The latest addition to the BYD Ocean series is here: the Sealion 8. This new vehicle marks the highest-level model in BYD’s SUV lineup, positioning itself above the plug-in hybrid Sealion 6 and the all-electric Sealion 7.

BYD’s Sealion 8 is targeting a market segment that includes competitors like the Mazda CX-80 PHEV, Hyundai Santa Fe, and Kia Sorento PHEV. BYD is even optimistic that the Sealion 8 will attract consumers currently favoring the Kia EV9 and Hyundai Ioniq 9. So, what exactly is the Sealion 8?

From its dimensions, the Sealion 8 boasts a substantial size: 5,040 mm long, 1,996 mm wide, and 1,970 mm high. Its body is quite massive, comparable in size to the Hyundai Palisade, Kia Telluride, and Mazda CX-80. With a wheelbase of 2,950 mm, the Sealion 8’s cabin space is notably spacious, similar to that of the Sealion 7.

Plug-in Hybrid Focus

BYD has demonstrated keen insight into market trends, both in China and globally. While electric vehicles are currently booming, the demand for plug-in hybrid vehicles remains significant.

The original platform for this car is the BYD Tang-L SUV, which is exclusively available in the Chinese domestic market. Its exterior design has been re-engineered to create the Sealion 8.

Two variants of the Sealion 8 will soon be launched to cater to different consumer segments.

The first is the DM-i (Intelligence) variant. This version is equipped with a 1.5-liter 4-cylinder turbo gasoline engine producing 148 hp and a peak torque of 220 Nm. The electric hybrid motor integrated into the front axle delivers 200 kW (268 hp) with 315 Nm of torque. Electrical energy is supplied by a 19 kW battery. This front-wheel-drive (FWD) variant accelerates from 0-100 km/h in 8.6 seconds.

For those seeking greater performance, the DM-p (Performance) variant is available. This variant features the same hybrid engine as the DM-i version. However, it includes an additional electric motor on the rear axle, providing 141 kW (189 hp) of power and 360 Nm of torque. Indeed, the DM-p variant features all-wheel drive (AWD). The battery in this variant is also more powerful, at 35.6 kWh. Consequently, it only takes 4.9 seconds to reach 100 km/h, which is an impressive performance for a daily family SUV.

It remains unclear why BYD chose a plug-in hybrid basis for the Sealion 8. The BYD Tang-L, which serves as the Sealion 8’s platform, has an EV version that utilizes a high-voltage 1000 V architecture, known as the Super e-Platform. However, this EV variant is only sold in the Chinese domestic market. The BYD Tang-L EV version is equipped with a substantial 100.5 kWh battery capacity. Charging from 0-100% with a DC fast charger takes only 30 minutes, which is incredibly fast! It is not yet certain whether an EV version of the Sealion 8 will eventually be released for the global market.

Economical Fuel Consumption and Advanced Technology

With its plug-in hybrid engine technology, the Sealion 8 is claimed to consume only 5.6 liters of gasoline per 100 km (combined hybrid system). The electric-only range, relying on battery power, is approximately 150-200 km.

Regarding ADAS (Advanced Driver-Assistance Systems) technology, the Sealion 8 is equipped with BYD’s advanced autonomous driving system, DiPilot 300. The ADAS system in the Sealion 8 utilizes five radars, 12 cameras, 12 ultrasonic sensors, and LiDAR. In terms of driving technology, BYD is currently among the top tier, on par with European, South Korean, and U.S. brands.

The exact selling price has not yet been announced. However, considering its position above the Sealion 7, it is predicted to be in the range of $56,000 – $65,000. BYD has announced that the Sealion 8 will be available for sale as early as the end of this year or early next year.

The U.S. market is unlikely to be a target for the Sealion 8. Regions most likely to receive the Sealion 8 include the Middle East, Southeast Asia, and Australia. Indonesia? Why not?