The BYD Seal U DM-i has achieved the remarkable feat of surpassing 10,000 UK sales within just 10 months of making its market debut. Not only has the elegant and spacious SUV established itself as BYD UK’s top selling model, it has also become the nation’s most popular plug-in hybrid vehicle*. Furthermore, BYD UK has hit another milestone with over 30,000 cars sold since the brand’s launch in 2023.

The SEAL U DM-i’s success has created the ideal foundation for building customer awareness and appreciation of BYD UK and its commitment to delivering high-tech new energy (fully electric and plug-in hybrid) cars that combine contemporary design, technology innovation and value-for-money.

As a standard-bearer for the qualities that define BYD, the Seal U DM-i offers customers an impressive breadth of choice. All versions feature the DM (Dual Mode) intelligent plug-in hybrid system, which prioritises smooth, quiet, cost-friendly and environmentally efficient electric driving. The 1.5-litre hybrid petrol combustion engine is only brought into play when its assistance is needed. Together they can give a full tank range of 699 miles, enough to drive from Edinburgh to Paris.

To suit different customer preferences, the system is offered with a choice of two battery capacities – 18.3 and 26.6kWh. The smaller capacity unit features in the front-wheel drive Boost and all-wheel drive Design models, with respective EV driving ranges of up to 50 and 43 miles. Equipped with the larger unit, the all-wheel drive Comfort can travel up to 77 miles on electric power alone.

All-round ownership costs are kept low, with on-the-road prices below the £40,000 threshold for the “expensive vehicle supplement” vehicle excise duty charge. Price tag notwithstanding, all versions benefit from generous load space, as well as trademark BYD high equipment specifications such as smart connectivity, comprehensive infotainment features and intelligent safety and driver assistance systems.

Steve Beattie, Sales and Marketing Director, BYD UK said: “The Seal U DM-i’s fantastic sales statistics show how the British public are responding in ever greater numbers to our brand proposition, taking the opportunity to move to our affordable new energy vehicle with confidence. Supported by our fast-growing retailer network and our expanding model range, we have an ideal platform upon which to build for even greater future success.”

Britain’s car-buyers have powered BYD to another record-breaking performance, with more than 10,000* new vehicles registered during the second quarter of the year. That takes the tally for 2025 so far to almost 20,000* – more than double the full year total achieved in 2024.

Unsurprisingly, the figures maintain BYD’s status as the nation’s fastest-growing brand with volume up by 567% year-on-year so far.

The top performer across the past three months was the SEAL U DM-I with 8,700 sales. The super-smart SUV helped BYD increase its market share to 1.8% for the year to date, while for June the figure reached a new monthly high of 2.5%.

And there is the promise of more to come, with the newly launched DOLPHIN SURF set to make a big impact in the EV city car market in the UK and across Europe. Arriving with on-the-road prices from just £18,650, it offers a choice of battery capacities to suit different customer priorities for around-town daily driving, or with extra power for those prioritising more versatile performance on longer journeys.

Steve Beattie, Sales and Marketing Director, BYD UK said: “These results reflect the fantastic response we’re seeing from UK consumers to our innovative and wide-ranging model line-up. Supported by our excellent retail teams, we’re giving them highly competitive and appealing options to enjoy the full benefits of electrified motoring.”
*Q2 total 10,116 units; 2025 year to date 19,390 units (SMMT data)