BYD Sealion 8 vs Mazda CX-6e
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 8 starts from $56,990 before on-road costs, while the Mazda CX-6e opens at $59,106. That makes the BYD Sealion 8 the more affordable entry point by $2,116.
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 $65,017 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 8 and Mazda CX-6e hold a 5-star ANCAP safety rating.
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 6 in the Mazda CX-6e.
Both include the essentials: autonomous emergency braking, lane keep assist, adaptive cruise control, a reversing camera. Airbag count is 9 in the BYD Sealion 8 and 9 in the Mazda CX-6e. The BYD Sealion 8 adds a 360-degree camera that the Mazda CX-6e misses.
Feature Showdown
The BYD Sealion 8 features a 15.6-inch touchscreen, while the Mazda CX-6e gets a 26.5-inch display. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.
The BYD Sealion 8 stands out with heated front seats that you will not find on the Mazda CX-6e. 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 Mazda CX-6e responds with a Electric making 190kW and 290Nm, paired to a automatic driving the rear wheels.
The BYD Sealion 8 has the clear power advantage at 205kW vs 190kW. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Battery: 19kWh (BYD Sealion 8) vs 77.9kWh (Mazda CX-6e), giving WLTP ranges of 103km and 484km. DC fast charging peaks at 150kW (BYD Sealion 8) vs 150kW (Mazda CX-6e).
Space & Comfort
The BYD Sealion 8 measures 5,040mm long on a 2,950mm wheelbase, 190mm longer than the Mazda CX-6e at 4,850mm (2,902mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the BYD Sealion 8 generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 400L in the BYD Sealion 8 and 468L in the Mazda CX-6e, giving the Mazda CX-6e a 68L advantage. The BYD Sealion 8 seats 7 vs 5.
For towing, the Mazda CX-6e 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 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 8) vs 5 years / 999,999km (Mazda CX-6e). The BYD Sealion 8 has longer coverage.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the BYD Sealion 8 if: You want the lower entry price, prioritise performance, value a longer warranty, or prefer BYD's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the Mazda CX-6e if: You need more boot space, need stronger towing, or prefer Mazda's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
The Mazda CX-6e takes 5 of 8 key spec categories. If boot space matters, the Mazda CX-6e has a clear edge. The BYD Sealion 8 adds peace of mind with a longer 6-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 Mazda CX-6e?
The BYD Sealion 8 is the cheapest at $56,990 before on-road costs. That undercuts the Mazda CX-6e by $2,116.
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 Mazda CX-6e all hold a 5-star ANCAP rating. Compare the active-safety features above to separate them.
Which has the most boot space?
The Mazda CX-6e has the largest boot at 468L.
Which can tow the most?
The Mazda CX-6e has the highest braked towing capacity at 1,500kg.
Which has the best warranty?
The BYD Sealion 8 has the longest warranty at 6 years / 150k km.
Which is the most powerful?
The BYD Sealion 8 makes the most power at 205kW.
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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