BYD Seal vs Chery C5

Price and cost per week

Safety Rundown

ANCAP lists the BYD Seal at 5 stars (2023) and the Chery C5 at 5 stars (2022). ANCAP tested these in different years (2023 vs 2022). Its criteria get stricter about every three years, so the stars are not like for like. Adult occupant protection scored 89% for the BYD Seal and 87% for the Chery C5, under different test years.

Where the two diverge is in active safety technology. We can confirm 7 of 10 key ADAS systems on the BYD Seal, against 4 on the Chery C5.

Both include the essentials: autonomous emergency braking, lane keep assist, adaptive cruise control, a reversing camera. Airbag count is 7 in the BYD Seal and 7 in the Chery C5.

Recalls on our record

A recall covers the builds its notice lists, not every car of a model. Check your VIN at vehiclerecalls.gov.au.

Charging times

How long each takes to charge, from a household power point to a DC fast charger, estimated from battery size and the car's own maximum charge rates.

Feature Showdown

The BYD Seal features a 15.6-inch touchscreen paired with a 10.3-inch digital dash, while the Chery C5 gets a 10.3-inch display and 10.3-inch instruments. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.

The BYD Seal stands out with wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, power tailgate, V2L and Dynaudio audio — features our data doesn't list for the Chery C5. The Chery C5 counters with Apple CarPlay. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.

Interior trim differs: the BYD Seal gets leather upholstery while the Chery C5 offers synthetic leather. Climate control is 2-zone in the BYD Seal and 1-zone in the Chery C5.

Drivetrain

The BYD Seal uses a Electric producing 230kW and 360Nm of torque, sent through a auto to a RWD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 5.9 seconds.

The Chery C5 responds with a Petrol making 108kW and 210Nm, paired to a 6-speed dual clutch driving the front wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 8.5 seconds.

The BYD Seal has the clear power advantage at 230kW vs 108kW. In the 0-100 sprint (manufacturer-claimed), the BYD Seal is 2.6s quicker. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.

Space & Comfort

The BYD Seal measures 4,800mm long on a 2,920mm wheelbase, 449mm longer than the Chery C5 at 4,351mm (2,610mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the BYD Seal generally means more rear legroom.

Boot space is 400L in the BYD Seal and 370L in the Chery C5, giving the BYD Seal a 30L advantage.

Neither U-turns in one sweep on a 7 m local street (both need a three-point turn); the Chery C5's turning circle is 0.2 m tighter, 11.2 m against 11.4 m kerb to kerb. The street estimate is indicative, worked from the published turning circles.

Cost to own

At 15,000 km a year, electricity for the BYD Seal costs about $816 a year (17 kWh/100km) and fuel for the Chery C5 about $1,967 a year (6.9 L/100km), at $1.90 a litre and 32c a kWh.

Warranty: 6 years / 150k km (BYD Seal) and 7 years / Unlimited (Chery C5).

Where each one leads

The BYD Seal: more power (230kW against 108kW) and the bigger boot with the seats up (400L against 370L).

The Chery C5: the longer warranty (7 years against 6).

The Verdict

BYD Seal scores higher, 77 vs 74

The BYD Seal scores 77 to the Chery C5's 74 on the CarSorted Score, and leads 4 of the 5 spec rows that separate them. The biggest gaps: performance (BYD Seal ahead by 31 points), value (Chery C5 ahead by 6 points), reliability (BYD Seal ahead by 4 points). Warranty: 6 years on the BYD Seal, 7 on the Chery C5.

Common questions