MG 5 vs BYD Seal 6
A detailed look at how two of Australia's most popular Sedans 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 MG 5 starts from $32,990 before on-road costs, while the BYD Seal 6 opens at $34,990. That makes the MG 5 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 $36,289 and $38,489 respectively.
The BYD Seal 6 qualifies for FBT exemption as an electric vehicle, which can dramatically reduce the effective cost for novated lease buyers. The MG 5, as a petrol model, does not qualify.
Over 5 years, the running costs favour the BYD Seal 6 by roughly $8,760 in fuel alone.
Safety Rundown
The BYD Seal 6 holds a 5-star ANCAP rating vs 3 stars for the MG 5.
Where the two diverge is in active safety technology. The BYD Seal 6 packs more ADAS features with 6 out of 10 key systems fitted, compared to 4 in the MG 5.
Both include the essentials: autonomous emergency braking, lane keep assist, adaptive cruise control, a reversing camera. The MG 5 adds a 360-degree camera that the BYD Seal 6 misses.
Feature Showdown
Both come with modern infotainment systems. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.
Drivetrain
The MG 5 uses a 1.5L Turbo Petrol producing 119kW and 250Nm of torque, sent through a automatic to a FWD layout.
The BYD Seal 6 responds with a Petrol Turbo PHEV making 130kW and 210Nm, paired to a 1-speed auto driving the front wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 8.9 seconds.
The BYD Seal 6 has the clear power advantage at 130kW vs 119kW. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Space & Comfort
The MG 5 measures 4,675mm long on a 2,680mm wheelbase, 165mm shorter than the BYD Seal 6 at 4,840mm (2,790mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the BYD Seal 6 generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 401L in the MG 5 and 491L in the BYD Seal 6, giving the BYD Seal 6 a 90L advantage.
Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
11.0m diameter
Good
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 $1,824/year for the MG 5 and $72/year for the BYD Seal 6. That is a $1,752 annual difference in favour of the BYD Seal 6.
Estimated annual total: $1,824 (MG 5) vs $72 (BYD Seal 6). The BYD Seal 6 saves you roughly $1,752 per year in total ownership costs. Use our Fuel Cost Calculator to estimate based on your driving.
Warranty: 10 years / 250,000km (MG 5) vs 6 years / 150,000km (BYD Seal 6). The MG 5 has longer coverage.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the MG 5 if: You want the lower entry price, value a longer warranty, or prefer MG's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the BYD Seal 6 if: You prioritise performance, need more boot space, want lower running costs, or prefer BYD's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
The BYD Seal 6 takes 4 of 6 key spec categories. The BYD Seal 6 will save you roughly $1,752 a year in fuel. If boot space matters, the BYD Seal 6 has a clear edge. The MG 5 adds peace of mind with a longer 10-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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