The BYD (EV) Thread

6 Highest-scoring hybrid vehicles CAR magazine tested in 2025

We have compiled a list of the highest-scoring hybrid vehicles tested by CAR Magazine in 2025. See the list below.

In 2025, we put over 50 new vehicles, including eight hybrid models, through our stringent road test regimen. We have rounded up the six highest-scoring hybrid vehicles, with second place tied, tested by CAR magazine in 2025.

5. Jaecoo J7 SHS DHT – 81/100

4. Omoda C9 1.5T PHEV AWD Explore – 82/100

3. Haval H6 GT 1.5T PHEV 4WD Ultra Luxury – 83/100

2=. Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid 1.6T Elite AWD – 85/100

2=. Mercedes-AMG GLC 63 S E Performance – 85/100

1. BYD Sealion 6 Dynamic – 87/100

 
Demo 2025 Surf’s now at 309k so in a few months they should break below 300k. Once they in the lower 200k mark (I think 18 months time) these will make a proper alternative to ICE compact hatch backs like the celerio/picanto/vitz maybe the swift. Mega depreciation is the only hope of making these affordable for the masses so holding thumbs.

 
5 Highest-scoring Chinese vehicles CAR magazine tested in 2025

We have rounded up the five highest-scoring Chinese vehicles tested by CAR magazine in 2025. See the list below.

In 2025, the local automotive market saw an influx of new Chinese vehicles and brands. Of the over 50 new cars tested by CAR in 2025, we highlight the top five highest-scoring Chinese vehicles we tested in 2025.

5. GWM P300 2.4TD 4×4 LT AT – 79/100

4. Jaecoo J7 SHS DHT – 81/100

3. Omoda C9 1.5T PHEV AWD Explore – 82/100

2. Haval H6 GT 1.5T PHEV 4WD Ultra Luxury – 83/100

1. BYD Sealion 6 Dynamic – 87/100

 
Anybody who gets in a R1m BMW and in a R1m seal will see the difference in seconds. To get something remotely similar from BMW they'd need to move up above R1.5m

Funny enough I was in a BYD last month and been looking for a i4 to go test drive. Last review I saw on YouTube said BMW drive was better than BYD’s albeit the interior would depend on the person.

Not that I have R1mil to spend lol
 
Funny enough I was in a BYD last month and been looking for a i4 to go test drive. Last review I saw on YouTube said BMW drive was better than BYD’s albeit the interior would depend on the person.

Not that I have R1mil to spend lol
i4 is upwards of 50% more expensive than the BYD, starting at R1.5m. If you're comparing a R1m BMW then you need to be looking at base spec 3-series.
 
Funny enough I was in a BYD last month and been looking for a i4 to go test drive. Last review I saw on YouTube said BMW drive was better than BYD’s albeit the interior would depend on the person.

Not that I have R1mil to spend lol
I had a fairly hgh end BMW SUV, recently got rid of it, the replacement BMW is about 1.8 mil
BMW begged me to upgrade, I said to them for that kinf of money I will wait for the Denza, mch cheaper and far more tech, German cars are falling behind, just ook on our roads how many Chinese cars are on the road, these buyers were all Japanese or German buyers previously
 
i4 is upwards of 50% more expensive than the BYD, starting at R1.5m. If you're comparing a R1m BMW then you need to be looking at base spec 3-series.

A demo i4 is around R1.2 demo and a 2-3 year old one is R800k.


Again that’s list price and you can probably negotiate down since they aren’t not cakes. Then I have a bigger dealer network, can buy parts somewhat easily etc etc. I’m excited about BYD but there are a bunch of cons also.

Why did I pick the e35? Because the M50 isn’t worth it according to YouTube and my wallet
 
A demo i4 is around R1.2 demo and a 2-3 year old one is R800k.


Again that’s list price and you can probably negotiate down since they aren’t not cakes. Then I have a bigger dealer network, can buy parts somewhat easily etc etc. I’m excited about BYD but there are a bunch of cons also.

Why did I pick the e35? Because the M50 isn’t worth it according to YouTube and my wallet
You're missing the point. People are comparing a R1m BYD with a R1.5m BMW. If you want to compare a 3 year old BMW with a brand new Seal, then I guess that just proves the point. A fair comparison would either be
  • comparing vehicles in the same price bracket - in this case a 3 year old i4 with a brand new Seal.
  • comparing vehicles of the same spec - a 3 year old i4 with a 3 year old seal.

In both those scenarios the BYD is at least in the fight.
 
You're missing the point. People are comparing a R1m BYD with a R1.5m BMW. If you want to compare a 3 year old BMW with a brand new Seal, then I guess that just proves the point. A fair comparison would either be
  • comparing vehicles in the same price bracket - in this case a 3 year old i4 with a brand new Seal.
  • comparing vehicles of the same spec - a 3 year old i4 with a 3 year old seal.

In both those scenarios the BYD is at least in the fight.
I am not. I agree with you. Rand for Rand, you won't get into a NEW German EV for the same as a Chinese one.

People need to just stop comparing BMW with the Chinese. Different strokes. BMW, Audi and VW have priced themselves out of the market for most people. Mercedes is even worse.

This is the only comparison that makes sense.
  • comparing vehicles in the same price bracket - in this case a 3 year old i4 with a brand new Seal.

Price for price, what am I getting AND if I have an accident can I get parts + resale after 5-7 years when the battery is shot.
 
Sweet deal... I wonder what's up with it?
Not sure what you mean. Price is inline with other similar models.
 
Sweet deal... I wonder what's up with it?
Not sure what you mean. If anything, it's overpriced. You can get a brand new one for the same price

 
So dealers are really missing a trick by advertising stock on cars.co.za.
Not bright...

View attachment 1878029


Those are the only Sealion 5's on cars.co.za...
Or are those "new" ones on their website actually mildly used for a reason?

I wish "the selling of new cars as heavily discounted second-hand vehicles" was a thing here. At present the opposite seems to be true - those used vehicles are listed at the same price as new vehicles - this might be due to stock shortages as you can pick up the used car immediately but might have to wait for a new one.
 
Well you could see it the other way around... those "New" prices aren't in fact for new cars...
I've heard stock is an issue with the Chinese makes. Interesting.
What's the point of spilling baseless conspiracy theories. You don't have to like BYD (or Chinese cars in general), but at least stick to basing that on facts not some misguided suggestion of impropriety.
 
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