BYD has confirmed it will introduce its first seven-seat SUV for Australia - the SEALION 8 - expanding the brand’s local lineup and marking its entry into the large-SUV segment.

The SEALION 8 follows months of speculation after CarSauce exclusively reported earlier this year that a seven-seat SUV was being prepared for Australia.

At the time, BYD’s local distributor EVDirect had confirmed a model was in development, with strong indications pointing to the then-unreleased Tang L.

The SEALION 8 now arrives as that model’s production-spec successor, adapted for right-hand-drive markets including Australia.

Built on BYD’s fifth-generation Dual Mode (DM) plug-in hybrid platform, the SEALION 8 will be available in three variants: Dynamic FWD, Dynamic AWD, and Premium AWD.

Local deliveries are expected to commence following the opening of orders in December 2025.

The front-wheel-drive Dynamic variant pairs a 1.5-litre turbo-petrol engine with an electric motor, producing a combined 205 kW and 315 Nm. It uses a 19 kWh battery offering up to 103 km of electric-only range (NEDC).

All-wheel-drive variants adopt BYD’s high-performance DM-p “super hybrid” system with dual electric motors and a larger 35.6 kWh battery, providing up to 152 km of electric range.

Combined output rises to 359 kW and 675 Nm, with a claimed 0–100 km/h time of 4.9 seconds.

While BYD has yet to confirm Australian pricing, CarSauce understands from industry sources that the SEALION 8 Premium AWD may be priced around $65,000, positioning it below most rival plug-in hybrid seven-seat SUVs. Official pricing will be announced closer to launch.

The SEALION 8 measures 5,040 mm long with a 2,950 mm wheelbase, positioning it among the largest hybrid SUVs in its class.

Boot capacity ranges from 270 L with all three rows in use to around 1,000 L with the third row folded, and up to 1,960 L in total configuration.

Inside, the SUV features a 15.6-inch central touchscreen, 10.25-inch digital driver display, wireless smartphone connectivity, and a 21-speaker audio system.

Comfort features include front and rear massage seats, a 50 W wireless charger, and multiple storage compartments across all three rows.

Safety equipment includes nine airbags, a 360-degree camera system, and an extensive suite of driver-assistance technologies.

Stephen Collins, BYD Australia COO, said the SEALION 8 “offers a level of versatility and comfort that is perfect for Australian families.”

Pricing will be confirmed closer to launch, with expressions of interest now open ahead of December orders.