BYD Sealion 8 vs Volvo EX40
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.
Price Breakdown
The BYD Sealion 8 starts from $56,990 before on-road costs, while the Volvo EX40 opens at $76,990. That makes the BYD Sealion 8 the more affordable entry point by $20,000.
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 $62,689 and $84,689 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
Both the BYD Sealion 8 and Volvo EX40 hold a 5-star ANCAP safety rating.
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 Volvo EX40.
Both include the essentials: autonomous emergency braking, lane keep assist, adaptive cruise control, a reversing camera. Airbag count is 9 in the BYD Sealion 8 and 7 in the Volvo EX40. The BYD Sealion 8 adds a 360-degree camera that the Volvo EX40 misses.
Feature Showdown
The BYD Sealion 8 features a 15.6-inch touchscreen, while the Volvo EX40 gets a 9-inch display. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.
The BYD Sealion 8 stands out with panoramic roof and ventilated seats that you will not find on the Volvo EX40. The Volvo EX40 counters with head-up display and Harman Kardon audio. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.
Drivetrain
The BYD Sealion 8 uses a Petrol Turbo PHEV producing 205kW and 315Nm of torque, sent through a 1-speed auto to a FWD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 8.6 seconds.
The Volvo EX40 responds with a Electric making 185kW and 420Nm, paired to a single-speed driving the rear wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 7.3 seconds.
The BYD Sealion 8 has the clear power advantage at 205kW vs 185kW. In the real-world sprint, the Volvo EX40 is 1.3s quicker. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Battery: 19kWh (BYD Sealion 8) vs 82kWh (Volvo EX40), giving WLTP ranges of 103km and 520km. DC fast charging peaks at 150kW (BYD Sealion 8) vs 150kW (Volvo EX40).
Space & Comfort
The BYD Sealion 8 measures 5,040mm long on a 2,950mm wheelbase, 600mm longer than the Volvo EX40 at 4,440mm (2,702mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the BYD Sealion 8 generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 400L in the BYD Sealion 8 and 536L in the Volvo EX40, giving the Volvo EX40 a 136L advantage. The BYD Sealion 8 seats 7 vs 5.
For towing, the Volvo EX40 leads with a 1,800kg braked capacity vs 1,800kg. That 0kg 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 11.4m
Based on 11.0m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
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: 6 years / 150,000km (BYD Sealion 8) vs 5 years / 999,999km (Volvo EX40). The BYD Sealion 8 has longer coverage.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the BYD Sealion 8 if: You want the lower entry price, prioritise performance, value a longer warranty, or prefer BYD's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the Volvo EX40 if: You need more boot space, or prefer Volvo's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
This is genuinely close. The BYD Sealion 8 and Volvo EX40 trade blows across the spec sheet, and neither runs away with an outright win. If boot space matters, the Volvo EX40 has a clear edge. The BYD Sealion 8 adds peace of mind with a longer 6-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 8 and Volvo EX40?
The BYD Sealion 8 is the cheapest at $56,990 before on-road costs. That undercuts the Volvo EX40 by $20,000.
Which is the most fuel-efficient?
The BYD Sealion 8 uses the least fuel at 1.1L/100km on the combined cycle.
Which is safest?
They are evenly matched — BYD Sealion 8 and Volvo EX40 all hold a 5-star ANCAP rating. Compare the active-safety features above to separate them.
Which has the most boot space?
The Volvo EX40 has the largest boot at 536L.
Which can tow the most?
The BYD Sealion 8 has the highest braked towing capacity at 1,800kg.
Which has the best warranty?
The BYD Sealion 8 has the longest warranty at 6 years / 150k km.
Which is the most powerful?
The BYD Sealion 8 makes the most power at 205kW. The Volvo EX40 is quickest to 100km/h in 7.3s.
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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