BYD’s SUV onslaught looks set to continue with a larger and more luxurious seven-seat SUV coming to slot in above the Sealion 8.
Family Cars
BYD looks set to expand its large SUV range even further, with a luxurious new three-row SUV coming as a flagship model for the BYD brand.
The new model, being developed under the ‘Dynasty-D’ codename, won’t form part of BYD’s Denza luxury line-up, but would likely offer similar upscale features and equipment.
Expected to exceed 5.2 metres long, the new SUV will slot into the BYD range above the 5040mm-long Sealion 8, and will eclipse the size of rivals like the 5060mm Hyundai Palisade and even full-size luxury SUVs like the 5181mm BMW X7.
First shown at the Shanghai motor show earlier in 2025 as a concept, the Dynasty-D showcased a luxurious interior with bamboo inlays and gold leaf decor alongside a tech-focused multi-screen infotainment platform.
The powertrain for the Dynasty-D was not revealed, but its possible that both fully electric and plug-in hybrid versions of the new flagship SUV may be offered.
One likely candidate is the brand’s latest ‘DM 5.0’ hybrid system, which uses a 1.5-litre petrol engine and front and rear electric motors to provide a potential electric-only range of up to 200km, according to Chinese media.
Despite its near production-ready exterior, BYD has confirmed that the Dynasty-D’s scheduled introduction before the end of 2025 has been delayed, with he brand now aiming to launch the vehicle in China in the second quarter (April to June) of 2026.
Competitive pressures in the Chinese market from a growing number of similarly-positioned rivals have resulted in BYD opting to further refine the Dynasty-D before it goes on sale.
The eventual production version is expected to form part of BYD’s Dynasty Series of models, where Chinese models are part of either the Ocean Series or Dynasty series, with the Dynasty vehicles offering more premium finishes and features than their Ocean Series counterparts.
The production Dynasty-D is expected to be offered in both six- and seven-seat layouts with a focus on business clients for the former and families for the latter.
Features like ‘zero gravity’ reclining second row captain’s chairs with heating, ventilation, and massage from the concept version are expected to make their way to the Dynasty-D’s top-spec variants.
BYD’s current Australian range includes the just-launched Atto 2 small, and Atto 3 and Sealion 7 medium electric SUVs. The Sealion 6 PHEV is set to be joined by a smaller Sealion 5 medium PHEV SUV and Sealion 8 large three-row PHEV SUV soon.
In Australia, the Sealion 8 will compete with rivals like the Hyundai Santa Fe, Mazda CX-80, and Toyota Kluger. Pricing has not yet been confirmed, but is expected to start below $60,000.
BYD has not yet confirmed plans for the Dynasty-D in Australia, but with the brand already entering the luxury segment with its Denza subbrand, the new model could join the Australian range as a more road-focused alternative to the off-road compatible Denza range.
Family Cars Guide
Kez Casey migrated from behind spare parts counters to writing about cars over ten years ago. Raised by a family of automotive workers, Kez grew up in workshops and panel shops before making the switch to reviews and road tests for The Motor Report, Drive and CarAdvice.
