Part of our full guide to [Chinese Car Brands in the UK]
BYD is the world’s largest EV manufacturer and, as of late 2025, the UK’s top-selling New Energy Vehicle brand (covering battery-electric and plug-in hybrid). Unlike most rivals, BYD makes its own batteries in-house through its cobalt-free Blade Battery tech, giving it tight control over cost and safety. The UK line-up has grown fast — nine models and counting.
BYD Models Available in the UK
- Dolphin Surf — BYD’s cheapest UK model, from £18,650, a rebadged version of the Seagull sold elsewhere, aimed at city driving.
- Dolphin — compact hatchback rivalling the MG4 and Renault 5; it’s one of the most competitively priced EVs in its class, though the MG4 undercuts it on outright list price.
- Atto 3 / Atto 3 Evo — compact SUV rivalling the Ford Puma Gen-E. The updated Evo (from April 2026) starts at £38,990 with a 74.8kWh battery and up to 316 miles WLTP range; the dual-motor Excellence trim (£42,730) adds AWD and 449hp.
- Seal — electric saloon rivalling the Tesla Model 3, refreshed for 2026 (£45,730 Design / £48,730 Excellence), 82.5kWh battery, up to 354 miles WLTP, 150kW charging.
- Sealion 7 — electric SUV rivalling the Tesla Model Y, from £46,990, up to 312 miles WLTP depending on trim, 0-62mph as low as 4.5 seconds.
- Sealion 5 DM-i — BYD’s ninth UK model, a plug-in hybrid family SUV from £29,995, launched January 2026 and tipped to become a top seller.
- Sealion 6 DM-i — newer plug-in hybrid SUV addition.
- Ti7 (confirmed, pricing TBC) — a seven-seat plug-in hybrid flagship SUV due to sit above the Sealion 7, with 0-62mph around 4.8 seconds and roughly 79 miles of electric-only range.
BYD’s upmarket Denza sub-brand is also confirmed for UK launch during 2026.
How BYD Compares to Rivals
Every BYD model sold in the UK carries a full 5-star Euro NCAP safety rating, including the entry-level Dolphin Surf. In the 2026 Driver Power owner satisfaction survey, BYD ranked 16th of 30 brands — solidly mid-table, still building UK trust relative to established rivals. Standard equipment (large touchscreens, premium trim) tends to undercut European competitors offering similar specification.
Reliability & Ownership
BYD’s vehicle warranty covers 6 years/93,750 miles as standard. Its Blade Battery warranty was extended in January 2026 to 8 years or 250,000km (155,350 miles) with a guaranteed minimum 70% battery health — applied retroactively to existing owners, not just new buyers — plus 12 years of anti-perforation cover.
FAQs
Is BYD a good car brand? Yes — as the world’s largest EV maker and the UK’s top NEV brand by 2025 sales, BYD offers strong range and safety (5-star Euro NCAP across the board), though it still ranks mid-table on UK owner satisfaction as a newer entrant.
How long is the BYD warranty? 6 years/93,750 miles on the vehicle, 8 years/250,000km (155,350 miles) on the Blade Battery as of the January 2026 update.
What’s the newest BYD model in the UK? The Ti7, a seven-seat plug-in hybrid flagship SUV confirmed for the UK in May 2026, alongside the Sealion 5 DM-i launched in January.
Every BYD model, in detail
Prices, range, the honest verdict and what to watch, one page per car.
Owning a BYD: the key facts
| Details | |
|---|---|
| Warranty | 6 years / 93,750 miles; battery 8 years / 155,000 miles; 6 years roadside cover |
| Servicing | Electric models every 2 years / 20,000 miles (about £349 for a Dolphin or Atto 3); DM-i hybrids yearly |
| Insurance groups | From 14 (Dolphin Surf) to 48-50 (Seal) |
| Safety | Five Euro NCAP stars across the range tested |
| Reliability | 16th of 30 in Driver Power 2026, up from last place |
| Owner | BYD Co., China; UK cars built in China |
| Electric Car Grant | Not eligible; BYD offers servicing and warranty deals instead |
BYD makes its own batteries, which is why its battery warranty is the best of any brand in the UK, and its owner satisfaction scores have improved dramatically. Watch the insurance groups on the larger models.
Our BYD guides and comparisons
- BYD Seal vs Tesla Model 3
- BYD Sealion 7 vs Tesla Model Y
- Cheapest electric cars
- Best Chinese electric cars
- Warranties compared
- Insurance groups
- Servicing costs
- Safety ratings
- Depreciation
- Reliability
- Electric Car Grant
Last checked September 2026. See all our advice and news.