Spy shots of the Seal 08, the upcoming flagship model in BYD’s Ocean lineup, have surfaced on Chinese social media as the automaker prepares for a debut expected in the first quarter of this year.
Images shared by users on the Xiaohongshu platform show the vehicle wrapped in camouflage featuring wave patterns and “OCEAN 8” lettering, consistent with BYD’s Ocean-series branding. The sightings suggest road testing is under way ahead of an official launch.
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The Seal 08 is based on BYD’s Ocean-S concept and is expected to be a large sedan measuring more than 4.9 metres in length, with a wheelbase of around 3 metres, according to previously disclosed information. Local automotive media outlet Yiche reported that the model is likely to be offered in both battery electric and plug-in hybrid variants, with pricing projected between 200,000 yuan ($28,670) and 300,000 yuan.
BYD first previewed the Seal 08 sedan alongside the Sealion 08 SUV as new flagship models for the Ocean lineup at its Ocean Day event on December 15, 2025, marking the lineup’s fourth anniversary. At the event, Zhang Zhuo, head of Ocean lineup sales, said the two models would aim to redefine premium standards in the new energy vehicle segment and were scheduled to officially debut in the first quarter of 2026.
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The Ocean lineup currently includes the Seal sedan series, Sealion SUVs, and smaller electric models such as the Seagull and Dolphin. The Song Plus SUV series, which was previously part of the Ocean range, has since been discontinued.
BYD Group sold 4.6 million new energy vehicles in 2025, up 7.73% from a year earlier. The Ocean lineup accounted for 2.22 million units, representing a 14.05% increase year on year, while sales of the company’s Dynasty lineup declined 10.14% to 1.89 million units, highlighting the growing importance of the Ocean series to BYD’s overall performance.
