Express.co.uk tested the Tesla Model 3 Rear Wheel Drive against the BYD Seal to determine the best electric vehicle. Chinese brands like BYD have gained popularity in the UK, with sales of Chinese cars hitting 285,000 last year, up from just 384 a decade earlier. New entrant car brands now hold a 15.8% share of the UK new car market. BYD outsold Tesla for the first time in July 2025, but a year later the American brand is back on top, with the Tesla Model Y and Model 3 ranking first and second in SMMT registration data.
Tesla Model 3 RWD - £37,990
The Tesla's interior is minimalist, with a 15.4-inch touchscreen controlling most features. It offers sharper handling than the BYD but slower acceleration, hitting 0-62mph in 6.8 seconds and an electronically limited top speed of 125mph. The range is up to 332 miles, and charging at a Tesla Supercharger (250kW DC) can replenish 20% to 80% in about 20 to 25 minutes. Tesla's full autonomous driving is not yet legal in the UK, but Autopark and AutoPilot are available via monthly subscription. The Model 3 has approximately 682 litres of storage space, but lacks a heads-up display.
BYD Seal - Starting from £45,730
The BYD Seal is quicker on acceleration, achieving 0-62mph in 3.8 seconds, but its top speed is 112mph. It uses BYD's LFP Blade Battery technology, but in testing the Seal showed a sharper range drop and required longer charging: up to 34 minutes from 20% to 80% at a maximum 150kW DC. The Seal lacks Tesla's self-driving features but includes Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (lane keeping assist, collision warnings, traffic sign recognition) standard. The interior features a suede dashboard, and a 45mm longer wheelbase provides extra rear passenger space.
Verdict
Both cars offer strong value, but Cars Reporter Luke Chillingsworth stated: "If I had to select just one, I'd pick up the Tesla in a heartbeat." He added: "The Model 3 just feels more refined and optimised than the BYD Seal at this stage." Priced under £40,000, the Tesla Model 3 is deemed the best EV tested.
