BYD Sealion 8 vs smart #3
Two electric cars 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 smart #3 opens at $57,900. That makes the BYD Sealion 8 the more affordable entry point by $910.
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 $63,690 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 smart #3 hold a 5-star ANCAP safety rating. Adult occupant protection scored 89% for the BYD Sealion 8 and 90% for the smart #3.
Where the two diverge is in active safety technology. The smart #3 packs more ADAS features with 8 out of 10 key systems fitted, compared to 7 in the BYD Sealion 8.
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 7 in the smart #3. The BYD Sealion 8 adds a 360-degree camera that the smart #3 misses.
Feature Showdown
The BYD Sealion 8 features a 15.6-inch touchscreen, while the smart #3 gets a 12.8-inch display. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.
The BYD Sealion 8 stands out with ventilated seats that you will not find on the smart #3. The smart #3 counters with ambient lighting. 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 smart #3 responds with a Electric making 200kW and 343Nm, paired to a single-speed automatic driving the rear wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 5.8 seconds.
The BYD Sealion 8 has the clear power advantage at 205kW vs 200kW. In the real-world sprint, the smart #3 is 2.8s quicker. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Battery: 19kWh (BYD Sealion 8) vs 66kWh (smart #3), giving WLTP ranges of 103km and 435km. DC fast charging peaks at 150kW (BYD Sealion 8) vs 130kW (smart #3).
Space & Comfort
The BYD Sealion 8 measures 5,040mm long on a 2,950mm wheelbase, 640mm longer than the smart #3 at 4,400mm (2,785mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the BYD Sealion 8 generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 400L in the BYD Sealion 8 and 260L in the smart #3, giving the BYD Sealion 8 a 140L advantage. The BYD Sealion 8 seats 7 vs 5.
For towing, the smart #3 leads with a 1,600kg braked capacity vs 1,000kg. That 600kg 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 11.5m
Based on 11.0m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Based on 11.5m 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 / 150,000km (smart #3). 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, need more boot space, value a longer warranty, or prefer BYD's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the smart #3 if: You need stronger towing, or prefer smart's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
The BYD Sealion 8 takes 6 of 10 key spec categories and comes in at a lower price. If boot space matters, the BYD Sealion 8 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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