2026 BYD Sealion 8 PHEV First Look & Drive | New 7-Seat Hybrid SUV Benchmark?

The 2026 BYD Sealion 8 PHEV has arrived in New Zealand, bringing a brand-new plug-in hybrid 3-row SUV to the market. In this first look and drive, we take a closer look at what could be one of the most advanced and powerful family SUVs in its segment. The Sealion 8 uses BYD’s latest DM 5.0 plug-in hybrid system with a 1.5-litre turbo petrol engine paired with electric motors. In AWD form, the system delivers up to 359kW and 675Nm, allowing this large 7-seat SUV to accelerate from 0-100km/h in just 4.9 seconds. With up to 152km of electric driving range and a combined driving range of over 1000km, the Sealion 8 aims to deliver both performance and long-distance efficiency. Inside, it features a 7-seat layout, BYD’s signature rotating 15.6-inch touchscreen, digital driver display, advanced driver assistance systems and family-focused practicality. But the big question is — does the new BYD Sealion 8 set a new benchmark for 3-row SUVs in New Zealand? 2026 BYD Sealion 8, BYD Sealion 8 NZ review, BYD Sealion 8 PHEV review, BYD Sealion 8 New Zealand, BYD Sealion 8 first drive, BYD Sealion 8 first look, BYD Sealion 8 7 seat SUV, BYD Sealion 8 plug in hybrid SUV, BYD Sealion 8 DM hybrid system, BYD Sealion 8 AWD performance, BYD Sealion 8 family SUV review, BYD Sealion 8 interior, BYD Sealion 8 POV drive, BYD Sealion 8 driving review, BYD Sealion 8 hybrid SUV review, BYD Sealion 8 electric range, BYD Sealion 8 NZ car review, BYD Sealion 8 Australia review, BYD Sealion 8 PHEV NZ, BYD Sealion 8 plug in hybrid SUV review, BYD Sealion 8 vs Toyota Kluger hybrid, BYD Sealion 8 vs Kia Sorento hybrid, BYD Sealion 8 vs Hyundai Santa Fe hybrid, BYD Sealion 8 3 row SUV review, new BYD SUV 2026 review, BYD Sealion 8 test drive New Zealand, BYD Sealion 8 plug in hybrid SUV Australia, BYD Sealion 8 DMi, Sealion 8 DMp, Sealion 8 Dynamic, Sealion 8 Premium AWD, Sealion 8 Top Spec, New Zealand. BYD Tang L, 比亚迪，比亚迪唐L DM，唐L DMp 0:00 Intro & Pricing in NZ 0:48 Exterior 2:34 Boot 3:12 Second Row & Third Row Space 5:22 Front Row & Interior 8:38 Charging 9:15 Driving Impressions