BYD Seal 08 spy photos exposed, will offer BEV and PHEV powertrains

【PCauto】Recently, a set of spy photos of a brand-new BYD coupe model bearing the "OCEAN 8" marking appeared online. The vehicle is fully camouflaged, with its body design primarily featuring wave patterns. However, judging from the overall outline and proportions, the new car is confirmed to be the previously officially mentioned "Seal 08". This leak provides the first relatively clear look at a sedan model within BYD's "Ocean 8 Series" dual-flagship lineup.

According to official information, during the BYD Ocean Network Fourth Anniversary Ocean Day User Celebration held in December 2025, BYD officially announced the "Ocean 8 Series Dual-Flagship" plan, which includes the sedan "Seal 08" and the SUV "Sea Lion 08." At that time, the company clearly stated that the two models would be unveiled in the first quarter of 2026. Judging by the timeline, the emergence of these spy photos aligns with the intensive pre-launch exposure phase.

Based on available information, the Seal 08 is clearly positioned above the current Seal series models. According to earlier leaks, the new car will be based on the Ocean-S concept car's design philosophy, with the car’s length expected to exceed 4.9 meters and a wheelbase that could reach the 3-meter level. This size positions it closer to the mid-to-large sedan segment, indicating that the Seal 08 is not merely an extension of the current Seal lineup but also plays a key role in elevating the brand's positioning.

In terms of design, although the spy photos show a heavily camouflaged model, the low and sleek front-end design, smooth fastback lines, and sporty overall stance all point towards a "coupe-like" orientation. This is in line with the youthful and sporty characteristics traditionally associated with the Seal series. It is expected that the Seal 08 will further develop the Ocean aesthetic design language, while differentiating itself from existing models through its size and finer details.

As for power and technology, no specific parameters have been announced by the official yet. Based on BYD's recent product strategy, it is highly likely that the Seal 08 will offer multiple powertrain options, including all-electric and potentially advanced hybrid solutions. However, without official confirmation, these remain speculative, and the final specifications are yet to be announced.

It is worth noting that the naming convention "Ocean 8 Series" itself sends a clear signal. In the existing Ocean network system, the higher the model number, the higher the positioning and overall product strength it often signifies. The simultaneous development of the Seal 08 and Sea Lion 08 indicates that BYD is systematically expanding its Ocean Network lineup upwards, rather than relying on a single model to test the waters of the high-end market.

As demand for medium and large new energy sedans grows, consumers' comprehensive expectations for space, range, technology, and brand image are also rising. BYD is clearly aiming to target higher-tier user groups with new models like the Seal 08, building on its existing advantages.

Overall, while details about the Seal 08 remain limited, it is clear that this is not merely a "gap-filler" transitional model, but rather a significant milestone for the Ocean Network as it moves into a higher market segment. As the first quarter of 2026 approaches, more details regarding its design, powertrain, and pricing are expected to be revealed, and Seal 08 will truly step into the spotlight.