Source: BYD

BYD (HKG:1211) will debut two large-format flagship electric vehicles, the Seal 08 sedan and Sea Lion 08 SUV, in the first quarter of 2026, as the automaker expands its Ocean Network lineup into China’s high-end passenger vehicle segment.

The models were revealed through official and test-phase spy photos released in January 2026 by Ocean Network general manager Zhang Zhuo, who described the pair as the brand’s new “8 Series dual flagships.” The launch is intended to position Ocean Network products above the brand’s existing mid-size offerings and establish a presence in the large premium category.

Source: BYD

The Seal 08 is positioned as a large flagship sedan. Spy photos show an elongated body with a clean waistline and a roof profile that extends smoothly rearward from the B-pillar. Based on previously disclosed information, the vehicle is expected to exceed 5.1 meters (16.7 feet) in length, with a wheelbase of more than 3.0 meters (9.8 feet), placing it in the large executive sedan class.

Source: BYD

The Sea Lion 08 serves as the SUV counterpart. It adopts a more upright body structure with a squared stance, balanced by streamlined surface treatment intended to reduce visual mass. BYD has stated that the model will fill a gap in Ocean Network’s lineup, which currently lacks a large, high-end SUV offering.

Source: BYD

Earlier road-test images showed the Seal 08 alongside the Mercedes-Benz E-Class and the Sea Lion 08 next to the BMW X5. Reports noted that both BYD models appeared comparable in size and road presence to established competitors in their respective segments.

Source: BYD

Both vehicles are equipped with roof-mounted LiDAR sensors, indicating support for advanced driver assistance systems. BYD has not released full configuration details but has confirmed that the 8 Series will integrate the company’s higher-level intelligent driving technologies.

More recent spy photos suggest the Seal 08 and Sea Lion 08 are undergoing Megawatt Flash Charging pile adaptation tests, prompting industry speculation that both models will adopt BYD’s latest high-power fast-charging technology.

BYD has been accelerating the deployment of Megawatt Flash Charging stations across core cities and major highway networks, with parts of the charging infrastructure already in place.

BYD chairman Wang Chuanfu said at a shareholder meeting that slow charging performance in low-temperature environments remains a key user pain point. He stated that further technological breakthroughs are required and confirmed that major new technologies are forthcoming.

Against this backdrop, the two flagship models are widely expected to deliver a “fuel-electric parity” refueling experience, narrowing the gap between EV charging times and internal combustion refueling.

At Ocean Network’s fourth-anniversary user event, Zhang said the 8 Series would integrate BYD’s top-tier intelligent driving systems alongside a cockpit interface designed around human-centered interaction.

The Seal 08 and Sea Lion 08 are expected to compete in the 300,000–350,000 CNY price band, equivalent to approximately $43,100–$50,300.

BYD has not disclosed official pricing, specifications, or delivery schedules, stating only that both vehicles will debut in the first quarter of 2026.

With the 8 Series, BYD is extending Ocean Network into the large premium EV segment, using charging speed and intelligent systems as key competitive levers as the upper end of China’s EV market becomes more crowded.

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