Up to 900 km of range, starting at 29,500 euros, and fast charging in 9 minutes: the BYD Sealion 08 dominates upon its market launch

The new BYD Sealion 08 has just entered the Chinese market and is already showing it belongs in a high-class segment. The brand’s SUV received over 12,000 firm orders within its first 24 hours on sale.

The BYD Sealion 08 is available in China in eight different configurations, with prices starting at 229,900 yuan, which is around 29,500 euros at current exchange rates, and going up to 279,900 yuan, approximately 35,900 euros. These are particularly competitive prices for an SUV of this size and technological level, though they obviously don’t yet indicate what its price would be if it were to enter the European market someday.

The exterior design follows the evolution of the style BYD is applying to its Ocean series, drawing inspiration from the Ocean S prototype. At the front, the split headlights stand out, with a horizontal light bar running across them, while the ends of the bumper feature aerodynamic channels. A lidar sensor is also mounted on the roof, integrated into the system suite designed to enhance driving assistance features.

Inside, the BYD Sealion 08 features the Ocean Aesthetics 2.0 design philosophy. The cabin combines light beige tones with padded surfaces and carefully selected materials, along with decorative trim in an abalone-inspired finish, adjustable ambient lighting, and oval-shaped air vents. The overall design aims to draw more from high-end SUVs rather than from a model designed solely to compete on price.

All versions come standard with the God’s Eye B driving assistance system, including the God’s Eye 5.0 platform. BYD combines automated parking functions with urban navigation assistance in this model, while the technological features can be enhanced by elements such as dual-chamber air suspension, DiSus-A intelligent body control, and rear-wheel steering.

Two options for the BYD Sealion 08: up to 900 km of range and truly fast charging

The mechanical lineup of the BYD Sealion 08 is divided into plug-in hybrid versions and electric models.

In the case of the BYD Sealion 08 electric vehicle, the range is divided into single-motor and dual-motor versions. The models with a single motor can deliver 320 kW (429 HP) or 370 kW (496 HP), while the dual-motor version combines a front motor of 215 kW (288 HP) with a rear motor of 370 kW (496 HP). On paper, this makes it an SUV with very impressive performance.

The most notable aspect is the battery. BYD offers two battery packs, with capacities of 92 kWh and 115 kWh respectively. Depending on the chosen configuration, the certified range in China reaches up to 800 or 900 kilometers according to the CLTC cycle.

But if there is one feature that can make a difference, it’s fast charging. The BYD Sealion 08 features the company’s fast charging technology, and under optimal conditions, it can achieve 80% charge in just six minutes and complete charging in about nine minutes. This figure, if confirmed under real-world conditions with the right infrastructure, would place this model among the cars with the fastest charging times on the market.

The BYD Sealion 08 enters the Chinese market with a combination that is hard to ignore: multiple propulsion systems, up to six seats, advanced technology features, high-capacity batteries, and fast charging capabilities that directly address the main drawback many electric car buyers still face. All of this comes at a starting price that, when converted to euros, is below 30,000 euros in China.

For now, BYD has not confirmed its arrival in Europe with this information, although its design and features seem well-suited for the electric F-SUV market, where its ultra-fast charging advantage could make a significant difference.