How BYD Seal U DM-i, BYD Atto 2 DM-i and Jaecoo 7 are taking on the Volkswagen Tiguan in Europe

Gareth J. Hargreaves • August 17, 2026 10:31

For many years, the Volkswagen Tiguan set the benchmark among family SUVs, particularly in the PHEV (plug-in hybrid) category. It remains one of Europe’s best-selling models, but it no longer sits unchallenged at the top.

This year, the Volkswagen Tiguan’s dominance has been tested by three newcomers with the same origin: the BYD Seal U DM-i, the BYD Atto 2 DM-i and the Jaecoo 7. All three are plug-in hybrid SUVs, all built in China.

With first-half European figures now available, the picture is clear: the German model is still performing strongly, yet the competitive pressure has intensified.

At present, it is the BYD Seal U DM-i that leads the European market. That shift has put the German brand on alert, prompting it to ask the European Union to extend the tariffs applied to electric cars manufactured in China to PHEVs as well.

There is also a notable showing from the Volvo XC60, the longest-established model in this group. It is expected to receive an update to its electrical system soon to better compete with rivals-whether German, Japanese or Chinese.

Returning to the top of the table, and putting tariffs to one side, these are-at a glance-the key strengths that have allowed the "Chinese trio" to move ahead of the Volkswagen Tiguan and fight for leadership of the market.

BYD Seal U DM-i

In Portugal, the BYD Seal U DM-i is priced from €41,490. The Boost version delivers 218 hp and 80 km of combined WLTP electric range, while the Comfort keeps the same output and increases the range to 125 km.

Measuring 4.78 m in length, it is the largest and most family-focused of the three models mentioned. However, its 425-litre boot is not especially impressive given the exterior dimensions. See the full review.

BYD Atto 2 DM-i

The BYD Atto 2 DM-i starts at €33,990 in Portugal and is offered only in Boost specification. It is BYD’s smallest SUV on sale in Europe.

It pairs a 1.5-litre petrol engine with an electric motor for a maximum output of 212 hp. Its 18 kWh battery enables up to 90 km in electric mode on the combined WLTP cycle.

With a 425-litre boot, a very generous equipment list and convincing performance, it completes 0 to 100 km/h in 7.5 seconds. Read the full review:

Jaecoo 7

In Portugal, the Jaecoo 7 is available from €38,900 in Select trim, while the Exclusive version costs €41,490.

Its plug-in hybrid system combines a 1.5-litre turbo engine with an electric motor, producing 279 hp and 365 Nm. The 18.3 kWh battery provides up to 90 km of electric driving and supports rapid charging up to 40 kW.

At 4.5 m long, the Jaecoo 7 leans into a rugged look, although its 340-litre boot is small for an SUV of this size and with family ambitions. We will publish a full review shortly.

Volkswagen Tiguan

The Volkswagen Tiguan eHybrid is priced from €48,684 in Portugal. The entry version combines the 1.5 TSI engine with an electric motor for 204 hp and up to 126 km of WLTP electric range. There is also a more powerful 272 hp variant.

Even though it is more expensive than its Chinese rivals, it remains one of the segment’s most well-rounded options, standing out for comfort, build quality and on-road behaviour. The current generation also supports DC rapid charging up to 50 kW.