Key PointsBYD SEALION 8 starts at $56,990 for the Premium variant with seven seatsUp to 100km of pure electric range and 1,200km total driving rangeThree variants available with power outputs from 238kW to 359kW
BYD has confirmed pricing for the SEALION 8, its first seven-seat plug-in hybrid SUV for the Australian market. The new family SUV starts at $56,990 before on-road costs for the Premium variant.
The SEALION 8 joins BYD’s growing Australian lineup as a larger alternative to the SEALION 6. It uses the brand’s DM 5.0 Super Hybrid technology. This combines a petrol engine with electric motors for extended range and low fuel consumption.
All three variants come with seven seats as standard. The SEALION 8 targets families who need space but want the efficiency of plug-in hybrid technology.
Three Variants to Choose From
BYD offers the SEALION 8 in three trim levels. Each variant increases power output and adds more features.
The Premium variant delivers 238kW of power. The Excellence steps up to 324kW. The range-topping Ultimate produces 359kW, making it the most powerful SEALION 8.
All variants use the same 36.8kWh battery pack. This provides up to 100km (NEDC) of pure electric driving range. The total driving range reaches 1,200km when combining electric and petrol power.
DM 5.0 Super Hybrid Technology
The SEALION 8 uses BYD’s fifth-generation DM Super Hybrid system. This technology pairs a 1.5-litre turbocharged petrol engine with one or two electric motors.
The Premium variant has front-wheel drive with a single electric motor. The Excellence and Ultimate variants add a rear motor for all-wheel drive capability.
Fuel consumption starts at just 1.0L/100km on the combined cycle. This figure assumes regular charging. The system can operate in pure electric mode for daily commutes. The petrol engine activates for longer trips or when the battery depletes.
The battery charges via AC charging at up to 6.6kW. A full charge takes around 5.5 hours from a standard home wall charger. DC fast charging is not available on the SEALION 8.
Space and Flexibility for Families
The SEALION 8 measures 4,830mm long, 1,925mm wide, and 1,620mm tall. The wheelbase spans 2,930mm. These dimensions make it larger than the SEALION 6 and competitive with other seven-seat SUVs.
All three rows offer seating for adults. The second row slides and reclines to balance legroom between rows. The third row folds flat when not needed. This creates a large cargo area for family trips or shopping runs.
Boot space measures 235 litres with all seats in use. Fold the third row and capacity increases to 865 litres. With both rear rows folded, the SEALION 8 offers 1,650 litres of cargo space.
Safety Features
BYD equips the SEALION 8 with a comprehensive safety package. Standard features include autonomous emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, lane keep assist, and blind spot monitoring.
The Excellence and Ultimate variants add a 360-degree camera system. The Ultimate also includes a head-up display and matrix LED headlights.
Seven airbags come as standard across the range. The SEALION 8 has not yet been tested by ANCAP. BYD expects a five-star safety rating based on the vehicle’s safety equipment.
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Comfort and Technology
The SEALION 8 features a 15.6-inch rotating touchscreen. This controls most vehicle functions including climate, media, and navigation. A 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster sits behind the steering wheel.
Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connect wirelessly. The Premium variant includes a six-speaker audio system. The Excellence and Ultimate upgrade to a 12-speaker Dynaudio premium sound system.
Climate control is dual-zone on the Premium. The Excellence and Ultimate get tri-zone climate control with separate controls for rear passengers. Heated and ventilated front seats are standard on Excellence and Ultimate variants.
The Ultimate variant adds heated second-row seats and a panoramic sunroof. It also includes power-adjustable front seats with memory function.
Availability
The BYD SEALION 8 is available to order now through BYD dealerships across Australia. First deliveries are expected to begin in February 2026.
BYD offers a six-year unlimited kilometre warranty on the SEALION 8. The battery pack has an eight-year or 160,000km warranty. Service intervals are set at 12 months or 15,000km.
The SEALION 8 competes with other seven-seat plug-in hybrid SUVs including the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV and the upcoming Kia Sorento PHEV. Its pricing positions it as a value option in the segment.
