Chinese electrified vehicle giant BYD has refreshed its Seal model family once again, extending driving range across several variants while also previewing two new additions that will sit higher in the lineup. The updated range includes the all-electric BYD Seal 06 EV, the plug-in hybrid BYD Seal 06 DM-i, and the battery electric hatchback BYD Seal 06 GT. At the same time, BYD confirmed upcoming models called the BYD Seal 08 and BYD Sealion 08.
These updates underline BYD’s strategy of rapid and continuous product improvement in its Ocean series, which targets tech-focused buyers and places heavy emphasis on efficiency and electrification.
Longer Range for the Seal 06 EV
The electric Seal 06 EV continues to be offered exclusively with rear-wheel drive and now comes in two power outputs. The base version retains its 163-horsepower electric motor but receives a new battery pack weighing 383.6 kilograms with a usable capacity of 52.7 kilowatt hours. This upgrade increases driving range by about 30 kilometers, bringing total claimed range to 530 kilometers under the Chinese CLTC test cycle.
The more powerful version delivers 326 horsepower and is now paired with a larger 64.3-kilowatt-hour battery. Weighing 444.1 kilograms, this pack boosts driving range by roughly 50 kilometers to a maximum of 630 kilometers on a single charge. Curb weight varies between 1,670 and 1,795 kilograms depending on configuration.
Minor Gains for the Seal 06 DM-i Hybrid
The Seal 06 DM-i uses BYD’s parallel series hybrid system. It combines a naturally aspirated 1.5-liter gasoline engine producing 101 horsepower and 126 newton meters of torque with a front-mounted electric motor rated at 238 horsepower.
As part of the update, the electric-only driving range increases slightly to either 150 or 155 kilometers, depending on the version. The improvement is modest at just 5 kilometers, but it reinforces BYD’s focus on maximizing electric usage even in hybrid models.
Reworked Battery Strategy for the Seal 06 GT
The electric Seal 06 GT hatchback also receives notable changes. The entry-level rear-wheel-drive version now produces 272 horsepower, replacing earlier outputs of 218 or 224 horsepower. It is paired with a 57.5-kilowatt-hour battery that delivers up to 520 kilometers of range.
Previously, the GT was offered with larger batteries of 59.5 or 72.9 kilowatt hours, enabling ranges of 505 and 605 kilometers, respectively. BYD has clearly optimized efficiency to maintain or improve range with a smaller pack.
The all-wheel-drive version with dual motors produces 326 horsepower and now uses a 69-kilowatt-hour battery instead of the earlier 72.9-kilowatt-hour unit. Despite the reduced capacity, driving range increases to 620 kilometers, up from 550 kilometers previously.
Seal 08 and Sealion 08 on the Horizon
Beyond the updates to existing models, BYD has officially previewed the Seal 08 sedan and the Sealion 08 crossover. Both were first teased in December during the company’s Ocean Day 2025 event. For now, BYD has not released pricing, technical specifications, or interior images, nor has it confirmed whether the two models share the same platform.
What is clear is their positioning. The Ocean 8 family will form a new flagship tier within the Ocean lineup. The Seal 08 sedan will sit above the current BYD Seal 07, which is currently available as a hybrid and is expected to gain a fully electric version soon. Similarly, the Sealion 08 crossover will be positioned above the existing BYD Sealion 07, which is already offered with both hybrid and battery electric powertrains.
Launch Timing and Market Context
BYD plans to launch the Seal 08 and Sealion 08 in China during the first quarter of this year. For international readers, these developments highlight how quickly BYD iterates its products and expands its lineup, often introducing higher-tier models at a pace that traditional global automakers struggle to match.
While none of the updated Seal 06 models or the upcoming Ocean 8 vehicles are confirmed for the United States, the changes illustrate BYD’s broader playbook. Incremental range improvements, battery optimization, and rapid portfolio expansion are central to its rise as one of the world’s most influential electric vehicle manufacturers.
This article originally appeared on Autorepublika.com and has been republished with permission by Guessing Headlights. AI-assisted translation was used, followed by human editing and review.
