BYD Sealion 08 launches in China with EV and PHEV powertrains, from RM 138k

BYD has launched the Sealion 08 in China, with prices starting at RMB 229,900 (~RM 138k) for the PHEV and RMB 239,900 (~RM 144k) for the EV.

The new Ocean Series SUV gets BYD's latest God's Eye B (DiPilot 300) driver assistance system, along with a choice of electric and plug-in hybrid powertrains. The PHEV can travel up to 1,650 km on a full tank and battery under the CLTC cycle, while the EV offers up to 900 km of CLTC range.

Ocean Series styling

The Sealion 08 takes its styling from the Ocean S concept, although the production version is a little more restrained.

Up front, there are split headlights with a slim light bar running across the nose, while the lower bumper gets a pair of sculpted air channels. A LiDAR unit is mounted on the roof, and the blue driver-assistance indicator is built into the door mirrors.

The rest of the design is fairly clean, with a floating roof and flush door handles.

Inside the cabin

The Ocean theme continues inside with the brand's Ocean Aesthetics 2.0 design. The cabin uses a light beige colour scheme, with leather and soft-touch materials covering much of the seats, dashboard and doors.

Mother-of-pearl-style trim is used across the dashboard and door panels, alongside a full-width adjustable ambient light strip and oval chrome air vents.

The centre console keeps things simple, with a large floating touchscreen, digital instrument display and a three-spoke multi-function steering wheel.

BYD has retained a handful of physical buttons, which should make some functions easier to operate without taking your eyes off the road.

There is also extra sound insulation and a premium audio system aimed at keeping the cabin quieter.

Five or six seats

Buyers can choose between five- and six-seat layouts.

The six-seat version replaces the usual second-row bench with two individual captain's chairs, each with electric adjustment, armrests and leg rests. The seats are heavily perforated to improve ventilation.

A gap between the two second-row seats gives passengers a clear route to the third row. A large roof-mounted screen provides entertainment for rear passengers.

PHEV and EV powertrains

The PHEV uses BYD's fifth-generation DM technology, combining a 1.5-litre turbocharged engine producing 115 kW with either one or two electric motors.

The single-motor version has a 200 kW motor, while the dual-motor model gets 200 kW motors front and rear.

Electric range is rated at up to 400 km under CLTC, with total range reaching 1,650 km. BYD quotes fuel consumption of 4.6 litres/100km with the battery depleted.

The EV comes with either a single motor or dual-motor all-wheel drive. Single-motor versions produce 320 kW or 370 kW, while the dual-motor model combines a 215 kW front motor with a 370 kW rear motor.

Battery choices are 92.093 kWh and 115.072 kWh, giving up to 800 km and 900 km of CLTC range respectively.

Fast charging and chassis tech

BYD says the Sealion 08 can add useful range in five minutes, and a full charge takes as little as nine minutes under ideal conditions.

The company plans to build 20,000 flash-charging stations in China, and buyers will get 12 months of complimentary flash-charging access.

Additionally, the SUV also gets DiSus-A intelligent body control system, dual-chamber air suspension with road-preview technology and rear-wheel steering.

BYD Sealion 08 prices in China:

PHEV: RMB 229,900 - RMB 269,900 (approx. RM 138k - RM 162k)
EV: RMB 239,900 - RMB 279,900 (approx. RM 144k - RM168k)