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The hotly anticipated new plug-in hybrid large SUV from BYD has been spotted testing on Sydney roads ahead of its launch.
Family Cars
The BYD Sealion 8 will be the largest SUV in the brand's Australian fleet, due on sale in the first three months of next year – and Drive has spotted it testing on Australian roads.
Wrapped in camouflage, the prototype of the new large SUV was spotted twice – once parked, and once while on the move – equipped with a tow bar, with previous indications pointing to a braked tow rating for the Sealion 8 of up to two tonnes.
As with other BYD models spotted testing in the country, the pre-production Sealion 8 is right-hand drive, and according to the registration, has been on the road since August 13, 2025.
Australian buyers will be offered a choice of two plug-in hybrid systems – the front-wheel-drive DM-i (short for Intelligence), and all-wheel-drive DM-p (Performance).
The range-topping DM-p will see impressive outputs – at 341kW and 675Nm – thanks to a 110kW/220Nm 1.5-litre turbo four-cylinder petrol engine, a 200kW/315Nm front-mounted electric motor and a 141kW/360Nm rear electric motor, plus a 35.6kWh battery.
The lower trim DM-i sees the rear electric motor deleted, and a smaller 19kWh battery pack fitted. The DM-p and DM-i are claimed to be capable of 0-100km/h acceleration in 4.9 seconds and 8.6 seconds, respectively.
BYD in China claims up to 200km of electric-only driving range for the all-wheel-drive grade – under Chinese testing, less stringent than European protocols common in Australia – while a total 1200km hybrid range has been quoted.
Pricing has yet to be confirmed, with it likely to be announced later in the year.
Drive has speculated previously that it is likely to cost more than the $52,990 plus on-road costs Sealion 6 Premium AWD, and sit closer to the $55,990 to $63,990 Sealion 7 line-up.
Much is still to be solidified about the car’s specifications. Still, BYD Australia has confirmed local Sealion 8s will be available with heated, cooled and massaging seats in the first and second rows of all-wheel-drive models, while LED exterior lights will be fitted.
Based on the Tang L sold in China, the Sealion 8 will measure 5040mm long, 1996mm wide and 1970mm tall, on a 2950mm wheelbase, in line with a Kluger, Hyundai Palisade or CX-80.
Seven seats in a two-three-two configuration will be standard, with BYD China quoting up to 1950 litres of boot space with the second and third rows folded.
For more information on the car, you can read our previous story; otherwise, more information will be available in the coming months.
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Zane Dobie comes from a background of motorcycle journalism, working for notable titles such as Australian Motorcycle News Magazine, Just Bikes and BikeReview. Despite his fresh age, Zane brings a lifetime of racing and hands-on experience. His passion now resides on four wheels as an avid car collector, restorer, drift car pilot and weekend go-kart racer.
