Guide to BYD Plug-In Hybrid Range (PHEV)

There is no ignoring the sheer impact BYD has made on the UK automotive market since its arrival in 2023, not least because it has achieved immense success on the back of an entirely electric or PHEV range.

Even then, while its electric models have certainly proven popular, it is the BYD Seal U plug-in hybrid family SUV that has emerged as the marque’s big superstar when it comes to the sales charts.

So, it is perhaps little wonder that BYD has been busily building on that winning formula with a fast-growing line-up of PHEV models – such as the BYD Dolphin G and BYD Ti 7 - to offer alongside its similarly expansive EV range.

With as many as eight PHEV models (and counting) to now choose from, if you’re already sold on a BYD for your next car, here is your guide to the best BYD plug-in hybrids that will be perfect for you…

Reasons to Buy a BYD PHEV

• Super DM (Dual Mode) Technology - Combines efficient engines with BYD’s exclusively developed Blade batteries to deliver an EV-like driving experience with extended range.
• Large PHEV Range – BYD has one of the most comprehensive PHEV line-ups on sale across body types as diverse as supermini, family SUV and premium SUV
• Generous Warranty – BYD assures peace of mind for those new to the brand with a six-year/93,750-miles basic coverage warranty, plus an eight-year/153,350-mile battery warranty.

BYD Dolphin G DM-i PHEV

Not content with having one of the UK’s most popular PHEVs on the market with the Seal U, BYD has now bagged (for the time being at least) the title of cheapest PHEV on sale with its latest offering, the BYD Dolphin G DM-i.

Condensing the flexible benefits of zero-emission electric power – up to 65-miles – and range extending fuel too – over 600-miles in total – the Dolphin G presents the best of both worlds in a compact and value-oriented package that performs both in and out of the urban jungle.

It’s spacious too with a 425-litre boot, while all four trim levels – Active, Boost, Comfort and Sport – are generously kitted out.

With no other PHEV options in its segment at the time of writing, the Dolphin G – with prices starting just below £24k* – makes for an enticing alternative to a conventional Renault Clio or Vauxhall Corsa.

BYD Atto 2 DM-i PHEV

With an ultra-efficient dual-mode set-up that makes it feel like quiet, refined EV for much of its time on the road, the BYD Atto 2 DM-i – which is also available as electric-only - is arguably at its best in PHEV trim.

With up to 55-miles of electric-only range in a compact, yet practical small SUV body, the Atto 2 DM-i represents superb value-for-money with starting prices that begin below £27,000*.

For that you do get a generous kit list that comprises rear-view camera, parking sensors, rain-sensing wiper blades, adaptive cruise control, LED headlight and metallic paints on even the base Active trim.

It’s spacious for passengers too, while the modern interior – which is dominated by a large central touchscreen – has build quality that belies its affordable price tag.

BYD Sealion 5 DM-i PHEV

If you don’t need all the space offered by the sizeable Seal U, its smaller sibling – the BYD Sealion 5 DM-i – might be just the right fit for you and your family.

With prices starting from around £30,000, the Sealion 5 offers a frugal PHEV option in a cost-bracket comprising rivals that are not only petrol-powered, but smaller in size too.

Offered with the choice of either a 12.96kWh or 18.3kWh battery alongside a 1.5-litre engine, the Sealion 5 achieves up to 38 or 53-miles of electric-only range respectively, making it ideal for the school run and/or the commute to work.

Larger than a Kia Sportage, the Sealion 5 converts those extra millimetres into a generous 463-litre boot with plenty of rear space for six-footers too.

BYD Seal U DM-i PHEV

It’s not hard to see why the BYD Seal U DM-i has cut through a competitive marketplace to gain favour with the UK buying public.

With prices starting at under £35,000*, the Seal U immediately represents a lot of car for the money, especially at a price point largely comprising more compact SUVs and hatchbacks.

With this in mind, families who might not have anticipated having the option of such a versatile, lavishly appointed SUV in their budget range will find the Seal U is hard-to-beat.

It demonstrates that the Seal U is resonating with the general populous, who are finding the flexible PHEV powertrain wrapped in a spacious, well-equipped and premium-feeling product is proving to be an irresistible combination.

BYD Seal 6 DM-i PHEV

Taking inspiration from the BYD Seal – the firm’s premium halo electric saloon – the BYD Seal 6 offers similarly svelte and sophisticated styling, but this time blends it with a flexible PHEV powertrain.

An enticing choice for those who don’t want to default to a PHEV SUV, the Seal 6 DM-i saloon is one of the most affordable plug-in hybrids on the market but doesn’t present that way with its well-built interior and vast kit list.

The choice of two batteries – 10kWh or 19kWh – can be mated to the Seal 6’s 1.5-litre petrol engine, delivering 31 or 62-miles of electric-only range respectively.

According to BYD, the Seal 6 can travel up to 900-miles total (fuel and electric), presenting it as an excellent value family saloon with a frugal side to it.

BYD Seal 6 DM-i Touring PHEV

At a time when estates are steadily being phased out by SUVs, it is refreshing to see BYD – one of the UK’s newest brands – appealing to an increasingly niche, albeit loyal, customer base with the load-lugging BYD Seal 6 DM-i Touring.

Taking the strengths of the Seal 6 (above) but remixing it into a more practical package with a bigger boot, the Touring earmarks itself as a sophisticated alternative to models like the CUPRA Leon Estate and Vauxhall Astra Estate.

Complemented by a large 65-litre fuel tank, the Seal 6 Touring not only offers up to 62-miles of electric-only range (with the larger 19kWh battery) but it can return over 160mpg too.

At the rear, the Seal 6 Touring features up to 675-litres of load space and benefits from a high-opening tailgate and a well-shape rear loading compartment too.

BYD Ti 7 DM-p PHEV

The biggest and boldest addition yet to BYD’s growing UK line-up of models, the BYD Ti7 DM-p has lofty ambitions to lure buyers away from established premium brands such as Land Rover, BMW, Audi and Mercedes.

At over five metres long and boasting a full complement of seven seats, the Ti7 will likely turn heads with its chunky, utilitarian exterior design that certainly pays homage to the Defender.

With seven-seats in place, the Ti7 offers 126-litres of luggage room, but if you don’t have a need for the rearmost row, converting it into a five-seater opens up a vast 970-litres of boot space.

Under the skin, the four-wheel drive Ti7 gets a new DM-p plug-in hybrid system comprising a 1.5-litre petrol engine mated to two electronic motors that delivers a hefty 402bhp under foot.

It’s enough for the Ti7 to hit 0-62mph in just 4.8secs, while the huge 35.6kWh Blade Battery is big enough to offer up to 74-miles of pure electric driving range too.

BYD Shark DMO PHEV

The BYD Shark is designed for customers wanting an efficient pick-up truck - one that can complete fully electric journeys while keeping up with the high demands of work, as well as active family lifestyles.

Utilising BYD’s Super Hybrid DMO (Dual Mode Off-Road) system, the Shark is designed to prioritise zero-emission electric-only driving where possible, allowing it to return over 80mpg on a combined cycle, while total range (fuel and EV) is quoted at 419-miles.

As well as its money-saving powertrain, the Shark will also be very generously equipped with vegan leather upholstery, heated and ventilated front seats, a 12-speaker Dynaudio sound system and 15.6-inch infotainment and navigation screen coming as standard.

It will also be launched with Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) functionality to allow the Shark to act a charging device for tools and equipment when on the go.

*Prices correct at the time of writing (August 2026)