Sri Lanka’s leading NEV brand, BYD, in collaboration with its authorized distributor John Keells CG Auto (JKCG Auto), officially launched the BYD SEALION 8 on March 10, 2026.
The unveiling took place at a special event held at Cinnamon Lakeside, marking the introduction of BYD’s flagship seven-seat plug-in hybrid electric SUV to the local market. Remarkably, Sri Lanka is among the first countries worldwide to debut the model, including the high-performance DM-p (Dual Mode Performance) variant.
During the launch event, Charith Panditharatne, Chief Executive Officer of John Keells CG Auto, stated, “The fact that Sri Lanka is among the first markets globally to launch the SEALION 8 reflects the confidence BYD has built in this market, a confidence earned by the extraordinary response from Sri Lankan customers since our first delivery just over a year ago. With over 8,500 vehicles now on our roads, Sri Lankans have made it clear they are ready for the NEV transition — and the SEALION 8, with its advanced DM-p performance hybrid technology, is our answer to customers who want the very best of what BYD offers while contributing to building a more sustainable Sri Lanka.”
The BYD SEALION 8 is a noteworthy addition to the local BYD lineup, catering to families needing the space and functionality of a seven-seater without sacrificing performance or versatility. As a high-performance PHEV, it offers a practical solution for the Sri Lankan market, delivering an extensive electric-assisted range for daily commutes and the total distance capability necessary for island-wide travel without frequent stops.
The evening event gathered customers, business and automotive sector leaders, and media representatives for the grand unveiling, showcasing both the Dynamic (DM-i) and Premium (DM-p) variants.
A highlight of the launch was the debut of the DM-p variant, featuring BYD’s Dual Mode Performance system, which embodies a refined “Performance Hybrid” approach that balances powerful driving dynamics with everyday family utility. While the DM-i (Dual Mode Intelligent) variant is optimized for efficiency-first driving, the DM-p combines a turbocharged petrol engine with dual electric motors and intelligent all-wheel drive, achieving a 0–100 km/h time of just 4.9 seconds without compromising range.
Both variants of the SEALION 8 offer a combined system range of up to 1,118 km, facilitating electric-assisted efficiency for daily commutes and long-distance travel across the island.
The interior of the BYD SEALION 8 complements its driving performance. The cabin features a 15.6-inch infotainment system, a 21-speaker surround sound system, memory and massaging seats, a panoramic sunroof with an electric sunshade, and up to 1,960 liters of boot space, making it ideal for both family getaways and daily errands. Safety features are comprehensive, including nine airbags, a 360-degree camera with four-zone sensors, and a Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) adaptor that allows the SEALION 8 to power external devices on the go.
The BYD SEALION 8 is now available at all BYD showrooms across Sri Lanka, offered in four colors: Dark Aquamarine, Ridge Grey, Arctic White, and Cosmos Black.
