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Geely EX5 vs BYD Sealion 7: Which Chinese EV Should You Buy?
Two Chinese electric SUVs are near the top of Australia's sales charts, and they suit different buyers. In September 2026, the BYD Sealion 7 was the fifth best-selling vehicle in Australia with 2,687 sales. The Geely EX5 came in eighth with 2,008. Both are part of a bigger shift. Electric cars now make up about one in four new car sales.
So which one should you buy? The honest answer depends on how you drive. This guide compares the two on price, range, charging, performance, warranty and running costs, so you can make the call yourself.
Quick answer
- Pick the BYD Sealion 7 if you want a bigger battery, a quicker car, or V2L, or if you drive long highway trips.
- Pick the Geely EX5 if you want the lower price and the longer warranty, and you don't tow.
Price
The 2026 Geely EX5 Inspire is listed at $45,990 before on-road costs. The EX5 Complete is listed at $41,990.
For the BYD Sealion 7 Premium, Carsales shows indicative drive-away prices of $56,945 to $60,857. These are estimates, not list prices, and the Sealion 7's list price isn't confirmed in the sources we checked.
So the gap is roughly $11,000 to $15,000 on the Carsales estimates. Ask each dealer for a driveaway quote in writing, and compare like with like. Driveaway prices include on-road costs such as registration, stamp duty and CTP insurance, and those vary by state.
Range and battery
The Sealion 7 has the bigger battery. It holds 82.6 kWh, against 68.4 kWh in the EX5 Inspire. Carsales lists the Sealion 7's claimed WLTP range at 456 to 482 km. The EX5 Inspire's claimed range is 450 km.
Claimed range is a lab figure. Real-world range depends on speed, temperature, tyres and how you drive. Highway driving at 110 km/h uses more energy than city driving at 50 km/h. In summer, air conditioning cuts range, and in winter, heating does the same. Plan for less than the badge number, especially on a long trip.
The bigger battery gives the Sealion 7 more range on paper, which helps when you plan longer trips.
Charging at home and on the road
Fast-charging speeds matter most on a road trip. Check the peak DC charging rate for each model with the dealer before you decide, because the sources we checked don't agree on the EX5 figure.
If most of your charging happens at home overnight, the difference matters much less. A home charger handles either car. Ask an electrician to check your switchboard and the cable run before you install one, and make sure the charger is rated for your car.
If you rarely use fast chargers, the EX5's lower price may be the better trade-off.
Towing and vehicle-to-load
The Sealion 7 offers vehicle-to-load (V2L), which lets you power outdoor gear or small appliances from the car. Think camping lights, a fridge on a weekend trip, or power tools on a worksite.
The sources we checked don't give the EX5 a towing rating, so ask the dealer before you assume it can tow. If you tow a caravan, boat or trailer, check the loaded weight and your tow ball limit before you buy.
Performance
The Sealion 7 is quicker, reaching 100 km/h from a standstill in 6.7 seconds. The EX5 takes 7.8 seconds. Both are easy to live with in city traffic.
On paper, the Sealion 7 is the quicker car. For most daily drives, the EX5 should feel more than adequate, so test drive both before you decide.
Warranty and ownership
The EX5 has the longer warranty. Geely lists a 7-year, unlimited-kilometre vehicle warranty and an 8-year battery warranty.
The Sealion 7 comes with a 6-year, 150,000 km vehicle warranty. Its battery warranty is 8 years or 160,000 km. Carsales notes that more than one warranty variant may apply, so confirm the details with the dealer.
Before you sign, ask the dealer for the warranty in writing. Ask what it covers, whether the battery is included, and what servicing you need to keep the warranty valid. Ask who handles warranty claims, the dealer or the importer. Check the servicing schedule and the cost of each service too.
Running costs
Electricity is usually cheaper than petrol per kilometre, but the difference depends on your power tariff and where you charge. Charging at home on an off-peak tariff gives the lowest cost per kilometre. Public fast charging costs more, so a car that charges more slowly may suit you better if you rely on home charging.
Tyres, insurance and registration also count. Get insurance quotes for both models before you choose, because premiums can vary by model and by driver.
Daily life and everyday use
Most EV buyers never drive far enough to need a fast charger. For a typical week of school runs, shopping and commuting, both cars give you plenty of range. The real question is how the car fits your routine.
Think about where you park. If you have a garage or driveway, a home charger turns either car into one that's full every morning. If you park on the street or in an apartment block, check whether a charger can be installed, and whether there's public charging nearby.
Think about your passengers and luggage too. Check the boot space and seat layout for each model at a dealer, especially if you carry gear. Parking matters as well, so take each car to a tight spot during your test drive.
Finally, think about resale. Electric cars are a fast-moving market in Australia. Prices and resale values change as new models arrive and as the price of new EVs falls. Look at recent listings for both models before you buy, and check how much each has lost in value over the first few years.
Which one fits your life?
Choose the Geely EX5 if:
- You want the lower price and the longer warranty.
- You drive mostly in town or on short trips.
- You don't need to tow.
- You charge mainly at home.
Choose the BYD Sealion 7 if:
- You want the bigger battery and the longer claimed range.
- You take long trips and want more range in hand.
- You want V2L for camping or work.
Before you buy
- Ask each dealer for a driveaway price, in writing.
- Ask what the battery warranty covers.
- Book a test drive that includes a motorway run and a hill.
- Check the public charging network near your home and work.
- Get an insurance quote for each model.
- If you tow, check your loaded trailer weight against the rating.
Where to next
Compare new and used electric SUVs with listing details on Auto Buyers Guide. Check the price against similar cars before you commit, and book a test drive at a dealer near you. For more EV options, see our top 10 cheapest electric cars in Australia.
FAQs
Is the Geely EX5 a good electric SUV for Australia?
It's a good option if you want a lower price and a long warranty. It has a smaller battery and a shorter claimed range than the Sealion 7.
Can the BYD Sealion 7 tow a caravan?
Check the official towing rating for your specific model and the loaded weight of your caravan before you buy. Your tow ball limit matters too.
Do I need a home charger?
It's not essential, but it makes daily charging much easier. Many EV owners charge overnight at home. Get a licensed electrician to check your setup first.
Which one has the better warranty?
The EX5 is listed at 7 years and unlimited kilometres, with an 8-year battery warranty. The Sealion 7 is listed at 6 years and 150,000 km, with an 8-year or 160,000 km battery warranty.
Is the BYD Sealion 7 or the Geely EX5 cheaper to run?
Both use electricity, so running costs depend mostly on your tariff and how you charge. The EX5 usually has the lower purchase price, but a full cost comparison should include insurance, servicing and charging.
Should I wait for the next model before buying?
Only if you can wait. Newer models may arrive with updated software or better pricing, but there's no guarantee. If you need a car in the next few months, buying one of these is a reasonable choice. Compare the current driveaway prices first.