BYD Seal vs Lexus ES
A detailed look at how two of Australia's most popular Sedans compare on price, running costs, safety, and everyday livability.
Specifications and pricing correct at time of publishing. Prices are RRP before on-road costs unless stated otherwise. Always confirm with the manufacturer or dealer before purchasing.
Price Breakdown
The BYD Seal starts from $46,990 before on-road costs, while the Lexus ES opens at $65,540. That makes the BYD Seal the more affordable entry point by $18,550.
Once you factor in stamp duty, registration, CTP insurance, and dealer delivery, expect to add roughly 8-12% on top of the RRP depending on your state. That puts estimated driveaway prices in the ballpark of $51,689 and $72,094 respectively.
The BYD Seal qualifies for FBT exemption as an electric vehicle, which can dramatically reduce the effective cost for novated lease buyers. The Lexus ES, as a petrol model, does not qualify.
Safety Rundown
ANCAP safety ratings have not been published for both models yet. We will update this section when crash test results are available.
Feature Showdown
The BYD Seal features a 15.6-inch touchscreen paired with a 10.3-inch digital dash, while the Lexus ES gets a 12.3-inch display and 7-inch instruments. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.
The BYD Seal stands out with wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto and Dynaudio audio that you will not find on the Lexus ES. The Lexus ES counters with Apple CarPlay, head-up display, wireless charging, panoramic roof, heated front seats and ambient lighting. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.
Drivetrain
The BYD Seal uses a Electric producing 150kW and 310Nm of torque, sent through a auto to a RWD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 7.5 seconds.
The Lexus ES responds with a Hybrid making 160kW and 221Nm, paired to a automatic driving the front wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 8.9 seconds.
The Lexus ES has the clear power advantage at 160kW vs 150kW. In the real-world sprint, the BYD Seal is 1.4s 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, 175mm shorter than the Lexus ES at 4,975mm (2,870mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the BYD Seal generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 400L in the BYD Seal and 473L in the Lexus ES, giving the Lexus ES a 73L advantage.
For towing, the Lexus ES leads with a 1,000kg braked capacity vs 1,000kg. That 0kg difference matters if you regularly hitch up.
Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
11.0m to 11.4m
Based on 11.0m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Based on 11.4m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Turning circle ratings
True Cost to Own
Running cost data is not yet available for both models. We will update when figures are confirmed.
Warranty: 6 years / 150,000km (BYD Seal) vs 4 years / 100,000km (Lexus ES). The BYD Seal has longer coverage. Capped-price servicing: —4yr (Lexus ES).
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the BYD Seal if: You want the lower entry price, value a longer warranty, or prefer BYD's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the Lexus ES if: You prioritise performance, need more boot space, or prefer Lexus's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
The BYD Seal takes 4 of 6 key spec categories and comes in at a lower price. If boot space matters, the Lexus ES has a clear edge. The BYD Seal adds peace of mind with a longer 6-year warranty. The best pick depends on what you value most. Explore the full specs for each model below.
Common questions
Which is cheapest, BYD Seal and Lexus ES?
The BYD Seal is the cheapest at $46,990 before on-road costs. That undercuts the Lexus ES by $18,550.
Which is the most fuel-efficient?
The Lexus ES uses the least fuel at 5.3L/100km on the combined cycle.
Which is safest?
They are evenly matched — BYD Seal all hold a 5-star ANCAP rating. Compare the active-safety features above to separate them.
Which has the most boot space?
The Lexus ES has the largest boot at 473L.
Which can tow the most?
The BYD Seal has the highest braked towing capacity at 1,000kg.
Which has the best warranty?
The BYD Seal has the longest warranty at 6 years / 150k km.
Which is the most powerful?
The Lexus ES makes the most power at 160kW. The BYD Seal is quickest to 100km/h in 7.5s.
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Disclaimer: All information in this comparison was believed to be correct at the time of publishing (20 April 2026). Prices are manufacturer recommended retail prices (RRP) and may vary by state, dealer, and options. Driveaway costs include estimated on-road costs for Victoria. Fuel economy figures are WLTP/ADR combined cycle. Specifications can change without notice. Always verify with the manufacturer before making a purchase decision. CarSorted does not accept payment for recommendations.
Auto-generated from CarSorted's specification data · 20 April 2026
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