BYD is preparing to launch several new flagship EVs in early 2026, including a pair of electric SUVs and a sedan. With their official debut coming up, we are getting a better look at the upcoming models.
BYD has several new flagship EVs arriving in 2026
We knew BYD was up to something. During its Ocean Day event last month, it released the first teaser images, confirming that the new models will arrive as the Seal 08 Sedan and the Sealion 08 SUV.
The flagship EVs are scheduled to launch in the first quarter of 2026 as the most premium models in BYD’s Ocean lineup.
Although no prices or final specs have been released, it’s pretty evident from the latest images that these are high-end models. The SUV almost looks like a Range Rover with a design similar to the Denza N8L from BYD’s luxury sub-brand.
The Ocean series has, for the most part, consisted of smaller, more efficient electric cars like Seagull (sold as the Dolphin Surf and Dolphin Mini overseas), Dolphin, and Seal, but BYD has been pushing toward higher-end models with SUVs like the Sealion 07.
At 4,830 mm long, 1,925 mm wide, and 1,620 mm tall with a wheelbase of 2,930 mm, the Sealion 07 is about the size of the Tesla Model Y, so the Sealion 08 will be a bit bigger. It will likely be closer to the Denza N8L.
The Seal 08 will be larger than the Seal 06 EV, which has an overall length of 4,720 mm, a width of 1,880 mm, and a height of 1,495 mm.
BYD is also gearing up to launch a new flagship electric SUV and sedan under its Dynasty sub-brand. Earlier this month, the Chinese EV giant released teaser images of the Tang 9 SUV and the Han 9.
BYD is set to launch them in the first half of the year. Ahead of its official debut, an uncovered Tang 9 was spotted in China this week.
The new images, courtesy of ThinkerCar, reveal a roof-mounted LiDAR sensor, all but confirming the Tang 9 will be equipped with BYD’s latest advanced driver-assistance system (ADAS) and other premium features.
It will be over 5 meters long and 2 meters wide as a full-size SUV with three rows of seating. The Tang 9 will be available in both EV and PHEV versions.
Images of the #BYD Tang 9 Series, the brand's D-segment flagship SUV, have leaked online. The rear badging suggests it will be capable of 0-100km/h in 4.9 seconds. https://t.co/P0Hpmb2Alq pic.twitter.com/vUmtGrrHbU
— ThinkerCar (@thinkercar) January 27, 2026
Although it’s still a flagship model, according to CarNewsChina, prices for the full-size electric SUV will be in the 200,000-300,000 yuan ($28,700- $43,000) range, setting the tone for the entry-level luxury segment.
Top comment by skierpage
BYD offers first look at its new flagship electric SUV and sedan
It's more complicated than that. As the CnEVPost article says, these will be the flagships of the BYD Ocean line, but its Dynasty line will get its own flagship Tang 9 SUV and Han 9 sedan.
Denza N8L from BYD’s luxury sub-brand
It's more complicated than that. BYD also has its Fangchengbao rugged luxury SUV brand, and its Yangwang brand that it positions even higher than Denza or Fangchenbao; Wikipedia says "Yangwang vehicles occupies the price range above CN¥1 million (approximately US$140,000)".
GM retreated from its Chevrolet > Pontiac > Oldsmobile > Buick > Cadillac market subdivision (with unsuccessful forays into Saturn, Saaburu, Geo, etc., etc.) to just Chevrolet > Cadillac (Buick is barely alive outside China). Meanwhile many Chinese car makers are crazy for multiple brands and lines, though not Xiaomi.
If you look at the close-up of the rear part of the vehicle in the picture above, you can see a “4.9S” badge, indicating it can accelerate from 0-100 km/h in 4.9 seconds.
To achieve that, the Tang 9 is expected to be built on BYD’s Super e-platform. It will likely be equipped with three electric motors, one up front and two in the rear, delivering over 500 kW (670 hp).
After selling over 2.25 million all-electric vehicles in 2025, BYD outsold Tesla by more than 600,000 vehicles. With new flagship EVs, electric supercars, luxury models, pickup trucks, compact SUVs, executive sedans, and more, BYD looks to widen the gap in 2026.
After revealing the new images last week, the world’s leading EV maker said, “A new era begins with bold advancements.” We should learn more soon.
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