BYD Sealion 5 vs GWM ORA 5
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 GWM ORA 5 opens at $33,990. Both land at the same RRP, so on-road costs and dealer deals become the real differentiator.
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 $37,389 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 GWM ORA 5 hold a 5-star ANCAP safety rating. Adult occupant protection scored 89% for the BYD Sealion 5 and 92% for the GWM ORA 5.
Where the two diverge is in active safety technology. Both models are evenly matched with 6 out of 10 key ADAS systems.
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 GWM ORA 5.
Feature Showdown
The BYD Sealion 5 features a 10.1-inch touchscreen, while the GWM ORA 5 gets a 14.6-inch display. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.
The GWM ORA 5 counters with V2L that the BYD Sealion 5 does not offer. 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 GWM ORA 5 responds with a Electric making 150kW and 260Nm, paired to a automatic driving the front wheels.
The BYD Sealion 5 has the clear power advantage at 156kW vs 150kW. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Battery: 12.9kWh (BYD Sealion 5) vs 58.3kWh (GWM ORA 5), giving WLTP ranges of 80km and 430km. DC fast charging peaks at 150kW (BYD Sealion 5) vs 120kW (GWM ORA 5).
Space & Comfort
The BYD Sealion 5 measures 4,738mm long on a 2,765mm wheelbase, 267mm longer than the GWM ORA 5 at 4,471mm (2,720mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the BYD Sealion 5 generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 400L in the BYD Sealion 5 and 362L in the GWM ORA 5, giving the BYD Sealion 5 a 38L advantage.
Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
11.0m diameter
Good
Based on 11.0m 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 7 years / 999,999km (GWM ORA 5). The GWM ORA 5 has longer coverage.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the BYD Sealion 5 if: You prioritise performance, need more boot space, or prefer BYD's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the GWM ORA 5 if: You value a longer warranty, or prefer GWM's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
The GWM ORA 5 takes 5 of 8 key spec categories. If boot space matters, the BYD Sealion 5 has a clear edge. The GWM ORA 5 adds peace of mind with a longer 7-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 Sealion 5 and GWM ORA 5?
The BYD Sealion 5 is the cheapest at $33,990 before on-road costs.
Which is the most fuel-efficient?
The BYD Sealion 5 uses the least fuel at 1.2L/100km on the combined cycle.
Which is safest?
They are evenly matched — BYD Sealion 5 and GWM ORA 5 all hold a 5-star ANCAP rating. Compare the active-safety features above to separate them.
Which has the most boot space?
The BYD Sealion 5 has the largest boot at 400L.
Which can tow the most?
The BYD Sealion 5 has the highest braked towing capacity at 1,000kg.
Which has the best warranty?
The GWM ORA 5 has the longest warranty at 7 years / 1000k km.
Which is the most powerful?
The BYD Sealion 5 makes the most power at 156kW.
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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