BYD has just unveiled the new Sealion 08 at Auto China 2026. The Sealion 08—not to be confused with the Sealion 8—is a flagship full-size SUV that’s expected to come in both fully electric and plug-in hybrid options.
It boasts the second-generation LFP Blade battery, which can charge from 10% to 70% in five minutes and 10% to 97% in only nine minutes using BYD’s Flash Charging technology.
The Sealion 08 features a marine-themed front fascia in line with the brand’s Ocean series. It measures 5,115mm long, 1,999mm wide, and 1,800mm tall with a wheelbase of 3,030mm. Expect a spacious cabin as this full-size SUV will come in both five- and six-seater variants.
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Driving the wheels is a dual-motor AWD setup. Despite having AWD, the Sealion 08 comes equipped with a rear-wheel steering system, which provides a tight turning radius and better high-speed stability. The SUV rides on dual-chamber air suspension.
The fully electric version will have a power output of 643hp and a range of 900km. The PHEV, on the other hand, will have 400km of pure electric range. While the PHEV’s engine was not specified, the Seal 08 flagship sedan will have a 1.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine as part of its hybrid system, so we might expect a similar engine for the Sealion 08.
It’s too early to say if and when the BYD Sealion 08 will come to the Philippines. But if the Chinese automaker decides to bring this SUV to the global market, there’s a good chance we’ll see it in our local dealerships soon.
