They are two of the cheapest PHEVs in Spain, but we tell you which one you should buy

The data does not deceive anyone. Sales figures clearly show that the purchasing trend of Spanish drivers is focused on ECO label hybrids. An intermediate electrified solution that convinces by price and usage conditions. They consume little, are affordable, and offer everything that the vast majority of drivers in Spain might need. Plug-in hybrids have doubled their presence in just one year. Between January and August, 79,848 units have been registered, 105.58% more than in the same period of 2024.

If we look at the monthly sales list, we see, not without amazement, that generalist Chinese brands have taken over a category that not long ago was dominated by models like the Lynk & Co 01 or the Mercedes GLC, among others. Today, the list is occupied by models like the MG HS Plug-In Hybrid or the Jaecoo 7. We also find plug-in versions of popular SUVs like the Toyota RAV4 or the Ford Kuga. However, it is the BYD Seal U DM-i that leads the annual table. Many are its rivals, the new EBRO s800 is one of them. The most recent, in fact.

If you have been around for a few years, you surely know the EBRO brand. Born in 1954 within Motor Iberia, the manufacturer gained great popularity in our country, mainly during its first two decades of life, in the agricultural field. Today, it is still possible to find some of its tractors performing their multiple tasks in some of the many regions of the emptied Spain. At the end of 2023, the brand was revived after being acquired by Chery, one of the main car manufacturers in China. It thus joins the family of the conglomerate where Omoda and Jaecoo are already present.

Two different yet similar styles

The D-SUV segment has become a fundamental piece for Chinese brands trying to show that their products offer the same quality and conditions as a European one, but at a lower price. The Seal U and S800 focus on this category that is usually dominated by premium brands. At first glance, it can be seen that each manufacturer opts for a very different creative line, although the dimensions are practically identical in both cases.

Very similar dimensions between both contenders.

We could say that EBRO opts for a more conservative format with a much more pronounced front grille and a straighter line. In contrast, BYD offers a slightly sharper design with a more compressed front and a much more discreet grille. It is striking that the S800 features four eye-catching rear exhausts while the Seal U DM-i completely hides them. It is noticeable that it is a plug-in hybrid derived from an electric vehicle.

Forget the idea of poor quality from Chinese brands

Without a doubt, Chinese brands have to overcome what I like to call the AliExpress effect. For a long time, China has manufactured both a lot and poorly. Quality has not always been their main argument for success, but that is a thing of the past. Today, China is capable of matching or exceeding the finishes of a European generalist brand and the models we are comparing today are a good demonstration of that. They are reasonably priced cars, but that does not mean they are poorly made.

EBRO and BYD offer very good finishes. They impress on the inside, although it is true that neither takes too many risks in terms of presentation. We could label them as standardized Chinese interiors. The structure is almost identical in both cases. Digital instrumentation, integrated or not, accompanied by a large central panel with a floating effect. Clean central console, without buttons, and a central tunnel with plenty of space that integrates the gear controls, as well as a few other complementary functions.

The big question is, which unit offers more quality? The equality is such that I cannot declare a winner. In both cars, the perceived quality is high. Superior to the standard of the category. Panels covered with soft materials, upholstery made of synthetic leather in both cases, and no strange elements that condition my decision. They may not be the most exciting interiors in the world, but they perfectly meet what drivers demand.

Good technology and plenty of interior space

The similarities are not limited to quality and presentation. BYD and EBRO seem to have measured up in technology. They offer more than necessary without us having to break the bank. BYD offers three trim lines: Boost, Comfort, and Design with a high standard equipment that includes various comfort and safety elements such as screens, parking cameras, and connectivity systems for mobile phones. Driving assistants are not lacking either.

EBRO simplifies the offer even more into two trims: Premium and Luxury. Like its rival and fellow Chinese brand, it offers a wide range of standard systems, including all driving assistants, dual-zone climate control, keyless entry and start, smartphone connectivity, a 15.6-inch central screen, digital instrumentation, parking cameras, and more. The Luxury trim adds elements like the HUD or the panoramic sunroof. Elements that we can also add to the Seal U DM-i.

So far, the contest has been very even, but the time has come for the s800 to gain an advantage thanks to its three rows of seats and seven seats. With the two additional seats in use, the trunk size is reduced to 120 liters, although it increases considerably if we fold the two rear rows to 1,900 liters. The Seal U DM-i has only two rows of seats and a trunk with a minimum of 425 liters (450 liters for the Comfort model). The maximum capacity is 1,465 liters. The rear seat space is excellent in both cases.

Very interesting electrified mechanics

First of all, I want to say that the EBRO s800 is available with a gasoline engine or in plug-in hybrid format. It is in this version that we will focus all our attention to balance the scales. It offers a combustion engine and two gasoline engines with a combined maximum output of 279 horsepower and 365 Nm of torque. The electric part is powered by an LFP battery with a net capacity of 18.3 kWh that homologates 90 kilometers of electric range and a charging power of up to 40 kW in direct current and up to 6.6 kW in alternating current.

The BYD Seal U DM-i has a very similar structure but with different configurations. The 1.5-liter gasoline engine is combined with one or two motors to generate between 218 and 324 horsepower. The LFP battery varies its capacity between 18.3 and 26.6 kWh of net capacity, so the electric range ranges between 70 and 125 kilometers (WLTP cycle). For recharging, it installs chargers of up to 18 kW in direct current and up to 11 kW in alternating current.

Driving sensations

On the table, there may be discrepancies in power, but both behave very similarly. Neither reaches the electric ranges they advertise. The BYD wins that section in its format with the larger battery, being able to complete natural routes of between 90 and 100 kilometers without turning on the combustion engine. The s800 reduces that distance to around 70 or 75 kilometers, which is still more than enough for the average person. In terms of charging, both can recover 100% of the range overnight if we connect them to a reinforced domestic socket.

Now, both BYD and EBRO depend heavily on the battery, but more so the Seal U than the s800 because the thermal engine of the latter is significantly more powerful than that of its rival. When the battery runs out, the EBRO boasts better performance and greater ride refinement, although the loss of electric power is noticeable. Real consumption, therefore, is affected by this. Forget about the homologated data. In the Seal U, it is normal to complete trips with an average of about 8.5 liters. The s800 is a bit below, around 7.5 liters per 100 kilometers.

Taking this into account, when it comes to talking about ride comfort and dynamism, BYD offers us a much more comfortable product with a suspension clearly prone to bouncing and understeering. It is a car that, in a calm driving style, brings out the best in itself. As soon as we raise the pace even slightly, it makes it clear that it does not feel comfortable. The s800 is also comfortable, but the suspension is firmer and the setup more balanced. What is better? Considering that both are comfortable, I prefer the feel of the EBRO, although neither of them can compete with a 'Made in Europe' product.

Will the price decide the comparison?

The ugly matter of money is always a factor to consider when comparing two models against each other. Both brands in this analysis opt for the right formula of offering very complete products at a reasonable price. They are two of the cheapest plug-in hybrids on the market (at least considering their size). If we go to a BYD dealership, we will discover that the cheapest Seal U DM-i we can buy costs a minimum of 35,790 euros with discounts.

If we cross to the other side and head to an EBRO dealership, we will see that the minimum selling price of the s800 PHEV is 39,860 euros, with promotions. It is about 4,000 euros more expensive than its rival. A figure to take into account. The good thing is that both models can benefit from the Government's aid program, the MOVES III Plan, which incentivizes with a refund of up to 5,000 euros for the purchase of a plug-in hybrid. If we opt for the more expensive and better-equipped models, we see that the BYD is more expensive than the EBRO. 45,500 euros versus 42,279 euros, without discounts or aids.