Key specifications
| Overall length | 5,115 mm |
|---|---|
| EV CLTC range | 800–900 km |
| PHEV electric CLTC | 350–400 km |
| Two cabin layouts | 5 or 6 seats |
The BYD Sealion 08 is the Ocean Series' large flagship SUV. Launched in China on 2 September 2026, it combines a 5.1-metre body with a choice of battery-electric EV, front-wheel-drive DM-i and all-wheel-drive DM-p powertrains.
Export buyer note: driving-range and equipment figures below are China-market references. CLTC and NEDC figures should not be treated as WLTP or real-world range, and equipment must be confirmed by VIN before purchase.
Body, dimensions and family packaging
- Overall size: 5,115 mm long, 1,999 mm wide and 1,800 mm high.
- Wheelbase: 3,030 mm, creating the proportions of a large three-row SUV.
- Five-seat layout: flat rear floor, two front zero-gravity seats and generous second-row knee room.
- Five-seat EV luggage space: a quoted 943-litre rear compartment plus a 201-litre powered front trunk.
- Six-seat layout: individual second-row seats, a central aisle for third-row access and more than 140 quoted seating combinations.
- Maximum six-seat cargo capacity: up to 1,173 litres with the rear rows folded.
- Practical storage: up to 53 storage locations and eight open accessory mounting points, depending on version.
Eight 2026 China-market versions
| Powertrain | Version | Seats | Drive |
|---|---|---|---|
| DM-i | 400 km Premium | 5 | FWD |
| DM-i | 400 km Premium | 6 | FWD |
| DM-p | 350 km AWD Flagship | 5 | AWD |
| DM-p | 350 km AWD Flagship | 6 | AWD |
| EV | 900 km Premium | 5 | RWD |
| EV | 900 km Premium | 6 | RWD |
| EV | 800 km AWD Flagship | 5 | AWD |
| EV | 800 km AWD Flagship | 6 | AWD |
EV or DM-i: which version fits the route?
Sealion 08 EV
- RWD: maximum quoted range of 900 km CLTC.
- AWD: 800 km CLTC with stronger traction and performance.
- Battery: second-generation Blade Battery.
- Best fit: markets with compatible high-power and dependable destination charging.
Sealion 08 DM-i / DM-p
- DM-i FWD: up to 400 km CLTC electric range.
- DM-p AWD: 350 km CLTC electric range.
- Combined range: up to 1,650 km claimed.
- Charge-sustaining consumption: 4.6 L/100 km NEDC claimed.
Chassis and manoeuvrability
- Front suspension: double wishbone.
- Rear suspension: multi-link.
- Air suspension: DiSus-A closed dual-chamber system with two-stage stiffness adjustment.
- Ride-height control: quoted 50 mm lift for poor surfaces and 50 mm lowering for easier access or loading.
- Rear-wheel steering: helps reduce the quoted turning radius to 4.95 m.
- Parking: automated and remote parking functions are listed for the China-market range.
Charging and energy systems
- Native flash-charging platform: BYD promotes 5-minute rapid replenishment and a 9-minute near-full charge under suitable proprietary infrastructure.
- Cold conditions: BYD claims only three additional minutes at −30°C under its stated test conditions.
- Export limitation: these figures depend on the installed connector, battery temperature, charger and grid power.
- Required check: confirm AC voltage/frequency, DC connector and charging curve for the exact VIN.
Cabin and comfort equipment
- Displays: 17.3-inch central screen paired with an embedded instrument display.
- Five-seat comfort: front zero-gravity seats with heating, ventilation, massage and powered leg support on relevant versions.
- Six-seat comfort: laterally adjustable second-row zero-gravity seats and a clear central aisle.
- Rear entertainment: up to a 21.4-inch overhead display.
- Audio: up to a 25-speaker system with Dolby Atmos, depending on trim.
- Trim warning: confirm every comfort feature against the build sheet; equipment is not identical across all eight versions.
Driver assistance and safety
- Driver assistance: God's Eye B package with LiDAR for the China-market specification.
- Parking assistance: automated and remote parking functions are listed.
- Battery safety: second-generation Blade Battery construction.
- Occupant protection: 11 airbags are stated across the range.
- Tyre-blowout control: iTBC is designed to help maintain stability after a sudden pressure loss.
- Regional limitation: ADAS functions, maps, data connectivity and legal availability can change outside China.
What an international buyer should confirm
- VIN-specific trim, battery, seating and optional equipment.
- Charge connector, voltage, frequency and fast-charge compatibility.
- Homologation, lighting, tyres, language and documentation for the destination.
- Connected services, navigation, mobile app and ADAS availability outside China.
- Warranty validity, spare-parts plan and after-sales support.
- Final EXW/FOB/CIF quotation and production date.
Verdict
The 2026 Sealion 08 is compelling because it does not force large-SUV buyers into one energy strategy. The EV suits charging-ready markets, while DM-i offers long electric commuting with petrol support for long routes. The correct export choice depends less on the largest headline range and more on local charging, homologation, serviceability and the exact VIN specification.
Sources used for this preview: Xinhua launch report and Autohome China-market version listing. Specifications remain subject to VIN and market confirmation.