BYD Sealion 5 vs MG 5
A detailed look at how two of Australia's most popular cars 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 BYD Sealion 5 starts from $33,990 before on-road costs, while the MG 5 opens at $32,990. That makes the MG 5 the more affordable entry point by $1,000.
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 $37,389 and $36,289 respectively.
The BYD Sealion 5 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 Sealion 5 by roughly $8,830 in fuel alone.
Safety Rundown
The BYD Sealion 5 holds a 5-star ANCAP rating vs 3 stars for the MG 5.
Where the two diverge is in active safety technology. The BYD Sealion 5 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. Airbag count is 7 in the BYD Sealion 5 and 6 in the MG 5. The MG 5 adds a 360-degree camera that the BYD Sealion 5 misses.
Feature Showdown
The BYD Sealion 5 features a 10.1-inch touchscreen, while the MG 5 gets a 10-inch display. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.
The BYD Sealion 5 stands out with wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto that you will not find on the MG 5. The MG 5 counters with Apple CarPlay. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.
Drivetrain
The BYD Sealion 5 uses a Plug-in Hybrid producing 156kW and 310Nm of torque, sent through a auto to a FWD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 7.3 seconds.
The MG 5 responds with a 1.5L Turbo Petrol making 119kW and 250Nm, paired to a automatic driving the front wheels.
The BYD Sealion 5 has the clear power advantage at 156kW vs 119kW. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Space & Comfort
The BYD Sealion 5 measures 4,738mm long on a 2,765mm wheelbase, 63mm longer than the MG 5 at 4,675mm (2,680mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the BYD Sealion 5 generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 400L in the BYD Sealion 5 and 401L in the MG 5, giving the MG 5 a 1L 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 $58/year for the BYD Sealion 5 and $1,824/year for the MG 5. That is a $1,766 annual difference in favour of the BYD Sealion 5.
Estimated annual total: $58 (BYD Sealion 5) vs $1,824 (MG 5). The BYD Sealion 5 saves you roughly $1,766 per year in total ownership costs. Use our Fuel Cost Calculator to estimate based on your driving.
Warranty: 6 years / 150,000km (BYD Sealion 5) vs 10 years / 250,000km (MG 5). The MG 5 has longer coverage.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the BYD Sealion 5 if: You prioritise performance, want lower running costs, or prefer BYD's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the MG 5 if: You want the lower entry price, need more boot space, value a longer warranty, or prefer MG's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
This is genuinely close. The BYD Sealion 5 and MG 5 trade blows across the spec sheet, and neither runs away with an outright win. The BYD Sealion 5 will save you roughly $1,766 a year in fuel. 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.
Common questions
Which is cheapest, BYD Sealion 5 and MG 5?
The MG 5 is the cheapest at $32,990 before on-road costs. That undercuts the BYD Sealion 5 by $1,000.
Which is the most fuel-efficient?
The BYD Sealion 5 uses the least fuel at 1.2L/100km on the combined cycle.
Which is safest?
The BYD Sealion 5 has the highest ANCAP rating at 5 stars.
Which has the most boot space?
The MG 5 has the largest boot at 401L.
Which can tow the most?
The BYD Sealion 5 has the highest braked towing capacity at 1,000kg.
Which has the best warranty?
The MG 5 has the longest warranty at 10 years / 250k km.
Which is the most powerful?
The BYD Sealion 5 makes the most power at 156kW.
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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