If you've been keeping an eye on new car brands popping up in the UK, you’ve probably noticed BYD. It's a serious new player — and it’s aiming straight at Tesla. Both brands focus on electric vehicles (EVs) and lean heavily on Chinese manufacturing and tech. But what actually sets them apart? And which one should you go for?
Which? put cars from both brands through proper lab tests, rating everything from performance to practicality. Here’s what you need to know.
Quick Background: BYD vs Tesla
BYD isn’t totally new — it launched its first car back in 2005 but only started selling in Europe in 2020. It's based in China, with factories there plus others in India, Thailand, and new ones on the way in Hungary and Turkey. Right now, BYD has six models on sale in the UK.
Tesla, founded in 2003, is based in the US but also builds cars in China and Germany. In the UK, Tesla’s lineup is much smaller: just the Model 3 and Model Y. Fun fact: the Model Y was the world’s best-selling EV in 2024.
Head-to-Head: Key Models and Specs
| BYD Dolphin | BYD Atto 3 | BYD Seal | Tesla Model 3 | Tesla Model Y | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Price (from) | £24,713 | £35,693 | £43,292 | £39,980 | £44,980 |
| Battery Size (kWh) | 44.9–60.4 | 60.5 | 82.5 | 58–79 | 79 |
| Claimed Range (miles) | 195–265 | 260 | 323–354 | 323–436 | 319–373 |
| Charging Speed (AC/DC kW) | 11/150 | 11/150 | 11/150 | 11/170 | 11/210 |
| Boot Space (litres) | 310 | 355 | 325 | 385–415 | 420 |
BYD Seal vs Tesla Model 3: The Battle of the Big EV Saloons
The BYD Seal and Tesla Model 3 are really similar on paper: both are sleek electric saloons with a lot of kit, big driving ranges (starting around 323 miles), and tech-filled interiors.
Big differences?
- Efficiency: The Model 3 is super-efficient. The Seal? Not quite.
- Space: The Model 3 is more spacious inside and in the boot.
- Price: The Seal starts about £3,000 higher than the base Model 3.
- Interior: BYD has the edge here — the Seal’s cabin feels more premium.
- Brakes: The Seal also stops slightly quicker.
One thing to note: Tesla removed the indicator stalk in the new Model 3 — it’s now a button on the steering wheel. Some people love it, some hate it.
BYD Atto 3 vs Tesla Model Y (plus the BYD Sealion 7)
The Tesla Model Y is a large SUV, while BYD’s Atto 3 is smaller and cheaper. Both are packed with screens and safety kit, but the Model Y comes out ahead when it comes to driving range, charging speed, and overall driving experience.
BYD’s newer Sealion 7 — a direct Model Y rival — feels roomy, quiet, and comfy to drive, although the safety systems were a bit fiddly to set up.
Reliability: Who Comes Out on Top?
Tesla has a mixed record for reliability. Which?'s latest surveys show issues mostly with fuel systems in newer cars and suspension problems in older ones.
BYD? Too early to say. Not enough cars (yet) on UK roads for a full reliability rating — but it’s one to watch.
Warranties: How They Compare
- BYD: 6 years / 93,750 miles
- Tesla: 4 years / 60,000 miles
Both also offer 8-year battery warranties (BYD covers 125,000 miles, Tesla covers 100,000–150,000 miles depending on model).
Safety: Both Brands Are Solid
Every Tesla and BYD tested by Euro NCAP got a full five stars. Tesla’s driver assist systems scored slightly better, but BYD still loads even its cheapest cars with loads of safety features like adaptive cruise control and blind-spot monitoring.
Popularity: Tesla Still Rules (For Now)
Tesla is still outselling BYD in the UK, but BYD is growing fast — 625% sales growth so far in 2025! BYD’s market share is now about 1.6%, already ahead of Honda and Seat.
Plus, the Tesla Model 3 remains the highest-rated EV for owner satisfaction despite some reliability quirks.
Final Verdict: BYD or Tesla?
It really depends on what you want:
- If you want better efficiency, more space and a cheaper starting price, the Tesla Model 3 edges it over the BYD Seal.
- If you want premium interior quality and a fresh alternative to the usual suspects, BYD is a strong shout.
One more thing: Tesla sells direct with fixed prices. BYD cars are sold through traditional dealers, meaning you might be able to negotiate a deal.
Whatever you choose, make sure to check out full reviews and lab tests first — there are pros and cons to every model.
