BYD Sealion 5 vs MG ZS EV
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.
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.
Price Breakdown
The BYD Sealion 5 starts from $33,990 before on-road costs, while the MG ZS EV opens at $43,990. That makes the BYD Sealion 5 the more affordable entry point by $10,000.
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 $48,389 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
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 Sealion 5 features a 10.1-inch touchscreen paired with a 8.8-inch digital dash, while the MG ZS EV gets a 10.1-inch display and 7-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 MG ZS EV. The MG ZS EV 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 310Nm of torque, sent through a auto to a FWD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 7.3 seconds.
The MG ZS EV responds with a Electric Motor making 115kW and 280Nm, paired to a automatic driving the front wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 8.2 seconds.
The BYD Sealion 5 has the clear power advantage at 156kW vs 115kW. In the real-world sprint, the BYD Sealion 5 is 0.9s quicker. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Battery: 12.9kWh (BYD Sealion 5) vs 72.6kWh (MG ZS EV), giving WLTP ranges of 80km and 440km. DC fast charging peaks at 150kW (BYD Sealion 5) vs 92kW (MG ZS EV).
Space & Comfort
The BYD Sealion 5 measures 4,738mm long on a 2,765mm wheelbase, 415mm longer than the MG ZS EV at 4,323mm (2,585mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the BYD Sealion 5 generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 400L in the BYD Sealion 5 and 359L in the MG ZS EV, giving the BYD Sealion 5 a 41L 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 10 years / 250,000km (MG ZS EV). The MG ZS EV has longer coverage.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the BYD Sealion 5 if: You want the lower entry price, prioritise performance, need more boot space, or prefer BYD's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the MG ZS EV if: You value a longer warranty, or prefer MG's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
The BYD Sealion 5 takes 6 of 9 key spec categories and comes in at a lower price. If boot space matters, the BYD Sealion 5 has a clear edge. The MG ZS EV 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.
Common questions
Which is cheapest, BYD Sealion 5 and MG ZS EV?
The BYD Sealion 5 is the cheapest at $33,990 before on-road costs. That undercuts the MG ZS EV by $10,000.
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 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 MG ZS EV 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 7.3s.
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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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