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BYD has introduced its first three-row large SUV to rival the Toyota Kluger and Hyundai Santa Fe, with a plug-in hybrid powertrain.
BYD Australia has avoided a price war with Australia's cheapest seven-seat PHEV, the Chery Tiggo 8, but positioning its new 2026 Sealion 8 large SUV further upstream.
Priced from $56,990 plus on-road costs for the entry-level Sealion 8 Dynamic FWD, the Sealion 8 – BYD's first seven-seat model – will be more expensive than the Chery Tiggo 8 that starts from $45,990 drive-away.
The plug-in hybrid Sealion 8 will be available in Australia in three model grades: the Dynamic FWD with 103km of claimed EV-only range, the Dynamic AWD, which adds a second electric motor and bigger battery with a 152km EV range, and the better-equipped Premium AWD with the same drivetrain and range.
Pricing tops out at $70,990 plus on-road costs for the Sealion 8 Premium AWD, on par with the mid-spec Kluger GXL hybrid AWD from $71,930 plus on-road costs.
All variants are powered by a 1.5-litre four-cylinder turbo petrol engine producing 110kW and 220Nm, with a front electric motor producing 200kW/315Nm.
The Dynamic AWD and Premium AWD add a second electric motor for the rear axle, rated at 200kW/360Nm.
The two-wheel drive Sealion 8 has a claimed combined output of 205kW/315Nm, while the all-wheel drive models have a combined 359kW/675Nm output.
Other driveline-related changes include 20-inch wheels and Hankook tyres on the two-wheel drive, frequency selective dampers, and four drive modes (Eco, Normal, Sport, Snow) versus 21-inch wheels with Goodyear tyres, adaptive damper control, additional Mud and Sand drive modes, plus front and rear perforated brake discs on the all-wheel drive.
The 19.0-kilowatt-hour battery of the Sealion 8 Dynamic FWD has a maximum 40kW DC charge rate, while the larger 35.6kWh unit in the AWD models can fast-charge at up to 74kW on a compatible charger, with an 11kW AC charging peak for both battery capacities.
Fuel consumption for the FWD is rated at 1.1L/100km with a full charge and 5.3L/100km with a state of charge below 25 per cent, while the AWD claims 1.0L/100km when charged and 6.3L/100km with a state of charge below 25 per cent.
Standard equipment included across all three grades includes a 15.6-ich infotainment system with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, FM/AM/DAB radio10.25-inch digital driver’s display, 50W wireless charging, full LED head and tail-lights, panoramic sunroof with electric shade, and powered tailgate.
All grades also include power-adjustable front seats with front seat heating and ventilation, and four-way manual adjustment of the second row.
The Dynamic grades come with features like synthetic leather upholstery, 10-speaker stereo, and power-folding mirrors.
The Premium upgrades further with leather upholstery, 21-speaker audio, memory recall and reverse dipping for the exterior mirrors, plus additional features like a 26-inch head-up display, heated steering wheel, front seat memory and massage, heated and ventilated second row seats (outboard), and multi-coloured ambient interior lighting.
The Sealion 8 will be available in Aurora White at no extra cost, or Ridge Grey, Cosmos Black, and Dark Aquamarine as a $1500 option.
The Sealion 8, at 5040mm long, falls at the larger end of Australia’s large SUV class, 74mm longer than a Toyota Kluger, but 20mm shorter overall than the new Hyundai Palisade, with a 2950mm wheelbase that’s also 20mm less than that of the Palisade.
All versions will be equipped with seven seats in a 2+3+2 layout and black interior trim.
2026 BYD Sealion 8 price in Australia
Note: All prices above exclude on-road costs.
2026 BYD Sealion 8 Dynamic standard features:
2026 BYD Sealion 8 Dynamic AWD adds (over Dynamic FWD):
2026 BYD Sealion 8 Premium AWD adds (over Dynamic AWD):
Kez Casey migrated from behind spare parts counters to writing about cars over ten years ago. Raised by a family of automotive workers, Kez grew up in workshops and panel shops before making the switch to reviews and road tests for The Motor Report, Drive and CarAdvice.
