Which is cheaper, the BYD Seal or the MG IM5?

The BYD Seal is the cheaper of the two — it starts at $46,990 versus $60,990 for the MG IM5, a $14,000 difference. Prices shown are manufacturer recommended retail excluding on-road costs.

Which has the longer driving range?

The MG IM5 has the longer WLTP-claimed range at 655 km, 85 km further than the BYD Seal's 570 km. Real-world range typically lands 10–20% below the WLTP figure depending on speed, terrain, climate and load.

Which one charges faster on a DC fast charger?

The MG IM5 accepts a peak DC charging rate of 153 kW versus 150 kW for the BYD Seal. Peak rate only holds for a short window during the charging curve, so real-world 10–80% times often diverge less than the peak numbers suggest. Compatibility with 350 kW chargers depends on the vehicle's onboard architecture, not just the published peak.

Which is quicker off the line?

The MG IM5 does 0–100 km/h in 4.9 seconds — 1.0 s quicker than the BYD Seal's 5.9 s. EV acceleration figures hold up at speed better than equivalent petrol cars because electric motors deliver peak torque instantly.

Is the BYD Seal better value than the MG IM5?

On paper the BYD Seal is $14,000 cheaper, but trails the MG IM5 on the core measurable specs. The saving might still be worth it if you don't need the extra range, power or charging speed — but the MG IM5 is the spec-sheet winner.

Head-to-head

BYD Seal vs MG IM5

At $46,990 the BYD Seal undercuts the MG IM5 by $14,000 (23%) — but does the premium deliver enough of an edge to justify itself? Here's how the two compare on price, range, charging, safety and warranty.

Option A · Sedan

BYD Seal

BYD's answer to the Tesla Model 3, the Seal pairs a Cell-to-Body Blade battery with rear- or all-wheel drive and serious performance — all from under $50,000 in base trim.

From: $46,990
Range: 570 km
Battery: 82.5 kWh

Option B · Sedan

MG IM5

MG's premium IM sub-brand launches in Australia with the IM5 sedan — a Tesla Model 3 rival with 75 kWh and 100 kWh battery options, 655 km WLTP range, and sub-5-second 0-100 in dual-motor trim.

From: $60,990
Range: 655 km
Battery: 75 kWh

Key differences at a glance

The biggest material gaps between the BYD Seal and MG IM5, ranked by how much they're likely to matter day-to-day.

1

Range · advantage MG IM5

The MG IM5 goes 85 km further on a charge (655 vs 570 km WLTP).
2

Price · advantage BYD Seal

The BYD Seal undercuts the MG IM5 by $14,000 (23%) on starting price.
3

Battery · advantage BYD Seal

The BYD Seal carries a 7.5 kWh larger battery (82.5 vs 75 kWh).
4

Boot · advantage MG IM5

The MG IM5 swallows 80 L more cargo with the rear seats up (480 vs 400 L).
5

Warranty · advantage BYD Seal

The BYD Seal covers the vehicle for 1 more year (6 vs 5 yrs).

Spec for spec

Highlighted cells show the better number in each row.

Spec

BYD Seal

MG IM5

Price from

$46,990

$60,990

Range (WLTP)

570 km

655 km

Battery capacity

82.5 kWh

75 kWh

Motor power

230 kW

250 kW

Torque

360 Nm

408 Nm

0–100 km/h

5.9 s

4.9 s

Efficiency

16.6 kWh/100 km

—

DC fast charging

150 kW

153 kW

Boot

400 L

480 L

ANCAP

5★

—

Vehicle warranty

6 yrs

5 yrs

Where the BYD Seal wins

▸ Cheaper by $14,000
▸ Longer warranty (6 years)

Where the MG IM5 wins

▸ 85 km longer WLTP range
▸ Quicker 0–100 km/h (4.9s vs 5.9s)
▸ Faster DC charging peak (153 kW vs 150 kW)

BYD Seal

What we like

✓ Genuine Model 3 competitor for thousands less
✓ Powerful AWD Performance variant available
✓ Generous standard equipment list

What we don't

✕ Software lacks the polish of Tesla's
✕ Boot opening is sedan-shaped (no hatch)
✕ Resale value yet to establish

MG IM5

What we like

✓ Class-leading 655 km WLTP range
✓ 10-year battery warranty
✓ Genuinely quick (sub-5s 0-100)

What we don't

✕ Not yet ANCAP tested
✕ MG dealer network thin on premium product
✕ Software UX inherited from China market

Frequently asked: BYD Seal vs MG IM5

Quick answers to the questions cross-shoppers most often ask about this pair.

Which is cheaper, the BYD Seal or the MG IM5?: The BYD Seal is the cheaper of the two — it starts at $46,990 versus $60,990 for the MG IM5, a $14,000 difference. Prices shown are manufacturer recommended retail excluding on-road costs.
Which has the longer driving range?: The MG IM5 has the longer WLTP-claimed range at 655 km, 85 km further than the BYD Seal's 570 km. Real-world range typically lands 10–20% below the WLTP figure depending on speed, terrain, climate and load.
Which one charges faster on a DC fast charger?: The MG IM5 accepts a peak DC charging rate of 153 kW versus 150 kW for the BYD Seal. Peak rate only holds for a short window during the charging curve, so real-world 10–80% times often diverge less than the peak numbers suggest. Compatibility with 350 kW chargers depends on the vehicle's onboard architecture, not just the published peak.
Which is quicker off the line?: The MG IM5 does 0–100 km/h in 4.9 seconds — 1.0 s quicker than the BYD Seal's 5.9 s. EV acceleration figures hold up at speed better than equivalent petrol cars because electric motors deliver peak torque instantly.
Is the BYD Seal better value than the MG IM5?: On paper the BYD Seal is $14,000 cheaper, but trails the MG IM5 on the core measurable specs. The saving might still be worth it if you don't need the extra range, power or charging speed — but the MG IM5 is the spec-sheet winner.

Which one should you buy?

The short version, based on where each car pulls ahead.

Choose the

BYD Seal

if…

✓ you want to save $14,000 on the sticker
✓ you match the profile: tesla cross-shoppers

See the BYD Seal →

Choose the

MG IM5

if…

✓ maximum range matters (85 km further per charge)
✓ you want quicker acceleration off the line
✓ you regularly load it up (80 L more boot)

See the MG IM5 →

Verdict reasoning is derived from published specs; brand preference, dealer experience and how a car drives are personal — always take a test drive before deciding.