BYD did well on the 2026 CarExpert Alternative Awards, with two of its models winning awards and a 3rd getting the nod as a finalist.
The solid performance follows a powerful showing in last yr’s inaugural CarExpert Alternative Awards, when 4 BYD models were named finalists – though none took home category awards.
This yr, the recently launched Atto 1 electric hatch beat out the GAC Aion V and MG 4 for the title of Best Reasonably priced EV, while the plug-in hybrid Sealion 6 mid-size SUV toppled the GWM Haval H6 PHEV and MG HS Super Hybrid to turn into our Best Reasonably priced PHEV SUV.
And while the favored plug-in hybrid Shark 6 dual-cab wasn’t our overall pick for Best Electrified Ute, it was an in depth runner-up.
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This trio of vehicles is a neat cross-section of the Chinese brand’s growing model lineup.
The Atto 1 is the brand’s smallest and most reasonably priced model in Australia, while the Shark 6 is one in every of its most costly and by far its largest. The Sealion 6 sits somewhere in the center.
While BYD initially launched only electric vehicles (EVs) here, it has added plug-in hybrids (PHEVs) which have proved extremely popular, too. This winning trio offers a combination of each.
The Atto 1 actually generated quite a lot of buzz when it was launched here late in 2025 with a base price – just $23,990 before on-road costs – that made it Australia’s most reasonably priced EV.
However the Atto 1 has greater than only a low, low price.
“The BYD Atto 1 Premium is precisely the type of EV that Australia needs more of,” said CarExpert founder Alborz Fallah.
“It’s reasonably priced, efficient, easy to drive and genuinely useful as a city automotive. It doesn’t attempt to be a long-distance family SUV, and it doesn’t have to. It makes essentially the most sense as a primary EV, a second family automotive, or a low-cost urban commuter for somebody who can charge at home.
“It’s quiet, comfortable, zippy, easy to park, efficient and higher built than its price suggests.
“An important thing is that it doesn’t feel like BYD saved money on the electrical drivetrain. That’s what makes the Atto 1 so convincing.
“For the cash, this may very well be the perfect entry-level EV available in Australia. It’s not only low-cost, it’s good.”
The Sealion 6 scored a win despite the flurry of activity within the mid-size plug-in hybrid SUV segment during which it competes.
For a few years, it was just the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV by its lonesome. Earlier this decade, more rivals entered the fray but sales volumes remained middling.
While BYD is a PHEV pioneer, it was later than some rivals in entering the mid-size PHEV SUV segment in Australia. Nevertheless, the Sealion 6 deserves credit for helping spark major growth on this segment.
It was launched in 2024, and since then has needed to contend with a raft of latest or updated rivals, a few of which even undercut it on price. We still gave it the nod, nevertheless, due to its all-round competence.
The Sealion 6 boasts a spread of smooth and efficient PHEV powertrains, and a spacious and cozy interior with a top quality feel.
In fact, it’s reasonably priced too, priced from $42,990 to $52,990 before on-roads. You don’t have to step as much as the high quality to get a formidable mid-size PHEV SUV, either.
“In comparison with similarly priced rivals, this entry-level Essential grade still feels more refined and higher rounded, from its performance to its tech,” said marketplace editor James Wong in his recent review.
“It’s a really reasonably priced yet solid PHEV for those giving the powertrain technology a primary go, since it offers loads of EV range, solid feature and tech levels, and lots of space for the family.”
Finally, we are able to’t forget concerning the Shark 6. Buyers actually haven’t.
Launched early in 2025, the Shark 6 stormed up the sales charts and continues to outsell its rivals within the growing PHEV ute segment – including the GWM Cannon Alpha PHEV which we ultimately gave the nod to for Best Electrified Ute.
The Shark 6 dominates this segment in sales despite having had a head start on its rivals of only just a few months, demonstrating the Shark 6 has an ‘it’ factor that seems to essentially resonate with Australian buyers.
“It’s a well-sorted thing, and adds one other selection for buyers needing a vehicle that could be a workhorse through the week, and a family automotive over the weekend – all while keeping fuel bills to a minimum, but without the constraints that include an electrical vehicle,” said road test editor Ben Zachariah.
Our voting was conducted before the Shark 6 lineup was expanded with a more powerful, more capable Performance flagship, plus a cab/chassis body style. We’ll must see if that shakes up the ends in next yr’s CarExpert Alternative Awards.
BYD continues to expand its local lineup at a rapid rate because it rockets up the sales charts, offering an increasingly deep bench of commendable models, so we wouldn’t be surprised if there have been more trophies to come back.
This Article First Appeared At www.carexpert.com.au
