Malaysians should start researching the BYD Sealion 8 PHEV as a possible purchase next year.
The Chinese government recently indicated that incentives for PHEVs with sub-100KM electric range would no longer qualify for NEV incentives. What this means for the rest of the world is that many Chinese brands will likely look to export these models in earnest. Some brands will focus on offloading lower range models as a soft form of ‘dumping’ but others will focus on scaling up the latest high range PHEV models.
We’re already starting to see signs of this in markets like Brazil and Mexico with the arrival of the Atto 8 PHEV there. However, for Malaysia, we should probably pay closer attention to the arrival of the closely related 7-seater Sealion 8 PHEV because this model is already being prepared for Right-Hand Drive markets like Australia and New Zealand early next year.
As a rebadged and localized version of the Chinese-market Tang L, the Sealion 8 is poised to become BYD’s new flagship, offering a high-tech alternative to the Toyota Kluger and Kia Sorento.
The RHD Bridge: From Australia to Malaysia
BYD Australia and New Zealand have confirmed that the model is built on the brand’s latest DM 5.0 (Dual Mode) hybrid platform, with order books opening in Australia as early as December 2025. The transition to RHD for the Australasian market typically serves as a direct precursor for the Malaysian market, where Sime Darby Motors has been aggressive in introducing BYD’s latest localized offerings.
Performance: The DM-p Hybrid Powerhouse
The Sealion 8 is not just another SUV; it is a performance-oriented flagship. In its most potent DM-p (Performance) variant, it features:
- Powertrain: A 1.5-litre turbocharged petrol engine paired with dual electric motors.
- Power Output: A combined system output of 359 kW (approx. 488 hp) and 675 Nm of torque.
- Acceleration: A blistering 0–100 km/h sprint in just 4.9 seconds.
- Electric Range: Equipped with a 35.6 kWh Blade Battery, the AWD models claim up to 152 km (NEDC) of pure electric driving, nearly double the range of most current plug-in hybrids.
Luxury and Interior: The “Ridge” Motif
Inside, the Sealion 8 moves away from the polarizing cabin of the Atto 3 in favor of a sophisticated “Ocean X” and “Ridge” design language.
- Seating: A true three-row, 7-seater layout (2+3+2) designed for larger families.
- Materials: Premium Nappa leather and sustainable bamboo-wood trim with three-dimensional cutouts.
- Tech Suite: A signature 15.6-inch rotating touchscreen, a 10.25-inch digital cluster, and an immersive 21-speaker sound system.
- Comfort: High-spec variants include massaging seats for both the first and second rows—a feature usually reserved for European luxury marques.
Practicality for the Family
Measuring 5,040 mm in length, the Sealion 8 offers a cavernous interior:
- Cargo Space: 270 litres with all seats up, expanding to 1,960 litres with the rear rows stowed.
- V2L Capability: Like other BYD models, it supports Vehicle-to-Load (4 kW), allowing it to power camping gear or outdoor appliances directly from the car’s battery.
While BYD Malaysia has yet to announce an official date, the timeline in Australia (launching Q1/Q2 2026) suggests that a late 2026 or early 2027 Malaysian launch is highly probable. With the Sealion 7 already making waves in the local market, the Sealion 8 would fill the “large family SUV” gap in BYD’s local lineup, likely coming in above RM200,000 as PHEV models don’t enjoy the same tax exemptions as EVs.
