Gasgoo Munich- BYD has officially announced that the Sea Lion 08, a flagship SUV under its Ocean series, will make its global debut at the 2026 Beijing Auto Show. Spanning over 5 meters in length with a wheelbase exceeding 3 meters, this mid-to-large SUV targets the booming premium family market for six- and seven-seaters. The goal: leverage superior technology to break into the 300,000 yuan new-energy SUV segment.
Image source: BYD
Visually, the Sea Lion 08 adopts the latest "Ocean Aesthetics" language. The front fascia features a signature silver trim strip paired with split headlights, while a roof-mounted "watchtower" layout houses a LiDAR sensor. Combined with flush door handles and smooth, sculpted body lines, the design balances aerodynamics with visual tension.
Under the hood, the Sea Lion 08 is expected to offer both pure electric (EV) and DM-i super hybrid variants. The EV version rides on the e-Platform 3.0 Evo architecture, equipped with a second-generation Blade Battery and new flash-charging technology. Its CLTC combined range is poised to exceed 1,000 km, while the four-wheel-drive version could deliver over 480 kW of maximum power, pushing the 0-100 km/h sprint into the five-second bracket. The DM-i hybrid variant, meanwhile, utilizes the fifth-generation super hybrid system, boasting fuel consumption as low as 3.5 liters per 100 km even with a depleted battery.
Image source: BYD
To mitigate the bulk of its large frame during tight maneuvers, the new model features rear-wheel steering. At low speeds, the rear wheels can counter-steer by up to 10.5 degrees, significantly tightening the turning radius. It is also expected to come equipped with the DiSus-A dual-chamber air suspension and the "God’s Eye B" (DiPilot 300) advanced intelligent driving system, supporting navigation assistance on both urban streets and highways.
In terms of product lineup, the Sea Lion 08 will join the Seal 08 sedan to form an "8 Series dual flagship," working alongside the Dynasty network’s Tang to create a high-end surround. Facing competitors like the Li Auto L series in the fiercely contested 200,000 to 300,000 yuan mid-to-large SUV market, the Sea Lion 08 is poised to become a centerpiece of the 2026 Beijing Auto Show. It draws on a deep "technology pool" of advantages, including rear-wheel steering, flash charging, and advanced intelligent driving capabilities.
