You’ve probably seen the name BYD popping up more and more. It stands for 'Build Your Dreams', and this Chinese automotive giant is serious about making its mark on the UK car market. Once known mostly as a battery manufacturer (in fact, it’s one of the biggest in the world), BYD has exploded onto the scene with a range of electric and hybrid cars that promise advanced tech, impressive range, and heaps of standard equipment, all for a price that makes premium brands feel a bit nervous.
From compact city cars to sleek saloons and family-friendly SUVs, BYD’s line-up is expanding at a dizzying pace. The brand’s big selling point is its innovative ‘Blade’ battery technology, which is designed to be safer, more durable, and more efficient than conventional EV batteries. But is all that tech wrapped in a package that’s good to live with on a daily basis? In this guide, we’ll walk you through the best cars in the current BYD range to help you decide if one of them is the right fit for you.
The cars in this guide have been selected to represent the best options currently available. Our recommendations are the result of a unique three-part scoring system that takes into account real-world tests from our team of expert reviewers, ratings from real-life owners who live with these cars every day, and an analysis of market data from CarGurus UK to identify which models offer the highest percentage of good and great deals. This combined approach ensures our list highlights cars that are not only great to own but also good value to buy.
Best BYD Cars and SUVs 2025
- 1. 2024 BYD Seal
- 2. 2025 BYD Atto 2
- 3. 2025 BYD Seal U
- 4. 2025 BYD Dolphin
- 5. 2025 BYD Sealion 7
- 6. 2025 BYD Dolphin Surf
1. 2025 BYD Seal
CarGurus expert rating: 4 out of 5 Percentage of good/great deals available on CarGurus: 42.6% Overall CarGurus rating: 4.5 out of 5
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Genuine 300-mile range | Annoying infotainment system |
| Strong performance | Smaller boot than some rivals |
| Loads of standard equipment | Monthly finance deals not the most competitive |
The BYD Seal is the car that really signals the brand's ambitions. This sleek electric saloon is a direct challenger to the Tesla Model 3 and Hyundai Ioniq 6, and it comes out swinging. It’s a handsome thing to look at, and it offers a choice of two potent setups: a 308bhp rear-wheel-drive model or a ridiculously quick 523bhp all-wheel-drive version. Both use BYD’s 82.5kWh 'Blade' battery, which delivers an impressive official range of up to 354 miles and uses advanced cobalt-free tech for better safety and sustainability. Throw in a six-year warranty and a price that undercuts many premium rivals, and you’ve got a seriously tempting package.
Inside, the Seal continues to impress with a smart, high-quality cabin and surprisingly good practicality for a saloon. Rear passengers get more legroom than they would in a Model 3, and the standard panoramic roof makes the space feel light and airy without stealing headroom. While the 400-litre boot isn't the biggest in its class, it’s supplemented by a handy 53-litre 'frunk' under the bonnet, which is perfect for stashing cables. What really seals the deal is the standard equipment; every model gets a head-up display, heated and ventilated seats, and a 360-degree camera at no extra cost.
The CarGurus Verdict: "The BYD Seal is a really good all-round executive saloon. It’s good to drive, has a smart cabin, class-leading equipment levels and has enough range and charging speed to make it a very easy companion for high-mileage drivers." - Vicky Parrott, contributing editor
2. 2025 BYD Atto 2
CarGurus expert rating: 3 out of 5 CarGurus user rating: 4.5 out of 5 Percentage of good/great deals available on CarGurus: 37.2% Overall CarGurus rating: 4.1 out of 5
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Packed with standard equipment | So-so to drive |
| Clever battery tech | Some rivals do better for range |
| Long warranty | Not the cheapest |
Slotting neatly between the Dolphin hatchback and the bigger Atto 3, the BYD Atto 2 is a new electric compact SUV hoping to tempt you away from rivals like the Ford Puma Gen-E and Volvo EX30. Its main weapon is value. Even the entry-level Boost model, with its 214-mile range, comes loaded with kit that would be pricey options on other cars, including a panoramic roof, a huge 12.8-inch touchscreen, and a 360-degree camera. The pricier Comfort version gets a bigger 64.8kWh battery for a more useful 267-mile range.
The Atto 2 is a properly practical choice. The boot is a useful square shape and offers a decent 400 litres of space in Boost trim or 450 litres in Comfort, while rear passengers get some of the best leg- and headroom in the class. It’s not going to set your pulse racing on a B-road – the suspension can be a bit noisy and it leans in the corners – but it’s perfectly comfortable and competent for the school run or the daily commute. With a brisk 0-62mph time of 7.9 seconds, it feels more than quick enough for nipping around town or getting up to speed on the motorway.
The CarGurus Verdict: "The BYD Atto 2 is a solid option in the very competitive small electric SUV class. Given the costs, the kit, the warranty and the range, this is a compelling ownership proposition." - Ivan Aistrop, senior editor
Read our full BYD Atto 2 review
3. 2025 BYD Seal U
CarGurus expert rating: 4 out of 5 Overall CarGurus rating: 4.0 out of 5
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Impressive value for a well-equipped PHEV SUV | Poor boot space compared with rival SUVs |
| Generous electric-only range (up to 77 miles in Comfort trim) | Fiddly infotainment system |
| Interior feels upmarket | Lacklustre ride and handling |
Here’s a BYD with a difference. The Seal U is a family SUV, but instead of being fully electric, it’s a plug-in hybrid (PHEV). This makes it a brilliant choice if you’re not quite ready to ditch petrol altogether. Its standout feature is incredible value. For less money than a comparable Kia Sportage or Ford Kuga, you get a surprisingly upmarket interior and a mountain of standard kit. It’s also very roomy for passengers, with generous legroom and reclining rear seats making it a comfy place for the whole family. The only real let-down is the boot, which at 425 litres, is smaller than you’ll find in most rivals.
The mid-range Comfort model is the one to go for. It has an official electric-only range of a whopping 78 miles, which means most people could do their daily commute all week without using a single drop of petrol. On the road, the Seal U is all about comfort. It’s quiet, smooth, and soaks up bumps nicely, but feels a bit floaty and disconnected on twisty roads. Think of it as a relaxed cruiser rather than a sporty SUV; its seamless hybrid system makes for a very refined and easy-going drive.
The CarGurus Verdict: "While it falls short in areas like boot space and driving dynamics, it makes up for these shortcomings with its impressive electric range, generous standard equipment, and low price." - Chris Knapman, editorial director
Read our full BYD Seal U review
4. 2025 BYD Dolphin
CarGurus expert rating: 3 out of 5 Percentage of good/great deals available on CarGurus: 32.6% Overall CarGurus rating: 3.9 out of 5
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Very well equipped | An MG4 is better rounded |
| Great value for money | Infotainment has its irritations |
| Very decent real-world range | Some cheap-feeling plastics tucked away |
The BYD Dolphin is a small electric hatchback that goes toe-to-toe with the hugely popular MG4 and Peugeot e-208, and it makes a very sensible case for itself. For a car of this size, it’s remarkably practical, with a decent 364-litre boot that has a handy spot under the floor to keep your charging cables tidy. The big surprise is in the back, where there’s enough legroom for adults to sit comfortably. It’s a light and airy cabin, especially with the optional panoramic roof, making it a pleasant family-friendly package that punches above its weight.
When it comes to the driving experience, the Dolphin is set up for comfort. The 60kWh battery offers a decent 265-mile range, the 201bhp motor feels plenty quick enough, and the soft suspension does a good job of soaking up bumps, making for a relaxed drive. It’s not as sharp or fun in the corners as an MG4, but for everyday use, it’s ideal. Like all BYDs, it comes loaded with standard kit, including that signature rotating touchscreen and a heat pump for better winter efficiency. Just be prepared for a slightly fiddly infotainment system and some over-eager safety warnings.
The CarGurus Verdict: "The BYD Dolphin isn’t a car that’s going to really grab at your heartstrings, but it is a good value electric option that’s roomy, generously equipped and offers a very usable real-world range." - Chris Knapman, editorial director
Read our full BYD Dolphin review
5. 2025 BYD Sealion 7
CarGurus expert rating: 3 out of 5 Percentage of good/great deals available on CarGurus: 37.5% Overall CarGurus rating: 3.8 out of 5
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Loads of passenger space | Unsettled suspension |
| Extremely fast | Disappointing energy efficiency |
| Solid build quality (mostly) | Fiddly infotainment system |
The BYD Sealion 7 is muscling into the hugely popular electric family SUV market, and it’s got the best-selling Tesla Model Y firmly in its sights. With its sleek, coupe-like roofline, it’s a more stylish and swoopy sibling to the Atto 3, designed to give you all the space and practicality a family needs, but wrapped in a package that looks more expensive than it is. It’s a tempting alternative for buyers who want a bit of flair without the premium price tag.
Choose between two battery sizes, with a standard 82.5kWh unit in the Comfort and Design AWD trims, or a 91.3kWh option in the range-topping Excellence AWD, offering a range of 312 miles and four-wheel-drive.
Where the Sealion 7 really scores points is on practicality. Hop inside and you’ll find a huge amount of space, with so much rear legroom that passengers will be able to properly stretch out. That sloping roof doesn’t really eat into headroom, either. The boot is a very useful 520 litres, but the ace up its sleeve is the extra 58-litre ‘frunk’ (front trunk) under the bonnet, which is the perfect place to hide away your charging cables. All in, it offers more luggage space than many of its key rivals.
The CarGurus Verdict: "The single-motor Comfort model might be worth a look, but the four-wheel-drive versions are difficult to recommend." - Alex Robbins, senior car reviewer
Read our full BYD Sealion 7 review
6. 2025 BYD Dolphin Surf
CarGurus expert rating: 3 out of 5 Percentage of good/great deals available on CarGurus: 40.4% Overall CarGurus rating: 3.6 out of 5
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Roomy interior for such a small car | Small, fiddly touchscreen |
| Long range for the price | Only four seats |
| Very generously equipped | Underwhelming charging speeds |
Say hello to the BYD Dolphin Surf, a cheerful little electric hatchback tailor-made for city living. It's gunning for stylish urbanites who might otherwise be eyeing up a Renault 5 or Citroen e-C3, offering an affordable, easy-to-park EV without the extra bulk. Don't think of it as just a city runabout, though. The mid-spec Boost model with a 43.2kWh battery boasts a range of up to 200 miles, making it perfectly capable of handling the occasional longer journey.
For a car this small, it’s surprisingly practical. Those in the front have plenty of room, and while it’s a strict four-seater, the back is spacious enough for kids or for adults on shorter trips. You’ll find plenty of handy storage spots, including big door bins and a useful cubby below the centre console. The 308-litre boot is fine for the weekly shop, but be warned that the opening is a little on the narrow side, which could make loading a bulky pushchair a bit of a squeeze.
The CarGurus Verdict: "You get a great deal more for your money here than you do with rival models, especially when it comes to generous equipment levels." - Ivan Aistrop, senior editor
Read our full BYD Dolphin Surf review
Frequently Asked Questions
What does BYD stand for?
BYD stands for 'Build Your Dreams'. The company was founded in 1995 and has grown to become a global leader in battery technology and electric vehicles.
Are BYD cars reliable?
BYD is a relatively new brand in the UK, so long-term reliability data is still limited. However, the company is one of the largest EV manufacturers in the world and has a strong reputation in other markets. All new BYD cars sold in the UK come with a comprehensive six-year/93,750-mile vehicle warranty and an eight-year/125,000-mile warranty for the battery, which provides significant peace of mind.
What is BYD's Blade Battery?
The Blade Battery is BYD's proprietary battery technology. It uses a different chemical makeup (lithium iron-phosphate) and a unique cell structure that arranges the cells in long, blade-like packs. BYD claims this design is significantly safer, more durable, and more space-efficient than conventional EV battery packs.
Where can I buy a BYD car in the UK?
BYD is rapidly expanding its dealer network across the UK. It has partnered with established dealership groups like Pendragon, Arnold Clark, and Lookers to sell and service its cars. You can find your nearest dealer on the BYD UK website.
Is the BYD infotainment system easy to use?
BYD cars are known for their large, rotating central touchscreens, which can be switched from landscape to portrait orientation. While the screens are bright and responsive, our reviewers have found the menu systems can be a bit fiddly and some of the driver assistance system warnings can be overly sensitive. However, they do support Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, which many drivers will prefer to use.
Are BYD cars good value for money?
Yes, this is one of BYD's biggest selling points. Compared to European and other mainstream rivals, BYD models typically offer a very high level of standard equipment for the price. Features that are often expensive options on other cars, such as panoramic roofs, premium audio systems, and advanced driver aids, are frequently included as standard on BYD cars.
What Makes CarGurus Best Cars Guides Different?
Most car buying websites publish lists of the best cars across a variety of categories, with recommendations generally driven by editorial expertise. Here's what makes our best cars guides different: we combine the insights and verdicts of our team of car-testing experts with other factors that we know matter to buyers - real owner experiences and current market value.
To that end, our expert reviewers come from some of the UK's most trusted automotive publications including What Car?, The Telegraph, Auto Trader, Electrifying.com, and Carbuyer. They put each car through real-world testing, and create detailed reviews noting performance in a range of categories, from practicality and driving manners, to running costs and reliability.
But we don't stop there when it comes to creating our best cars guides; we also analyse hundreds of thousands of used car listings on CarGurus UK to track which models consistently offer the highest percentage of best deals relative to how many are listed for sale. Then we factor in user reviews and ratings gathered on CarGurus to get feedback from people who actually live with these cars every day. Our best cars algorithm then creates a final Overall CarGurus rating that combines expert ratings, user reviews, and the percentage of listings on CarGurus UK rated as good or great deals. This three-way approach reveals not just which cars excel on paper, but which ones deliver satisfaction and value when you're ready to buy.
*The CarGurus UK market data in this guide was last updated in December 2025. Values were accurate at time of publication and should be used as a guide only.*
