5-year running cost · 15,000 km/yr · NSW
BYD SealVSBMW X3 xDrive20i
The BYD Seal is cheaper to run — by $27,226 over 5 years (34% lower total cost), driven mostly by depreciation.
- 5-yr cheaper total
- $51,813
- BYD Seal
- Saving vs rival
- $27,226
- 34% lower
- Cost per km
- $1
- vs $1
- Saving per year
- $5,445
- on average
Tale of the tape
Headline specs and running costs side by side.
| Metric | ⚡ BYD Seal | ⛽ BMW X3 xDrive20i |
|---|---|---|
| Driveaway price | $64,990 | $89,900 |
| Powertrain | Electric (BEV) | Petrol · ULP 95 |
| Efficiency | 17.0 kWh/100km | 8.5 L/100km |
| Battery / fuel | 82.5 kWh battery | Petrol · ULP 95 |
| Range | ~440 km real-world | — |
| Annual energy / fuel | $564 | $2,869 |
Run the numbers yourself
interactivePre-loaded with the BYD Seal and BMW X3 xDrive20i. Adjust the state, annual distance, ownership period and charging mix to match your situation.
EV Running Cost Calculator
Compare the true 5-year ownership cost of an electric car vs its petrol equivalent in Australia.
Ownership period
Electric
BYD Seal
- Energy / Fuel
- $2,818
- Registration
- $2,500
- Insurance
- $9,000
- Servicing
- $1,750
- Depreciation
- $35,745
5-Year Total
$51,813
$1/km · $10,363/yr
Petrol
BMW X3 xDrive20i
- Energy / Fuel
- $12,300
- Registration
- $2,500
- Insurance
- $7,500
- Servicing
- $2,750
- Depreciation
- $19,346
5-Year Total
$44,396
$1/km · $8,879/yr
5-Year Cost Breakdown
Energy / Fuel
Registration
Insurance
Servicing
Depreciation
5-year cost breakdown
Every category, both vehicles, and the difference.
| Category | BYD Seal | BMW X3 xDrive20i | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Energy / fuel | $2,818 | $14,344 | −$11,526 |
| Registration | $2,500 | $2,500 | — |
| Insurance | $9,000 | $10,000 | −$1,000 |
| Servicing | $1,750 | $2,750 | −$1,000 |
| Depreciation | $35,745 | $49,445 | −$13,700 |
| Total (5 yrs) | $51,813 | $79,039 | $27,226 |
Which is cheaper to run?
Over 5 years of average Australian driving (15,000 km/year in NSW), the BYD Seal costs $51,813 to own and run, against $79,039 for the BMW X3 xDrive20i. That is a $27,226 difference — about $5,445 a year, or $454 a month.
The single biggest swing is depreciation: across 5 years the gap is $13,700. Energy is where electric cars usually win — charging at home (especially on solar or off-peak rates) costs a fraction of petrol per kilometre — while the BMW X3 xDrive20i's higher purchase price can narrow the gap through depreciation.
Estimates use average NSW electricity and fuel prices, typical insurance and servicing for this segment, and a 5-year depreciation model. Your numbers will vary with tariffs, driving style and resale values — use the calculator above for a tailored figure.
FAQ
- Is the BYD Seal cheaper to run than the BMW X3 xDrive20i?
- Yes. Based on 15,000 km/year over 5 years in NSW, the BYD Seal costs $51,813 to run versus $79,039 for the BMW X3 xDrive20i — a saving of $27,226 (34%). The biggest difference is depreciation.
- How much does it cost to run the BYD Seal per year in Australia?
- Around $10,363 per year ($1/km), covering energy, registration, insurance, servicing and depreciation at 15,000 km/year in NSW.
- How much can I save switching from the BMW X3 xDrive20i to the BYD Seal?
- About $27,226 over 5 years — roughly $5,445 per year. Use the calculator above to adjust the state, annual distance and charging mix for your situation.