BYD Hai Shi 08 Launch: Starting at ¥229,900, Full-Width Air Suspension and Rear-Wheel Steering Standard Across All Trims

On September 2, BYD unveiled its large tech flagship SUV — the Sealion 08 — with an official recommended retail price ranging from ¥229,900 to ¥279,900. The new model is offered in both plug-in hybrid (PHEV) and battery electric (BEV) variants, spanning five- and six-seat configurations and front-wheel-drive (FWD) or all-wheel-drive (AWD) layouts, for a total of eight trim levels.

As Ocean Network's strategic flagship for penetrating the premium segment, the Sealion 08 makes several high-end features standard across all trims — including the DiSus-A closed dual-chamber air suspension, rear-wheel steering system, native fast-charging platform, and the 'God's Eye B' LiDAR-equipped driver-assistance system — demonstrating unprecedented technology democratization within the ¥250,000 large-SUV segment.

Underpinning the vehicle is a front double-wishbone and rear five-link independent suspension setup, with the DiSus-A air suspension system fitted as standard. It offers two-stage stiffness adjustment: raising ride height by 50 mm in off-road mode; automatically lowering for entry/exit or cargo loading; and actively lowering at highway speeds to reduce drag. Rear-wheel steering delivers up to ±7 degrees of maximum angle, combined with a 41.6-degree front-wheel steering angle — enabling this over-5.1-meter-long SUV to achieve a remarkably tight 4.95-meter turning radius. A road-surface preview system uses the forward-facing camera to detect road conditions up to 15 meters ahead, proactively adjusting suspension damping before bumps arrive — significantly enhancing maneuverability on narrow roads.

For range and charging, the Sealion 08 is built on BYD's native fast-charging platform, officially claiming "fully charged in 5 minutes, fully topped up in 9 minutes," with only a 3-minute charging-time increase even at -30°C. The PHEV version adopts BYD's fifth-generation DM technology, delivering up to 400 km CLTC all-electric range, 1,650 km combined fuel-and-electric range on a full tank and charge, and a low 4.6 L/100 km fuel consumption in hybrid mode. The BEV variant is equipped with a 115 kWh second-generation Blade Battery, achieving up to 900 km CLTC all-electric range.

As of the end of August 2026, BYD has built 10,000 flash-charging stations nationwide, with network density continuously increasing. Daily commuters using the PHEV version can recharge just once per week; for long-distance travel, oil-electric synergy and ultra-fast charging dramatically alleviate charging anxiety.

In terms of space and cabin features, the Sealion 08 boasts a 3,030 mm wheelbase and a completely flat rear floor. The five-seat version offers 943 liters of trunk capacity, while the BEV variant adds a 201-liter front trunk. The six-seat version achieves an interior space utilization rate of 89.2%, supports over 140 seat configuration combinations, features a maximum second-row backrest recline angle of 147 degrees, and provides dedicated storage space even in the third row. Interior amenities include Devialet audio, a 21.4-inch overhead rear entertainment screen, three-zone climate control, and a 7.3-liter vehicle-mounted refrigerator.

Safety-wise, all trims come standard with 11 airbags and a nine-longitudinal/thirteen-transverse cage-type body structure, offering 340 mm of side-impact survival space. The 'God's Eye 5.0' system enables urban and expressway NOA (Navigate on Autopilot), with BYD pledging safety fallback coverage for intelligent parking and urban NOA scenarios.