BYD Sealion 8 plug-in hybrid detailed for Aus

BYD Australia has confirmed its first seven-seat SUV for our market, with the Sealion 8 due here in the first quarter of 2026 as the Chinese brand’s flagship model.

Yet to be priced for Oz, the 2026 BYD Sealion 8 will be offered with a choice of two plug-in hybrid (PHEV) powertrains options: the front-wheel drive DM-i (Intelligence) and all-wheel drive DM-p (Performance).

Both systems use the same 1.5-litre four-cylinder turbo-petrol engine (110kW/220Nm) but vary significantly on their electric hardware.

The DM-i comes equipped with a 200kW/315Nm motor on the front axle and draws current from a 19kWh battery pack while the sportier all-paw DM-p doubles down with a 141kW/360Nm on the rear axle and a bigger 35.6kWh battery.

The former is said to hit 100km/h from a standstill in 8.6 seconds, the DM-p in just 4.9 seconds – making it one of the quickest seven-seat SUVs on the market, according to BYD.

Full pricing and spec details will be announced closer to its local release; however early equipment highlights include heated and ventilated massaging seats for the first and second rows in flagship form, vibrant leather upholstery and 21-inch wheels.

Outside, the Sealion 8 sports similar styling cues to the smaller Sealion 6 and Sealion 7.

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

“We’re incredibly proud of what the Sealion 8 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.”

Competition for the Sealion 8 will primarily include the inbound Chery Tiggo 9 Super Hybrid, Kia Sorento PHEV and Mazda CX-80 PHEV, however the latter two will likely be significantly more expensive than the BYD.

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