GWM Tank 500 vs BYD Sealion 8
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 GWM Tank 500 starts from $59,990 before on-road costs, while the BYD Sealion 8 opens at $56,990. That makes the BYD Sealion 8 the more affordable entry point by $3,000.
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 $65,989 and $62,689 respectively.
Over 5 years, the running costs favour the BYD Sealion 8 by roughly $10,690 in fuel alone.
Safety Rundown
Both the GWM Tank 500 and BYD Sealion 8 hold a 5-star ANCAP safety rating. Adult occupant protection scored 88% for the GWM Tank 500 and 89% for the BYD Sealion 8.
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 GWM Tank 500.
Both include the essentials: autonomous emergency braking, lane keep assist, adaptive cruise control, a reversing camera. The BYD Sealion 8 adds a 360-degree camera that the GWM Tank 500 misses.
Feature Showdown
Both come with modern infotainment systems. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.
The GWM Tank 500 stands out with Apple CarPlay that you will not find on the BYD Sealion 8. The BYD Sealion 8 counters with wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, wireless charging, panoramic roof, heated front seats, ventilated seats and power tailgate. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.
Drivetrain
The GWM Tank 500 uses a Hybrid producing 255kW and 648Nm of torque, sent through a 9-speed auto to a 4WD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 8.5 seconds.
The BYD Sealion 8 responds with a Plug-in Hybrid making 205kW and 490Nm, paired to a auto driving the front wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 4.3 seconds.
The GWM Tank 500 has the clear power advantage at 255kW vs 205kW. In the real-world sprint, the BYD Sealion 8 is 4.2s quicker. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Space & Comfort
The GWM Tank 500 measures 5,078mm long on a 2,850mm wheelbase, 38mm longer than the BYD Sealion 8 at 5,040mm (2,950mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the BYD Sealion 8 generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 98L in the GWM Tank 500 and 400L in the BYD Sealion 8, giving the BYD Sealion 8 a 302L advantage.
For towing, the GWM Tank 500 leads with a 3,000kg braked capacity vs 1,000kg. That 2,000kg 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 11.2m
Based on 11.2m 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, fuel costs roughly $2,423/year for the GWM Tank 500 and $285/year for the BYD Sealion 8. That is a $2,138 annual difference in favour of the BYD Sealion 8.
Estimated annual total: $2,423 (GWM Tank 500) vs $285 (BYD Sealion 8). The BYD Sealion 8 saves you roughly $2,138 per year in total ownership costs. Use our Fuel Cost Calculator to estimate based on your driving.
Warranty: 7 years / 999,999km (GWM Tank 500) vs 6 years / 150,000km (BYD Sealion 8). The GWM Tank 500 has longer coverage.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the GWM Tank 500 if: You prioritise performance, value a longer warranty, need stronger towing, or prefer GWM's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the BYD Sealion 8 if: You want the lower entry price, need more boot space, want lower running costs, or prefer BYD's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
The BYD Sealion 8 takes 4 of 7 key spec categories and comes in at a lower price. The BYD Sealion 8 will save you roughly $2,138 a year in fuel. If boot space matters, the BYD Sealion 8 has a clear edge. The GWM Tank 500 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.
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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