2026 BYD Sealion 8 PHEV Seven-Seat SUV for Australia: Cost, Details, Launch Timeline

2026 BYD Sealion 8 PHEV Seven-Seat SUV for Australia: Cost, Details, Launch Timeline

Exciting Times Ahead for BYD Automotive: Introducing the Sealion 8 PHEV

Ready for some electrifying news, mate? BYD Automotive is gearing up to roll out another addition to their electric SUV range with the introduction of their first full-size, seven-seat vehicle, the Sealion 8 Plug-in Hybrid. Let's dive into what's hot about this new ride and what you need to know before it hits Australian roads.

BYD's aggressive move into the Australian new car market shows no signs of slowing. The Chinese manufacturer recently announced their new Sealion 8, a spacious seven-seat large SUV destined for Australia. The Sealion 8 is expected to be priced alongside the Mazda CX-80 PHEV and Kia Sorento PHEV, with a premium over the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV. Given BYD's current model range, you can anticipate the Sealion 8 to be priced around $80,000[1].

BYD Automotive is making waves, taking over distribution of their vehicles in Australia and becoming the world's largest manufacturer of new energy vehicles, selling around 30% of all new energy vehicles in China. Australia is one of the fastest-growing markets for BYD, with a product range set to include two cars, five SUVs, and one ute by the time the Sealion 8 arrives early next year[2].

Curious about how the Sealion 8 stacks up against other family cars in Australia? Compare your options here.

A Glimpse into the Sealion 8's Luxurious Interior

The Australian pricing for the Sealion 8 is still a secret, but considering the pricing of current models, it's safe to say the Sealion 8 will offer a top-notch interior. BYD has confirmed the Sealion 8 will be available in two powertrain options, likely dubbed "Premium" and "Performance"[1].

Front-wheel drive models will be powered by BYD's DM-i (Intelligence) hybrid system, featuring a 110kW, 1.5-litre turbocharged petrol engine paired with a 200kW electric motor and a 19kW battery. More powerful, all-wheel drive DM-p (Performance) hybrid models will also be available, promising a larger 35.6kWh battery, providing a longer electric-only driving range—possibly up to 100km[3].

The Sealion 8 is expected to offer luxury features, such as heated and ventilated massaging seats for front and second-row passengers, premium leather interiors in various color options, BYD's large rotating infotainment screen, wireless and USB-C phone chargers, and a complete suite of advanced driver safety systems[1]. Don't be surprised if it also offers Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) technology for added convenience.

Sealion 8: Coming to Australian Roads Q1 2026

Mark your calendars, as the Sealion 8 will hit the Australian market in the first quarter of 2026.

Are you all about family cars? Compare the best options here.

A Sneak Peek at the Sealion 8's Design

The Sealion 8's exterior design seems influenced by the smaller BYD Sealion 7[3]. However, the Sealion 8's rear elevation hints at a more conventional SUV boot, rather than the coupe style of the Sealion 7[3]. Expect an air of elegance and sophistication, as the Sealion 8 will be BYD's new flagship model, promising elevated finish, technology, and design highlights.

Intrigued about BYD vehicles currently available in Australia? Here's a quick rundown of their lineup.

BYD's Australian Lineup

• BYD Atto 3
• BYD Sealion 6
• BYD Sealion 7 (coming soon)
• BYD Shark 6 ute (with a 29.58kWh battery)
• BYD Dolphin (small electric car) and BYD medium sedan

Stay tuned as we continue to keep you in the loop on all things Sealion 8!

[1] Based on the pricing of current model range[2] Product range set to include two cars, five SUVs, and one ute by the time the Sealion 8 arrives early next year[3] Expected electric-only driving range for the Sealion 8 could surpass 100km (NEDC)[4] The expected price of the Sealion 8 in Australia could be influenced by various factors such as taxes, import costs, and local market conditions.[5] In China, the starting price for the Sealion 8 is RMB 229,800, which converts to approximately $50,000 AUD. However, don't expect the Australian price to be the same due to various factors like taxes, import costs, and local market conditions.

1. BYD's expansion in the Australian market is evident, as they plan to release their first full-size seven-seat electric SUV, the Sealion 8, priced similar to the Mazda CX-80 PHEV and Kia Sorento PHEV.
2. The Sealion 8 will offer a luxurious interior, featuring various luxury options such as heated and ventilated seats, premium leather interiors, and a large rotating infotainment screen.
3. The Sealion 8 will be available in two powertrain options, with the front-wheel drive models powered by BYD's DM-i hybrid system and all-wheel drive DM-p hybrid models offering a larger battery for a longer electric-only driving range.
4. Advanced driver safety systems will also be included in the Sealion 8, and potential additional features like Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) technology could be available.
5. The Sealion 8 is expected to hit Australian roads in Q1 2026, joining BYD's current lineup that includes the Atto 3, Sealion 6, Shark 6 ute, Dolphin, and medium sedan.
6. BYD Automotive's global success as the world's largest manufacturer of new energy vehicles is driving their growth in the Australian market, where they expect to have a product range that includes at least two cars, five SUVs, and one ute by the time the Sealion 8 arrives.
7. The housing market and real-estate industry will be impacted as electric vehicles like the Sealion 8 become more popular, contributing to the looming shift towards sustainable living and technology.
8. As the Sealion 8 approaches the market, it will be essential to consider not only its features and pricing but also its impact on the housing market, as more electric vehicles may result in changes in home-and-garden and automotive investing patterns.

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