Following a Leak
Off the back of the model being prematurely leaked before its prime time at the Beijing Motor Show, with 643 horsepower from pure battery power, it’s still enough to make an impact. Images of the EV SUV leaked ahead of time, but none showed the raw power (figures) that BYD was packing under the hood (floor).
That’s not all: not only will there be 643 horsepower under your right foot, but BYD is also claiming a range of 550 miles (900 kilometers) on a single charge.
BYD
Flagship Size, Features, and Power
BYD unveiled the Sealiion 08 at this year’s Auto China 2026. It serves as the flagship to the brand’s Ocean Series of models, which takes inspiration from the marine ecosphere. Other notable names include the other “lesser” Sealions, the Seagull, and the Seal. The Sealion 08 takes all of that and more, boasting massive dimensions coming in at 16.78 feet long, 6.55 feet wide, and 5.90 feet tall, and all on a wheelbase that’s almost ten feet in length — wheel to wheel. For context, that’s about the size of a Mercedes-Benz GLS, which is about a third of a foot longer than the BYD.
The interior of the Sealion 08 will come in two flavors, one with five seats and one with six seats. The six-seater will likely have two captain’s chairs down the middle and a pair of fold-out seats at the back, while the five-seater configuration will definitely adopt a standard bench for the middle row and no seats at the back. There also appears to be a “nub” on the roof, which suggests this model will include autonomous driving functionality.
Apart from that, the Sealion 08 will also use BYD’s latest dual-chamber air suspension technology, paired with the brand’s rear-wheel steering system. The all-electric SUV will also be all-wheel drive, and its highlights include a dual-motor setup and acceleration from 0 to 60 miles per hour in around 5 seconds. Equally as fast is the Flash Charging technology BYD installed in this SUV, which can charge the battery back up in five minutes with the right charger.
The battery technology in BYD’s new flagship is, without a doubt, top-of-the-line. Predictably, all the brand’s latest and greatest are present in this release. Thanks to the Blade 2.0 cell, we get a massive 550-mile range (BYD claims about 900 kilometers on a single charge).
The brand hasn’t revealed its battery capacity yet; however, reports indicate it’s rated at about 130.5 kWh, similar to the BYD Great Tang. The total combined power of the front and rear motors is 643 horsepower, which is by no means a slouch. It is competitive, however, given that other Chinese brands seem to be fitting their grocery getters with enough power to give sportscars are run for their money.
Over 600 Horsepower, Less than $50,000
This might be one of the most affordable ways (if you can buy it) to get an easy 600 horsepower in your garage. According to sources, the BYD Sealion 08 sells in China for just ¥300,000 CNY, which translates to about $44,000, give or take.
Considering the vehicle’s size and the features I assume will be next-level and plush, the Sealion 08 looks like a contender that will give other premium Chinese EV makers a run for their money. We could also perhaps see this vehicle get a Denza version.
Denza
