BYD's new Sea Lion 08 flagship SUV for its Ocean series has pulled in more than 12,000 firm orders within 24 hours of its launch, according to NetEase Auto. The model, which anchors BYD's push into the premium segment under the Ocean brand, is offered in eight configurations: four battery-electric (BEV) and four plug-in hybrid (PHEV) versions, each available with either five or six seats and with rear- or all-wheel drive.
The Sea Lion 08 carries a Chinese guide price before taxes and incentives of 229,900 to 279,900 yuan (about $32,400 to $39,400). Unlike some rivals that use stripped-down base trims to advertise a low entry price, BYD says every version comes with a full suite of standard equipment, including the God's Eye B driver-assistance system with lidar, which supports urban and highway navigation-assisted driving and automated parking. Also standard are the YunNian-A closed dual-chamber air suspension, rear-wheel steering with up to 7 degrees of rear-wheel angle, and a turning radius of 4.95 meters (16.2 feet) despite a body length exceeding 5.1 meters (16.7 feet).
Powertrain choices: BEV or PHEV
The PHEV versions use BYD's fifth-generation DM technology, pairing a 1.5-liter turbocharged engine with an EHS hybrid system. The Honor Edition (two-wheel drive) offers a CLTC electric-only range of 400 km (about 249 miles), while the all-wheel-drive flagship version has 350 km (217 miles). Combined range with a full tank and full battery reaches up to 1,650 km (1,025 miles), and NEDC fuel consumption in depleted-battery mode is as low as 4.6 liters per 100 km (51 mpg).
The BEV versions come with BYD's second-generation Blade battery. The Honor Edition claims a CLTC range of 900 km (559 miles), while the all-wheel-drive flagship offers 800 km (497 miles). Note that CLTC figures are generally 15-20% more optimistic than WLTP, so real-world range will be lower. BYD says the 800-volt flash-charging platform can add enough energy for a full charge in about 9 minutes, and the BEV versions also gain a 201-liter front trunk.
For buyers, the choice hinges on usage: the PHEV suits those who frequently drive long distances and want fuel flexibility, while the BEV's long range and fast charging make it ideal for urban commuters with home charging.
Seating and trim levels
The five-seat versions target typical three- or four-person families, offering 943 liters of trunk space and dual zero-gravity front seats. The six-seat versions use a 2+2+2 layout with a center aisle, a claimed 89.2% cabin space efficiency, and a second-row right seat that can slide sideways. With the third row folded, cargo space expands to 1,173 liters. Six-seat versions also include a 21.4-inch rear ceiling screen and a 25-speaker Devialet audio system.
Pricing starts at 229,900 yuan for the 400 km five-seat Honor Edition (PHEV), while the 900 km five-seat Honor Edition (BEV) is 239,900 yuan. The top-spec 800 km six-seat all-wheel-drive flagship (BEV) costs 279,900 yuan. The all-wheel-drive versions add a dual-motor setup with a combined 585 kW (785 hp) in the BEV flagship, enabling a 0-100 km/h (0-62 mph) sprint in 3.9 seconds.
BYD is also offering launch-period incentives, including free upgrades worth up to 12,000 yuan for certain exterior and interior colors, 12 months of free flash charging, and a warranty covering the battery, motor, and electronic control for the first owner.
