BYD Sealion 8 Approved for Sale in Australia After ADR Compliance

The Australian electric vehicle market is about to get a new 7 seat option, with BYD’s Sealion 8 plug-in hybrid SUV officially passing ADR (Australian Design Rules) compliance.

Originally shared by EV enthusiast Will Knot, the approval was listed on the government’s ROVER vehicle database, means that the Sealion 8 can now go on sale in Australia as soon as shipments arrive.

The Sealion 8 will be offered in two variants: a front-wheel-drive (FWD) model and an all-wheel-drive (AWD) model. It will provide a seven-seater option for families in the growing PHEV (plug-in hybrid electric vehicle) segment.

A New 7-Seater for Australian Families

The BYD Sealion 8, known as the "Tang L" in China, brings flexibility with its 7-seat layout, making it one of the few PHEV options in the Australian market that can accommodate larger families.

Both FWD and AWD versions are powered by a 1.5-litre turbocharged petrol engine combined with an electric motor system, delivering strong performance while maintaining efficiency.

Importantly for Australian buyers, both models offer a braked towing capacity of 2000 kg, making the Sealion 8 a practical option for road trips, camping, and caravanning. The ADR approval ensures the vehicle meets all required Australian safety and design standards.

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BYD Sealion 8 Variants

The Sealion 8, sold in China as the Tang L, will arrive as a PHEV in two versions: DM-i (Intelligence) and DM-P (Performance). Both use a turbocharged 1.5-litre petrol engine producing 110kW/220Nm, paired with electric motors and BYD’s signature Blade batteries.

• DM-i (FWD): 200kW/315Nm combined output, 0–100km/h in 8.6s, 19kWh battery
• DM-P (AWD): Adds a 141kW/360Nm rear motor for 0–100km/h in 4.9s, 35.6kWh battery

Local efficiency and EV range data are yet to be announced but expect just under 100 km of range for the DM-i (FWD) variant and under 200km for the DM-P (AWD) variant.

In China, the Tang L is priced between ¥229,800 and ¥285,800 (about A$49,000–$61,000). For Australia, analysts expect the Sealion 8 to be priced between $69,000 and $75,000, positioning it against seven-seat plug-in hybrid rivals such as the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV ($69,290 before on-roads) and Mazda CX-80 PHEV ($75,250 before on-roads).

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Specifications and Features of BYD Sealion 8

Below is a detailed breakdown of the Sealion 8’s specifications based on the government ROVER listing and additional model details.

With ADR approval secured, BYD now has the green light to bring the Sealion 8 to Australian showrooms. While pricing and launch dates are yet to be confirmed, the Sealion 8 is expected to position itself as a competitively priced PHEV SUV, offering strong family practicality, towing ability, and advanced electrified performance.