BYD Sealion 6 vs Geely E5 EM-i
Value retention, real cost and monthly money, compared on the same 2026 South African data.
Too close to call on resale: both keep about 53% of their value over three years. Decide on the deal, not the badge.
Both curves, one chart
Head to head
| Sealion 6 | E5 EM-i | |
|---|---|---|
| New price (from) | R 639 900 | R 599 999 |
| ±Monthly instalment | R 11 184/m | R 10 487/m |
| Retained after 1 year | 73% | 73% |
| Retained after 3 years | 53% | 53% |
| Value after 3 years | R 338 960 | R 317 824 |
| Lost to depreciation (3y) | R 300 940 | R 282 175 |
| Value after 5 years | R 243 536 | R 228 351 |
| Our tier | Chinese (new entrant) | Chinese (new entrant) |
BYD Sealion 6 →
This medium plug-in hybrid SUV was one of three models BYD launched in April 2025 alongside the Shark 6 and Sealion 7. It offers around 80km of electric-only running and well over 1,000km combined. It has become one of the more common BYDs on SA roads.
Known for: big combined range plug-in family suv
Geely E5 EM-i →
The plug-in hybrid partner to the E5 arrived in November 2025 from R599,999, wearing the Starray EM-i badge in other markets. Its super hybrid drivetrain promises low consumption without the range anxiety of the full EV. It undercuts most PHEV rivals on price.
Known for: super hybrid tech at mainstream money
Common questions
Which holds value better, the BYD Sealion 6 or the Geely E5 EM-i?
They are close to inseparable: 53% vs 53% retained after three years. Buy on price, spec and the deal you can get, not on resale.
Which is cheaper to own over three years?
Depreciation is the biggest ownership cost. The BYD Sealion 6 loses about R 300 940 over three years and the Geely E5 EM-i loses about R 282 175. Fuel, insurance and servicing can narrow or widen that, but the depreciation gap is the number to start from.
What do they cost per month?
On typical finance (10% deposit, 72 months, 11.75%), the BYD Sealion 6 runs about R 11 184 per month and the Geely E5 EM-i about R 10 487, before fees and insurance.
Keep going
Modelled estimates on a retail basis; spec levels and real transaction prices vary.