Chinese car makers have shaken up the UK’s booming plug-in hybrid (PHEV) market, breaking the long-standing dominance of Volkswagen, Ford, and premium brands. In May, Chinese brands took the top two positions in PHEV sales, a clear sign of their rising influence and consumer appeal.
The BYD Seal U led the pack with 1,576 sales, closely followed by the Jaecoo 7 with 1,346 sales. These models outperformed established competitors such as the Volkswagen Tiguan, Ford Kuga, and Range Rover Sport, which rounded out the top five. This marks a significant shift in the UK market, where European and American brands have traditionally held sway.
The BYD Seal U’s success is part of a broader surge for the brand in the UK. BYD sold more cars in the first quarter of 2025 than in the entire previous year, with the Seal U DM-i emerging as the best-selling PHEV in March. BYD’s UK market share has soared, and the company’s rapid growth is being driven by a combination of competitive pricing, high-tech features, and a focus on electrified powertrains.
Jaecoo, a relatively new player and a subsidiary of Chinese giant Chery, has also made a strong impression. The Jaecoo 7 stands out for its bold, boxy design, generous standard equipment, and keen pricing. It offers both petrol and plug-in hybrid options, with the PHEV version proving especially popular among UK buyers looking for value and efficiency. The Jaecoo 7’s interior is well-equipped, featuring quality materials, clever storage solutions, and a practical 500-litre boot. While rear seat space could be better, the car’s overall package has resonated with families and urban drivers alike.
The BYD Seal U, while less visually distinctive, wins points for its spacious and tech-laden interior, highlighted by a 15.6-inch rotating touchscreen. Although the boot is smaller than some rivals, passenger comfort and advanced features help set it apart. The Seal U’s hybrid system offers smooth driving and a decent electric-only range, appealing to those seeking a modern, environmentally friendly SUV.
Chinese brands’ impact isn’t limited to the UK. Across Europe, sales of Chinese PHEVs soared by 421% to 30,400 units in the first four months of the year, giving them an 8.3% share of the market. In the UK, China-built vehicles accounted for 9.4% of the market in May, with BYD alone seeing a 408% jump in sales.
This rapid growth is being fueled by aggressive pricing, strong warranties, and high levels of standard equipment. The Jaecoo 7, for example, starts at just over £30,000, undercutting many European rivals by several thousand pounds while offering features like adaptive cruise control, a panoramic roof, and a power tailgate as standard. The BYD Seal U, starting from just over £33,000, is packed with technology and comfort features that appeal to tech-savvy buyers.
The rise of Chinese brands in the UK PHEV market signals a new era of competition. With their blend of affordability, innovation, and practicality, models like the BYD Seal U and Jaecoo 7 are challenging the old guard and reshaping consumer expectations. As the market for electrified vehicles continues to expand, established brands will need to respond quickly to keep pace with China’s fast-moving automotive newcomers.