BYD Sealion 6 vs GWM Haval H7

The BYD Sealion 6 starts from $42,990 before on-road costs, while the GWM Haval H7 opens at $46,990. That makes the BYD Sealion 6 the more affordable entry point by $4,000.

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 $47,289 and $51,689 respectively.

The BYD Sealion 6 qualifies for FBT exemption as an electric vehicle, which can dramatically reduce the effective cost for novated lease buyers. The GWM Haval H7, as a petrol model, does not qualify.

Over 5 years, the running costs favour the BYD Sealion 6 by roughly $6,995 in fuel alone.

Both the BYD Sealion 6 and GWM Haval H7 hold a 5-star ANCAP safety rating. Adult occupant protection scored 89% for the BYD Sealion 6 and 90% for the GWM Haval H7.

Where the two diverge is in active safety technology. The GWM Haval H7 packs more ADAS features with 7 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 GWM Haval H7. The GWM Haval H7 adds a 360-degree camera that the BYD Sealion 6 misses.

How long each takes to charge — from a household power point to ultra-rapid DC — estimated from battery size and max charge rates.

The BYD Sealion 6 features a 12.8-inch touchscreen paired with a 12.3-inch digital dash, while the GWM Haval H7 gets a 14.6-inch display and 10.3-inch instruments. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.

The GWM Haval H7 counters with head-up display, wireless charging, panoramic roof, heated front seats and power tailgate that the BYD Sealion 6 does not offer. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.

The BYD Sealion 6 uses a Plug-in Hybrid producing 160kW and 300Nm of torque, sent through a auto to a FWD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 8.5 seconds.

The GWM Haval H7 responds with a Petrol making 179kW and 530Nm, paired to a auto driving the front wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 7.9 seconds.

The GWM Haval H7 has the clear power advantage at 179kW vs 160kW. In the real-world sprint, the GWM Haval H7 is 0.6s 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, 70mm longer than the GWM Haval H7 at 4,705mm (2,810mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the GWM Haval H7 generally means more rear legroom.

Boot space is 425L in the BYD Sealion 6 and 483L in the GWM Haval H7, giving the GWM Haval H7 a 58L advantage.

For towing, the GWM Haval H7 leads with a 1,500kg braked capacity vs 1,500kg. That 0kg difference matters if you regularly hitch up.

Based on 15,000km of annual driving, fuel costs roughly $226/year for the BYD Sealion 6 and $1,625/year for the GWM Haval H7. That is a $1,399 annual difference in favour of the BYD Sealion 6.

Estimated annual total: $226 (BYD Sealion 6) vs $1,625 (GWM Haval H7). The BYD Sealion 6 saves you roughly $1,399 per year in total ownership costs. Use our Fuel Cost Calculator to estimate based on your driving.

Warranty: 6 years / 150,000km (BYD Sealion 6) vs 7 years / 999,999km (GWM Haval H7). The GWM Haval H7 has longer coverage.