Head-to-head
BYD Sealion 7 vs Smart #1
Just $90 separates the BYD Sealion 7 and Smart #1 on starting price, but the BYD Sealion 7 goes 62 km further on a charge. Here's where the rest of the spec sheets pull apart.
Option A · SUV
BYD Sealion 7
BYD's mid-size electric SUV launched in Australia in February 2025 and rose to second on the EV sales chart by early 2026 — only the Tesla Model Y outsells it. Pairs an 82.5 kWh Blade LFP battery with rear- or all-wheel-drive options, 150 kW DC fast charging and a 5-star ANCAP rating.
- From
- $54,990
- Range
- 482 km
- Battery
- 82.5 kWh
Option B · SUV
Smart #1
Smart returned to Australia under Geely ownership — the #1 is a small electric SUV (despite the city-car Smart heritage). Built in Geely's Xi'an factory in China.
- From
- $54,900
- Range
- 420 km
- Battery
- 66 kWh
Key differences at a glance
The biggest material gaps between the BYD Sealion 7 and Smart #1, ranked by how much they're likely to matter day-to-day.
- 1
Range · advantage BYD Sealion 7
The BYD Sealion 7 goes 62 km further on a charge (482 vs 420 km WLTP).
- 2
Battery · advantage BYD Sealion 7
The BYD Sealion 7 carries a 16.5 kWh larger battery (82.5 vs 66 kWh).
- 3
Boot · advantage BYD Sealion 7
The BYD Sealion 7 swallows 100 L more cargo with the rear seats up (500 vs 400 L).
- 4
Power · advantage BYD Sealion 7
The BYD Sealion 7 puts down 30 kW more (230 vs 200 kW).
- 5
Warranty · advantage BYD Sealion 7
The BYD Sealion 7 covers the vehicle for 1 more year (6 vs 5 yrs).
Spec for spec
Highlighted cells show the better number in each row.
Where the BYD Sealion 7 wins
- ▸ 62 km longer WLTP range
- ▸ Longer warranty (6 years)
Where the Smart #1 wins
- ▸ Cheaper by $90
BYD Sealion 7
What we like
- ✓ Long 482 km WLTP range from the Premium RWD variant
- ✓ Five-star ANCAP rating tested 2025
- ✓ Class-leading 8-year battery warranty
- ✓ Genuinely quick — 4.5s 0–100 in Performance trim
What we don't
- ✕ DC fast-charging peak (150 kW) trails 800V Korean rivals
- ✕ Software lacks the polish of Tesla's
- ✕ BYD dealer network still limited outside capital cities
Smart #1
What we like
- ✓ Distinctive Smart-branded design
- ✓ Strong performance from the Pro+ RWD variant
- ✓ 150 kW DC charging keeps it road-trip viable
What we don't
- ✕ Smart dealer network is brand-new in Australia
- ✕ ANCAP not yet rated locally
- ✕ China origin (under Geely, not Daimler)
Frequently asked: BYD Sealion 7 vs Smart #1
Quick answers to the questions cross-shoppers most often ask about this pair.
- Which is cheaper, the BYD Sealion 7 or the Smart #1?
- The Smart #1 is the cheaper of the two — it starts at $54,900 versus $54,990 for the BYD Sealion 7, a $90 difference. Prices shown are manufacturer recommended retail excluding on-road costs.
- Which has the longer driving range?
- The BYD Sealion 7 has the longer WLTP-claimed range at 482 km, 62 km further than the Smart #1's 420 km. Real-world range typically lands 10–20% below the WLTP figure depending on speed, terrain, climate and load.
- Which has the longer warranty?
- The BYD Sealion 7 is covered by a 6-year vehicle warranty, versus 5 years for the Smart #1. Both also carry separate high-voltage battery warranties — check the manufacturer's site for the latest kilometre and condition limits.
Which one should you buy?
The short version, based on where each car pulls ahead.
Choose the
BYD Sealion 7
if…
- ✓ maximum range matters (62 km further per charge)
- ✓ you regularly load it up (100 L more boot)
- ✓ you match the profile: model y cross-shoppers
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.