BYD used to be a name few UK drivers knew. Now it's one of the most common new-car badges on our roads. The range you can lease in 2026 runs from a city car listed at under £19,000 to a 354-mile executive saloon. In this guide from First Vehicle Leasing, we match each model to the right driver, set out the 2026/27 tax position and list what to check before you sign.
Key Takeaways
- BYD's UK range covers ten model lines, from the Dolphin Surf to the Sealion 7. Each comes as a fully electric car or as a DM-i plug-in hybrid (PHEV), a car with a petrol engine and a battery you charge from the mains.
- The Atto 3 Evo replaced the original Atto 3 in early 2026. It has a 74.8kWh battery and up to 316 miles of official range.
- Fully electric BYDs sit in the 4% Benefit in Kind (BIK) band for 2026/27, rising to 5% in 2027/28.
- No BYD currently qualifies for the government's Electric Car Grant. Compare lease rentals, not list prices.
- BYD gives a six-year/93,750-mile vehicle warranty and an eight-year/155,350-mile battery warranty.
Which BYD Models Can You Lease in the UK in 2026?
You can lease ten BYD model lines in 2026. The fully electric cars are the Dolphin Surf, Dolphin, Atto 2, Atto 3 Evo, Seal and Sealion 7. The DM-i plug-in hybrids are the Dolphin G, Sealion 5, Seal U and Seal 6. The Atto 2 also comes as a DM-i. The original Atto 3 has been replaced by the Atto 3 Evo.
The ranges in the table below are official WLTP figures. WLTP (Worldwide Harmonised Light Vehicle Test Procedure) is the standard lab test, and you should expect less in winter and at motorway speeds. For the plug-in hybrids, the figure shown is how far they go on battery power alone.
| Model | Powertrain and body | Official range (WLTP) | Best suited to |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dolphin Surf | Electric city car | 137-200 miles | Town driving, second cars |
| Dolphin | Electric hatchback | 265 miles | Everyday all-rounder |
| Dolphin G DM-i | PHEV supermini | 25-65 miles electric | Small-car drivers who can't always charge |
| Atto 2 | Electric or PHEV small SUV | 214-261 miles (EV); 24-55 miles electric (DM-i) | Compact SUV buyers on a budget |
| Atto 3 Evo | Electric family SUV | Up to 316 miles | Families covering long distances |
| Sealion 5 DM-i | PHEV family SUV | 38-53 miles electric | Families without home charging |
| Seal U DM-i | PHEV mid-size SUV | Varies by trim | Drivers wanting a larger hybrid SUV |
| Seal 6 DM-i | PHEV saloon or Touring estate | 31-65 miles electric | High-mileage drivers needing boot space |
| Seal | Electric saloon | Up to 354 miles | Company car drivers, long commutes |
| Sealion 7 | Electric large SUV | 283-312 miles | Families wanting space and pace |
Which Small BYD Should You Lease?
The Dolphin Surf suits mostly urban driving. Choose the Boost trim if you'd like 200 miles of range. The Dolphin is the better all-rounder, with 265 miles from its 60.4kWh battery. The Dolphin G DM-i is the one to pick if you want a small car but can't charge reliably, because it adds a petrol engine for longer trips.
The Dolphin Surf has a list price from £18,650. The entry-level Active has a 30kWh battery and 137 miles of range, which is fine for town but tight on the motorway. Boost and Comfort trims have a 43.2kWh battery, good for 200 and 193 miles respectively. Reviewers rate it as one of BYD's most convincing cars.
The Dolphin is now sold only with the larger battery, so every version offers 265 miles. It's priced against the MG4 and is roomy for its size. The Dolphin G DM-i is newer. It's built in Hungary, has a list price from £23,990, and its first UK deliveries were due in September 2026. The Boost trim's 18.3kWh battery gives up to 65 miles on electricity alone.
Which BYD SUV Is Best for a Family?
For most families who can charge at home, the Atto 3 Evo is the strongest BYD SUV. It offers up to 316 miles, charges from 10% to 80% in about 25 minutes and has a 490-litre boot. Without home charging, the Sealion 5 DM-i is the sensible plug-in hybrid. The smaller Atto 2 suits tighter budgets.
The Atto 3 Evo is a big step on from the old Atto 3. Its battery is 14.4kWh larger, it supports 220kW rapid charging and it adds a 95-litre front boot. The all-wheel-drive Excellence trim reaches 62mph in 3.9 seconds, though its range drops to 292 miles.
The Sealion 5 DM-i launched in January 2026. Its list price is about the same as many petrol SUVs. The Design trim's 18.3kWh battery gives 53 electric miles, against 38 for the Comfort. Auto Express praised its smooth plug-in hybrid system and spacious cabin but criticised its handling. The Seal U DM-i is a larger alternative. If you need more space and want to stay electric, the Sealion 7 offers 283-312 miles and generous rear legroom.
Is the BYD Seal Still Worth Leasing?
Yes, if you want a long-range electric saloon. The Seal offers up to 354 miles from an 82.5kWh battery and is BYD's most direct rival to the Tesla Model 3. If you cover big distances and can't rely on public charging, the Seal 6 DM-i plug-in hybrid is the alternative. It comes as a saloon or a Touring estate.
The Seal was refreshed for 2026, with list prices from £45,730. That keeps the entry model under the £50,000 level that triggers higher road tax for electric cars (more on this below).
Reviewers have been lukewarm about how the Seal 6 DM-i rides. Its practicality and value are strong, though. The Comfort trim covers up to 62 electric miles in the Touring and 65 in the saloon, and only the Comfort supports DC rapid charging.
Will I be approved?
Five questions, no sign-up, and an honest answer before you apply for anything.
Check my eligibilityElectric or Plug-in Hybrid: Which BYD Fits You?
Choose by how you charge and how you're taxed, not by the badge:
- You can charge at home or work: go fully electric. The Dolphin, Atto 3 Evo or Seal will give you the lowest running costs and the lowest BIK.
- You can't charge at home but can plug in sometimes: a DM-i model such as the Sealion 5 or Dolphin G makes sense. You'll only get the economy benefits if you charge it regularly, though.
- You're a company car driver: electric almost always wins on BIK, especially from April 2028 when plug-in hybrid rates rise sharply.
Not sure about charging? Read our guide on how to charge your electric car.
How Much Company Car Tax Will You Pay on a BYD in 2026/27?
According to HMRC's published company car tax rates, fully electric cars are taxed at 4% of their P11D value in 2026/27. P11D value is broadly the list price including options. The rate rises to 5% in 2027/28. Plug-in hybrids are taxed on CO2 and electric range, from 4% to 16% this year if they emit under 51g/km.
| Tax year | BIK rate for fully electric cars |
|---|---|
| 2026/27 | 4% |
| 2027/28 | 5% |
| 2028/29 | 7% |
| 2029/30 | 9% |
Illustrative example: take an Atto 3 Evo Design with a £38,990 list price. At 4%, the taxable benefit is £1,559.60. A basic-rate (20%) taxpayer would pay £311.92 a year and a higher-rate (40%) taxpayer £623.84. You can check your own figure with the GOV.UK company car tax calculator. If your employer offers it, an electric BYD through salary sacrifice can save you more, because the rental comes out of your pay before tax.
There's also road tax, or Vehicle Excise Duty (VED), which the DVLA collects. Electric cars now pay it. From 1 April 2026, electric cars listed over £50,000 pay the expensive car supplement, while for petrol and diesel cars the threshold stays at £40,000. You can see the rates on GOV.UK's vehicle tax rate tables. Road tax is normally included in your rental, but the supplement still affects the price of higher-spec Sealion 7s. No BYD qualifies for the Electric Car Grant, either.
Why Lease a BYD Rather Than Buy One?
Leasing means you don't take the risk on resale value. That matters with a brand whose UK used-car values are still settling. Your rental covers the gap between the car's cost and its forecast value at the end of the term, plus interest charges. If the car is worth less than forecast when you hand it back, the funder takes the loss.
Price is another reason. We buy in volume, so our starting cost on a car is lower. The forecast end value doesn't change, because it's set by the car's expected market value, not by what we paid. That narrows the gap you fund and reduces the amount interest is charged on. The best value is usually in our special offers. If you keep cars for many years, though, buying can still work out cheaper.
We're authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) and we're members of the BVRLA, the trade body for vehicle leasing. That means you'll get a clear affordability check and lease terms that follow the BVRLA code of conduct.
What Should You Check Before Leasing a BYD?
Before you choose a BYD, check four things: your charging access, your real annual mileage, the trim's actual battery size and how the deal is structured. With BYD, trims matter more than with most brands. Entry-level versions often have much smaller batteries, as the Dolphin Surf Active, Atto 2 DM-i Active and Sealion 5 Comfort show.
Match the battery to your miles
Use winter range, not the WLTP figure, for your longest regular trip. Our leasing experts recommend leaving a buffer of range for cold mornings.
Try the driver aids
Several reviews call BYD's lane-keeping and driver-attention alerts intrusive. Book a test drive and check how easily you can adjust them.
Set mileage honestly
Excess mileage charges apply at the end of the lease. Setting a realistic allowance at the start usually costs less.
Compare like with like
Only compare quotes with the same initial rental, term and mileage. Our lease comparison guide shows you how.
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Ready to Lease Your BYD?
First Vehicle Leasing has arranged vehicle leases for over 25 years. Our team can compare BYD trims, battery sizes and lease structures with you to find the right fit for your mileage and budget. Call us on 0333 003 3325 or see the latest offers online.
Sources
- BYD Sealion 5 review - Auto Express
- Calculate tax on company cars - GOV.UK
- Vehicle tax rate tables - GOV.UK
Written by Andy Bell, First Vehicle Leasing.
