BYD Sealion 08 Launch Set for September 2

BYD will officially launch the Sealion 08 SUV on September 2, introducing the flagship model of the new energy vehicle maker's Ocean lineup. The model made its public debut at the Beijing Auto Show on April 24 and opened for pre-orders on August 13. It is also being displayed at the ongoing 2026 Chengdu Auto Show. Local automotive media outlet Auto Home reported the planned launch date after the automaker disclosed it through an official channel, although the launch had not appeared on the company's social media channels as of the report's publication.

EV and DM-i Powertrain Options

The SUV will be offered in both DM-i plug-in hybrid and battery electric configurations. According to information from BYD's mobile app, the plug-in hybrid variants have pre-sale prices ranging from 230,000 yuan ($33,900) to 260,000 yuan, while the electric variants are priced from 250,000 yuan to 280,000 yuan. Positioned as a mid-to-large-size SUV, the model measures 5,115 mm in length, 1,999 mm in width and 1,800 mm in height, with a 3,030 mm wheelbase.

Flagship Battery and Vehicle Technologies

All variants incorporate the automaker's flagship technologies, including the second-generation Blade Battery, cell-to-body integration, flash charging and the fifth-generation DM hybrid system. The EV version offers 92.093 kWh and 115.072 kWh battery packs, with CLTC driving ranges of 710 kilometers, 800 kilometers and 900 kilometers. These specifications position the electric variants toward buyers seeking a combination of large-SUV dimensions, high power output and extended driving range within the premium new energy vehicle segment.

Performance and Chassis Systems

The plug-in hybrid version uses a dedicated 1.5-liter turbocharged engine with a maximum output of 115 kW. It provides WLTC battery-only ranges of 275 kilometers and 300 kilometers, while its CLTC battery-only range reaches up to 400 kilometers. Single-motor electric variants deliver maximum outputs of 320 kW or 370 kW, while the dual-motor EV combines a 215-kW front motor with a 370-kW rear motor. The single-motor plug-in hybrid produces up to 200 kW, while its dual-motor version uses 200-kW motors at both axles.

Advanced Driver Assistance and Vehicle Control

The new SUV is equipped with rear-wheel steering, the DiSus-A intelligent body control system, dual-chamber air suspension and a road-preview system. It also features the God's Eye 5.0 advanced driver-assistance system. Together, these systems broaden the model's technology package beyond its electric and hybrid powertrains, with the chassis and driver-assistance features designed to support vehicle control, ride performance and advanced driving functions. The combination reinforces its position as one of the flagship models in the Ocean product portfolio.

Sealion Series Continues Rapid Sales Growth

The Sealion 08 is the second of two flagship models in the Ocean lineup. Its sister model, the Seal 08 sedan, launched on July 2 with a starting price of 196,900 yuan. The broader Sealion series has become one of the fastest-growing product lines of BYD Company Limited. The series sold 49,057 vehicles in July, representing 54.14% year-over-year growth. The series reached 227,415 vehicles during the first seven months of the year, equivalent to 10.21% of BYD Group's total sales.

BYD Sealion Series Monthly Sales, 2024–2026

The available monthly sales data shows sustained expansion in the Sealion series through the first seven months of 2026. Sales increased from 13,780 vehicles in January to 49,057 vehicles in July, while the comparable 2025 figures rose from 8,334 vehicles in January to 31,827 vehicles in July. The dataset also shows substantial monthly volumes during the second half of 2025, including 54,955 vehicles in November. The chart below presents the reported monthly figures without estimating months for which the source dataset provides no value.

The sales trajectory is particularly notable when comparing the first seven months of 2026 with the corresponding period in 2025. Monthly volume remained above the prior-year level throughout the reported 2026 period, reaching 49,057 vehicles in July compared with 31,827 vehicles in July 2025. The progression also accelerated after March, with monthly sales rising to 37,352 vehicles in April, 42,615 in May, 47,624 in June and 49,057 in July. The data indicates stronger momentum for the product series ahead of the new flagship SUV launch.

Flagship Expansion Across BYD's Premium Portfolio

The new SUV forms part of a broader effort by BYD Company Limited to reshape its premium product portfolio around four flagship models. Alongside the Seal 08 and the new SUV, the Dynasty lineup includes the Da Tang SUV, which launched in June, and the Da Han sedan, which opened for pre-sales on August 21. The strategy expands the company's flagship offerings across different vehicle formats while maintaining a focus on new energy powertrains and advanced vehicle technologies. The broader lineup also gives the company additional products for higher-priced market segments.

Market Positioning and Launch Outlook

The launch places the new SUV at the intersection of BYD's Ocean product expansion, premium vehicle strategy and growing sales momentum in the Sealion series. Its combination of battery electric and plug-in hybrid powertrains provides different propulsion choices, while the large battery options, long CLTC ranges, high-output motors and advanced chassis systems broaden its technical proposition. The model's launch on September 2 will establish its official pricing and final configuration details following the August pre-sale announcement. Its performance will also provide an early indication of how effectively the expanding flagship portfolio can build on the Sealion series' existing sales growth.

Frequently Asked Questions

When will the BYD Sealion 08 officially launch?
The SUV is scheduled for its official launch on September 2 after making its public debut at the Beijing Auto Show in April 2026. It opened for pre-orders on August 13 and is being displayed at the 2026 Chengdu Auto Show. The model will be offered with both battery electric and DM-i plug-in hybrid powertrains, with pre-sale pricing ranging from 230,000 yuan to 280,000 yuan depending on configuration and propulsion system. Final launch details are expected to confirm the production specifications and official pricing for customers.

What powertrain and range options does the new SUV offer?

The SUV offers battery electric and DM-i plug-in hybrid powertrains with different performance and driving-range configurations. The EV version uses 92.093 kWh and 115.072 kWh battery packs and provides CLTC ranges of 710 kilometers, 800 kilometers and 900 kilometers. The plug-in hybrid version uses a 1.5-liter turbocharged engine with a maximum output of 115 kW and offers WLTC battery-only ranges of 275 kilometers and 300 kilometers, plus a CLTC battery-only range of up to 400 kilometers. Electric motor outputs reach 370 kW in selected configurations.