BYD Seal vs Volvo ES90

Price and cost per week

Safety Rundown

ANCAP's published ratings include no record for the Volvo ES90. With no pair of ratings to compare, the active-safety features in the spec table above are the fairer comparison.

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 Volvo ES90 gets a 14.5-inch display and 9-inch instruments. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.

The BYD Seal stands out with V2L and Dynaudio audio — features our data doesn't list for the Volvo ES90. The Volvo ES90 counters with head-up display, wireless charging, panoramic roof, heated front seats, Harman Kardon audio and ambient lighting. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.

Interior trim differs: the BYD Seal gets leather upholstery while the Volvo ES90 offers nordico fabric. Climate control is 2-zone in the BYD Seal and 4-zone in the Volvo ES90.

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 Volvo ES90 responds with a Electric making 245kW and 480Nm, paired to a single-speed driving the rear wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 6.6 seconds.

The Volvo ES90 has the clear power advantage at 245kW vs 230kW. In the 0-100 sprint (manufacturer-claimed), the BYD Seal is 0.7s quicker. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.

Battery: 82.6kWh (BYD Seal) vs 92kWh (Volvo ES90), giving WLTP ranges of 570km and 554km. DC fast charging peaks at 150kW (BYD Seal) vs 300kW (Volvo ES90).

Space & Comfort

The BYD Seal measures 4,800mm long on a 2,920mm wheelbase, 200mm shorter than the Volvo ES90 at 5,000mm (3,102mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Volvo ES90 generally means more rear legroom.

Boot space is 400L in the BYD Seal and 424L in the Volvo ES90, giving the Volvo ES90 a 24L advantage.

For towing, the Volvo ES90 leads with a 1,600kg braked capacity vs 1,000kg. That 600kg difference matters if you regularly hitch up.

Neither U-turns in one sweep on a 7 m local street (both need a three-point turn); the BYD Seal's turning circle is 0.6 m tighter, 11.4 m against 12.0 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 electricity for the Volvo ES90 about $826 a year (17.2 kWh/100km), at $1.90 a litre and 32c a kWh. That is $10 a year less for the BYD Seal.

Warranty: 6 years / 150,000 km (BYD Seal) and 5 years / unlimited km (Volvo ES90).

Where each one leads

The BYD Seal: the lower starting price ($52,990 against $88,880), the longer warranty (6 years against 5) and lower fuel or energy costs on our assumptions ($816 a year against $826).

The Volvo ES90: more power (245kW against 230kW), the bigger boot with the seats up (424L against 400L) and the higher braked towing limit (1,600kg against 1,000kg).

The Verdict

BYD Seal scores higher, 77 vs 69

The BYD Seal scores 77 to the Volvo ES90's 69 on the CarSorted Score, and leads 6 of the 12 spec rows that separate them, at the lower price. The biggest gaps: safety (BYD Seal ahead by 21 points), value (BYD Seal ahead by 15 points), reliability (BYD Seal ahead by 6 points). At 15,000 km a year, electricity for the BYD Seal costs about $10 less (17 kWh/100km against 17.2 kWh/100km, at 32c a kWh). Warranty: 6 years on the BYD Seal, 5 on the Volvo ES90.

Common questions