BYD’s latest seven-seater PHEV SUV set to debut in Australia
The Sealion 8 will be the largest vehicle in the Sealion line.
Jerome Tresvalles on Jun 11, 2025You are here:HomeLatest StoriesNewsBYD’s latest seven-seater PHEV SUV set to debut in Australia
Another car will join BYD’s Sealion line, and it’s set to debut in Australia next year. BYD Australia has confirmed plans to launch its largest and first seven-seater SUV, the 2026 BYD Sealion 8 plug-in hybrid (PHEV).
Just like the Sealion 6 DM-i currently available in the Philippines, the Sealion 8 is a range-extended electric vehicle. But there’s more to it, BYD is also introducing a performance version called the Sealion 8 DM-p.
Related: Another win for BYD: Seal EV takes the crown in Japan
Since we’re talking about performance, let’s talk about the power figures. The DM-i system combines a 1.5-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine producing 147 hp and 220 Nm with a front-mounted electric motor generating 268 hp and 315 Nm, paired with a 19 kWh battery. This setup delivers a claimed zero to 100 km/h time of 8.6 seconds.
The flagship DM-p variant adds a 189 hp rear electric motor and upgrades to a larger 35.6 kWh battery, slashing the zero to 100km/h sprint to a claimed 4.9 seconds. This sprint time is enough to embarrass even vehicles with larger engines.
According to BYD in China, the all-wheel-drive version offers up to 200 km of electric-only range based on local testing standards. A total hybrid driving range of up to 1,200 km has also been claimed.
As for interior features, seven seats will come standard in a 2-3-2 layout, with BYD China claiming up to 1,950 litres of cargo space when the second and third rows are folded flat. The premium interior will be available in either black or tan, featuring leather upholstery on the front seats and steering wheel.
Additional features include ambient lighting, a 50-watt ventilated wireless phone charger, both USB-A and USB-C ports, a built-in fragrance dispenser, and a large panoramic sunroof with an electric sunblind. Because it’s a BYD, a comprehensive suite of advanced safety systems is also expected, including adaptive cruise control, lane-centring assist, and lever-activated assisted lane changes on highways.
Though the Sealion 8 is confirmed to go on sale in Australia, we don’t have any information on which markets will also get this seven-seater PHEV SUV. Hopefully, the Philippines will also get it soon. For now, you can check out the full local lineup of BYD on AutoDeal.com.ph.
Related Articles
The BYD Shark 6 earns five-star safety rating from ANCAPA bigger BYD hybrid SUV is coming soonBYD Philippines and ACMobility turn over four BYD units to support Ayala Foundation’s disaster response effortsA greener commute: BYD and Grab Philippines partner for sustainabilityBYD unveils limited edition Seagull EV in Seashell Pink
Latest News
- Is the Hyundai IONIQ 3 ready for long drives in the Philippines? / NewsShaynah Miranda · Aug 26, 2025Hyundai confirms IONIQ 3 small EV with up to 587 km range, set for production in 2026.
- Test drive the D-MAX and mu-X at the Isuzu Xperience Mobility Tour / NewsShaynah Miranda · Aug 26, 2025The roadshow will showcase the D-MAX and mu-X in malls nationwide with test drives and special offers.
- Chery brings hybrid driving closer to home with Tiggo Cross HEV / NewsShaynah Miranda · Aug 22, 2025Chery PH launches the Tiggo Cross HEV at ₱1.198M, offering long range, safety features, and hybrid power in a subcompact SUV.
Popular Articles
- Cheapest cars under P700,000 in the PhilippinesJerome Tresvalles · Sep 02, 2024
- First car or next car, the Ford EcoSport is a tough package to beatJun 18, 2021
- Car Maintenance checklist and guide – here’s everything you need to knowEarl Lee · Jan 12, 2021
- Most fuel efficient family cars in the PhilippinesBryan Aaron Rivera · Nov 27, 2020
- 2021 Geely Okavango — Everything you need to knowJoey Deriquito · Nov 19, 2020
- Family cars in the Philippines with the biggest trunksSep 20, 2023
- Head to head: Toyota Rush vs. Suzuki XL7Joey Deriquito · Oct 28, 2020
- Why oil changes are important for your carEarl Lee · Nov 10, 2020
- 2021 Kia Stonic — What you need to know about itJoey Deriquito · Oct 16, 2020
- Top 7 tips for buying a used car in the PhilippinesJoey Deriquito · Nov 26, 2020
