BYD’s largest SUV to date, the Sealion 8, known as the Tang L in China, has been caught testing on Australian roads ahead of its scheduled launch in early 2026. The new model will sit at the top of BYD’s SUV line-up and compete directly with popular large hybrids and plug-in hybrids already on sale.
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First Sightings on Local Roads
The Sealion 8 prototype was recently seen twice in Sydney: once parked and once in motion, clad in camouflage and fitted with a tow bar. Early indications suggest a braked towing capacity of up to 2000kg, a figure that would place it alongside rivals in the large family SUV class.
Registration details confirm the vehicle has been on Australian roads since mid-August 2025, highlighting BYD’s push to ready the Sealion 8 for local launch.
The SUV will crown the Sealion range above the Sealion 6 plug-in hybrid and the all-electric Sealion 7, creating a three-vehicle line-up spanning mid-size to large SUV buyers.
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Powertrain and Performance Options
Australian buyers will have a choice between two plug-in hybrid systems:
- DM-i (Intelligence): Front-wheel drive, smaller 19kWh battery, no rear motor.
- DM-p (Performance): All-wheel drive, larger 35.6kWh battery, and dual-motor setup.
The flagship DM-p combines a 1.5-litre turbo-petrol engine with front and rear electric motors for a total output of 341kW and 675Nm. BYD claims 0–100km/h in 4.9 seconds, while the entry-level DM-i completes the sprint in 8.6 seconds.
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Range, Size, and Features
In China, the Sealion 8 DM-p is quoted at up to 200km of electric-only driving (under local test standards), with a total hybrid range of 1200km. Official WLTP figures for Australia are yet to be confirmed.
The SUV is based on the BYD Tang L and measures 5040mm long, 1996mm wide, and 1970mm tall on a 2950mm wheelbase. These dimensions are comparable to the Toyota Kluger, Mazda CX-80, and Hyundai Palisade.
Seven seats arranged in a 2-3-2 layout will be standard, and BYD has confirmed that Australian-delivered models will feature heated, cooled, and massaging seats in the first and second rows of all-wheel-drive variants, along with LED exterior lighting.
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Specification Snapshot
| Feature | DM-i | DM-p |
| Drive | FWD | AWD |
| Petrol Engine | 1.5L turbo (110kW/220Nm) | 1.5L turbo (110kW/220Nm) |
| Front Motor | 200kW / 315Nm | 200kW / 315Nm |
| Rear Motor | – | 141kW / 360Nm |
| System Output | TBC | 341kW / 675Nm |
| Battery | 19kWh | 35.6kWh |
| 0–100km/h | 8.6 sec | 4.9 sec |
| Electric Range (China test) | TBC | Up to 200km |
| Hybrid Range (China test) | TBC | Up to 1200km |
| Seating | 7 seats (2-3-2) | 7 seats (2-3-2) |
| Boot Capacity | Up to 1950L (with 2nd & 3rd rows folded) | Up to 1950L (with 2nd & 3rd rows folded) |
Key Points
- The BYD Sealion 8 is the brand’s largest SUV, due in Australia by early 2026.
- Local testing has confirmed right-hand-drive prototypes on Sydney roads.
- Buyers will choose between DM-i (FWD) and DM-p (AWD) plug-in hybrid systems.
- The range-topping DM-p offers 341kW, 675Nm, and 0–100km/h in 4.9s.
- Australian models will come with seven seats and luxury features like massaging second-row seating.
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