BYD has sold almost twice as many cars as Tesla in Australia this year, but the Model Y is still the top selling EV. Here's the sales scoreboard, and how the Model Y and Sealion 7 compare on price, range, charging and more.
By Varun Punyamurtula ·
Tesla vs BYD is the biggest rivalry in Australian cars right now. BYD has sold almost twice as many cars as Tesla here this year, yet the Tesla Model Y is still the country's best selling electric car. So who is really winning, and if you're choosing between a Model Y and a BYD Sealion 7, which one should you buy?
Quick answer: BYD is winning on total sales, helped by plug in hybrids like the Shark 6, but Tesla still owns the top spot for electric cars with the Model Y. Between the two SUVs, the Sealion 7 Premium is cheaper ($54,990 plus on road costs) with a little more range and a plusher cabin, while the Model Y ($58,900 plus on road costs) has the better charging network, sharper software and an unlimited kilometre warranty. Our pick for most families: the Sealion 7 Premium on value, the Model Y Long Range AWD if you do lots of long trips.
BYD's lead comes from range. It sells everything from the Atto 1 city car to the Shark 6 plug in hybrid ute, while Tesla only sells the Model Y and Model 3 here. Model for model, the Model Y still outsells the Sealion 7 by roughly 16,000 cars.
Winner on brand sales: BYD. Winner on best selling EV: Tesla. See every model's numbers on our new car sales tracker.
Tesla Model Y
BYD Sealion 7
These are the official list prices, before on road costs:
BYD is also offering $4,000 cashback on both Sealion 7 grades for orders placed between 1 October and 21 December 2026 and delivered by 31 December 2026.
Winner: Sealion 7. The Premium undercuts the base Model Y by $3,910 before the cashback, and the dual motor Performance is $4,910 cheaper than the Long Range AWD.
At the entry level, the Sealion 7 goes a little further and the Model Y is a little quicker. Spend more and the Model Y Long Range pulls well ahead on range.
Winner: tie at the base level. Model Y for long distance drivers.
This is still Tesla's biggest advantage. Tesla's Supercharger network is the easiest fast charging experience in Australia, and the car plans charging stops for you. The Sealion 7 uses the public network, which keeps growing but varies more in reliability and speed. If you charge at home most of the time, the gap matters much less.
Winner: Model Y.
Tesla Model Y interior
BYD Sealion 7 interior
The Sealion 7 feels more luxurious, with quilted leather, ambient lighting and a big rotating touchscreen. The Model Y is simpler and more minimal, but adds an 8 inch screen for rear passengers, ventilated front seats and heated rear seats on every grade. Tesla's software is quicker and easier to use, while BYD's menus can take more learning.
Winner on feel: Sealion 7. Winner on software: Model Y.
Tesla Model Y rear
BYD Sealion 7 rear
Both are mid size electric SUVs with roomy back seats and flat floors. The Model Y has a front boot and a big, square cargo area, and the six seat Model Y L is an option if you need more seats. The Sealion 7 has a panoramic glass roof and a comfortable rear seat.
Winner: Model Y, thanks to its range of body options and clever storage.
Both have five star ANCAP ratings.
Winner: tie. BYD gives you an extra year, Tesla gives you unlimited kilometres.
Buy the Sealion 7 if: you want the most car for your money, a plush cabin and a little more range at the entry level, and you mostly charge at home.
Buy the Model Y if: you do lots of long trips, want the easiest fast charging and the best software, or need the six seat Model Y L.
Not sure? Tell us which one you're leaning towards and we'll use our network to find the best deal anywhere in Australia, on a new, demo, near new or used Model Y or Sealion 7. Get the best deal. Selling your current car first? We can help you sell your car, or check what it's worth with our free car value tool. Read our full Tesla Model Y review and BYD Sealion 7 review.
Yes. From January to September 2026, BYD sold 76,614 new cars in Australia and Tesla sold 41,705. BYD's total includes plug in hybrids such as the Shark 6.
The Tesla Model Y, with 35,930 sales from January to September 2026. The BYD Sealion 7 is next with 19,964.
Yes. The Sealion 7 Premium is $54,990 plus on road costs and the Model Y Premium RWD is $58,900 plus on road costs.
At the entry level the Sealion 7 Premium is rated at 482km WLTP and the Model Y Premium RWD at 466km. The Model Y Long Range AWD goes further, at up to 600km.
Prices are the manufacturers' recommended list prices before on road costs, checked on 20 October 2026. Dealer and drive away prices vary by state and change often. Sales are January to September 2026 VFACTS and Electric Vehicle Council figures. This is a desk comparison from official specifications, not a road test. Images: Tesla and BYD Australia (manufacturer media).
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Sell your carTags: Comparisons, Electric, Family
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