BYD Sealion 6 vs GAC Aion V

The BYD Sealion 6 starts from $42,990 before on-road costs, while the GAC Aion V opens at $42,590. That makes the GAC Aion V the more affordable entry point by $400.

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 $47,289 and $46,849 respectively.

The GAC Aion V qualifies for FBT exemption as an electric vehicle, which can dramatically reduce the effective cost for novated lease buyers. The BYD Sealion 6, as a petrol model, does not qualify.

Both the BYD Sealion 6 and GAC Aion V hold a 5-star ANCAP safety rating. Adult occupant protection scored 89% for the BYD Sealion 6 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 6.

Both include the essentials: autonomous emergency braking, lane keep assist, adaptive cruise control, a reversing camera. Airbag count is 7 in the BYD Sealion 6 and 7 in the GAC Aion V. The GAC Aion V adds a 360-degree camera that the BYD Sealion 6 misses.

The BYD Sealion 6 features a 12.8-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 6 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.

The BYD Sealion 6 lines up producing 160kW and 300Nm of torque, sent through a auto to a FWD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 7.9 seconds.

The GAC Aion V counters with its electric setup making 150kW and 210Nm, paired to a automatic driving the front wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 9 seconds.

The BYD Sealion 6 has the clear power advantage at 160kW vs 150kW. In the real-world sprint, the BYD Sealion 6 is 1.1s quicker. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.

The BYD Sealion 6 measures 4,775mm long on a 2,765mm wheelbase, 170mm 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 6 and 427L in the GAC Aion V, giving the GAC Aion V a 27L advantage.

Running cost data is not yet available for both models. We will update when figures are confirmed.

Warranty: 6 years / 150,000km (BYD Sealion 6) vs 8 years / 150,000km (GAC Aion V). The GAC Aion V has longer coverage.