BYD Sealion 8 plugs in from Q1 2026

BYD is set to grow its Australian Sealion model portfolio from the first quarter of 2026 when it introduces its first seven-seat plug-in hybrid SUV, the Sealion 8, into local showrooms.

The model will rival the likes of the Chery Tiggo 8 Pro, Hyundai Santa Fe, LDV D90, MG QS, and Skoda Kodiaq and up to 20 other Large SUV segment rivals when it arrives between January and March next year.

The Chinese importer says it will offer the Sealion 8 PHEV in two trim grades from launch – DM-i (intelligence) and DM-p (performance) – each riding upon BYD’s next-generation 5.0 platform and fitted with either a 19kW (DM-i) or 35.6kW (DM-p) Blade battery.

In both cases, the Sealion 8 features a turbocharged 1.5-litre four-cylinder petrol engine with power outputs varied between grades. For the DM-i variant we find 110kW and 220Nm of petrol power alongside a permanent magnet synchronous electric motor on the front axle producing 200kW and 315Nm.

BYD says the combination is sufficient to allow a 0-100km/h acceleration time of 8.6 seconds.

For the flagship DM-p variant, petrol engine and front axle power remains unchanged with electrical output increasing via the addition of a rear-mounted permanent magnet synchronous electric motor with 141kW and 360Nm.

The all-wheel drive range-topper is capable of accelerating from standstill to 100km/h in just 4.9 seconds, making it the “the fastest-accelerating seven-seater SUVs on the market at any price point”, according to BYD.

Visually, the Sealion 8 is characterised by “elegant lines and impactful angles”, its frontal fascia sporting LED head- and daytime running lights. In profile we note a rakish roofline, and at the rear a full-width LED light bar reminiscent of the model’s EV sibling, the Sealion 7.

Moving inside BYD says only that the cabin will be thoughtfully designed and with “premium materials” and “brilliant technology”, hinting only at features including heated and cooled massaging seats for the first and second rows of the flagship variant.

BYD says the Sealion 8 PHEV will also benefit from an extensive list of safety and driver assistance technologies, but again is reserving full details until closer to the model’s local launch.

“We’ve listened to our customers. We know the desire is here for a proper full-size, seven-seater PHEV SUV,” said BYD Australia general manager Wing You.

“We’re incredibly proud of what the Sealion will represent for BYD in Australia. It’s going to be a flagship model for us, and, in classic BYD fashion, it will exceed the consumers’ expectations for tech, luxury, and value.”

Full pricing and specification for the BYD Sealion 8 will be announced closer to the model’s launch in Q1 of 2026.