BYD Sealion 5 vs MG MGS5
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.
Data checked: specs 7 Sep 2026, price 4 Oct 2026
MG MGS5: we're still completing price, turning circle and energy consumption.
A blank cell below means we don't have that figure, not that the car scores badly on it. We leave them empty rather than estimate, so any row where one car is blank isn't a like-for-like comparison yet.
Plug-in hybrid fuel economy is shown as a hybrid (battery depleted) so it compares fairly with the other car. A PHEV's official "combined" figure assumes you start every trip fully charged, so real-world economy depends on how often you plug in. Electric range shows how far it goes before the petrol engine is needed.
Track the BYD Sealion 5 & MG MGS5
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Price Breakdown
Pricing for one or both models is yet to be confirmed for the Australian market. We will update this comparison when official RRPs are announced.
Safety Rundown
The MG MGS5 holds a 5-star ANCAP rating vs 3 stars for the BYD Sealion 5.
Where the two diverge is in active safety technology. We can confirm 6 of 10 key ADAS systems on the BYD Sealion 5, against 4 on the MG MGS5.
Both include the essentials: autonomous emergency braking, lane keep assist, adaptive cruise control, a reversing camera.
Recalls on our record
BYD Sealion 5
None open on our record
MG MGS5
None open 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 ultra-rapid DC, estimated from battery size and max charge rates.
How long to charge
12.9kWh usableEstimates from usable battery size and the car's max charge rates (7.4kW AC). Real times vary with temperature, starting charge, charger output and the charging curve.
How long to charge
62kWh usablePublic DC
50kW charger · 0–80%
Ultra-rapid DC
up to 120kW · 0–80%
Estimates from usable battery size and the car's max charge rates (11kW AC, 120kW DC). Real times vary with temperature, starting charge, charger output and the charging curve.
Feature Showdown
The BYD Sealion 5 features a 10.1-inch touchscreen paired with a 8.8-inch digital dash, while the MG MGS5 gets a 12.8-inch display and 10.3-inch instruments. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.
The BYD Sealion 5 stands out with wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto — features our data doesn't list for the MG MGS5. The MG MGS5 counters with Apple CarPlay. 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 300Nm of torque, sent through a auto to a FWD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 7.7 seconds.
The MG MGS5 responds with a Electric Motor making 125kW and 250Nm, paired to a automatic driving the rear wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 8.2 seconds.
The BYD Sealion 5 has the clear power advantage at 156kW vs 125kW. In the 0-100 sprint (manufacturer-claimed), the BYD Sealion 5 is 0.5s quicker. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Battery: 12.9kWh (BYD Sealion 5) vs 49kWh (MG MGS5), giving WLTP ranges of 80km and 510km.
Space & Comfort
The BYD Sealion 5 measures 4,738mm long on a 2,712mm wheelbase, 262mm longer than the MG MGS5 at 4,476mm (2,730mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the MG MGS5 generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 463L in the BYD Sealion 5 and 453L in the MG MGS5, giving the BYD Sealion 5 a 10L advantage.
For towing, the MG MGS5 leads with a 750kg braked capacity vs 750kg. That 0kg difference matters if you regularly hitch up.
Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
12.0m diameter
Average
Based on 12.0m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Turning circle ratings
Interactive simulator: U-turns, parking & towing
Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns are easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
Average
Needs a 3-point turn (one reverse)
Needs about 10.7 m to swing round without stopping. Road is 9.0 m.
U-turn on a wide street
≥ 10 m: 3-point turn
U-turn on a standard street
7 m: 3-point turn
Standard parking bay
1.9 m wide: fits with room
Tight carpark aisle
6 m: careful, tight swing
Narrow laneway
3.5 m: no room to turn
Turning circle ratings
Standard widths: AU local streets carry ~5.5–7 m of carriageway; main roads ~9–12 m. AS 2890.1 carpark aisles are ~5.8–6.6 m for 90° bays (2.6 m wide × 5.4 m deep).
Road, aisle, swing and off-tracking figures are indicative estimates from the published turning circle. Verify in person before relying on them.
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 10 years / 250,000km (MG MGS5). The MG MGS5 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 MG MGS5 if: You value a longer warranty, or prefer MG's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
BYD Sealion 5: Top CarSorted Score, 73 vs 62
The BYD Sealion 5 comes out ahead on the CarSorted Score (73 vs 62), taking 3 of 8 key spec rows below. The deciding gaps: value (BYD Sealion 5 ahead by 32), technology (BYD Sealion 5 ahead by 19), fuel economy (BYD Sealion 5 ahead by 7). The MG MGS5 adds peace of mind with a longer 10-year warranty. The best pick depends on what you value most. Explore the full specs for each model below.
One enquiry, local dealers' best price on each. Free for you to use. If you buy, the dealer may pay us a commission.
Common questions
Which is cheapest, BYD Sealion 5 and MG MGS5?
The BYD Sealion 5 is the cheapest at $29,990 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?
The MG MGS5 has the highest ANCAP rating at 5 stars.
Which has the most boot space?
The BYD Sealion 5 has the largest boot at 463L with the seats up.
Which has the best warranty?
The MG MGS5 has the longest warranty at 10 years / 250k km.
Which is the most powerful?
The BYD Sealion 5 makes the most power at 156kW. The BYD Sealion 5 is quickest to 100km/h in 7.7s.
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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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