Every BYD model ranked: a guide to this Chinese brand’s rather confusing lineup
May 27, 2025 by Jamie Edkins
Car changing is a big deal
Of all the new Chinese car brands to come to the UK, BYD is proving one of the most popular. Here’s a rundown of all the models it offers.
BYD is a big Chinese brand which started selling cars in the UK back in 2022. It launched with the Atto 3 electric SUV, and now it sells five different models – mostly EVs.
It makes some great cars, but the names can be a bit confusing – most of them are named after aquatic mammals. We’ve ranked all of BYD’s models from best to worst, as well as giving you the closest conventional alternative to give you an idea of which one suits your needs.
Here is every model currently sold by BYD in the UK:
- Seal
- Dolphin
- Sealion 7
- Atto 3
- Seal U
1. BYD Seal: A Tesla Model 3 alternative
Wowscore: 8/10
The Seal is our favourite BYD model you can buy right now, and it really can give the Tesla Model 3 a run for its money. You get loads of kit, decent range and it’s actually good fun to drive on a twisty road.
Some of the tech may be a bit confusing to use – especially the infotainment system – and it’s a bit cramped in the rear. This is easy to forgive though when you can get a 530hp version which can do 0-60mph in a blistering 3.8 seconds.
2. BYD Dolphin: A Volkswagen ID3 alternative
Wowscore: 8/10
A quick Google search will reveal that dolphins are a bit bigger than seals, but the BYD Dolphin is actually the smallest car it currently sells. It’s as spacious inside as a Volkswagen ID3, but costs about the same as the much smaller Vauxhall Corsa Electric.
This makes it great value for money, especially when you look at the long list of standard equipment. The interior may not be as posh as a Cupra Born’s, and the rear visibility isn’t great, but the Dolphin is really spacious and it’s good to drive.
3. BYD Sealion 7: A Kia EV6 alternative
Wowscore: 7/10
You can think of the BYD Sealion 7 as being an SUV version of the Seal. You can get it with the same 530hp dual-motor setup and the styling is very similar to the saloon, however the interior is totally different.
It’s a spacious and well-equipped electric car, but with prices starting at around £47,000 it’s quite a lot more expensive than alternatives like the Kia EV6 and Tesla Model Y. Both of those cars are more comfortable as well.
4. BYD Atto 3: A Peugeot e-2008 alternative
Wowscore: 7/10
The BYD Atto 3 was the first car launched in the UK by this Chinese brand, and it’s also the only one not named after some sort of sea creature. It has a nicely-built, if slightly strange-looking interior, and it’s comfortable to drive as well.
It’s not quite as practical as a Kia EV3 though, and it’s a bit more expensive than that car. Still, if you’re after a slightly left-field electric SUV then the Atto 3 is worth considering.
5. BYD Seal U: An MG HS alternative
Wowscore: 6/10
Finally we have the only BYD with a petrol engine on board. It’s confusingly called the Seal U, and it’s a plug-in hybrid with an impressive 77 miles of all-electric range. It’s well-equipped and spacious, but there are a few things which let this car down.
The main one is the way it drives, because the suspension is far too soft so it wobbles a lot over small bumps and imperfections. It’s also not got the nicest interior, and the styling is pretty bland as well. The low starting price makes it tempting, but an MG HS is a much better bet.
Coming soon: BYD Dolphin Surf
A tiny EV which provides an alternative to the Dacia Spring
Later this year BYD will launch the new Dolphin Surf, a small city car which is expected to start from around £18,000. You can think of it as an alternative to cars like the Dacia Spring and Leapmotor T03, but this BYD has those cars trounced in one area.
That would be the range, because the Dolphin Surf will do a claimed 200 miles on a charge. That’s 35 miles more than the Leapmotor and 60 more than the Spring, and you get a 10.1-inch touchscreen as standard.
Car change? Carwow!
Looking for a new set of wheels? With Carwow you can sell your car quickly and for a fair price – as well as find great offers on your next one. Whether you’re looking to buy a car brand new, are after something used or you want to explore car leasing options, Carwow is your one stop shop for new car deals.
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