BYD Sealion 8 vs Peugeot 408
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.
Price Breakdown
The BYD Sealion 8 starts from $56,990 before on-road costs, while the Peugeot 408 opens at $57,990. That makes the BYD Sealion 8 the more affordable entry point by $1,000.
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 $63,789 respectively.
Over 5 years, the running costs favour the BYD Sealion 8 by roughly $7,270 in fuel alone.
Safety Rundown
Both the BYD Sealion 8 and Peugeot 408 hold a 5-star ANCAP safety rating. Adult occupant protection scored 89% for the BYD Sealion 8 and 79% for the Peugeot 408.
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 Peugeot 408.
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 6 in the Peugeot 408. The BYD Sealion 8 adds a 360-degree camera that the Peugeot 408 misses.
Feature Showdown
The BYD Sealion 8 features a 15.6-inch touchscreen, while the Peugeot 408 gets a 10-inch display. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.
The BYD Sealion 8 stands out with heated front seats and ventilated seats that you will not find on the Peugeot 408. The Peugeot 408 counters with Focal audio. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.
Drivetrain
The BYD Sealion 8 uses a Plug-in Hybrid producing 205kW and 490Nm of torque, sent through a auto to a FWD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 4.3 seconds.
The Peugeot 408 responds with a Hybrid making 100kW and 230Nm, paired to a automatic driving the front wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 9.4 seconds.
The BYD Sealion 8 has the clear power advantage at 205kW vs 100kW. In the real-world sprint, the BYD Sealion 8 is 5.1s 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, 350mm longer than the Peugeot 408 at 4,690mm (2,790mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the BYD Sealion 8 generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 400L in the BYD Sealion 8 and 508L in the Peugeot 408, giving the Peugeot 408 a 108L advantage. The BYD Sealion 8 seats 7 vs 5.
For towing, the Peugeot 408 leads with a 1,300kg braked capacity vs 1,000kg. That 300kg difference matters if you regularly hitch up.
Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
10.8m to 11.0m
Based on 11.0m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Based on 10.8m 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 $285/year for the BYD Sealion 8 and $1,739/year for the Peugeot 408. That is a $1,454 annual difference in favour of the BYD Sealion 8.
Estimated annual total: $285 (BYD Sealion 8) vs $1,739 (Peugeot 408). The BYD Sealion 8 saves you roughly $1,454 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 5 years / 200,000km (Peugeot 408). 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, want lower running costs, value a longer warranty, or prefer BYD's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the Peugeot 408 if: You need more boot space, need stronger towing, or prefer Peugeot's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
The BYD Sealion 8 takes 5 of 7 key spec categories and comes in at a lower price. The BYD Sealion 8 will save you roughly $1,454 a year in fuel. If boot space matters, the Peugeot 408 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.
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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