BYD Sealion 08 display vehicle shown at a dealership ahead of its expected July launch. Credit: BYD Fans Understand China EV’s Market Real-time notifications when critical EV data is released All important data in one place 2,000,000+ data points Become a member The BYD Sealion 08 has begun arriving at dealerships across multiple Chinese cities ahead of its anticipated July 2026 launch. The model is one of BYD’s flagship products for its Ocean Network and is part of the broader Ocean 8 series, announced at the Beijing Auto Show in April. The rollout is scheduled to continue through the second quarter and into the early third quarter of 2026. Full-size SUV expands BYD’s flagship lineup Dealer display vehicles provide one of the clearest looks yet at the production-spec Sealion 08. The SUV measures 5,020 mm in length, 1,995 mm in width and 1,760 mm in height, with a wheelbase of 3,030 mm. Five-seat and six-seat layouts will be available. The model adopts BYD’s latest Ocean Aesthetics design language and occupies a similar position within the Ocean Network as the Tang family does within the Dynasty Network. However, BYD’s SUV lineup has recently expanded with the introduction of the Great Tang, scheduled to launch on June 17. At 5,263 mm long with a 3,130 mm wheelbase, the Great Tang sits above the Sealion 08 and becomes BYD’s largest mainstream SUV. The two vehicles will serve as parallel flagships for BYD’s Dynasty and Ocean sales networks, reflecting the company’s long-standing dual-network strategy. BYD first previewed the Sealion 08 alongside the Seal 08 in December 2025 before officially revealing the model at the Beijing Auto Show in April. Subsequent regulatory filings confirmed both plug-in hybrid and battery-electric variants. Dual powertrain strategy emphasises range and performance The Sealion 08 will launch with both a DM plug-in hybrid and a battery-electric powertrain. Previously disclosed information showed that the plug-in hybrid version can deliver up to 400 km of CLTC electric-only range, one of the highest figures announced to date for a production PHEV from BYD. The combined driving range reaches up to 900 km on selected configurations. The battery-electric lineup will be offered with multiple motor configurations. The flagship dual-motor all-wheel-drive version produces a combined 585 kW (784 hp). The broad powertrain portfolio enables BYD to meet diverse customer requirements. The long electric range of the PHEV version focuses on reducing fuel consumption during daily driving, while the high-output dual-motor electric model targets buyers seeking stronger acceleration and performance. Premium chassis technologies expected Information circulating from dealership displays suggests the Sealion 08 could receive several flagship-level technologies. Reported features include BYD’s DiSus-A intelligent air body control system, dual-chamber air suspension, rear-wheel steering and advanced intelligent driving functions. Air suspension systems can continuously adjust vehicle ride height and damping characteristics according to driving conditions, while rear-wheel steering improves manoeuvrability at lower speeds and enhances stability during high-speed lane changes. Together, these systems would position the Sealion 08 among the most technologically advanced models in BYD’s Ocean Network portfolio. BYD has not yet officially confirmed the final equipment specifications. Ocean Network continues moving upscale The Sealion 08 arrives as BYD expands the Ocean Network into larger and more premium vehicle segments. A useful indicator of the brand’s recent momentum is the Sealion 06. The SUV recorded domestic retail sales of 19,649 units in April 2026, up from 18,237 units in March and accounting for 13.1% of BYD brand sales during the month, according to China EV DataTracker. The Sealion 08 adopts BYD’s latest Ocean Aesthetics design language.