A Smarter Choice Than Kluger? (BYD Sealion 8 2026 Review)

The most expensive and lavish model from BYD yet, the Sealion 8 seven-seat plug-in large SUV, has landed in Australian showrooms to take on the likes of the Toyota Kluger hybrid, the Kia Sorento PHEV and the just-launched Chery Tiggo 9 Super Hybrid. It’s priced from $56,990 in base single-motor Dynamic form but tops out at $70,990 list, or around $77K on road, for its ultimate big-battery, dual-motor Premium AWD variant we have here on test, which outputs 359kW and 675Nm. Boasts? 0-100km/h in just 4.9 seconds and up to 152 kilometres of claimed electric range according to its maker, or around a 1000kms using petrol and electricity combined. Space, packaging, tech, value for money and the all-important facets of how it drives are topics that Chasing Cars production editor Tom Place delves into with this first look at this stylish, Chinese-sourced, seven-seater plug-in family hauler. Time codes: 0:00 - Intro 1:37 - Variant line-up 2:35 - Efficiency and charging 3:04 - Interior 4:35 - Seating 6:09 - Row two 7:02 - Row three 7:46 - Boot space 9:18 - On road 10:28 - Suspension 11:26 - Performance 12:45 - Dynamics 13:36 - Verdict As always, we don’t accept advertising from car manufacturers, and we’re powered by Budget Direct. Subscribe now! https://www.youtube.com/user/ChasingCarsAustralia?sub_confirmation=1 Chasing Cars on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/chasingcarsaustralia/ Follow Chasing Cars on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chasingcars.com.au/ Chasing Cars is Australia's most independent source of new car reviews, car industry news, comparisons and car guides. We give you a critical look at every new car you should consider! Budget Direct Car Insurance is issued by Auto & General Insurance Company. See PDS & TMD at budgetdirect.com.au