XPENG vs. BYD
Compare the differences between XPENG and BYD cars
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When looking to buy an electric car, a rising rivalry is XPENG vs. BYD. Both of these Chinese brands are going from strength to strength in the UK, but it can be hard to know which one is best for you.
So, before you part with your hard-earned cash, read our full guide on XPENG vs. BYD to help you make the best possible decision.
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BYD vs. XPENG: what's the difference?
XPENG is one of the latest emerging car brands to enter the UK, and it’s coming in hot.
Unlike BYD, it has only launched one car so far, called the G6, but it aims to take on the very best of the best: the Tesla Model Ys and BYD SEALION 7s of the world.
The company has a lot of backing from well-established brands and investors such as BlackRock, Alibaba and Volkswagen, so it’s safe to assume they’re here to stay.
BYD, on the other hand, is another Chinese electric car brand, but it’s been around for a few years longer here in the UK. Not to mention it's been working away for decades on making batteries.
It's early days for both brands, but what about the present? Which brand is a better fit for you now?
Our guide will answer:
Are XPENG or BYD cars better to drive?
Does XPENG or BYD have a better electric range?
Does XPENG or BYD have better tech?
Which has the better styling?
Are XPENG vs. BYD EVs more reliable?
Which has the better lineup?
XPENG vs. BYD: what are they like to drive?
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Aside from interior looks, the driving experience is probably the most important aspect of any car, so choosing one that suits your style best is vital.
Let’s start with XPENG. Since it only has one model in the UK thus far, it’s easier to pinpoint what sort of driving experience it gives you.
If you’ve never driven an electric car before, it may feel a bit daunting at first, but after a few miles, it'll be just like any other car.
For such a new brand, the XPENG G6 is really refined on the road, handling its weight with ease. Not only does it ride well, but it’s sharp to respond to inputs and has a lot of get-up-and-go about it, thanks to its instant electric torque.
There’s the G6 RWD Standard Range with 250hp or the G6 RWD Long Range with 277hp – both are plenty quick enough.
BYD offers a few more models, such as the DOLPHIN electric hatchback, SEALION 7 SUV and SEAL U DM-i plug-in hybrid.
This means there are a few different driving experiences on offer, so none are going to be the same. This does, however, mean there’s more choice than XPENG – across both hybrid and electric.
XPENG vs. BYD: range & batteries
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The XPENG G6 has two different battery options. The smaller one (66kWh) offers 270 miles, whereas the larger battery (87.5kWh) gets 354 miles of range. These are both very respectable figures.
Having more cars, BYD has a few different figures. Its flagship SEALION 7 model has a 91kWh battery with up to 312 miles of range.
But there’s also the DOLPHIN (265 miles), DOLPHIN SURF (200 miles), ATTO 2 (267 miles), ATTO 3 (260 miles) and SEAL (354 miles).
XPENG vs. BYD: interior and technology
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When it comes to interior design and technology, both brands are very close to one another, but one is clearly taking a more simplistic approach.
XPENG’s interior design philosophy is very minimalistic with a uniquely shaped two-spoke oval steering wheel and sleek 15-inch infotainment screen. Other than that, things are kept very simple, unlike what BYD does.
For example, the BYD ATTO 3 takes its cabin to the next level, taking inspiration from music and the gym. That’s why there are bass guitar strings in each door and dumbbell-shaped door handles and a kettlebell-style drive selector.
Another signature design feature of BYDs is the rotating infotainment screen, which, at the push of a button, goes between portrait and landscape mode.
XPENG vs. BYD: styling
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As is the way with modern car design, both BYD and XPENG are going in the same direction. They’re designing cars that are slick and cut through the air in the most efficient way possible, increasing range and performance.
Beauty is in the eye of the beholder, so we’ll let you be the judge of the design for both brands, but let’s start with XPENG.
The G6 has a smooth and almost Tesla-like shape to it, with a thin, sharp LED joining the headlights and a sloped rear, which incidentally helps the rainwater run off more easily.
BYD uses a similar design philosophy with its cars, though each model looks different, helping you to differentiate between cars. But almost all of them have the same signature headlight design and teardrop effects.
XPENG vs. BYD: safety and reliability
It's still very early days for the two car brands, so reliability is still to be truly tested, but with both companies making electric cars that are a long way above many competitors, we are confident of their dependability.
As for safety, most cars are independently tested by Euro NCAP, so we have more of an idea on this over reliability.
For example, the XPENG G6 scored five out of five stars, and every BYD tested to date has scored a full five-star rating. So, that gives you a good idea of how secure these vehicles are in the event of a crash.
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XPENG vs. BYD: practicality
The answer as to which is most practical is going to vary among different people. Some people won’t need more than a small boot for the weekly shop, whereas others need a massive estate car for all their sports gear.
It’s all very subjective, but here are the closest rivalling models.
The XPENG G6 has a 571-litre boot, whereas the BYD SEALION 7 has a 520-litre boot.
Then, smaller models such as the DOLPHIN SURF have 308 litres, and the SEAL saloon gets 400 litres.
XPENG vs. BYD model lineup
XPENG
XPENG G6
66kWh, 270 miles
87.5kWh, 354 miles
XPENG’s first car launched in the UK, taking on the Tesla Model Y.
BYD
BYD DOLPHIN SURF
30kWh, 137 miles
43.2kWh, 200 miles
The smallest hatchback in the range, but with big-car features.
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BYD DOLPHIN
60.4kWh, 265 miles
One of the first BYD models in the UK to tackle a mainstream section of the market – hatchbacks.
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BYD ATTO 2
51.1kWh, 214 miles
64.8kWh, 267 miles
A newer option sitting at the smaller end of the crossover segment.
BYD ATTO 3
60.4kWh, 261 miles
BYD’s earliest car in the UK – a funky crossover similar in size to the OMODA E5.
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BYD SEAL
82.5kWh, 354 miles
An out-and-out Tesla Model 3 rival, this sleek saloon has plenty of performance.
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BYD SEALION 7
82.5kWh, 300 miles
91.1kWh, 312 miles
This Tesla Model Y rival looks really smart, and it’s got the workings to back that up, too.
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BYD SEAL U DM-i
1.5-litre petrol (with or without turbocharger) plug-in hybrid
18.3kWh, 43-50 miles
26.6kWh, 78 miles
BYD’s first UK-bound PHEV with a very impressive electric-only range.
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Plus, more models are always on the way from both brands, so keep an eye out for those!
Verdict: XPENG vs. BYD – which should you buy?
Picking between an XPENG and a BYD isn’t easy. There’s so much to consider, but we’ve broken it down into bullet points to help you make the best decision for you.
XPENG pros and cons
Pros:
Incredibly fast 280kW charging capabilities
Excellent value for money
Impressive for a first attempt
Cons:
Entering the unknown (though we wouldn’t be worried)
Only one model to choose from... so far
BYD pros and cons
Pros:
The more established of the two
Has a wider range of cars available
Priced well
Cons:
Styling may not be for everyone
Slightly slower charging speeds to help preserve battery
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Find used electric cars for sale
If you’re shopping for a used electric car, it’s worth checking both XPENG and BYD to find some deals, because you could save thousands and still be driving current-generation and fairly recent cars.
Don’t forget to compare them to other used electric cars for sale, because you never know what sort of deal you might find.