BYD Sealion 7 Premium v XPeng G6 Standard Range 2025 Comparison

It’s safe to say that BYD is no longer emerging. In 2020, the Chinese manufacturer sold 470,000 vehicles globally, but by 2024 that figure exploded to circa 4.3 million (including all its sub brands). While the result pales in comparison to Toyota, which sold almost 11 million cars last year (including Lexus), it’s hard to argue against the exponential growth.

BYD’s automotive arm originated in 2003 but has risen to prominence this decade. Unlike Toyota, it doesn’t have nearly nine decades of runs on the board. Yet, it’s clear BYD is no longer meandering to the station, it’s already arrived and unpacking luggage. The fully electrified Sealion 7 Premium we’re testing here is proof of that.

Although, with an established footing and ever-increasing quality, being a price leader need not be BYD’s trump card. Be that as it may, the entry-level Sealion 7 retains its value proposition with a single-motor, rear-wheel-drive layout and a $54,990 plus on-road costs (ORCs) price tag. If you want to go faster, the Performance variant adds another e-motor, a stack of power and $9K ($63,990 plus ORCs).

XPeng isn’t as far along the line as its Chinese counterpart. Its 2014 origin means it’s even fresher off the boat. Still, discount it at your peril. XPeng hasn’t reached teenage years, but the G6 Standard Range we’re pitting against the BYD already showcases the emerging company’s wares.

It’s the first of many XPengs heading to Australia. On that, it’s important to note that there’s an updated G6 expected by year’s end. However, for the here and now, the G6 we’re testing is $54,800 plus ORCs (there’s also the $59,800 plus ORCs Long Range version). Like BYD, XPeng uses a single-motor, rear-wheel-drive EV layout with a monetary outlay low enough to be enticing and demand attention.

In terms of factory backing, the Sealion 7 gets a six-year/150,000km warranty, with the battery pack getting an eight-year/160,000km warranty.

Unlike EV norms of 24-month servicing periods, both the BYD and XPeng are on a 12-month/20,000km schedule with the Sealion 7 Premium costing $1757 across the first five years. A year of roadside assistance comes with both, too.

For those with doubts surrounding an emerging brand, XPeng’s warranty and servicing provisions might not dispel those feelings. It’s covered by an industry standard five years, but the kilometre clause is 120,000km instead of unlimited.

The battery warranty toes the line at eight years/160,000km. Yet, just to throw another spanner in the works, if you pay $5000 XPeng will increase both the vehicle and battery warranties to 10 years.

As mentioned, the G6’s scheduled services are every 12 months or 20,000km (whichever comes first), while the cost over five years is higher than the BYD at $2064. Those garage visits aren’t to an XPeng dealership, either. Upkeep is outsourced to a third party, that being Ultra Tune.

Take one look at this duo and there’s no mistaking the intent here – they’re primed to take on the Tesla Model Y Juniper. Nothing like going after the vehicle that’s been touted the world’s highest-selling car the past few years.

Not only that, but the old days of Chinese manufacturers blatantly tracing the designer’s homework of established brands is long gone. The 2025 BYD Sealion 7 Premium boldly harnesses the coupe-esque SUV formfactor in a more daring, style-led aesthetic with a lower, sleek roofline. It appears upmarket, especially in the Cosmos Black hue (although charging $1500 for it is a bit steep).

The 2025 XPeng G6 Standard Range adopts a more conventional and reserved presence, one that favours function over form. While you can see flair and intricacy with the Sealion 7, the G6 presents as a byproduct of more conventional aspiration. It isn’t bland and the strip-like LEDs front and rear are cool. However, the styling isn’t inspired, either. Its Midnight Black paint is a no-cost addition.

Both vehemently oppose the bargain-basement, cheap ideals on which cars from this region used to go to market. This is reflected in the specifications, too.

The BYD Sealion 7 Premium might be the entry-level variant, but it still gains a host of kit like 19-inch alloys, LED headlights and taillights, keyless entry and start, electronic tailgate and a panoramic glass sunroof.

Inside it gains leather upholstery, 128-colour ambient lighting with a cool rhythm function, electronically operated front seats (10-way driver with lumbar, six-way passenger) with heating and ventilation, dual-zone climate control and an air quality sensor with ionisation feature.

With 20-inch alloys, the XPeng looks “so fly Like a G6” – sorry, we had to get one reference in. It’s fitted with LED headlights, LED daytime running lights and LED taillights. It’s worth mentioning that the G6 does have keyless entry, but only once you’ve downloaded and enabled the XPeng app.

Inside, the XPeng is adorned with vegan-friendly faux leather (although the heated steering wheel is the real deal). The electronically operated front seats afford less tweaking (six-way) than the BYD, but they are heated and ventilated. The outboard rear seats are also heated, and the climate control is dual zone.

BYD oddly opted not to use a rear windscreen wiper on the Sealion 7 and both have unconventional door handles – they’re design for the sake of design and overcomplicate a usually straightforward process.

After recent testing, the 2025 BYD Sealion 7 Premium is now covered by a five-star ANCAP safety rating. It spruiks nine airbags, dual ISOFIX points and a trio of top-tether anchorages.

Active safety tech includes autonomous emergency braking (AEB) with pedestrian detection, rear AEB, front and rear cross-traffic alert, lane departure warning with steering assist, blind-spot monitoring, adaptive cruise control, driver attention monitor, head-up display, road-sign recognition, parking sensors and a 3D ‘see-through’ 360-degree parking camera.

Despite being a fresh player, the 2025 XPeng G6 Standard Range was awarded a five-star ANCAP safety rating in 2024. It also gains seven airbags with the obligatory ISOFIX points and top tethers.

Branded XPilot, the XPeng carries a host of active safety including autonomous emergency braking (AEB) with pedestrian detection, rear AEB, rear cross-traffic alert, lane departure warning with steering assist, blind-spot monitoring with live camera feed, adaptive cruise control, driver attention monitor, road-sign recognition, auto parking with sensors and a total of 12 cameras (including 360-degree).

In practice, the BYD’s active lane keeping isn’t as fine-tuned, with further calibration required. It also really likes to take control, too, making it hard to apply any lock when the active lane assistance is in use.

While the G6 does a better job of the safety integration, both have ways to disarm any undesirable tech. Although, XPeng deserves praise for making it a one-and-done task. The live camera feed for blind spots provides high-resolution visuals, but it can prove a little pointless given the vision is so far out of your line of sight.

In a digital age, you either keep pace or get left behind. So, it’s of no surprise that screens and technology are a focus here. Families have never had it so good.

Inside the 2025 BYD Sealion 7 Premium, the novelty factor gravitates towards the oversized 15.6-inch infotainment screen – its party trick being it can swivel between portrait and landscape arrangements. Is it useful? Yes and no. Especially given the wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto can’t be displayed in portrait mode.

Elsewhere there’s a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster, a wireless charging pad with cooling, Bluetooth, voice assistant, USB-C ports, native satnav, DAB+ digital radio and a high-fidelity 12-speaker Dynaudio sound system. There’s also a karaoke mode – because, why not?

The operating system can be needlessly fiddly with multiple actions achieving the same result. There is a degree of customisation, but the overall clarity of the screen and its response could be better. However, it scores points for the split-screen mode and the audio quality is in another league compared to the XPeng.

Reliance on displays is taken up a notch inside the 2025 XPeng G6 Standard Range. It does away with just about all cabin-related buttons. You’re left with electric window and seat controls – that’s about it. Therefore, it relies heavily on the 15.0-inch infotainment display.

Yes, there’s a lot to wrap your head around with the OS, but it isn’t quite as difficult to fathom as the Sealion 7. The graphics are a little classier and the screen’s responsiveness is elevated, too. Although, it’s great to see both take advantage of the entire display while using wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

Unlike Tesla, there is an additional 10.2-inch digital instrument cluster, so you aren’t totally reliant on the central display. It offers slightly more configuration than the BYD, but the G6 misses out on a head-up display.

The G6 benefits from dual wireless charge pads, of which both are cooled. There’s also Bluetooth, voice assistant, native satnav (with route range prediction), DAB+ digital radio and USB-C ports. While the Xopera audio system might have 18 speakers (including in the head rests), the sound quality isn’t a match for the BYD’s Dynaudio system.

Both support propriety and third-party apps, facilitate remote-access (with sentry mode for G6) and comply with over-the-air (OTA) updates to keep the operating systems fresh.

Huge, headline-grabbing power figures have become the new norm with EVs. Yet, this pair plays a more sedate game – and they’re all the better for it.

The 2025 BYD Sealion 7 Premium houses a rear-mounted permanent magnet synchronous e-motor. It powers the back axle alone via a single-speed reduction gear. And with 230kW and 380Nm, it’s far from lacking punch.

Unsurprisingly, the XPeng calls upon the same configuration. The G6 produces less power at 190kW, but significantly more torque with 440Nm. Yet, despite jumping off the line quicker, it doesn’t feel quite as strong as the BYD at overtaking speeds.

While the BYD is heavier than the XPeng (2225kg versus 2025kg), the Sealion 7 and G6 reach 100km/h from rest in 6.7 and 6.6 seconds respectively. That’s warm hatch levels of performance, meaning neither struggle in the traffic-light GP. The G6 even has a launch-control feature – no, we don’t know why it does, either.

An issue to overcome with the Sealion 7 is that it feels as though the accelerator is still being applied momentarily after you’ve released pressure – a bit like a sticking throttle. In our test vehicle, it happened no matter which drive mode was selected.

The status within their respective line-ups gives away the ghost. These aren’t the variants to choose if outright range is a top priority for you. However, that’s not to say that both Chinese offerings aren’t capable, because they are.

Considering BYD originated in 1995 as a battery manufacturer, the 2025 BYD Sealion 7 Premium should take the cake in terms of EV tech. And with an 82kWh lithium-ion LFP (lithium-ion ferrous phosphate) battery, it certainly does.

The in-house battery pack is codenamed Blade and has an emphasis on safety, durability and efficiency. Officially, the claimed range is a WLTP-rated 482km, which is decent but not class leading in 2025. A similar vein is seen with the 400-volt battery pack’s charging rate. At a maximum, the Blade’s cells can replenish at a DC rate of 150kW, noticeably less than its Chinese rival. On AC power it’ll accept a max rate of 11kW.

Despite being endowed with a smaller 66kWh battery pack (supplied by CALB) with the same LFP chemistry, the 2025 XPeng G6 Standard Range returns a competitive 435km of range. However, it packs a punch with its 800-volt capability, which means it accepts a higher replenishment rate of 215kW from a DC unit.

It has tangible benefits, too, with a capacity to charge from 10 to 80 per cent in just 20 minutes. Hooked up to an 11kW unit (or home wallbox), the G6 takes 7.5 hours to charge from zero to 100 per cent.

Yet, how do they fair in the real world? Well, despite projecting less overall official range and higher energy use, the XPeng proves to be more efficient. Our road test loop included urban, country and highway driving, and the G6 returned 20.1kWh/100km compared to the Sealion 7’s 22.8kWh/100km. That’s matched against the quoted figures from the manufacturers of 17.5 and 17.0kWh/100km respectively.

On a more city-centric loop, the XPeng once again proved more effective, returning 16.0kWh/100km compared to 17.8kWh/100km in the BYD. Ultimately, despite claiming greater range, the G6’s lighter kerb weight and slippery drag coefficient results in superior real-world efficiency compared to the Sealion 7.

Appreciably, both the BYD and XPeng utilise vehicle to load (V2L) capability, while the G6’s rear 50W USB-C ports are robust enough to charge a laptop.

Comfort and ease of use should be at the forefront of the dynamic package of any medium SUV worth its salt. This is amplified given both EV offerings tested here aren’t the go-fast variants of their respective line-ups. Deficiencies can’t be hidden behind hero performance figures.

The 2025 BYD Sealion 7 Premium is underpinned by a version of the Seal (sedan) platform. It features double-wishbone front suspension and an independent multilink rear end. In terms of shock absorbers, it runs Frequency Selective Damping (FSD), and it wears good quality Pirelli P Zero tyres.

Yet, the experience you glean from the BYD is largely dependent on the surface underneath those grippy contact patches. On smooth roads, the wider track and seemingly lower centre of gravity is in the Sealion 7’s favour. Despite weighing considerably more than the G6, the BYD resists the urge to roll and the rear-wheel-drive layout provides rather authentic handling traits.

While the steering isn’t the last word in communication, the shape of the wheel itself thankfully complies with convention. It offers Comfort and Sport modes, with the former being the more natural selection as the latter merely adds unwanted, synthetic weight.

You can also tailor the brake pedal in a couple of ways, too. Again, the Comfort-orientated mode is more genuine, no mean feat given the regenerative braking at play. You can change the amount of regen from Standard to Larger (odd), but neither return true-one pedal driving.

While the Sealion 7 is more than capable of carrying out the daily commute, issues do arise on poor surfaces at highway speeds. The primary ride quality doesn’t really cope with bigger hits or deep undulations as well as you’d hope. Given the 2.2-tonne weight, it struggles to control vertical actions, meaning the resulting body-movement repercussions last longer.

Additionally, while the suspension is never distinctly harsh, the secondary ride quality is impacted by sharp, consecutive imperfections in the road. The Sealion 7 tends to skip over them and can cause overzealous intervention from the stability control. Essentially, there’s a bit of work to be done to tailor it to our roads.

Sliding into the 2025 XPeng G6 Standard Range is a very different experience. Appreciably, you can sit much lower in the cabin, which taller occupants will welcome. And despite being clad in faux leather compared to the BYD’s genuine cow hide, the seat itself is cushier.

However, the oddly shaped steering wheel is polarising. Detractors won’t like the fact your hands fall to the widest section of the tiller, yet others love the hints of Tesla yolk mixed in with Super Mario Kart vibes.

Quirks aside, the G6 uses the latest version of XPeng’s EV platform, which is branded SEPA 2.0. The brand claims it’s 83 per cent stiffer than anything it has built before and that the emphasis on weight reduction has improved the overall range. It gains independent suspension all round with passive dampers.

Essentially, the XPeng defies its futuristic cabin ambience to return a pretty dependable, familiar and benign driving experience. Considering the target buyer, the fact it’s more relaxed and compliant than the Sealion 7 on a wider breadth of surfaces is a positive, too.

Like the BYD, the XPeng wears respected tyres, with the G6 gaining Michelin Pilot Sport hoops. While they are EV-specific and low rolling resistance, the amount of grip on hand is valued and the rear-wheel-drive layout instils confidence. The ride quality, too, has a softer, more absorbing character than the Sealion 7, rendering it more pleasing to drive within city limits.

Yet, while the taller cabin liberates interior space, it does raise the centre of gravity. And despite its 2025kg kerb weight being relatively ‘light’ for an electrified medium SUV, the XPeng does lean in corners more than the BYD. When encountering mid-corner bumps, the G6 is also more susceptible to lateral head toss and the odd rebound bobble from the passive damping.

There are myriad driving modes and individuality on offer. Various parameters can be personalised from an Eco/Comfort emphasis to Sport, but the best bet is to leave everything in Standard mode 99 per cent of the time. The steering is generally quite numb and inert.

The G6 also offers stronger regenerative braking than the Sealion 7. Depending on your preference, some will enjoy the fact XPedal offers a true one-pedal driving experience with heavy regen. Otherwise, the general experience doesn’t offer up too many unwanted surprises.

And ultimately, that’s the takeaway from both Chinese EVs. It’s a bit of a mixed bag with each offering positives and negatives. So, your personal preference will largely decide which suits you more.

Well, this is all a bit fancy, isn’t it? Especially when you consider that their starting prices undercut major players in the electrified medium SUV segment.

The cabin of the 2025 BYD Sealion 7 Premium puts some legacy manufacturers on notice. There’s an overt focus on design, with lines that create intrigue and mood lighting that adds atmosphere at night.

The luxe environment isn’t merely visual, it’s a pleasingly tactile experience, too. You must search far below the beltline to discover any hard, scratchy plastics and the doors close with a heavy, reassuring solidity. And the doors close with a heavy and heartening ‘thunk’.

Although, it isn’t all smooth sailing. The driving position is on the higher side and despite being cloaked in diamond-quilted leather, the seats are firmer than expected. It’s pleasing to see physical controls, yet the ones selected don’t offer a great deal of use – changing climate control settings still requires delving into the central touchscreen.

If the BYD brings old money, stately vibes, then the 2025 XPeng G6 Standard range is the new-money ticket, unashamedly aimed at a tech-savvy buyer with a penchant for clean, Scandi-chic interior design. While the copycat theme can’t be said for the exterior, inside it’s screaming Tesla.

However, that isn’t to the G6’s detriment. And there’s enough bespoke treatment for the XPeng to generate a personality of its own. Oh, and if you aren’t a fan of the white interior, opting for black is a no-cost option.

The fact the XPeng doesn’t have a glovebox is frustrating and it hampers storage solutions. The G6 also misses out on the multi-level cup holders and elbows can unwittingly open the central cubby hole while using it as a resting place while working the touchscreen.

There are some quirks to the XPeng’s operation, too. For instance, the cruise control is activated by pulling down on the column-mounted gear selector, upon which you then use the left-hand side steering-wheel controls to manipulate the speed and distance metrics. Yet, if cruise isn’t activated, the same buttons are used for other tasks like the climate control. It’s weird but it also works when you’re familiar with it.

Jumping in the back seat of the Sealion 7 is a pleasing experience. Despite the swoopy roofline and sunroof, headroom is generous. And thanks to the 4830mm overall length and 2930mm wheelbase, legroom is palatial – so much so that a lack of toe room isn’t an issue. Shoulder room is also generous, yet the dark hues can make the BYD feel a little more closed in.

Amenities are generous with rear air vents, dropdown USB ports (with enough power to charge a laptop), map and phone pockets as well as a central arm rest with cup holders. Style hasn’t been forgotten either, with the design, quality materials and ambient lighting evident in the back, too.

The XPeng concedes slightly for legroom, although it’s hardly bereft of room to stretch. Due to the 1650mm tall body (30mm more than Sealion 7), the G6 liberates extra headroom, only adding to the airy ambiance. Unlike the BYD’s blackout blind, there’s no way to fully block out the sun, which isn’t good for Australian summers.

Yes, the seats aren’t as sculpted, but the rear pews recline further and more easily. The XPeng also affords great under-thigh support as well as a less obstructed view out. It mirrors the Sealion 7 for amenities but misses out on phone pockets.

Cargo capacity is generous in both, but the BYD leverages its EV platform the most with a ‘frunk’. It’s only 58 litres, but it adds to the 500L offered in the boot (which expands to more than 1700L with the 60/40-split folding rears seats stowed). There’s a two-tiered floor, but no spare tyre – just a can of goo.

Open the electronic tailgate of the G6 and the 571L boot is bigger. However, it doesn’t facilitate a front boot and the (spring loaded) seat-down capacity of 1374L is less than the Sealion 7. Again, there’s no spare wheel under the boot floor, but there is a substantial secondary load area.

Both the BYD and XPeng have issues with outward vision. However, it’s the G6 that is the worst offender. The rear window is raked, and the back-seat headrests intrusively impede the view out. Head checks when overtaking are hampered more in the Sealion 7 due to robust C-pillars.

Ultimately, while the Sealion 7 and G6 take divergent approaches, they both showcase elevated levels of fit and finish compared to Chinese offerings of old. They’re hard to fault in this regard.

The value-for-money proposition is strong with both electrified Chinese offerings. Your dollar is going a long way here. And if your buying decision hinges more on monetary constraints over brand allegiances, either makes a strong case.

However, both the 2025 BYD Sealion 7 and XPeng G6 Standard Range aren’t just relevant because they’re ‘cheap’. Which means picking a winner is very difficult. We could easily make a case for either being worthy of your hard-earned cash.

We aren’t here to be fence sitters, though, and the XPeng G6 Standard Range takes the win by a narrow margin. It’s a tech tour de force and a pragmatic, family-focused medium SUV all in one – and it does it all in an approachable package.

The Sealion 7 ticks just as many boxes, but its slight detractions are harder to overlook. It doesn’t quite feel as next-gen when it comes to tech as the G6 does. We also understand that there might be hesitancy to trust an emerging brand (and its servicing plan) like XPeng compared to BYD, but all things require a starting point.

While they aren’t perfect, there’s no denying the progress being made here. Both the BYD Sealion 7 and XPeng G6 further legitimise China’s EV prominence, yet it now comes with revolutionised quality. Aspiration is now being met with competence.

2025 BYD Sealion 7 Premium at a glance:
Price: $54,990 plus on-road costs
Available: Now
Powertrain: Single permanent magnet synchronous motor
Output: 230kW/380Nm
Transmission: Single-speed reduction gear
Battery: 82kWh lithium-ion LFP (lithium ferrous phosphate)
Range: 482km (WLTP)
Energy consumption: 17.0kWh/100km (WLTP)
Safety rating: Five stars (ANCAP 2025)

2025 XPeng G6 Standard Range at a glance:
Price: $54,800 plus on-road costs
Available: Now
Powertrain: Single permanent magnet synchronous motor
Output: 190kW/440Nm
Transmission: Single-speed reduction gear
Battery: 66kWh lithium-ion
Range: 435km (WLTP)
Energy consumption: 17.5kWh/100km (WLTP)
Safety rating: Five stars (ANCAP 2024)

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