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Sharks could high the marine meals chain, but it surely’s a mammal that guidelines BYD’s automotive aquarium.
Perched proper on the high of BYD’s native lineup, the Sealion 8 Premium is greater, dearer and extra formidable than any of its tank-mates.
The headline figures make for spectacular studying: seven seats, 4 with therapeutic massage performance, a 21-speaker sound system, 359kW of energy and 675Nm of torque from a four-cylinder plug-in hybrid powertrain, 152km of claimed electrical vary, and far, far more. Certainly sufficient, you’d assume, to justify the elevated price ticket.
Or is it? Because whereas this flagship massive SUV overwhelms on paper, that does not essentially imply it is good to drive or straightforward to stay with.
So we set the spec sheet apart to see how BYD’s greatest stacks up in the true world.
How a lot does the BYD Sealion 8 price?
On take a look at right here is the top-shelf Premium variant with all-wheel drive, priced at $70,990 earlier than on-road prices.
| Model | Price earlier than on-road prices |
|---|---|
| 2027 BYD Sealion 8 Dynamic FWD | $56,990 |
| 2027 BYD Sealion 8 Dynamic AWD | $63,990 |
| 2027 BYD Sealion 8 Premium AWD | $70,990 |
However, the Sealion 8 could be had from as little as $56,990 plus on-roads in Dynamic front-wheel drive guise. A less expensive AWD model can be obtainable.
Alternatives exterior the BYD secure embody the Chery Tiggo 9 (from $52,990 plus ORCs), Jaecoo J8 SHS ($59,990 plus ORCs), Skoda Kodiaq PHEV ($63,490 plus ORCs), Mazda CX-80 P50e (from $68,100 plus ORCs), and Kia Sorento PHEV (from $70,880 plus ORCs) – all of which supply plug-in hybrid energy and 7 seats at the same worth level.
To see how the BYD Sealion 8 strains up in opposition to the competitors, try our comparability instrument
What is the BYD Sealion 8 like on the within?
The recipe is unremarkable, however premium elements render the Sealion 8 Premium’s inside worthy of a Michelin star.
It’s unbelievably luxurious for the cash, boasting area, supplies and options usually reserved for dearer steel.
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A thick layer of artificial leather-based is smattered throughout the higher a part of the sprint and door playing cards, wrapping round you to create a heat, cocooning atmosphere. Surfaces you are extra prone to come into contact with, together with the steering wheel, armrest and centre console, are additionally smooth to the contact.
The seats – upholstered in real, textured cowhide – someway elevate the area additional. They’re deeply cushioned, properly bolstered and supportive beneath the thighs, whereas heating, air flow, therapeutic massage and full electrical adjustment cowl nearly each consolation base.
Better nonetheless, the therapeutic massage perform – with its 5 modes and three depth settings – could be activated by way of a shortcut button on the aspect of the seat, saving you an undesirable journey by the touchscreen menus.
As for the steering wheel, effectively that is heated too, and contains a suitably upmarket stitched leatherette centre panel.
On the area entrance, the Sealion 8 makes probably the most of its sheer bodily width. There’s an actual sense of separation between driver and passenger, whereas massive home windows and a panoramic glass roof assist offset the darkish inside by conserving the cabin feeling open and ethereal once you need it to. At the identical time, the powered sunshade routinely closes once you exit the automobile, stopping Australia’s scorching solar from baking the cabin whereas it’s parked.
Storage is in sturdy provide, too. Up entrance, you get two cupholders, the identical variety of cellphone charging pads, a deep centre armrest bin, and a small tray beneath the central bridge. There’s additionally a standard glovebox, helpful door bins, additional storage close to the window switches, and an overhead sun shades holder.
Physical controls aren’t almost as plentiful, although. A couple of fundamental features run by buttons on the centre console and steering wheel, however seat and air temperature changes each require use of the touchscreen, a course of I discover tedious and distracting.
It’s not like there’s no room for additional switchgear, both, given the gear selector is a steering column-mounted stalk.
At least BYD hasn’t buried the aspect mirror controls.
The touchscreen itself is a big 15.6-inch unit with sharp graphics and an more and more acquainted structure. Visually, it might take a second besides up, though the oriental welcome tune by no means appears to overlook a beat. And as soon as awake, the system in all fairness fast to answer contact inputs.
Many homeowners will understandably default to Apple CarPlay or Android Auto, neither of which require a wired connection. However, I confronted intermittent connectivity points, sometimes having to manually choose my iPhone 17 after startup earlier than mirroring would kick in.
It’s a superb factor the Sealion 8 presents an honest various, then.
Google Built-in brings native Maps, Play Store entry, an AI assistant, and a broader app ecosystem. YouTube comes pre-installed.
And by utilizing these built-in options, you protect the battery lifetime of your smartphone, though USB-C, 12V and wi-fi charging choices are all obtainable if wanted.
Shifting throughout, you’ll discover a a lot smaller, barely cluttered instrument display exhibiting the necessities alongside a few selectable nice-to-knows.
The cluster may also show Waze and Google Maps navigation, making instructions simpler to comply with at a look.
Further assist comes from an enormous 26-inch head-up show, which is pretty fundamental however retains key info entrance and centre.
Audio is pumped by a whopping 21-speaker DiSound system, delivering clear, highly effective sound. The audio system are fantastically built-in across the A-pillars, sprint and door playing cards, including to the Premium’s high-end really feel.
There’s no high quality drop-off as you progress again by the cabin, both, as second-row passengers are handled to lush supplies and comfy seating similar to these up entrance.
The outboard seats are heated, ventilated and massaging, whereas the bench slides and reclines to stability second- and third-row area. With it slid again, legroom poses no situation. Even with it slid ahead, adults can nonetheless match comfortably sufficient, tucking their toes beneath the entrance pews.
Only giants topping six-five are prone to bonk their heads in opposition to the glass roof.
All the seat toys – in addition to the rear local weather controls – are accessible by a small contact panel on the again of the centre console. Its inclusion has necessitated the relocation of the air vents to the B-pillars, which is neither right here nor there in my view.
You additionally get USB-A and USB-C retailers, a fold-down centre armrest with cupholders, map pockets and roomy door bins, though the absence of window shades is a notable omission from an in any other case luxurious cabin.
The third row is much less convincing.
Access is proscribed to the passenger/kerb aspect, and adults will discover kneeroom, toeroom and headroom tight. Kids will probably be a lot happier.
That mentioned, the bench itself is surprisingly comfy, with first rate cushioning and a relaxed backrest angle. Third-row passengers additionally get ceiling vents, studying lights and cupholders, however no energy retailers.
With 5 seats in use, the boot is big and straightforward to load, that includes a flat flooring, 12V outlet and cargo cowl. The solely apparent omissions are underfloor storage for charging cables.
Cargo capability takes a substantial hit with the third row up, leaving room for less than round half a dozen grocery baggage. As such, you’ll be pressured to make some difficult packing selections when planning a weekend away with prolonged household.
Switching between the seven- and five-seat configurations is so simple as tugging on the tabs protruding from the third-row seatbacks.
| Dimensions | BYD Sealion 8 |
|---|---|
| Length | 5040mm |
| Width | 1996mm |
| Height | 1760mm |
| Wheelbase | 2950mm |
| Cargo capability | 270L (third row up) 960L (third row folded) 1960L (second and third rows folded) |
To see how the BYD Sealion 8 strains up in opposition to the competitors, try our comparability instrument
What’s beneath the bonnet?
The Sealion 8 Premium is powered by a plug-in hybrid system based mostly round a 1.5-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine and two electrical motors – one for every axle.
| Specifications | BYD Sealion 8 Premium AWD |
|---|---|
| Engine | 1.5L 4cyl turbo-petrol |
| Engine outputs | 110kW 220Nm |
| Electric motor outputs | 200kW/315Nm (entrance) 200kW/360Nm (rear) |
| System outputs | 359kW 675Nm |
| Battery | 35.6kWh lithium iron phosphate (LFP) |
| Transmission | Single-speed |
| Drive sort | All-wheel drive |
| Weight | 2580kg |
| 0-100km/h (claimed) | 4.9 seconds |
| Fuel financial system (claimed) | 1.0L/100km |
| Fuel financial system (as examined) | 6.8L/100km (depleted battery) |
| Electric driving vary | 152km |
| Fuel tank capability | 60L |
| Fuel requirement | 95-octane premium unleaded |
| CO2 emissions | 22g/km |
| Emissions normal | Euro 5 |
| Braked tow capability | 2000kg |
In most conditions, the 110kW/220Nm petrol engine successfully acts as a generator for the electrical motors fairly than a direct supply of propulsion, though it might drive the wheels at greater speeds.
Vehicle-to-load (V2L) performance is normal throughout the Sealion 8 vary, permitting you to energy small electrical home equipment instantly from the automobile.
To see how the BYD Sealion 8 strains up in opposition to the competitors, try our comparability instrument
How does the BYD Sealion 8 drive?
Exactly how an enormous household bus ought to.
For starters, the Sealion 8 is comfy. Like, actually comfy.
Perhaps I should not communicate for the bottom variant, with its barely much less subtle suspension setup, however the Premium completely nails its transient. The flagship pairs double wishbones up entrance with a multi-link rear suspension and BYD’s DiSus-C digital semi-active dampers that alter in actual time, all of which contribute to the type of pillowy plushness you’d usually affiliate with automobiles twice its worth.
But, simply as importantly, that softness is managed. Plenty of Chinese SUVs favour consolation over management, however few really feel this composed. Vertical motion is saved in test, and the physique settles rapidly after successive bumps or undulations.
Lesser nation roads can nonetheless journey up the trick suspension, with nastier potholes sometimes sending a thump by the cabin. Yet even when the suspension is caught out, the Sealion 8’s wonderful seats take the sting out of the impression.
Smaller imperfections barely register in any respect, whereas more energizing city roads are negotiated with out fuss.
The Sealion 8 is comparatively straightforward to drive easily, too, regardless of boasting powertrain outputs to rival a Porsche 911 GT3. Eco mode softens throttle response for a extra relaxed college run, whereas sturdy regenerative braking blends seamlessly into the friction brakes for a pure pedal really feel.
That’s simply as effectively, as a result of the Sealion 8 can be huge. Like, actually huge.
Measuring greater than 5 metres lengthy and almost two metres broad, this behemoth struggles in metropolis confines, recurrently pushing the boundaries of ordinary lanes and parking areas. The fitment of high-resolution surround-view cameras considerably makes up for the latter, however I nonetheless cannot say I actually loved taking the Sealion 8 buying.
Thankfully I wasn’t pressured to do that typically, as most of my week with our take a look at automobile was spent touring Victoria with my fiancée and in-laws, so freeway driving made up a big chunk of the take a look at.
Here, the Sealion 8 is correct at residence. Its measurement does not matter a lot on wider roads, and also you’re absolutely in a position to respect the consolation on provide.
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Further, whereas some PHEVs can really feel just a little confused at greater speeds as soon as their battery cost depletes, BYD’s system is each meaty and intelligent sufficient to hold onto some electrons for easy cruising and overtaking.
That mentioned, the little 1.5-litre engine is kind of coarse when referred to as into motion. It additionally makes an terrible racket beneath full throttle, though you hardly ever have to push it that onerous given the 359kW and 675Nm on faucet.
There’s no getting across the street roar, although, which detracts from the Sealion 8’s luxury-car credentials. Tyre and site visitors noise too simply penetrate the cabin, mirrored in my 66.4dB freeway studying – a full 10dB greater than the smaller, cheaper Sealion 6 Essential. Thicker glass and/or extra sound deadening would due to this fact go a great distance in direction of bettering refinement.
But a minimum of the superior driver help methods (ADAS) hardly ever be a part of within the refrain. None of the overspeed, driver monitoring or lane-keep methods beep or bong extra typically than they need to, whereas the infotainment system’s swipe-down fast controls could be configured with shortcuts to disable such features.
The cruise management tech is equally well-judged, providing a selection between normal adaptive cruise management and a extra superior semi-autonomous driving mode. The former is especially spectacular, managing pace precisely and adapting easily to altering site visitors situations.
Twistier nation roads put the onus again on the motive force, and draw consideration to the Sealion 8’s dealing with traits.
As you’d most likely count on, it isn’t probably the most dynamic SUV going round. That would require BYD to defy physics.
Even so, the Sealion 8 stays fairly degree by corners when pushed sensibly, helped by adaptive suspension that corporations as much as enhance physique management. Premium Goodyear tyres additionally maintain it glued to the street, whereas all-wheel drive provides one other layer of safety, notably within the moist.
As is now widespread, the steering may be very, very gentle. Just don’t let that distract you from the accountability of piloting a 2.6-tonne SUV.
To see how the BYD Sealion 8 strains up in opposition to the competitors, try our comparability instrument
What do you get?
The listing of ordinary gear for the top-spec Premium is greatest described as lengthy and splendid, particularly contemplating its asking worth.
2026 BYD Sealion 8 Dynamic FWD gear highlights:
- 20-inch alloy wheels
- Hankook 255/50 R20 tyres
- Tyre restore equipment
- Adaptive LED headlights
- Cornering lights
- Panoramic sunroof with energy sunshade
- Power tailgate
- Rain-sensing wipers with built-in washer jets
- Rear privateness glass
- Keyless entry and begin with key fob, NFC card, BYD digital key
- Eco, Normal, Sport and Snow drive modes
- Electronic parking brake with auto maintain
- 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster
- 15.6-inch touchscreen infotainment system
- Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
- 2GB of included information per 30 days for the primary two years
- Over-the-air software program updates
- Nap, tenting and automobile wash modes
- 50W wi-fi cellphone charger
- 3-zone local weather management with 2nd and third row air vents
- 10-speaker sound system
- Leatherette upholstery
- 6-way power-adjustable entrance seats
- Heated and ventilated entrance seats
- Leatherette-wrapped steering wheel
- 4-way steering column adjustment
- 2 x USB-C retailers (entrance)
- 1 x USB-C, 1 x USB-A outlet (second row)
Sealion 8 Dynamic AWD provides:
- 21-inch alloy wheels
- Goodyear 265/45 R21 tyres
- DiSus-C clever damping suspension
- Perforated brake discs and stuck calipers entrance and rear
- Mud and Sand drive modes
Sealion 8 Premium AWD provides:
- 26-inch head-up show
- Leather seat upholstery
- 8-way energy driver’s seat
- Massaging entrance seats with 4-way energy lumbar, power-adjustable leg rests
- Massaging, heating and air flow for outboard second-row seats
- Heated steering wheel
- 21-speaker DiSound sound system
- Multi-colour ambient lighting
- Footwell lighting
- Memory for mirrors
To see how the BYD Sealion 8 strains up in opposition to the competitors, try our comparability instrument
Is the BYD Sealion 8 protected?
Neither the Australasian New Car Assessment Program (ANCAP) nor Euro NCAP have crash-tested the BYD Sealion 8 – a possible crimson flag for safety-conscious consumers.
It’s not all doom and gloom, although. Unlike the Kia Sorento and Chery Tiggo 8, the Sealion 8’s third row will get each curtain airbags and ISOFIX little one seat anchors.
Standard security gear consists of:
- 9 airbags, incl:
- Adaptive cruise management
- Autonomous emergency braking
- Blind-spot monitoring
- Child presence detection
- Driver distraction and fatigue detection
- Emergency lane-keep help
- Front and rear parking sensors
- Front cross-traffic help
- Intelligent pace restrict help
- Lane-keep help
- Rear cross-traffic help
- Surround-view digicam
- Traffic signal recognition
- Tyre strain monitoring
- Emergency eCall
To see how the BYD Sealion 8 strains up in opposition to the competitors, try our comparability instrument
How a lot does the BYD Sealion 8 price to run?
The Sealion 8 is backed by a six-year, 150,000km automobile guarantee and an eight-year, 160,000km battery guarantee.
| Servicing and Warranty | BYD Sealion 8 |
|---|---|
| Warranty | 6 years or 150,000km – automobile 8 years or 160,000km – high-voltage battery |
| Roadside help | 12 months, then service-activated |
| Service intervals | 12 months or 20,000km |
| Capped-price servicing | 11 years |
| Average annual service price (5 years) | $326 |
| Total capped-price service price (5 years) | $1628 |
Service pricing is capped for as much as 11 years, with BYD charging $1628 for the primary 5 years of routine upkeep – considerably lower than you may pay to service a plug-in hybrid Sorento ($3409), Tiggo 9 ($3174), Kodiaq ($3000), or CX-80 ($2766) over the identical interval.
BYD’s 20,000km service intervals are additionally notably extra beneficiant than these set by most fashionable automakers.
To see how the BYD Sealion 8 strains up in opposition to the competitors, try our comparability instrument
CarProfessional’s Take on the BYD Sealion 8 Premium AWD
Those who spend up for the Sealion 8 Premium will need for little.
Because whereas $71k plus ORCs feels like rather a lot to spend on a BYD, that is no peculiar BYD. Rather, it’s a borderline luxurious SUV that delivers consolation, efficiency and effectivity comparable with automobiles costing almost twice as a lot.
The lack of a security ranking could deter some household consumers, as would possibly the tight third row. But if something, the Sealion 8 shines brightest as a spacious five-seater. As do many three-row SUVs, to be sincere.
That consists of the Chery Tiggo 9 and associated Jaecoo J8 SHS, each of which tick related packing containers for significantly much less cash.
Now, I haven’t pushed the J8 simply but, however our expertise with the Tiggo 9 suggests BYD’s marine mammal is the extra polished product total. Whether that additional polish is definitely worth the worth premium in the end comes all the way down to your price range and priorities.
Against equally geared up but far dearer plug-in hybrid variations of the Mazda CX-80 and Kia Sorento, although, the Sealion 8 shapes up as an absolute discount.
Interested in shopping for a BYD Sealion 8? Let CarProfessional discover you the perfect deal right here
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MORE: Explore the BYD Sealion 8 showroom
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