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Plug-in hybrid market leader BYD is rolling out yet another model. The Sealion 8 is the brand's first seven-seater PHEV in Australia.

News Editor


News Editor
The BYD Sealion 8 isn’t Australia’s cheapest plug-in hybrid (PHEV) SUV, but it’s among them.
BYD has announced a base price of $56,990 before on-road costs for the large crossover SUV, which translates to a drive-away price of $60,773 in New South Wales.
That undercuts the Chery Tiggo 9 Super Hybrid ($59,990 before on-roads, $65,430 in NSW) but puts it above the (admittedly significantly smaller) Tiggo 8 Super Hybrid ($45,990 to $49,990 drive-away).
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Orders are now open, ahead of deliveries commencing before the end of March.
The Sealion 8 is BYD’s largest SUV yet in Australia, and its first to feature three rows of seating.
| Model | Price before on-road costs |
|---|---|
| 2026 BYD Sealion 8 Dynamic FWD | $56,990 |
| 2026 BYD Sealion 8 Dynamic AWD | $63,990 |
| 2026 BYD Sealion 8 Premium AWD | $70,990 |
All BYD Sealion 8s feature double-wishbone front and multi-link rear suspension.

The base Premium FWD has variable frequency damping suspension, with all-wheel drive versions upgrading to BYD’s DiSus-C intelligent damping suspension.
All Sealion 8s have a vehicle-to-load (V2L) function, allowing you to power small appliances.
| Specifications | Sealion 8 FWD | Sealion 8 AWD |
|---|---|---|
| Engine | 1.5L turbo 4cyl | 1.5L turbo 4cyl |
| Engine outputs | 110kW + 220Nm | 110kW + 220Nm |
| Electric motor outputs | 200kW + 315Nm | 200kW + 315Nm (front) 200kW + 360Nm (rear) |
| System outputs | 205kW + 315Nm | 359kW + 675Nm |
| Battery | 19.0kWh lithium iron phosphate | 35.6kWh lithium iron phosphate |
| Drive type | Front-wheel drive | All-wheel drive |
| Kerb weight | 2315kg | 2580kg |
| 0-100km/h (claimed) | 8.6 seconds | 4.9 seconds |
| Fuel economy (claimed) | 1.1L/100km (battery over 25%) 5.3L/100km (battery under 25%) | 1.0L/100km (battery over 25%) 6.3L/100km (battery under 25%) |
| Electric driving range (NEDC) | 103km | 152km |
| Max AC charge rate | 11kW | 11kW |
| Max DC charge rate | 40kW | 74kW |
| Fuel tank capacity | 60L | 60L |
| Fuel requirement | TBA | TBA |
| CO2 emissions | TBA | TBA |
| Emissions standard | Euro 5 | Euro 5 |
| Braked towing capacity | 750kg | 750kg |
The BYD Sealion 8 is a large, seven-seat crossover SUV.

| Dimensions | BYD Sealion 8 |
|---|---|
| Length | 5040mm |
| Width | 1996mm |
| Height | 1760mm |
| Wheelbase | 2950mm |
| Cargo capacity | 270L (third row up) 960L (third row folded) 1960L (second and third rows folded) |
The BYD Sealion 8 is backed by a six-year, 150,000km vehicle warranty and an eight-year, 160,000km battery warranty.
Service pricing has yet to be announced.
The BYD Sealion 8 has yet to be tested by independent safety authority ANCAP.

Standard safety equipment across the range includes:
An emergency call function will come in March 2026 via an over-the-air update.
There are three members of the local Sealion 8 lineup.

The Dynamic FWD comes standard with the following equipment:
The Dynamic AWD comes standard with the following equipment:
The Premium AWD adds:
The Sealion 8 has a limited colour palette.




Aurora White is standard, with the following finishes available for an extra $1500:
All models have a black interior.
William Stopford is an automotive journalist with a passion for mainstream cars, automotive history and overseas auto markets.


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