BYD Sealion 8 vs Skoda Elroq
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.
Price Breakdown
The BYD Sealion 8 starts from $56,990 before on-road costs, while the Skoda Elroq opens at $54,990. That makes the Skoda Elroq the more affordable entry point by $2,000.
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 $60,489 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
ANCAP safety ratings have not been published for both models yet. We will update this section when crash test results are available.
Feature Showdown
The BYD Sealion 8 features a 15.6-inch touchscreen paired with a 10.3-inch digital dash, while the Skoda Elroq gets a 13-inch display and 5-inch instruments. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.
The BYD Sealion 8 stands out with panoramic roof and ventilated seats that you will not find on the Skoda Elroq. 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 Skoda Elroq offers cloth. Climate control is 3-zone in the BYD Sealion 8 and 2-zone in the Skoda Elroq.
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 Skoda Elroq responds with a Electric Motor making 210kW and 545Nm, paired to a automatic driving the rear wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 6.6 seconds.
The Skoda Elroq has the clear power advantage at 210kW vs 205kW. In the real-world sprint, the Skoda Elroq is 2.0s quicker. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Battery: 19kWh (BYD Sealion 8) vs 82kWh (Skoda Elroq), giving WLTP ranges of 103km and 570km. DC fast charging peaks at 150kW (BYD Sealion 8) vs 175kW (Skoda Elroq).
Space & Comfort
The BYD Sealion 8 measures 5,040mm long on a 2,950mm wheelbase, 552mm longer than the Skoda Elroq at 4,488mm (2,765mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the BYD Sealion 8 generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 400L in the BYD Sealion 8 and 470L in the Skoda Elroq, giving the Skoda Elroq a 70L advantage. The BYD Sealion 8 seats 7 vs 5.
Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
9.3m 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 9.3m 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 / 999,999km (Skoda Elroq). The Skoda Elroq has longer coverage.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the BYD Sealion 8 if: You or prefer BYD's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the Skoda Elroq if: You want the lower entry price, prioritise performance, need more boot space, value a longer warranty, or prefer Skoda's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
The Skoda Elroq takes 9 of 9 key spec categories and comes in at a lower price. If boot space matters, the Skoda Elroq has a clear edge. The Skoda Elroq 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 Skoda Elroq?
The Skoda Elroq is the cheapest at $54,990 before on-road costs. That undercuts the BYD Sealion 8 by $2,000.
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 all hold a 5-star ANCAP rating. Compare the active-safety features above to separate them.
Which has the most boot space?
The Skoda Elroq has the largest boot at 470L.
Which can tow the most?
The BYD Sealion 8 has the highest braked towing capacity at 1,800kg.
Which has the best warranty?
The Skoda Elroq has the longest warranty at 7 years / 1000k km.
Which is the most powerful?
The Skoda Elroq makes the most power at 210kW. The Skoda Elroq is quickest to 100km/h in 6.6s.
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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