Geely Starray EM-i vs BYD Sealion 6
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 Geely Starray EM-i starts from $37,490 before on-road costs, while the BYD Sealion 6 opens at $42,990. That makes the Geely Starray EM-i the more affordable entry point by $5,500.
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 $41,239 and $47,289 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.
Over 5 years, the running costs are nearly identical since both have similar efficiency.
Safety Rundown
Both the Geely Starray EM-i and BYD Sealion 6 hold a 5-star ANCAP safety rating.
Where the two diverge is in active safety technology. The BYD Sealion 6 packs more ADAS features with 6 out of 10 key systems fitted, compared to 4 in the Geely Starray EM-i.
Both include the essentials: autonomous emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, a reversing camera. Airbag count is 7 in the Geely Starray EM-i and 7 in the BYD Sealion 6.
Feature Showdown
The Geely Starray EM-i features a 15.4-inch touchscreen paired with a 10.2-inch digital dash, while the BYD Sealion 6 gets a 12.8-inch display and 12.3-inch instruments. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.
The Geely Starray EM-i stands out with Apple CarPlay, heated front seats and V2L that you will not find on the BYD Sealion 6. The BYD Sealion 6 counters with wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.
Drivetrain
The Geely Starray EM-i uses a Petrol producing 160kW and 262Nm of torque, sent through a auto to a FWD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 8 seconds.
The BYD Sealion 6 responds with a Plug-in Hybrid making 160kW and 300Nm, paired to a auto driving the front wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 8.5 seconds.
Power output is identical on paper, so the difference comes down to tuning, weight distribution, and suspension. In the real-world sprint, the Geely Starray EM-i is 0.5s quicker. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Battery: 18.4kWh (Geely Starray EM-i) vs 18.3kWh (BYD Sealion 6), giving WLTP ranges of 83km and 92km. DC fast charging peaks at 30kW (Geely Starray EM-i) vs 150kW (BYD Sealion 6).
Space & Comfort
The Geely Starray EM-i measures 4,740mm long on a 2,755mm wheelbase, 35mm shorter than the BYD Sealion 6 at 4,775mm (2,765mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the BYD Sealion 6 generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 428L in the Geely Starray EM-i and 400L in the BYD Sealion 6, giving the Geely Starray EM-i a 28L advantage.
Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
10.4m to 11.0m
Based on 10.4m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
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
Based on 15,000km of annual driving, electricity costs roughly $115/year for the Geely Starray EM-i and $226/year for the BYD Sealion 6. That is a $111 annual difference in favour of the Geely Starray EM-i.
Estimated annual total: $115 (Geely Starray EM-i) vs $226 (BYD Sealion 6). The Geely Starray EM-i saves you roughly $111 per year in total ownership costs. Use our Fuel Cost Calculator to estimate based on your driving.
Warranty: 7 years / 999,999km (Geely Starray EM-i) vs 6 years / 150,000km (BYD Sealion 6). The Geely Starray EM-i has longer coverage.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the Geely Starray EM-i if: You want the lower entry price, need more boot space, want lower running costs, value a longer warranty, or prefer Geely's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the BYD Sealion 6 if: You or prefer BYD's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
The Geely Starray EM-i takes 7 of 10 key spec categories and comes in at a lower price. The Geely Starray EM-i will save you roughly $111 a year in electricity. The Geely Starray EM-i 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, Geely Starray EM-i and BYD Sealion 6?
The Geely Starray EM-i is the cheapest at $37,490 before on-road costs. That undercuts the BYD Sealion 6 by $5,500.
Which is the most fuel-efficient?
The BYD Sealion 6 uses the least fuel at 1.1L/100km on the combined cycle.
Which is safest?
They are evenly matched — Geely Starray EM-i and BYD Sealion 6 all hold a 5-star ANCAP rating. Compare the active-safety features above to separate them.
Which has the most boot space?
The Geely Starray EM-i has the largest boot at 428L.
Which can tow the most?
The BYD Sealion 6 has the highest braked towing capacity at 1,000kg.
Which has the best warranty?
The Geely Starray EM-i has the longest warranty at 7 years / 1000k km.
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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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