BYD Australia first confirmed the Sealion 8 for Australia in June, and it has now made its local debut. The BYD Sealion 8 is a large seven-seat plug-in hybrid SUV that will join the brand’s local range as the brand’s first seven-seater model in the country. Orders are expected to open in December, with deliveries scheduled for 2026. The Sealion 8 will be BYD’s “core model” lineup in Australia.
+2 Photos
Plug-in hybrid and Australian tuning
The Sealion 8 is built on BYD’s fifth-generation Dual Mode (DM) hybrid system, combining a 1.5L turbocharged petrol engine with one or two electric motors depending on the variant.
| Specifications | Dynamic FWD | Performance AWD |
| Battery Capacity | 19kWh | 35.6kWh |
| Power Output (Combined) | 205kW | 359kW |
| Torque | 315Nm | 675Nm |
| Electric Range (NEDC) | 103km | 152km |
| Drivetrain | Front-wheel drive | All-wheel drive |
Both use BYD’s latest DM-p (Dual Mode–Powerful) setup with DiSus-C smart suspension, designed to balance ride comfort and handling stability. The Sealion 8 has been tuned locally, with suspension and steering adjustments made for Australian road conditions.
+3 Photos
Spacious, high-tech interior
Inside, the BYD Sealion 8 offers a range of comfort and technology features designed for family use. Key features include:
- 15.6-inch rotating central display
- 10.25-inch digital driver screen
- 21-speaker premium audio system
- Wireless phone charging and massaging seats (front and rear)
- Up to 1960 litres of boot space
- 9 airbags and a full suite of active safety systems
- 360-degree camera
According to BYD, the model combines electric driving capability with long-distance practicality.
+2 Photos
Launch timeline
With local testing complete and orders set to open in December, the BYD Sealion 8 is expected to reach Australian showrooms in the first quarter of 2026. Pricing and detailed specifications will be announced closer to launch, expected to start from just under $60,000 before on-road costs.
Comments
New Comment