 1.5L turbo, 110kW/220Nm | 1.5L turbo, 110kW/220Nm |
| Front electric motor | 200kW / 315Nm | 200kW / 315Nm | 200kW / 315Nm |
| Rear electric motor | – | 200kW / 360Nm | 200kW / 360Nm |
| Combined system output | 205kW / 315Nm | 359kW / 675Nm | 359kW / 675Nm |
| Drivetrain | Front-wheel drive | All-wheel drive | All-wheel drive |
| Combined fuel use (battery charged) | 1.1L/100km | 1.0L/100km | 1.0L/100km |
| Fuel use (battery below 25%) | 5.3L/100km | 6.3L/100km | 6.3L/100km |
The addition of a rear electric motor to the AWD variants delivers a substantial performance boost over the entry-level front-wheel-drive variant of the BYD Sealion 8.
BYD Sealion 8 EV range and charging
Battery size and charging capability vary across the BYD Sealion 8 range, with all-wheel-drive versions prioritising longer electric-only driving range.
| Specification | BYD Sealion 8 Dynamic FWD | BYD Sealion 8 Dynamic AWD | BYD Sealion 8 Premium AWD |
| Battery capacity | 19.0kWh | 35.6kWh | 35.6kWh |
| Electric-only range (NEDC) | 103km | 152km | 152km |
| DC fast charging | Up to 40kW | Up to 74kW | Up to 74kW |
| AC charging | Up to 11kW | Up to 11kW | Up to 11kW |
| Vehicle-to-load (V2L) | Yes | Yes | Yes |
All variants support both AC and DC charging and include vehicle-to-load functionality as standard.
BYD Sealion 8 size and seating
At 5040mm in length, the BYD Sealion 8 sits firmly within Australia’s large SUV category. It is longer than the Toyota Kluger but slightly shorter than the Hyundai Palisade, with a 2950mm wheelbase designed to maximise cabin space. All variants feature a seven-seat layout in a 2+3+2 configuration, with a black interior colour scheme offered across the range.
BYD Sealion 8 features and standard equipment
+2 Photos
Even the entry-level BYD Sealion 8 Dynamic FWD comes generously equipped, with standard features including:
- 15.6-inch central touchscreen
- 10.25-inch digital driver display
- Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
- Panoramic sunroof with electric shade
- Powered tailgate
- Three-zone climate control
- Heated and ventilated front seats
- Synthetic leather upholstery
- 360-degree surround-view camera
- Adaptive cruise control and autonomous emergency braking
Full LED exterior lighting and a comprehensive suite of driver assistance systems are also standard.
BYD Sealion 8 Dynamic AWD upgrades
Stepping up to the Dynamic AWD adds:
- All-wheel drive with dual electric motors
- Adaptive damper control suspension
- 21-inch alloy wheels with Goodyear tyres
- Front and rear perforated brake discs
- Additional drive modes, including Mud and Sand
BYD Sealion 8 Premium AWD adds luxury features
The range-topping BYD Sealion 8 Premium AWD introduces a stronger luxury focus, with equipment highlights including:
- 26-inch head-up display
- Leather upholstery
- Heated steering wheel
- Massage, heating and ventilation for front seats
- Heated, ventilated and massaging second-row outboard seats
- Multi-colour ambient interior lighting
- 21-speaker premium audio system
BYD Sealion 8 Colours
The 2026 BYD Sealion 8 is offered in Aurora White as the standard no-cost exterior finish. Interested buyers can also choose from Ridge Grey, Cosmos Black, or Dark Aquamarine, each available as a $1,500 optional paint upgrade.
Key takeaways for buyers
The 2026 BYD Sealion 8 is a robust step forward for the brand in Australia, building on its success in 2025. It is bringing seven-seater practicality for families, and up to 152 km of pure-electric range thanks to the larger battery pack to a segment traditionally dominated by conventional hybrids and diesel SUVs. For families who can charge at home or at work, the BYD Sealion 8’s plug-in hybrid system enables daily driving on electric power alone, while retaining the flexibility of a petrol engine for longer trips.
However, the BYD Sealion 8 will suit some buyers better than others as the efficiency benefit does not translate to those without easy access to a charger. Buyers prioritising proven long-term resale strength or maximum third-row comfort may also want to benchmark it against established large SUV rivals.
Overall, the BYD Sealion 8 positions itself as a tech-forward, family-focused alternative in the large SUV market, appealing most to buyers ready to embrace plug-in hybrid ownership and the associated charging habits.
Comments
New Comment