BYD Sealion 6 vs Leapmotor C10
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 6 starts from $42,990 before on-road costs, while the Leapmotor C10 opens at $45,888. That makes the BYD Sealion 6 the more affordable entry point by $2,898.
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 $50,477 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 6 and Leapmotor C10 hold a 5-star ANCAP safety rating. Adult occupant protection scored 89% for the BYD Sealion 6 and 89% for the Leapmotor C10.
Where the two diverge is in active safety technology. The Leapmotor C10 packs more ADAS features with 8 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 Leapmotor C10.
Feature Showdown
The BYD Sealion 6 features a 12.8-inch touchscreen, while the Leapmotor C10 gets a 14.6-inch display and 10.3-inch instruments. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.
The Leapmotor C10 counters with wireless charging, panoramic roof, power tailgate and V2L that the BYD Sealion 6 does not offer. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.
Drivetrain
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 7.9 seconds.
The Leapmotor C10 responds with a Electric making 160kW and 320Nm, paired to a automatic driving the rear wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 8.5 seconds.
Power output is identical on paper, so the difference comes down to tuning, weight distribution, and suspension. In the real-world sprint, the BYD Sealion 6 is 0.6s quicker. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Battery: 18.3kWh (BYD Sealion 6) vs 69.9kWh (Leapmotor C10), giving WLTP ranges of 92km and 420km. DC fast charging peaks at 150kW (BYD Sealion 6) vs 84kW (Leapmotor C10).
Space & Comfort
The BYD Sealion 6 measures 4,775mm long on a 2,765mm wheelbase, 36mm longer than the Leapmotor C10 at 4,739mm (2,825mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Leapmotor C10 generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 400L in the BYD Sealion 6 and 546L in the Leapmotor C10, giving the Leapmotor C10 a 146L advantage.
For towing, the Leapmotor C10 leads with a 1,500kg braked capacity vs 1,000kg. That 500kg difference matters if you regularly hitch up.
Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
11.0m to 11.4m
Based on 11.0m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Based on 11.4m 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 6) vs 7 years / 160,000km (Leapmotor C10). The Leapmotor C10 has longer coverage.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the BYD Sealion 6 if: You want the lower entry price, or prefer BYD's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the Leapmotor C10 if: You need more boot space, value a longer warranty, need stronger towing, or prefer Leapmotor's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
The Leapmotor C10 takes 6 of 10 key spec categories. If boot space matters, the Leapmotor C10 has a clear edge. The Leapmotor C10 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.
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.
Published by CarSorted Editorial Team · 20 April 2026
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