BYD Sealion 8 Dynamic FWD review: axle arrangements

Our takeaway after reviewing the flagship $92k BYD Sealion 8 Premium AWD was that the Chinese brand makes a pretty convincing large luxury SUV. It had the equipment, quality, performance and refinement to justify the price tag.

But you don't have to spend the really big bucks. There's a Dynamic AWD specification with the same powertrain at $83,990, or the car you see here: the $74,990 Dynamic FWD. On the surface, the FWD doesn't seem to lose a whole lot in terms of presence and equipment. Have we found a BYD luxury bargain?

On the outside: what are the BYD Sealion 8 Dynamic FWD's main design features?

You'd be hard pressed to pick the entry-level Sealion 8 Dynamic FWD from the $17k-more-expensive Premium AWD. The main visual difference is a wheel-downsize, although the FWD still rides on big 20-inch alloys (the Premium has 21-inchers).

Our test car truly is the entry level Sealion 8, because it's finished in Aurora White, the only exterior finish in the lineup that doesn't carry an extra cost. The other three colour choices are all another $990.

OVERVIEW

On the inside: what's the BYD Sealion 8 Dynamic FWD cabin like?

You get the same high-quality interior fit and finish in the Sealion 8 Dynamic as the Premium, so there's still that sense of luxury. The biggest difference is the upholstery, which is not leather but an imitation material. It's not bad at all: quite soft and sans the strange odour you sometimes get with this stuff.

The Dynamic FWD has the same interior specification as the AWD, and you save $9k. It's a high-value proposition.

There are quite a few detail comfort/convenience differences between Dynamic and Premium. The cheaper car certainly doesn't feel lacking, but you do miss out on a head-up display, auto-dipping mirrors, ambient interior lighting and the full-noise 21-speaker audio.

The Dynamic still gets power adjustment for the front seats, but 6-way rather than 8. The front seats are heated and ventilated, but there's no massage function. And the 2nd-row seats are just... seats. No heating/ventilation/massage. First-world issues, right?

That 2nd row is still super-spacious and access to the 3rd row is good, with a tilt-and-pivot function. But we'd still call the Sealion 8 a luxurious 5-seater with occasional 3rd-row accomodation rather than a full-size 7-seater. Use it in that way and you've also got  massive 960-litre boot when the rearmost chairs are folded away.

INTERIOR

On the road: what's the BYD Sealion 8 Dynamic FWD like to drive?

The powertrain is the really big difference between the Dynamic FWD and the other two Sealion 8s: the Dynamic AWD and Premium AWD. The more expensive cars have a "DM-p" super hybrid system, meaning they're calibrated for performance (0-100km/h in 4.9 seconds). They also have a larger 35.6kWh battery, giving a claimed 152km EV range.

This powertrain's focus is very much on electric driving, with the petrol engine only kicking in when extra performance is urgently needed or the battery is running low.

The Dynamic is a "DM-i" (intelligent) model, so it's tuned more for efficiency and all-round ability. It can achieve 0-100km/h in 8.6sec and the 19kWh battery is good for 103km. You can DC fast-charge the battery, although it's a bit slower than the DM-p models: 40kW versus 74kW. But smaller-capacity of course, so a charge takes about the same time.

This powertrain's focus is very much on electric driving, with the petrol engine only kicking in when extra performance is urgently needed or the battery is running low. So for the most part, this is a super-refined large SUV that behaves a lot like a full-EV. It's a nice way to travel, but it doesn't feel especially rapid off the line in the way electric cars often do.

Neither of the Dynamic models have the Premium's fancy adaptive suspension, although they are fitted with frequency selective dampers, which tailor their response to the road conditions. Handling-wise the FWD has an edge over the equivalent AWD because it's a massive 265kg lighter. So it steers nicely and feels relatively nimble.

What you don't have is AWD traction of course, but given the modest power delivery you don't really miss it in normal driving. Even on wet roads, it takes a fair bit of provocation for the front to break traction.

SPECIFICATIONS

On ownership: what's the BYD Sealion 8 Dynamic FWD warranty and servicing situation?

The warranty covers the complete vehicle for 6 years/150,000km. The traction battery is covered for 8 years/160,000km.

The Sealion 8 requires an initial service check at 6 months/5000km, then every 12 months or 20,000km.

On the whole: what do we think of the BYD Sealion 8 Dynamic FWD?

The Sealion 8 remains an impressive luxury-SUV, even in entry-level Dynamic FWD specification. It's quiet, comfortable, spacious and quite nimble-feeling for a big car.

But what the most compelling Sealion 8 is... will depend on your priorities. You're really choosing between powertrain and specification, and especially the combination of the two.

The Premium certainly justifies its price with those extra luxury touches, but the Dynamic AWD still feeels incredibly sumptuous for $8k less and it gets all the same safety equipment and features.

The Dynamic FWD has the same interior specification as the AWD, and you save $9k. It's a high-value proposition. But the AWD has a much stronger powertrain and much bigger EV range.

You might not want or need that, in which case the Dynamic FWD offers just as much luxury and status. But the Dynamic AWD also adds a lot. We can't help thinking that's the sweet spot of the Sealion 8 lineup.

BYD Sealion 8 Dynamic FWD FAQs

What kind of car is the BYD Sealion 8 Dynamic FWD?

A 7-seat large SUV.

Does the BYD Sealion 8 Dynamic FWD have hybrid or EV technology?

Yes, it's a super hybrid PHEV.

What’s the fuel economy of the BYD Sealion 8 Dynamic FWD?

The official figure is 1.1l/100km, but as with any PHEV it depends entirely on how often you charge it. With the battery at 25%, BYD claims 6.3l/100km.

Is the BYD Sealion 8 Dynamic FWD safe?

It hasn't yet been tested by ANCAP, but gets 5 stars under the NZ VSRR system.

What safety and assistance features does the BYD Sealion 8 Dynamic FWD have?

What are the BYD Sealion 8 Premium AWD's main rivals?

• Mazda CX-80 SP PHEV ($80,990): More expensive and well down on EV range, but more sporty and AWD.
• Mitsubishi Outlander VRX ($77,990): Still the OG PHEV. Similar EV range, less cabin sapce.
• Chery Tiggo 9 Ultimate ($66,990): The value proposition and an AWD rival with similar super hybrid tech.
• GWM Tank 500 Ultra PHEV ($78,990): Bigger and more a hard-core 4x4 than crossover.
• Toyota Highlander GXL ($72,990): No plug, but to many the Highlander is still the default 7-seat choice.