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2026 BYD Sealion 8 Plug-In Hybrid seven-seat SUV: price, specs, release date in Australia
BYD Automotive is expanding its burgeoning electric SUV range again with the introduction of its first full-size seven-seat vehicle, the BYD Sealion 8 Plug-in Hybrid. From pricing to design and technology, here's what you need to know about the Sealion 8 before it goes on sale.
BYD's aggressive launch of new products into the Australian new car across multiple price points and segments shows no signs of slowing down, with the Chinese brand announcing its new Sealion 8 seven-seat large SUV for Australia.
The Sealion 8 is likely to be priced on a par with the Mazda CX-80 PHEV and Kia Sorento PHEV, and at a premium to the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV, the country longest selling seven-seat plug-in hybrid, which is due for update later in 2025.
BYD Automotive recently took over distribution of its vehicles in Australia from importer EV Direct. It is currently the world's largest manufacturer of new energy vehicles and sells around 30 per cent of all new energy vehicles in China, where its products are designed, engineering and manufactured.
BYD is one of the fastest growing brands in Australia with a product range that will include two cars, five SUVs and one ute by the time the Sealion 8 arrives early next year.
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The BYD Sealion 8 is expected to feature a luxury interior
How much will the 2026 BYD Sealion 8 PHEV cost in Australia?
Australian pricing is yet to be announced for the 2026 BYD Sealion 8 range. Based on the pricing of its current model range, the BYD Sealion 8 may arrive with a price around $80,000.
BYD has confirmed the BYD Sealion 8 will be available with two powertrain options, likely to be called Premium and Performance based on BYD's current naming convention.
Front-wheel drive models are powered by its DM-i (Intelligence) hybrid system which pairs a 110kW, 1.5-litre turbocharged petrol engine with a 200kW electric motor taking power from a 19kW battery.
A more powerful, all-wheel drive DM-p (Performance) hybrid system will also be available, building on the DM-i system with the addition of a second 141kW motor mounted on the rear axle and a boosted 35.6kWh battery, which is larger than the BYD Shark 6 ute's 29.58kWh unit.
BYD claims an electric-only driving range for the Shark 6 ute of 100km (NEDC), so expect the Sealion 8 to surpass this.
BYD claims an acceleration time to 100km/h of 4.9 seconds for the BYD Sealion 8 DM-p which it says will make it one of the fastest-accelerating seven-seat SUVs available.
The BYD Sealion 8 promises space for seven occupants
When does the 2026 BYD Sealion 8 PHEV go on sale in Australia?
The BYD Sealion 8 will go on sale in Australia the first quarter of 2026.
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The rear elevation of the Sealion 8 suggests a more conventional SUV boot, as seen with this overseas model, rather than the coupe style of the Sealion 7.
2026 BYD Sealion 8 design and features
Externally, the BYD Sealion 8’s design seems inspired by the smaller BYD Sealion 7.
One point of differentiation however is the rear elevation of the Sealion 8, which seems to indicate a more conventional SUV boot rather than the coupe style featured on the Sealion 7.
BYD says the Sealion 8 is a full-size seven-seat SUV and it will become its new flagship, so owners can expect elevated levels of finish, technology and design highlights. DM-p variants will cosset occupants of the front and second rows with heated and ventilated massaging seats available in both rows.
Expect leather interior options in colour choices including a vibrant red, BYD’s large rotating infotainment screen, wireless and USB-C phone chargers and a full suite of advanced driver safety systems.
While not confirmed, it is expected that the BYD Sealion 8 will also feature Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) technology.
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What BYD vehicles are available in Australia?
The arrival of the BYD Sealion 8 will see the brand’s SUV line-up grow to five, including the upcoming BYD Atto 2 small battery electric SUV which goes on sale in Australia by the end of 2025.
Also available in the SUV line up are the BYD Atto 3, BYD Sealion 6 and electric BYD Sealion 7.
Two battery electric passenger cars, the affordable BYD Dolphin small electric car and BYD medium sedan are available, alongside the plug-in hybrid Shark 6 ute.
BYD new car sales in Australia by model YTD*
- BYD Dolphin - 776
- BYD Seal - 982
- BTD Atto 3 - 1,278
- BYD Sealion 6 - 2,771
- BYD Sealion 7 - 1,961
- BYD Shark 6 - 7,431
Source: FCAI VFACTS, January - May 2025
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