BYD Sealion 8 Dynamic 2026 review: snapshot

BYD's Sealion 8 is a full-sized family SUV with seating for seven and a plug-in hybrid powertrain.

In Dynamic trim, it's also available with either a single electric motor and front-wheel drive, or a twin-motor platform with all-wheel drive and greater performance. In front-drive form, the Sealion boasts 205kW of power and 315NM of torque, while the dual-motor Dynamic hikes those figures to 359kW and 675Nm, respectively. A 1.5-litre turbo-petrol engine operates mainly to charge the battery.

BYD claims the front-drive Sealion 8 can cover up to about 100km of pure EV running from its 19kWh battery, while the dual-motor's 35.6kWh battery stretches that to 152km. BYD also claims a recharge time from 30 to 80 per cent charged of less than 20 minutes in both cases.

Add CarsGuide as a preferred source in Google Search

Add CarsGuide as a preferred source in Google Search

Explore the 2026 BYD Sealion 8 Range

BYD Sealion 8 Premium 2026 review: snapshot BYD Sealion 8 Dynamic 2026 review: snapshot

With a fully charged battery and a full 60-litre fuel tank, BYD says the Sealion 8 in either form can cover more than 1000km between fill-ups/recharges.

The seating is laid out in a two-three-two format and luggage space with all seats occupied is a smallish 270 litres. That improves to 960 litres as a five-seater or 1960 litres with the second and third rows folded.

Safety is well looked after with all the usual driver aids including autonomous emergency braking an, lane-keeping assistance and rear-cross traffic alert and assistance. There's also a 360-degree camera system and tyre pressure monitoring. There are also nine airbags including a centre-front airbag.

The Sealion 8 carries BYD's six-year/150,000km warranty with eight years and 160,000km of cover for the EV battery. Servicing is every 20,000km or 12 months.

The Sealion 8 Dynamic front-wheel-drive costs $56,990, while the all-wheel-drive Dynamic arrives at $63,990, both before on-road costs.