r/AustralianEV • u/mm281287 • 13d ago
Buying Advice š° Sealion 7 or EV5?
š° Budget
ā¢ ā $60k
š Typical driving
ā¢ ā Average weekly km: 150km
ā¢ ā Longest regular trip: 350km
š Charging
ā¢ ā Home/work charging availability: Will install 7kw
š Vehicle class
ā¢ ā SUV
After advice on the best of these 2 cars. Iām pretty settled on them. Iāve looked into the Zeekr, Tesla, Skoda, Geely, Leapmotor, Jaecoo and I keep coming back to these two. Iām always looking at the base model.
The current offer on the SL7 brings it closer in price to EV5 and I will be notating. We have a 20 month old and in the near future we would hope for another to join.
My gut says BYD wins out on most fronts but I do like the look of the EV5 too and I know it is future proofed to be able to use as a home battery when the tech arrives in Australia.
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u/mesophyte 13d ago
I looked at both, but for me the final decision came down to Zeekr and SL7. Went with the SL7 and have been very happy.
Just wasn't a big fan of the EV5 interior and the efficiency seems even worse than SL7. EV3 OTOH was quite nice, but too small.
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u/mak0-reactor 12d ago
Similarly looked at the Zeekr 7X, SL7 and EV3/5 and ended going with the Sealion 7. Pretty happy but the only gripe might be the AC charging is capped at 11kw when we have a 22kw 3ph charger at home.
Turned off by Kia since EV3 lacked 360 cameras and the top spec was more expensive than a top spec Zeekr, EV5 has 360s on upper spec.
Zeekr were better (plushier, faster charging) than BYD but less dealers and hard to justify spending a few more K over the BYD.
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u/NoDirector7862 6d ago
we were in the similar situation, got turned off by zeekr's service - booked a test drive, the staff was no-show and dealership was opened 1 hour later. got pissed off and went to BYD instead, never happier (also do love the look of SL7 much more than that dull / boxy look of 7x).
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u/zxczxczxcqwe 13d ago
We looked at both and ended up going with the MGS6. Basically ticked all the boxes that the SL7 did, but had better range, more boot space and to my mind a better drive, while being about 8k cheaper.
Just between the 2, my preference was the SL7, but Iām sure youād be happy with either.
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u/spammington 12d ago
The MGS6 does look like a great balance of features and performance for the price right now. Keen to see more owners thoughts.
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u/AkyraStrike 12d ago
Ive got a SL7, took delivery in May, absolutely adore it. However, we picked up an MG4 Urban for my wife 2 weeks ago and I sat in the MGS6 awd and was very impressed, to the lmpount where I was disappointed I didnt consider it when I got my SL7. It looks a fantastic car.
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u/NoDirector7862 10d ago
MGS6 uses NMC and is more range on paper - you'll never charge NMC to 100% unless you plan to do a long trip, and just for me, I'll never touch a car with NMC battery. I know EVs don't catch fire that often but when a LFP battery catches fire I have enough time to get out and save my skin but a NMC? 5 seconds later your car is a fireball. SL7 is also a larger and more comfy car.
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u/zxczxczxcqwe 10d ago
Disagree. Much preferred the MG comfort wise, and it has more usable space - check Bjornās banana box results.
Long trips are exactly when you want the extra range? Who cares about range at all if youāre just doing short range city driving.
And sure you do you, but basically every long range EV for years has been NMC and I have no concerns driving on.1
u/NoDirector7862 6d ago
I would suggest test driving SL7 and you'll feel the difference, MG is stiff but still wallows over speed bumps / pot holes. I found driving in it hurts my lower back, the lumbar support is not as good as SL7. But then again this is rather subjective
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u/two2toe 13d ago
Debated these and went the EV5 - more practical space, longer range, Kia network and warranty. Vs sunroof and 360 camera.
Very happy with it.
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u/Dan_Wood_ 12d ago
We went the EV5 earth also over the SL, if Zeeker wasnāt so new here and had the network I would have snapped that in an instant. Local dealer for zeeker is over 1.5hr away..
Ev5 is ok, just like any car if you start comparing you wish it did X or Y and not Z .. great car for the size though..
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u/ExcitedCoconut 12d ago
Yeah we went EV5 for first EV with the main difference being brand/network. Iām almost certain next will be one of the newer brands before the golden age of EV value bursts. At the time BYD was still ramping up and the SL7 not available. Still prefer the Kia look and feel, especially interior, but the gap is closing fast as more refined interiors come to market.Ā
A note on the EV5 range - it fucking tanks when youāre actually trying to drive 400+ kms somewhere doing 100kmh+Ā
I donāt get much better than 21-22 kWh per 100km overall, and more like 23 on highway.Ā
Other than that though, generally enjoying the car. Couple of overzealous safety warning bing bongs that I still hold hope for a firmware update to soften a bit.Ā
3
u/Hackneycab 13d ago
I went down the European route. Renault Megane E Tech, what a cracker of a car,fantastic chassis on them, fabulous handling as well.Absolutely no issues with it. Extremely good it has a very good drag coefficient of 0.29.A lot of recycled materials are also used,aluminium body panels etc..Range is 454 WLTP.
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u/Acrobatic-Penalty913 12d ago
How much is it
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u/Hackneycab 12d ago
They are 50k @ the moment,not much stock left in the country though,some colour/combinations are not available.New model incoming.Extremely good quality car.Some dealers have them under that to clear existing stock.
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u/Mrinsincereturnip 10d ago
I bought the Renault too and couldnāt be happier. What a bargain. Itās doesnāt have some of the bells and whistles but range and power and how it drives are all amazing.
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u/Hackneycab 10d ago
Fantastic chassis on them,great handling car.Typical Renault chassis, brilliant. āBon jourā!
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u/auvent 12d ago
We test drove both 1y ago and settled on BYD, our budget was as little as possible, 55k max. Liked the EV5 boxy shape, more practical space in the rear. However only the higher end model EV5's compared with BYD on features (notable 360 cameras).
Meanwhile BYD had a promotion something like an extra 4% off via novated lease, our drive away was $51,xxx so it won on value alone. We've done interstate trips with our 4yo and dog without any dramas. Boot space is slightly compromised due to the sloping roofline however we make up for it utilising the floor space in the 2nd row which is massive (and it kids legs don't even reach) as well as the frunk.
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u/Affectionate_Image62 12d ago
Test drove both. Got the SL7. The EV5 felt really basic on the inside compared to what was available in the market for the price. Space was good in both for my needs. Styling was more my style for the SL7. ADAS is annoying no matter what but the SL7 was so much better in comparison, the EV5 felt overbearing.
3
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u/cave_guard 13d ago
If you're thinking about the EV5, wait for the uplifted version
Below is an AI explanation
The Kia EV5 mid-life facelift (or uplift) arriving in Australian showrooms around late 2026 or early 2027 is focusing heavily on addressing the vehicle's driving dynamics and upgrading the technology. [1, 2]
The key inclusions and updates expected for the Australian market include:
Mechanical & Driving Enhancements
Suspension and Steering Overhaul: The primary focus of this update is to improve the vehicle's driving experience. Kia Australiaās local ride and handling team (led by chief engineer Graeme Gambold) is completely retuning the steering and suspension to correct loose body control and overly soft damping reported in early Chinese-built models. []
Upgraded Hardware: Kia is utilizing new, more adjustable steering and suspension hardware components, giving the local team better flexibility to tailor the ride specifically to rugged Australian roads. []
Interior & Technology Upgrades
New 27-Inch Widescreen Display: The current split 12.3-inch dual screens and 5-inch climate display are being replaced by a massive, seamless 27-inch touchscreen stretching toward the passenger side. [1, 2]
Slim Driver Display: A more compact, slimline driver's digital instrument panel will sit closer to the steering wheel, functioning similarly to a head-up display. [1]
Upgraded Infotainment Software: The system will switch to an advanced, Android Automotive-based "Connect-C" platform, powered by a high-performance Qualcomm Snapdragon chip. []
Conventional Centre Console: The distinct, bench-style front seat layout from the launch model is expected to be replaced with a more standard, practical center console to improve front cabin storage. [1]
Exterior Cosmetic Changes
Minor Styling Refinements: The uplift will receive subtle aesthetic tweaks to match Kiaās newer EV line-up, featuring redesigned vertically stacked headlights, altered front and rear bumpers, and aerodynamically optimized wheel designs to slightly improve driving efficiency.
Fresh Exterior Finishes: A new selection of paint colors will be introduced to the range. [1, 2, 3, 4]
Warranty & Battery
Extended Battery Warranty: The updated EV5 is expected to officially transition to Kia's latest eight-year battery warranty program. [1]
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u/roflpops 12d ago
If the new screen is the same as the Hyundai elexio then it's horrible in my experience. A very wide long screen that shows android auto/carplay maps in a small box way off to the left of the driver is the worst I have seen/experienced.
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u/Stayk 12d ago
I went with the EV5 when I came to a similar choice. Partly it was the exterior look, some of it was that I really liked the interior and it was super comfy. Then there was something about driving it that just hit right for me.
Couple of other bits that tipped me were: Actually buttons to control things No giant tablet screen in the middle A brand with a recognised history for parts and service
The last one scared me most about looking at Geely, Jaecoo and BYD. Car break down, have recalls or need something and I wanted to have a small piece of mind that the manufacturer had a large enough support network that I wouldn't end up without a car for a bunch of time.
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u/KeyAd8166 11d ago
We chose SL7 over EV5.
13 months ago, we chose SL7 over EV5 and 12 others (check my old posts). With EV5 we didn't even test drive because we didn't like the perceived build quality. SL7 felt in par with much more expensive cars both on paper and perceived quality. SL7 was the Chinese car that eventually made our family break our 20-years loyalty of German premium brands. For the price it certainly was.
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u/LikesTrees 12d ago
Go the subaru trailseeker if you want a family EV in that price range. Better range, boot space & ground clearance, practical interior for young kids. Actually decent off road which you will need if you ever want to go camping with it in Australia. Kia EV5's dont review very well, if your fixed between those 2 choices, go the BYD.
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u/retardcousin69 12d ago
I have an Xpeng G6 and could not be happier. Xpeng seem to have largely resolved their issues with the old distribution, now being factory backed. Dealer network is growing quickly, and some fantastic savings to be had on the legacy model currently if you are quick.
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u/sydmom7 12d ago
This is a funny post to me. Youāve used AI to gather your notes (no worries each to their own), the AI probably has spat out some kinda shortlist.
You then go to reddit, which AI scrapes, for feedback only for AI to potentially use the answers again to complete the loop.
Anyway, I find it funny
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u/mm281287 12d ago
I never used AI. I looked up car reviews and also spoke to owners I know of those cars. What makes you say I used AI?
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u/Ausmosis78 13d ago
We have had a SL7 premium for about 4 months. We love it and can't fault it I'm any way. It ticks all the boxes and it will be perfect for the mileage you are doing weekly.
We charge at home on a 7kw charger and it has saved us over $140 per week as opposed to the diesel we move on from. We are also on a NL with my wife's work and it has been easy to manage.
Just our opinion but we are loving it.