BYD Sealion 6 DM-i and Sealion 7 Launch in Thailand

BYD Sealion 08 SUV Launch Set for September 2

BYD will officially launch the Sealion 08 SUV on September 2, introducing the flagship model of its Ocean lineup. Local automotive media outlet Auto Home reported the planned launch after the automaker recently disclosed the date through an official channel. BYD had not announced the launch plan on its social media channels as of publication. The SUV first debuted at the Beijing Auto Show on April 24, became available for pre-order on August 13, and is currently on public display at the 2026 Chengdu Auto Show.

Powertrain Options and Pricing

The Sealion 08 is offered with both DM-i plug-in hybrid and battery electric powertrains. According to information available through BYD's mobile app, the plug-in hybrid variants carry pre-sales prices ranging from 230,000 yuan ($33,900) to 260,000 yuan, while the electric versions are priced from 250,000 yuan to 280,000 yuan. The model is positioned as a mid-to-large-size SUV, measuring 5,115 mm in length, 1,999 mm in width and 1,800 mm in height, with a 3,030-mm wheelbase.

Flagship Technologies and Driving Systems

All Sealion 08 variants feature several of BYD's flagship technologies, including the second-generation Blade Battery, cell-to-body (CTB) integration, flash charging and the fifth-generation DM hybrid system. The EV version uses battery packs with capacities of 92.093 kWh and 115.072 kWh, delivering CLTC driving ranges of 710 kilometers, 800 kilometers and 900 kilometers. These configurations position the SUV across multiple range and performance requirements while combining electric propulsion with BYD's latest battery and vehicle integration technologies.

Hybrid Range and Performance Specifications

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. The single-motor EV variants deliver maximum outputs of 320 kW or 370 kW. The dual-motor EV configuration combines a 215-kW front motor with a 370-kW rear motor, while the single-motor plug-in hybrid version produces up to 200 kW.

Chassis, Suspension and Driver Assistance

The dual-motor plug-in hybrid configuration uses 200-kW motors at both the front and rear. Beyond its powertrain choices, the Sealion 08 includes rear-wheel steering, the DiSus-A intelligent body control system, dual-chamber air suspension and a road-preview system. The SUV also features the God's Eye 5.0 advanced driver-assistance system. These systems give the flagship model a broader technology package focused on handling, ride control, road-condition awareness and advanced driver assistance.

Second Flagship in the Ocean Lineup

The Sealion 08 is the second of two flagship models planned for BYD's Ocean lineup. Its sister model, the Seal 08 sedan, was launched on July 2 with a starting price of 196,900 yuan. The Sealion 08 therefore expands the Ocean portfolio with a larger SUV positioned alongside the sedan, while combining electric and plug-in hybrid propulsion. The broader product strategy gives BYD additional coverage across premium vehicle segments as it continues developing multiple flagship models.

Sealion Series Sales Continue to Grow

The BYD Sealion series has become one of the automaker's fastest-growing product lines. The series recorded 49,057 vehicle sales in July, representing a 54.14% year-over-year increase, according to data compiled by CnEVPost. The series sold 227,415 vehicles during the first seven months of the year, accounting for 10.21% of BYD Group's total sales. The performance provides a strong market backdrop for the launch of the Sealion 08 as BYD expands its Ocean lineup.

BYD Sealion Series Monthly Sales, 2024–2026

The monthly sales data show a substantial increase in the Sealion series during 2025 and 2026. Sales reached 13,780 vehicles in January 2026 and remained above 13,000 units in February before accelerating sharply from March onward. The series recorded 23,354 units in March, 37,352 in April, 42,615 in May, 47,624 in June and 49,057 in July. The available 2024 and 2025 figures provide additional historical context for the progression of the product line.

Source: CAPA compilation based on the sales data provided in the source article. Period: January 2024–July 2026 for the available monthly observations. The chart presents the reported values without estimating or filling missing months.

BYD's Four-Model Flagship Strategy

BYD is reshaping its premium product portfolio around four flagship models. Alongside the Seal 08 sedan and Sealion 08 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 broadens BYD's flagship coverage across different vehicle body styles and lineups. The Sealion 08 adds another large SUV to this portfolio while extending the Ocean lineup's product presence in higher-value segments.

Frequently Asked Questions

When will BYD launch the Sealion 08 SUV?
The BYD Sealion 08 SUV is scheduled to officially launch on September 2. The model debuted at the Beijing Auto Show on April 24 and became available for pre-order on August 13. It is also being displayed at the 2026 Chengdu Auto Show. The SUV will be offered with both battery electric and DM-i plug-in hybrid powertrains, giving buyers multiple propulsion configurations and driving-range choices within the same flagship Ocean lineup model.

What powertrains will the Sealion 08 offer?
The Sealion 08 will be available with battery electric and DM-i plug-in hybrid powertrains. The EV versions use 92.093-kWh and 115.072-kWh battery packs and offer CLTC ranges of 710 kilometers, 800 kilometers and 900 kilometers. The plug-in hybrid version uses a dedicated 1.5-liter turbocharged engine with a maximum output of 115 kW and offers WLTC battery-only ranges of 275 kilometers and 300 kilometers, with a CLTC battery-only range of up to 400 kilometers.

How much does the Sealion 08 cost?
According to BYD's mobile app, the Sealion 08 plug-in hybrid variants have pre-sales prices ranging from 230,000 yuan ($33,900) to 260,000 yuan. The battery electric variants are priced from 250,000 yuan to 280,000 yuan. These are pre-sales prices reported before the official launch, while the SUV is positioned as a mid-to-large-size flagship model within BYD's Ocean lineup and includes advanced battery, charging, chassis and driver-assistance technologies.