Home › BYD in the UK › BYD Hybrid Cars UK: Plug-In Hybrid Range Explained
If you are wondering, “does BYD have hybrid cars?”, the answer is yes. While the brand is famous for its fully electric vehicles, the BYD hybrid cars UK line-up has expanded rapidly. BYD specifically focuses on plug-in hybrid (PHEV) models utilizing their innovative Super Hybrid technology.
From compact hatchbacks to a versatile BYD SUV UK range, and even a heavy-duty pickup, this guide explains how BYD’s hybrid system works and compares the current models available.
How BYD Super Hybrid Technology Works
If you are asking “does BYD make plug in hybrid cars?”, you will find that BYD’s approach is highly advanced. The core of their PHEV lineup uses Super Hybrid DM-i technology.
This EV-led system uses two electric machines (a drive motor and a generator) alongside a high-efficiency petrol engine (such as the Xiaoyun 1.5-litre, which achieves over 43% thermal efficiency). The system operates predominantly in EV mode or HEV mode, where the petrol engine mainly acts as a generator to power the electric motor or charge the battery. It features five intelligent configurations, including a clutch-based direct drive that allows the engine to drive the wheels directly during high-speed motorway cruising.
Some specialized models use variations of this system. The BYD Shark pickup uses Super Hybrid DMO (Dual Mode Off-road) for intelligent all-wheel drive with dedicated terrain modes. Meanwhile, the large BYD Ti 7 SUV utilizes the DM-p Super Hybrid (Dual Mode Performance) system for high power output and all-wheel drive.
The Plug-In Hybrid Line-Up
This table compares the battery size, pure-electric range, and pricing for the current BYD plug-in hybrid models in the UK.
Prices are indicative — confirm current price, offers and delivery times with your local BYD dealer.
| Model | Trim | Battery | Electric Range (WLTP) | Price From (On the Road) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| BYD Dolphin G DM-i | Active | 7.42 kWh | 24.8 miles | £23,990 |
| BYD Dolphin G DM-i | Boost / Comfort / Sport | 18.3 kWh | 65 miles | £26,990 |
| BYD Atto 2 DM-i | Active | 7.8 kWh | 24 miles | £26,995 |
| BYD Atto 2 DM-i | Boost | 18.0 kWh | 55 miles | £29,995 |
| BYD Sealion 5 DM-i | Comfort | 12.96 kWh | 38.5 miles | £29,995 |
| BYD Sealion 5 DM-i | Design | 18.3 kWh | 53 miles | £32,995 |
| BYD Seal 6 DM-i Saloon | Boost | 10.08 kWh | 34 miles | £33,990 |
| BYD Seal 6 DM-i Saloon | Comfort | 19.0 kWh | 65 miles | £36,990 |
| BYD Seal 6 DM-i Touring | Boost | 10.08 kWh | 31 miles | £34,990 |
| BYD Seal 6 DM-i Touring | Comfort | 19.0 kWh | 62 miles | £37,990 |
| BYD Seal U DM-i | Design (AWD) | 18.3 kWh | 43 miles | £34,995 (Boost trim price) |
| BYD Seal U DM-i | Boost | 18.3 kWh | 50 miles | £34,995 |
| BYD Seal U DM-i | Comfort | 26.6 kWh | 78 miles | £36,995 |
| BYD Shark | (Single Trim) | 32.2 kWh | 55.9 miles | £47,290 |
| BYD Ti 7 | Excellence AWD | 35.6 kWh | up to 74 miles | £47,995 |
A Closer Look at the Models
BYD SUV UK Plug-In Hybrids
The BYD SUV UK hybrid range covers all bases. The compact BYD Atto 2 DM-i offers an accessible entry point with up to 55 miles of electric range on its Boost trim. The full-sized compact BYD Sealion 5 DM-i provides excellent cabin space and up to 53 miles of electric range on its Design trim.
For a larger vehicle, the BYD Seal U DM-i features a 26.6 kWh battery in its Comfort trim, delivering a highly impressive 78 miles of pure-electric range. Finally, the seven-seat BYD Ti 7 serves as the flagship SUV, offering a 408 PS output, all-wheel drive, and up to 74 miles of electric range from its large 35.6 kWh battery.
Hatchbacks, Saloons, and Estates
The BYD Dolphin G DM-i stands out as the only PHEV supermini in the UK, packing an 18.3 kWh battery on higher trims for 65 miles of electric driving.
If you prefer a lower, sleeker profile, the BYD Seal 6 DM-i is available as a Saloon or a Touring (estate) model. The Touring model is BYD’s first estate in Europe, offering a 500-litre boot and up to 62 miles of electric range on the Comfort trim. The Saloon matches this with up to 65 miles on its Comfort trim, achieving an impressive 904 miles of total combined range.
The Pickup: BYD Shark
The BYD Shark is a five-seat double-cab pickup that brings plug-in hybrid efficiency to a heavy-duty segment. With a 32.2 kWh battery, it offers 55.9 miles of electric range. Its Super Hybrid DMO powertrain produces 436 PS, allowing a 0-62 mph sprint in just 5.7 seconds while still supporting a 790 kg payload and a 2,500 kg braked towing capacity.
FAQ
Does BYD have hybrid cars without a plug? No, all current BYD hybrid cars UK are plug-in hybrids (PHEVs). This means they have a larger battery that can be charged from the mains, allowing for significant pure-electric driving distances before the petrol engine is needed.
Does BYD make plug in hybrid cars with all-wheel drive? Yes, the BYD Seal U DM-i Design, the BYD Ti 7, and the BYD Shark pickup all feature dual electric motors to provide intelligent all-wheel drive.
What is the pure-electric range of BYD’s plug-in hybrids? Depending on the model and battery size, the WLTP pure-electric range varies from 24 miles on the entry-level Atto 2 DM-i Active, up to 78 miles on the Seal U DM-i Comfort.
Are BYD plug-in hybrids efficient on long journeys? Yes, the Super Hybrid DM-i system is designed to be highly efficient even when the battery is depleted, operating much like a traditional hybrid by using the petrol engine to generate electricity for the motor or drive the wheels directly.
Ready to explore further? Confirm the current price, offers and delivery times with your local BYD dealer.