Lexus NX vs BYD Sealion 8

The Lexus NX starts from $59,900 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 $2,910.

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 $65,890 and $62,689 respectively.

The BYD Sealion 8 qualifies for FBT exemption as an electric vehicle, which can dramatically reduce the effective cost for novated lease buyers. The Lexus NX, as a petrol model, does not qualify.

Over 5 years, the running costs favour the BYD Sealion 8 by roughly $8,430 in fuel alone.

Both the Lexus NX and BYD Sealion 8 hold a 5-star ANCAP safety rating. Adult occupant protection scored 91% for the Lexus NX 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 6 in the Lexus NX.

Both include the essentials: autonomous emergency braking, lane keep assist, adaptive cruise control, a reversing camera. Airbag count is 8 in the Lexus NX and 9 in the BYD Sealion 8. The BYD Sealion 8 adds a 360-degree camera that the Lexus NX misses.

The Lexus NX features a 14-inch touchscreen, while the BYD Sealion 8 gets a 15.6-inch display. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.

The Lexus NX stands out with ambient lighting that you will not find on the BYD Sealion 8. The BYD Sealion 8 counters with panoramic roof, heated front seats and ventilated seats. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.

The Lexus NX uses a Petrol producing 152kW and 243Nm of torque, sent through a automatic to a AWD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 9 seconds.

The BYD Sealion 8 responds with a Petrol Turbo PHEV making 205kW and 315Nm, paired to a 1-speed auto driving the front wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 8.6 seconds.

The BYD Sealion 8 has the clear power advantage at 205kW vs 152kW. In the real-world sprint, the BYD Sealion 8 is 0.4s quicker. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.

The Lexus NX measures 4,660mm long on a 2,690mm wheelbase, 380mm shorter 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 520L in the Lexus NX and 400L in the BYD Sealion 8, giving the Lexus NX a 120L advantage. The BYD Sealion 8 seats 7 vs 5.

For towing, the BYD Sealion 8 leads with a 1,800kg braked capacity vs 1,650kg. That 150kg difference matters if you regularly hitch up.

Based on 15,000km of annual driving, fuel costs roughly $1,739/year for the Lexus NX and $53/year for the BYD Sealion 8. That is a $1,686 annual difference in favour of the BYD Sealion 8.

Estimated annual total: $1,739 (Lexus NX) vs $53 (BYD Sealion 8). The BYD Sealion 8 saves you roughly $1,686 per year in total ownership costs. Use our Fuel Cost Calculator to estimate based on your driving.

Warranty: 4 years / 100,000km (Lexus NX) vs 6 years / 150,000km (BYD Sealion 8). The BYD Sealion 8 has longer coverage. Capped-price servicing: 4yr (Lexus NX)—.