BYD has confirmed the Sealion 5 and Sealion 8 plug-in hybrid SUVs for Australian release in early 2026, expanding its local range to include larger and more versatile hybrid options. The two models will join the existing Sealion 6 and Sealion 7 SUVs, as well as the Atto 3, Dolphin, and Seal.

The Sealion 5 is a mid-size SUV equipped with BYD’s DM-i hybrid system, combining a 74kW petrol engine with a 120kW electric motor for a total system output of 173kW.

Power is stored in an 18.3kWh lithium iron phosphate (LFP) blade battery, which delivers up to 115km of electric-only driving under China’s CLTC test cycle. A smaller 75km electric-range version is also offered overseas, with a total combined range of approximately 1300km.

Sitting above it, the Sealion 8 will serve as BYD’s largest SUV in Australia and feature two plug-in hybrid variants. The front-wheel-drive DM-i version will use a 19kWh battery, while the all-wheel-drive DM-p model will pair a 1.5-litre turbo petrol engine with dual electric motors for combined outputs of 341kW and 675Nm.

BYD claims acceleration times of 4.9 seconds for the DM-p and 8.6 seconds for the DM-i, with up to 200km of electric-only driving range on the CLTC cycle.

BYD Australia COO Stephen Collins said the brand’s rapid expansion highlights its focus on offering a wider selection of new energy vehicles to Australian buyers. “With our growing mix of PHEVs and pure EVs, what it proves is that BYD is committed to providing Australian consumers with choice,” he said.

The Sealion 5 and Sealion 8 are expected to enter local showrooms following the launches of the Atto 1 and Atto 2 later this year. Pricing and final Australian specifications will be confirmed closer to launch.