BYD Sealion 8: Hybrid Seven Seater SUV Shakes Up the Family Market in the UAE

BYDEgypt BYDKSA BYDUAE BYDKuwait BYDQatar BYDOman BYDBahrain BYD continues to expand in the family SUV segment with the all new Sealion 8, positioning itself as a top choice for anyone seeking a spacious, practical hybrid SUV in the UAE. The Sealion 8 stands out with its contemporary design and advanced Chinese technology, paired with a competitive expected price. This places it in direct competition with models like the Kia SorentoUAE Kia SorentoKSA Kia SorentoBahrain Kia SorentoQatar Kia SorentoEgypt Kia SorentoKuwait Kia SorentoOman Kia Sorento Hybrid and MazdaUAE MazdaKSA MazdaQatar MazdaKuwait MazdaBahrain MazdaEgypt MazdaOman Mazda CX-80, making it a strong contender for families looking for modern features and an enjoyable, fuel efficient driving experience.

Contemporary Design and Spacious Cabin for Large Families

The Sealion 8 adopts the Long Face design philosophy inspired by Chinese aesthetics, presenting a sleek front end and a commanding road presence. With an overall length of around 5.04 meters and a wheelbase close to 3 meters, the SUV provides three rows of seats and generous storage spaces to meet all family needs.

• Length: 5.04 meters

• Width: nearly 2 meters

• Height: 1.76 meters

• Wheelbase: about 2.9 meters

Trunk capacity:

• 675 liters with all seats up

• 960 liters with the third row folded

• 1960 liters with both the second and third rows folded

The exterior features are enhanced by slim bamboo inspired LED lights at the front and rear, subtle chrome touches for a refined feel, and large wheel options that add a sporty character. This makes the Sealion 8 an ideal choice for those wanting a car that reflects a modern lifestyle and social status, whether in the city or on weekend getaways.

Seagull 8 Cabin: Where Luxury Meets Practicality

BYD designed the Seagull 8 cabin to blend premium comfort with everyday usability, drawing inspiration from upscale Asian vehicles. The interior stands out with soft touch materials, elegant stitching across the dashboard and doors, and bamboo accents on select trims.

• Seven seats spread across three rows

• Third row fits adults for short city trips, ideal for kids and teens on longer journeys

• Multiple storage spaces for all driver and passenger needs

• Cleverly placed air vents, cup holders, and phone slots

• Large panoramic sunroof adds spaciousness and natural light

BYD elevates the in cabin experience with a rotating 15.6 inch center screen, a 12.3 inch digital cluster, an augmented reality head up display, surround sound from Dynaudio, wireless phone charger, multiple USB-C ports, and a built in fragrance diffuser for a touch of luxury that rivals high end cars.

Advanced Hybrid Powertrain and Class Leading Performance

Seagull 8 features BYD’s latest DM-i and DM-p hybrid systems, providing daily flexibility and impressive performance. Built on the modern 5.0 platform, the SUV supports both plug-in hybrid and fully electric versions.

• 1.5 liter gasoline engine producing 148 hp and 220 Nm torque

• Front electric motor (DM-i) with 268 hp and 315 Nm torque

• 0 to 100 km/h in just 8.6 seconds

• All wheel drive option (DM-p) with rear electric motor, total output of 536 hp and 670 Nm torque

• 0 to 100 km/h in only 4.9 seconds

• Blade lithium iron phosphate batteries for long life and high safety

• 19 kWh battery in DM-i and 35.6 kWh battery in DM-p

• Electric only range up to 150 km

• Hybrid fuel efficiency about 5.6 liters per 100 km

These systems let drivers handle daily commutes in Dubai or Abu Dhabi on pure electric power with overnight charging, while the gasoline engine adds the flexibility for long distance trips without worrying about charging infrastructure, perfectly matching the needs of modern families in the UAE.

Advanced Safety and Luxury Features for the GCC Driver

The BYD Sealion 8 comes equipped with the D-Pilot 300 advanced driver assistance package, ensuring comprehensive protection and a secure driving experience for both the driver and the family in every situation.

• Lidar sensor, five radars, twelve ultrasonic sensors, and twelve cameras

• Adaptive cruise control

• Lane keeping assist

• Blind spot monitoring

• Automatic emergency braking

• 360 degree surround cameras

These features meet the needs of GCC drivers looking to move from traditional gasoline vehicles to advanced hybrid options, without giving up the comfort and luxury found in premium models, and without paying a premium price.

Competitive Pricing and Real Value in the SUV Market

The BYD Sealion 8 is expected to launch in the UAE with a starting price around 187,000 AED, making it a strong competitor among large hybrid SUVs with seven seats. The car delivers a complete driving experience that combines powerful performance, fuel efficiency, advanced technology, and spacious interiors, making it an ideal choice for families seeking modern and more sustainable mobility solutions across the GCC.