Typically, BYD prefers its own events over trade shows when debuting its most important models, seemingly keen to avoid sharing the spotlight with other brands. However, this year, the ‘world’s leading manufacturer of new energy vehicles’ appears confident in its ability to dominate the headlines. At Auto China 2026, BYD seized the opportunity to present an entire range of vehicles designed to ‘fully demonstrate BYD’s product diversity.’
Following the recent updates to its Ocean Series models – designated 5, 6, and 7 – BYD has now turned its attention to its flagship models, the Seal 08 and Sealion 08. Positioned as ‘dual flagships’, these models are said to ‘bring together BYD’s leading technologies’. The Seal 08 is an elegant saloon, while the Sealion 08 is a 5.12-metre-long family SUV with a wheelbase exceeding three metres. “These dimensions allow true ‘grand apartment’ accommodation, with six independent seats over three rows,” BYD states.
Technologically, both top models in the Ocean Series feature the Blade Battery 2.0 and the Flash-Charging system, which BYD introduced in March. This means the second generation of the BYD Blade Battery can be charged from 10 per cent to 97 per cent in just nine minutes at compatible charging stations.
While the Sealion 08 and Seal 08 are production vehicles, the BYD Ocean-V remains a concept study, offering a ‘radical exploration of the future of mobility’. Though styled within the Ocean Series aesthetic, it is designed to “break boundaries and refuses to fall into the usual categories of sedan, SUV or MPV.” With its shape, which BYD describes as a ‘family mobile life cube’, various interior configurations can be activated at the push of a button, including a driving mode, cinema mode, or camping mode. A direct production model is not planned, but BYD promises: “The concept’s innovations will gradually make their way into mass-production vehicles, enhancing everyone’s future mobility.”
The exhibition stand also featured two (partially) new models from the luxury brand Yangwang. The Yangwang U9 Extreme, previously showcased as a near-production study and holder of the world record for the fastest lap at 496.22 km/h, has now been introduced as a production model under the name ‘The Dawn’. Additionally, BYD presented the ‘Dingzang Edition’ of the U8L, featuring a spacious four-seat configuration. This large electric SUV is equipped with four electric motors and Flash-Charging technology.
In 2023, BYD expanded its brand portfolio with Fangchengbao, a marque focused on personalisation. At Auto China 2026, the previously SUV-dominated lineup (Bao 5 and Bao 8) has been extended to include saloons. These models, named Formula S, are available in three variants: a notchback saloon, the Shooting Brake Formula S GT, and the larger notchback saloon Formula SL. “All three models boast a large presence with a length exceeding 5 meters, a wheelbase of 3 meters, and a width of 2 meters. The golden ratio body, combined with a low-slung and wide-body dynamic stance, exudes the poised stance of a cheetah,” explains BYD. All three models are scheduled for market launch in the third quarter of this year.
To further boost attention for Fangchengbao, BYD also unveiled the Formula X, a sports car concept. The vehicle is said to be ‘in line with the sedan series’ and is expected to go on sale next year. The study shown in Beijing is ‘over 80 per cent identical to the real car.’
Another sports car, the Denza Z, is already production-ready. At the Auto China show, the convertible with a fabric roof was displayed, though a coupé version is also expected. The carbon-fibre body integrates BYD’s DiSus-M body control system. The Blade Battery 2.0 is designed to enable longer journeys, while Flash-Charging ensures short charging times. “The Z has already commenced testing and lap-record runs at the legendary Nürburgring Nordschleife, and it will have its full global launch this summer at the prestigious Goodwood Festival of Speed in the UK,” BYD announces. “DENZA has launched a public competition to name each of the three specific editions of Z that will ultimately reach customers: Standard, Convertible and Track.”
bydukmedia.com, myconvento.com (DE)
