Quick Highlights:

  • BYD Seal U sold 72,667 units, becoming Europe’s best-selling plug-in hybrid in 2025.
  • It beat established rivals like the Volkswagen Tiguan and Volvo XC60 in its first full year.
  • Aggressive pricing starting at €39,990 played a decisive role in its success.
  • Europe’s PHEV market crossed 1.3 million units, up 33.5% year over year.

Europe’s Most Popular Plug-In Hybrid in 2025 Was a BYD

BYD has pulled off something few expected. In just its first full year on sale in Europe, the BYD Seal U plug-in hybrid crossover emerged as the region’s best-selling PHEV in 2025, overtaking long-standing European favorites. Personally, I find this milestone significant because it signals a clear shift in buyer priorities away from brand legacy and toward value-driven electrification.

BYD Seal U (Hybrid) - Main
BYD Seal U (Hybrid) - Main

BYD Seal U Claims the Top Spot

The BYD Seal U, a midsize crossover comparable in size to the Tesla Model Y, sold 72,667 units across Europe in 2025, according to DataForce figures cited by Automotive News. That performance was enough to beat household names that have dominated the segment for years.

By comparison, the Volkswagen Tiguan PHEV recorded 65,899 sales, while the Volvo XC60 PHEV followed closely with 60,088 units. Considering the Seal U was still a relative newcomer, this achievement stands out as one of the most disruptive moments in Europe’s hybrid market.

Best-Selling Plug-In Hybrids in Europe (2025)

  1. BYD Seal U – 72,667 units
  2. Volkswagen Tiguan – 65,899 units (+177.9% YoY)
  3. Volvo XC60 – 60,088 units (-1.4% YoY)
  4. Ford Kuga – 41,983 units (-3.8% YoY)
  5. Mercedes-Benz GLC – 38,810 units (-7.8% YoY)
  6. Toyota C-HR – 37,383 units (+144.2% YoY)
  7. BMW X1 – 37,366 units (-7.9% YoY)
  8. Jaecoo 7 – 33,192 units
  9. MG HS – 29,894 units (+222.9% YoY)
  10. Skoda Kodiaq – 28,982 units (+247% YoY)

What’s notable here is that growth wasn’t limited to BYD alone. Several models posted triple-digit gains, reinforcing the idea that plug-in hybrids remain a crucial transition technology for European buyers.

BYD Seal U (Hybrid) - Rear
BYD Seal U (Hybrid) - Rear

Performance and Specs: Not the Best, But Good Enough

On paper, the Seal U doesn’t outperform its European rivals. It offers an 18.3 kWh LFP battery, delivering up to 50 miles (80 km) of electric-only range. Charging is capped at 11 kW AC and a modest 18 kW DC, which is below segment leaders.

The Volkswagen Tiguan PHEV, for instance, features a 19.7 kWh NCM battery, a theoretical 76-mile (126 km) electric range, and 40 kW DC fast charging, reaching 10–80% in just 26 minutes.

Yet, as this sales data shows, most buyers weren’t chasing peak specs. From my perspective, this underlines a broader trend: practical range and daily usability matter more than headline numbers.

Pricing: The Real Game Changer

The Seal U’s biggest weapon is its price positioning. In Germany, it starts at €39,990 ($46,800), undercutting every major rival by a wide margin.

  • Volkswagen Tiguan eHybrid: from €52,215 ($61,100)
  • Volvo XC60 PHEV: from €67,990 ($79,600)
  • Ford Kuga PHEV: from €47,100 ($55,100)

In my view, this pricing strategy is exactly why BYD succeeded. Buyers get a well-equipped PHEV crossover for the price of a compact EV, which makes the Seal U extremely compelling in cost-sensitive European markets.

Europe’s Plug-In Hybrid Market Is Still Growing

Europe’s plug-in hybrid market reached nearly 1.3 million units in 2025, marking a 33.5% increase over 2024. This growth shows that many drivers still want the reassurance of a combustion engine while experimenting with electric driving.

At the same time, fully electric vehicle sales hit nearly 2.6 million units, up 29.7% year over year, indicating that hybrids are increasingly serving as a stepping stone rather than an endpoint.

BYD Seal U (Hybrid) - Interior
BYD Seal U (Hybrid) - Interior

Final Thoughts

The BYD Seal U’s success proves that pricing, availability, and acceptable performance can outweigh brand loyalty in today’s market. I believe this win will push European automakers to rethink how they price and position their plug-in hybrids, especially as Chinese brands continue expanding aggressively.

Frequently Asked Questions — FAQs

Q. What made the BYD Seal U the best-selling PHEV in Europe?

  • The competitive starting price of €39,990, combined with solid range and standard features, helped the Seal U outsell established rivals despite being a newcomer.

Q. How many BYD Seal U units were sold in Europe in 2025?

  • The model sold 72,667 units, making it the top-selling plug-in hybrid in the region.

Q. Is the BYD Seal U better than the Volkswagen Tiguan PHEV?

  • In terms of price and value, many buyers think so. However, the Tiguan offers longer electric range and faster charging.

Q. How far can the BYD Seal U drive on electric power alone?

  • It offers up to 50 miles (80 km) of electric-only range.

Q. Is the European PHEV market still growing?

  • Yes. Plug-in hybrid sales reached nearly 1.3 million units in 2025, growing 33.5% compared to 2024.