BYD is getting ready to add a family minivan to its Ocean series. Camouflaged prototypes of the new MPV have been spotted in China this week, both on a car carrier and at one of BYD’s Flash Charging stations. The van wears the familiar blue striped wrap of BYD test cars, but the shape of the front end already hints at the look of the Seal 08 sedan and Sealion 08 SUV. BYD’s Ocean series boss Zhang Zhou has said the brand plans to launch its first Ocean MPV by the end of 2026.
What the spy photos show
The prototype has all of its bodywork and windows in place, while the lights are still covered or missing. Cutouts in the bumper, fenders and hood point to split headlights, with a stretched, sideways “B” shape where the daytime running lights should sit. That is the same design theme BYD uses on its newest Ocean models.
A rail under the third-row window confirms sliding rear doors, which should be power-operated as on BYD’s other MPVs. The test car also has classic pull-style door handles instead of hidden ones, most likely because of China’s new safety rules for door handles. One prototype seen at a charging station carried a large lidar sensor on the roof, which suggests advanced driver assistance will be part of the package.
Some fans are a little disappointed. BYD showed the Ocean-V concept at the Beijing Auto Show in April with a sliding center screen and special Camping and Movie modes, where the seats fold into a bed or turn to face a flip-out display. The test car looks much more like a conventional, boxy minivan. The interior has not been photographed yet, so some of those ideas could still make it into production.
Expected size and powertrain
According to Chinese media reports, the Ocean MPV will measure about 5,145 mm long, 1,970 mm wide and 1,805 mm tall, on a 3,045 mm wheelbase. A 2+2+3 layout with seats for seven people is expected. These figures come from local reports, not from BYD.
BYD has not confirmed any powertrain details yet. The large grille points to a DM-i plug-in hybrid with a Blade battery, and CarNewsChina expects an all-electric version with Flash Charging support to be offered as well.
Where it fits in BYD’s lineup
BYD already sells several MPVs, but there is a clear gap in the middle. The Denza D9 is the premium choice and sells well, with 5,056 deliveries in September and prices from about $49,500. The Linghui M9 launched in June from about $28,300 and is aimed at ride-hailing drivers. The Xia, sold abroad as the BYD M9, has been a rare flop for the brand, with only 280 units delivered in September.
The new Ocean MPV is expected to target families and take over where the Xia struggled. Pricing is expected to start at around $30,000, which would put it right between the Linghui M9 and the Denza D9.
What’s next
With prototypes now on public roads and BYD aiming for a launch before the end of the year, official photos and an MIIT filing with full specs could appear soon. We will update you as soon as BYD reveals the production car.
