MG IM5 vs BYD Seal
Two electric Sedans 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.
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Price Breakdown
The MG IM5 starts from $55,450 before on-road costs, while the BYD Seal opens at $46,990. That makes the BYD Seal the more affordable entry point by $8,460.
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 $60,995 and $51,689 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.
Charging Times
How long each takes to charge — from a household power point to ultra-rapid DC — estimated from battery size and max charge rates.
How long to charge
75kWh usablePublic DC
50kW charger · 0–80%
Ultra-rapid DC
up to 153kW · 0–80%
Estimates from usable battery size and the car's max charge rates (11kW AC, 153kW DC). Real times vary with temperature, starting charge, charger output and the charging curve.
How long to charge
61.4kWh usablePublic DC
50kW charger · 0–80%
Ultra-rapid DC
up to 110kW · 0–80%
Estimates from usable battery size and the car's max charge rates (11kW AC, 110kW DC). Real times vary with temperature, starting charge, charger output and the charging curve.
Feature Showdown
The MG IM5 features a 26.3-inch touchscreen, while the BYD Seal gets a 15.6-inch display and 10.3-inch instruments. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.
The MG IM5 stands out with wireless charging, panoramic roof, heated front seats, ventilated seats, V2L and ambient lighting that you will not find on the BYD Seal. The BYD Seal counters with Dynaudio audio. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.
Interior trim differs: the MG IM5 gets synthetic leather upholstery while the BYD Seal offers synthetic leather.
Drivetrain
The MG IM5 uses a Electric producing 217kW and 450Nm of torque, sent through a auto to a RWD layout.
The BYD Seal responds with a Electric making 150kW and 310Nm, paired to a auto driving the rear wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 7.6 seconds.
The MG IM5 has the clear power advantage at 217kW vs 150kW. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Battery: 75kWh (MG IM5) vs 61.4kWh (BYD Seal), giving WLTP ranges of 490km and 460km. DC fast charging peaks at 153kW (MG IM5) vs 110kW (BYD Seal).
Space & Comfort
The MG IM5 measures 4,931mm long on a 2,950mm wheelbase, 131mm longer than the BYD Seal at 4,800mm (2,920mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the MG IM5 generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 457L in the MG IM5 and 400L in the BYD Seal, giving the MG IM5 a 57L advantage.
Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
11.4m diameter
Average
Based on 11.4m 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: 7 years (MG IM5) vs 6 years / 150,000km (BYD Seal). The MG IM5 has longer coverage.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the MG IM5 if: You prioritise performance, need more boot space, value a longer warranty, or prefer MG's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the BYD Seal if: You want the lower entry price, or prefer BYD's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
The MG IM5 takes 7 of 8 key spec categories. If boot space matters, the MG IM5 has a clear edge. The MG IM5 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, MG IM5 and BYD Seal?
The BYD Seal is the cheapest at $46,990 before on-road costs. That undercuts the MG IM5 by $8,460.
Which has the longest driving range?
The MG IM5 has the most range at 490km (WLTP).
Which charges fastest?
The MG IM5 accepts the highest DC charging at up to 153kW.
Which is safest?
They are evenly matched — BYD Seal all hold a 5-star ANCAP rating. Compare the active-safety features above to separate them.
Which has the most boot space?
The MG IM5 has the largest boot at 457L.
Which can tow the most?
The BYD Seal has the highest braked towing capacity at 1,000kg.
Which has the best warranty?
The MG IM5 has the longest warranty at 7 years / Unlimited.
Which is the most powerful?
The MG IM5 makes the most power at 217kW.
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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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