Driven NZ Gets Behind the Wheel of the BYD Sealion 8
Damien O’Carroll from Driven Car Guide NZ has published his first drive impressions of the new BYD Sealion 8, giving Kiwi motorists an early look at BYD’s largest and most premium SUV yet.
The seven-seat Sealion 8 sits at the top of BYD’s SUV range and represents a significant step up for the brand. Measuring more than five metres long with a three-metre wheelbase, it’s designed to compete directly with established large family SUVs rather than simply undercutting them on price.
Launched alongside the smaller BYD Sealion 5, the Sealion 8 enters the New Zealand market as a plug-in hybrid across the entire range. According to Driven’s review, the SUV will be available with two hybrid powertrains.
The entry-level Dynamic FWD uses BYD’s DM-i hybrid system, pairing a 1.5-litre petrol engine with an electric motor to deliver a combined 205kW and up to 103km of electric-only driving range (NEDC).
All-wheel-drive models step up to BYD’s more powerful DM-p performance hybrid system, adding a second electric motor and a larger battery for a combined output of 359kW and 675Nm, along with an electric-only range of up to 152km (NEDC).
Pricing in New Zealand starts at $74,990 for the Dynamic FWD, rising to $83,990 for the Dynamic AWD and $91,990 for the top-spec Premium AWD. That places the Sealion 8 in direct competition with large SUVs like the Mazda CX-80 and Mazda CX-90.
In its first drive, Driven notes the Sealion 8 delivers a composed and refined driving experience, with impressive ride comfort and a notably quiet hybrid powertrain that often feels closer to a fully electric vehicle than a traditional hybrid.
For the full first drive review, detailed impressions and specifications, read the original article from Driven Car Guide.
Ahead of its expected arrival in New Zealand, Mark Rainford from AutoTrader New Zealand has taken a closer look at the upcoming BYD Sealion 8, the brand’s largest and most luxurious electrified SUV yet.
While BYD has already established a strong presence locally with models like the BYD Sealion 6, AutoTrader notes that many of the vehicles currently sold here aren’t the company’s newest global offerings. The Sealion 8 is expected to change that, bringing a more advanced and upmarket option to the brand’s growing SUV lineup.
Known as the Tang L in China, the Sealion 8 is a full-size, three-row SUV designed to seat seven. At just over five metres long, it’s larger than several well-known family SUVs including the Toyota Highlander, Hyundai Palisade, and Kia EV9. Inside, that size translates to generous space in the first and second rows, while the third row is more suited to shorter trips or younger passengers.
The version expected for New Zealand uses BYD’s DM-p plug-in hybrid system. This setup combines a 1.5-litre turbocharged petrol engine with dual electric motors and a 35.6kWh Blade battery. Together they deliver around 400kW and 670Nm, with electric-only driving range claimed at up to 200km under the CLTC testing cycle.
According to AutoTrader, the Sealion 8 focuses strongly on comfort and refinement. The large SUV rides on adaptive suspension and independent front and rear setups, helping deliver a smooth and composed driving experience, even if driver engagement isn’t its main priority.
Inside, the cabin leans toward luxury, with large digital displays, massaging seats, premium audio and a long list of comfort features expected to be included depending on the final New Zealand specification.
AutoTrader’s verdict is that if the pricing lands in the right place, the Sealion 8 could become a compelling option in the large SUV market, combining strong performance, extended electric range and family-friendly practicality.
To read the full review and detailed impressions, see the original article from AutoTrader New Zealand.
