BYD Sealion 8 vs MG IM6
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.
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.
Track the BYD Sealion 8 & MG IM6
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Price Breakdown
The BYD Sealion 8 starts from $56,990 before on-road costs, while the MG IM6 opens at $55,450. That makes the MG IM6 the more affordable entry point by $1,540.
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. Estimated driveaway prices sit around $61,549 for the BYD Sealion 8 and $60,990 for the MG IM6.
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
ANCAP safety ratings have not been published for both models yet. We will update this section when crash test results are available.
Charging Times
How long each takes to charge — from a household power point to ultra-rapid DC — estimated from battery size and max charge rates.
How long to charge
19kWh usablePublic DC
50kW charger · 0–80%
Ultra-rapid DC
up to 40kW · 0–80%
Estimates from usable battery size and the car's max charge rates (7.4kW AC, 40kW DC). Real times vary with temperature, starting charge, charger output and the charging curve.
How long to charge
75kWh usablePublic DC
50kW charger · 0–80%
Ultra-rapid DC
up to 153kW · 0–80%
Estimates from usable battery size and the car's max charge rates (11kW AC, 153kW DC). Real times vary with temperature, starting charge, charger output and the charging curve.
Feature Showdown
The BYD Sealion 8 features a 15.6-inch touchscreen paired with a 10.3-inch digital dash, while the MG IM6 gets a 26.3-inch display. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.
The MG IM6 counters with V2L and ambient lighting that the BYD Sealion 8 does not offer. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.
Interior trim differs: the BYD Sealion 8 gets synthetic leather upholstery while the MG IM6 offers synthetic leather. Climate control is 3-zone in the BYD Sealion 8 and 2-zone in the MG IM6.
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 MG IM6 responds with a Electric making 217kW and 450Nm, paired to a auto driving the rear wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 6.4 seconds.
The MG IM6 has the clear power advantage at 217kW vs 205kW. In the real-world sprint, the MG IM6 is 2.2s quicker. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Battery: 19kWh (BYD Sealion 8) vs 75kWh (MG IM6), giving WLTP ranges of 103km and 450km. DC fast charging peaks at 40kW (BYD Sealion 8) vs 153kW (MG IM6).
Space & Comfort
The BYD Sealion 8 measures 5,040mm long on a 2,950mm wheelbase, 136mm longer than the MG IM6 at 4,904mm (2,950mm wheelbase).
Boot space is 270L in the BYD Sealion 8 and 665L in the MG IM6, giving the MG IM6 a 395L advantage. The BYD Sealion 8 seats 7 vs 5.
For towing, the BYD Sealion 8 leads with a 1,800kg braked capacity vs 1,500kg. That 300kg difference matters if you regularly hitch up.
Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
11.8m diameter
Average
Based on 11.8m 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 7 years (MG IM6). The MG IM6 has longer coverage.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the BYD Sealion 8 if: You need stronger towing, or prefer BYD's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the MG IM6 if: You want the lower entry price, prioritise performance, need more boot space, value a longer warranty, or prefer MG's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
The MG IM6 takes 9 of 10 key spec categories and comes in at a lower price. If boot space matters, the MG IM6 has a clear edge. The MG IM6 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 MG IM6?
The MG IM6 is the cheapest at $55,450 before on-road costs. That undercuts the BYD Sealion 8 by $1,540.
Which is the most fuel-efficient?
The BYD Sealion 8 uses the least fuel at 1.1L/100km on the combined cycle.
What are the ANCAP safety ratings?
None of BYD Sealion 8 and MG IM6 carry a published ANCAP rating yet — check back as they are tested.
Which has the most boot space?
The MG IM6 has the largest boot at 665L.
Which can tow the most?
The BYD Sealion 8 has the highest braked towing capacity at 1,800kg.
Which has the best warranty?
The MG IM6 has the longest warranty at 7 years / Unlimited.
Which is the most powerful?
The MG IM6 makes the most power at 217kW. The MG IM6 is quickest to 100km/h in 6.4s.
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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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