BYD Sealion 8 vs GWM Tank 500
A detailed look at how two of Australia's most popular SUVs compare on price, running costs, safety, and everyday livability.
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 8 starts from $56,990 before on-road costs, while the GWM Tank 500 opens at $59,990. That makes the BYD Sealion 8 the more affordable entry point by $3,000.
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 $62,689 and $65,989 respectively.
The BYD Sealion 8 qualifies for FBT exemption as an electric vehicle, which can dramatically reduce the effective cost for novated lease buyers. The GWM Tank 500, as a petrol model, does not qualify.
Over 5 years, the running costs favour the BYD Sealion 8 by roughly $10,845 in fuel alone.
Safety Rundown
Both the BYD Sealion 8 and GWM Tank 500 hold a 5-star ANCAP safety rating. Adult occupant protection scored 89% for the BYD Sealion 8 and 85% for the GWM Tank 500.
Where the two diverge is in active safety technology. The BYD Sealion 8 packs more ADAS features with 7 out of 10 key systems fitted, compared to 5 in the GWM Tank 500.
Both include the essentials: autonomous emergency braking, lane keep assist, adaptive cruise control, a reversing camera. The BYD Sealion 8 adds a 360-degree camera that the GWM Tank 500 misses.
Feature Showdown
The BYD Sealion 8 features a 15.6-inch touchscreen paired with a 10.3-inch digital dash, while the GWM Tank 500 gets a 14.6-inch display and 12.3-inch instruments. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.
The BYD Sealion 8 stands out with wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, wireless charging, panoramic roof, heated front seats, ventilated seats and power tailgate that you will not find on the GWM Tank 500. The GWM Tank 500 counters with Apple CarPlay. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.
Drivetrain
The BYD Sealion 8 uses a Petrol Turbo PHEV producing 205kW and 315Nm of torque, sent through a 1-speed auto to a FWD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 8.6 seconds.
The GWM Tank 500 responds with a Hybrid making 255kW and 648Nm, paired to a 9-speed auto driving the rear wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 8.5 seconds.
The GWM Tank 500 has the clear power advantage at 255kW vs 205kW. In the real-world sprint, the GWM Tank 500 is 0.1s quicker. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Space & Comfort
The BYD Sealion 8 measures 5,040mm long on a 2,950mm wheelbase, 38mm shorter than the GWM Tank 500 at 5,078mm (2,850mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the BYD Sealion 8 generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 400L in the BYD Sealion 8 and 98L in the GWM Tank 500, giving the BYD Sealion 8 a 302L advantage.
For towing, the GWM Tank 500 leads with a 3,000kg braked capacity vs 1,800kg. That 1,200kg 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 11.2m
Based on 11.0m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Based on 11.2m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Turning circle ratings
True Cost to Own
Based on 15,000km of annual driving, fuel costs roughly $254/year for the BYD Sealion 8 and $2,423/year for the GWM Tank 500. That is a $2,169 annual difference in favour of the BYD Sealion 8.
Estimated annual total: $254 (BYD Sealion 8) vs $2,423 (GWM Tank 500). The BYD Sealion 8 saves you roughly $2,169 per year in total ownership costs. Use our Fuel Cost Calculator to estimate based on your driving.
Warranty: 6 years / 150,000km (BYD Sealion 8) vs 7 years / 999,999km (GWM Tank 500). The GWM Tank 500 has longer coverage.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the BYD Sealion 8 if: You want the lower entry price, need more boot space, want lower running costs, or prefer BYD's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the GWM Tank 500 if: You prioritise performance, value a longer warranty, need stronger towing, or prefer GWM's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
The GWM Tank 500 takes 4 of 7 key spec categories. The BYD Sealion 8 will save you roughly $2,169 a year in fuel. If boot space matters, the BYD Sealion 8 has a clear edge. The GWM Tank 500 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.
Common questions
Which is cheapest, BYD Sealion 8 and GWM Tank 500?
The BYD Sealion 8 is the cheapest at $56,990 before on-road costs. That undercuts the GWM Tank 500 by $3,000.
Which is the most fuel-efficient?
The BYD Sealion 8 uses the least fuel at 1.1L/100km on the combined cycle.
Which is safest?
They are evenly matched — BYD Sealion 8 and GWM Tank 500 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 8 has the largest boot at 400L.
Which can tow the most?
The GWM Tank 500 has the highest braked towing capacity at 3,000kg.
Which has the best warranty?
The GWM Tank 500 has the longest warranty at 7 years / Unlimited.
Which is the most powerful?
The GWM Tank 500 makes the most power at 255kW. The GWM Tank 500 is quickest to 100km/h in 8.5s.
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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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