BYD Sealion 5 vs GAC Aion V
Two electric SUVs go head to head. Which EV is the better buy for Australian drivers in 2026?
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 Sealion 5 starts from $33,990 before on-road costs, while the GAC Aion V opens at $42,590. That makes the BYD Sealion 5 the more affordable entry point by $8,600.
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 $37,389 and $46,849 respectively.
Both models qualify for Fringe Benefit Tax (FBT) exemption, which is a significant advantage for salary-sacrificed novated leases. Depending on your tax bracket, this can save $5,000-$15,000+ per year compared to an equivalent ICE vehicle.
Safety Rundown
Both the BYD Sealion 5 and GAC Aion V hold a 5-star ANCAP safety rating. Adult occupant protection scored 89% for the BYD Sealion 5 and 88% for the GAC Aion V.
Where the two diverge is in active safety technology. The GAC Aion V packs more ADAS features with 9 out of 10 key systems fitted, compared to 6 in the BYD Sealion 5.
Both include the essentials: autonomous emergency braking, lane keep assist, adaptive cruise control, a reversing camera. Airbag count is 7 in the BYD Sealion 5 and 7 in the GAC Aion V. The GAC Aion V adds a 360-degree camera that the BYD Sealion 5 misses.
Feature Showdown
The BYD Sealion 5 features a 10.1-inch touchscreen, while the GAC Aion V gets a 14.6-inch display and 8.9-inch instruments. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.
The BYD Sealion 5 stands out with wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto that you will not find on the GAC Aion V. The GAC Aion V counters with Apple CarPlay, wireless charging, panoramic roof, heated front seats, ventilated seats and power tailgate. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.
Drivetrain
The BYD Sealion 5 uses a Plug-in Hybrid producing 156kW and 310Nm of torque, sent through a auto to a FWD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 7.3 seconds.
The GAC Aion V responds with a Electric making 150kW and 210Nm, paired to a automatic driving the front wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 9 seconds.
The BYD Sealion 5 has the clear power advantage at 156kW vs 150kW. In the real-world sprint, the BYD Sealion 5 is 1.7s quicker. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Battery: 12.9kWh (BYD Sealion 5) vs 75.3kWh (GAC Aion V), giving WLTP ranges of 80km and 510km. DC fast charging peaks at 150kW (BYD Sealion 5) vs 180kW (GAC Aion V).
Space & Comfort
The BYD Sealion 5 measures 4,738mm long on a 2,765mm wheelbase, 133mm longer than the GAC Aion V at 4,605mm (2,775mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the GAC Aion V generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 400L in the BYD Sealion 5 and 427L in the GAC Aion V, giving the GAC Aion V a 27L advantage.
0Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
11.0m to 11.2m
Based on 11.0m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Based on 11.2m 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 Sealion 5) vs 8 years / 150,000km (GAC Aion V). The GAC Aion V has longer coverage.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the BYD Sealion 5 if: You want the lower entry price, prioritise performance, or prefer BYD's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the GAC Aion V if: You need more boot space, value a longer warranty, or prefer GAC's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
The GAC Aion V takes 6 of 10 key spec categories. The GAC Aion V adds peace of mind with a longer 8-year warranty. The best pick depends on what you value most. Explore the full specs for each model below.
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.
Published by CarSorted Editorial Team · 20 April 2026
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