Audi Q5 TFSI e vs BYD Seal U DM-i: which is cheaper to run?
Both are plug-in hybrids; both look attractive on the brochure. The interesting question is how much one costs you over a real year of UK driving — at your tariff, your mileage and your charging habits. Here's the honest side-by-side at typical UK assumptions.
| Spec | Audi Q5 TFSI e | BYD Seal U DM-i |
|---|---|---|
| Battery | 17.9 kWh | 18.3 kWh |
| WLTP electric range | 38 mi | 50 mi |
| WLTP combined MPG | 188 mpg | 141 mpg |
| Real-world petrol-only MPG | 36 mpg | 45 mpg |
Annual running cost (10,000 mi · 60% on battery)
| Cost | Audi Q5 TFSI e | BYD Seal U DM-i |
|---|---|---|
| Battery £/mile | 2.3p | 2.3p |
| Petrol £/mile | 19.7p | 15.7p |
| Blended £/mile | 9.3p | 7.7p |
| Annual cost | £927 | £770 |
| Break-even fuel price | £0.18/L | £0.23/L |
Annual running cost difference
£157
The BYD Seal U DM-i is roughly £157 cheaper a year (17%) at these assumptions.
The honest take. On running costs alone, the BYD Seal U DM-i is the cheaper of the two at typical UK numbers. But running cost is only one variable — purchase price, finance, tax, insurance and depreciation usually swamp it. Use the free calculator below to plug in your own annual mileage, your home electricity tariff, and what % of your driving you'll realistically do on battery. Two minutes and you'll know which car is actually cheaper for your driving.
Run your own numbers — both PHEVs pre-loaded
Calculator opens with the Audi Q5 TFSI e and BYD Seal U DM-i side-by-side · adjust to your miles and tariff · save your comparison free