Forthing vs BYD: Best Chinese Cars Value Brand UAE 2026

Forthing vs BYD: Best Chinese Cars Value Brand UAE 2026

Forthing and BYD are two of the most prominent Chinese automotive brands in the UAE market in 2026, but they take fundamentally different approaches to delivering value to consumers. Forthing, backed by Dongfeng Motor Group, focuses on aggressive pricing across a diverse range of powertrains including petrol, HEV, REEV, PHEV, and pure EV, while BYD, the world's largest electric vehicle manufacturer, emphasises its battery technology leadership, brand reputation, and proven PHEV and EV powertrains. In this head-to-head brand comparison, we evaluate equivalent models from both brands across three key segments: the mid-size SUV segment where the Forthing T5 Evo at 89,900 AED faces the BYD Atto 3 at 110,000 AED, the electrified SUV segment where the Forthing Friday REEV at 109,900 AED competes with the BYD Song Plus at 124,900 AED, and the electric sedan segment where the Forthing S7 EV at 119,900 AED takes on the BYD Seal at 130,000 AED. By comparing these models on price, performance, technology, range, and overall value, we determine which brand offers the best value proposition for UAE buyers.

Updated August 2026. Data verified against manufacturer specifications, Cartea UAE market data, and industry sales reports.

Model Overview

The table below provides a quick-reference summary of every vehicle covered in this guide, including pricing, body style, and key powertrain specifications. Use it to compare models at a glance before diving into the detailed sections that follow.

Forthing T5 Evo

Price: 89,900 AED | Body Style: 5-Seater SUV | Powertrain: 1.5L Turbo 197hp

The Forthing T5 Evo is the brand's best-selling model in the UAE, priced at 89,900 AED and powered by a 1.5-litre turbocharged engine producing 197 horsepower. This conventional petrol SUV offers sporty performance, a comprehensive technology package, and a premium interior at a price that undercuts its BYD rival, the Atto 3, by 20,100 AED. The T5 Evo's seven-speed dual-clutch transmission delivers smooth shifts, and fuel economy is rated at 7.5 L/100km on the combined cycle.

The T5 Evo's cabin features a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster, a matching infotainment touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, ambient lighting, contrast-stitched seats, a 360-degree camera, and adaptive cruise control. Safety equipment includes six airbags and a five-star C-NCAP safety rating. The 480-litre boot is generous for a five-seater, and the rear seats offer excellent legroom and headroom. At 89,900 AED, the T5 Evo represents outstanding value, offering performance and features that rival vehicles costing 40,000 AED more. Its main advantage over the BYD Atto 3 is its significantly lower price, conventional petrol powertrain that requires no charging infrastructure, and a more comprehensive standard equipment list.

Key Highlights:

• 1.5L Turbo engine with 197 hp and 285 Nm torque
• Seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission
• 10.25-inch digital cluster and infotainment with CarPlay
• 360-degree camera and adaptive cruise control
• Five-star C-NCAP safety rating with six airbags
• 20,100 AED cheaper than the BYD Atto 3

Best For: Buyers who want maximum performance and features at the lowest possible price without needing charging infrastructure.

BYD Atto 3

Price: 110,000 AED | Body Style: Electric SUV | Powertrain: 420km WLTP range

The BYD Atto 3 is BYD's compact electric SUV offering, priced at 110,000 AED and powered by a single electric motor producing 204 horsepower with a 60.48 kWh Blade Battery providing a WLTP range of approximately 420 kilometres. The Atto 3 was one of the first Chinese electric SUVs to gain significant traction in the UAE market, thanks to BYD's reputation as the world's largest EV manufacturer and the proven safety record of its Blade Battery technology.

The Atto 3's cabin features a rotating 12.8-inch touchscreen, a digital instrument cluster, synthetic leather seats, and a unique gym-inspired interior design with dumbbell-shaped air vents and a running-track-themed door trim. Safety equipment includes seven airbags, autonomous emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, and adaptive cruise control. The cabin is spacious and comfortable, with a 440-litre boot. While the Atto 3 offers the advantage of pure electric driving with zero tailpipe emissions, at 110,000 AED it costs 20,100 AED more than the Forthing T5 Evo and requires access to charging infrastructure. For buyers who are not ready to go fully electric or who want maximum value, the T5 Evo is the better choice, but the Atto 3 appeals to environmentally conscious buyers who value BYD's battery technology and EV expertise.

Key Highlights:

• 204 hp electric motor with 60.48 kWh Blade Battery
• 420 km WLTP range with DC fast charging support
• Rotating 12.8-inch touchscreen infotainment system
• Seven airbags and full ADAS suite
• BYD Blade Battery safety technology
• Zero tailpipe emissions for eco-conscious buyers

Best For: Environmentally conscious buyers who value BYD's battery technology and are willing to pay a premium for pure electric driving.

Forthing Friday REEV

Price: 109,900 AED | Body Style: REEV SUV | Powertrain: 200km EV / 1100km combined

The Forthing Friday REEV is a range-extended electric SUV priced at 109,900 AED, offering 200 kilometres of pure electric range and a combined range of 1,100 kilometres. The dual-motor all-wheel-drive system produces 326 horsepower, making it significantly more powerful than the BYD Song Plus. The REEV architecture means the driving experience is always electric, with the 1.5-litre turbocharged engine acting solely as a generator to recharge the battery when needed.

The Friday REEV's cabin is loaded with technology, including a large vertical touchscreen, head-up display, wireless charging, and quilted leather seats. DC fast charging at 60 kW allows the battery to be charged from 30% to 80% in approximately 30 minutes. At 109,900 AED, the Friday REEV costs 15,000 AED less than the BYD Song Plus while offering more pure electric range (200 km vs 100 km), more power (326 hp vs 235 hp), DC fast charging capability, and a consistently electric driving experience. The REEV architecture's key advantage over the Song Plus's PHEV system is that the combustion engine never directly drives the wheels, resulting in a smoother, quieter, and more refined driving experience regardless of whether the battery is charged or the range extender is active.

Key Highlights:

• 200 km pure electric range, 1,100 km combined range
• 326 hp dual-motor AWD system
• 60 kW DC fast charging support
• 15,000 AED cheaper than BYD Song Plus
• Always-electric driving experience with range extender
• Large vertical touchscreen and head-up display

Best For: Buyers who want electric driving with unlimited range, more power, and lower cost than the BYD Song Plus.

BYD Song Plus

Price: 124,900 AED | Body Style: PHEV SUV | Powertrain: Plug-in hybrid

The BYD Song Plus is BYD's plug-in hybrid SUV offering, priced at 124,900 AED. Unlike the Forthing Friday REEV, the Song Plus uses a traditional PHEV architecture where both the combustion engine and electric motor can drive the wheels directly. The 1.5-litre Xiaoyun engine paired with an electric motor produces a combined 235 horsepower, with approximately 100 kilometres of pure electric range and a combined range of over 1,000 kilometres.

The Song Plus's cabin features a rotating touchscreen similar to the Atto 3, premium materials, and a spacious layout. BYD's Blade Battery technology is renowned for its safety and longevity, and the brand's strong reputation in the EV space adds credibility to the Song Plus. Safety equipment includes six airbags, autonomous emergency braking, and lane-keeping assist. While the Song Plus is a well-engineered vehicle with proven technology, at 124,900 AED it costs 15,000 AED more than the Friday REEV while offering less pure electric range, less power, and no DC fast charging capability. The PHEV architecture also means the combustion engine's noise and vibration are more noticeable during hard acceleration or high-speed driving, as the engine is directly connected to the drivetrain. For buyers who prioritise the smooth, EV-like driving experience and better value, the Friday REEV is the superior choice.

Key Highlights:

• 100 km pure electric range, 1,000+ km combined range
• BYD Blade Battery technology for safety and longevity
• 1.5L Xiaoyun engine with combined 235 hp output
• Rotating touchscreen infotainment system
• Proven PHEV technology from the world's largest EV maker
• Strong brand reputation and dealer network in the UAE

Best For: Buyers who prioritise BYD's brand reputation and proven PHEV technology over outright value and electric driving experience.

Forthing S7 EV

Price: 119,900 AED | Body Style: Electric Sedan | Powertrain: 565km CLTC range

The Forthing S7 EV is a pure electric sedan priced at 119,900 AED, offering a 565-kilometre CLTC range from its 79.2 kWh battery. The single-motor rear-wheel-drive layout produces 218 horsepower, delivering smooth and instant acceleration. DC fast charging at 100 kW enables a 30% to 80% charge in approximately 28 minutes, and vehicle-to-load (V2L) functionality allows owners to power external devices directly from the battery.

The S7 EV's interior is a technology showcase, featuring a rotating 15.6-inch touchscreen, an augmented-reality head-up display, a 12-speaker premium audio system, and ventilated and heated seats. The fastback sedan design gives it a premium European aesthetic. At 119,900 AED, the S7 EV costs 10,100 AED less than the BYD Seal while offering comparable range (565 km vs 570 km CLTC), similar power (218 hp vs 204 hp for the single-motor Seal), and a richer technology suite. The S7 EV's main advantages over the Seal are its lower price, rotating touchscreen, AR head-up display, and V2L functionality. For buyers who want a technology-rich electric sedan at the best possible price, the S7 EV is the superior value proposition.

Key Highlights:

• 565 km CLTC range with 79.2 kWh battery
• 218 hp rear-mounted electric motor
• 100 kW DC fast charging (30-80% in 28 minutes)
• Vehicle-to-load (V2L) external power functionality
• Rotating 15.6-inch touchscreen and AR head-up display
• 10,100 AED cheaper than the BYD Seal

Best For: Buyers who want a long-range, technology-rich electric sedan at the best possible price.

BYD Seal

Price: 130,000 AED | Body Style: Electric Sedan | Powertrain: 570km CLTC range

The BYD Seal is BYD's premium electric sedan, priced at 130,000 AED and designed to compete with the Tesla Model 3. The Seal features a single-motor rear-wheel-drive layout producing 204 horsepower (or a dual-motor AWD version with 523 horsepower), with an 82.5 kWh Blade Battery providing a CLTC range of approximately 570 kilometres. The Seal's design is heavily influenced by BYD's Ocean series aesthetic, with sleek lines and a aerodynamic body.

The Seal's cabin features a 15.6-inch rotating touchscreen, a digital instrument cluster, synthetic leather seats, and a premium audio system. Safety equipment includes seven airbags, autonomous emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, and adaptive cruise control. The Seal's main advantages over the Forthing S7 EV are its slightly longer CLTC range (570 km vs 565 km), the availability of a dual-motor AWD version for buyers who want maximum performance, and BYD's stronger brand recognition in the EV space. However, at 130,000 AED, the Seal costs 10,100 AED more than the S7 EV while offering similar range and power in its single-motor configuration. For buyers who prioritise brand reputation and the option of AWD, the Seal is a strong choice, but for value-conscious buyers, the S7 EV offers more technology and features at a lower price.

Key Highlights:

• 570 km CLTC range with 82.5 kWh Blade Battery
• 204 hp single-motor RWD or 523 hp dual-motor AWD
• BYD Blade Battery safety technology
• 15.6-inch rotating touchscreen
• Seven airbags and full ADAS suite
• Tesla Model 3 competitor with strong brand recognition

Best For: Buyers who value BYD's brand reputation, Blade Battery technology, and the option of dual-motor AWD performance.

Forthing vs BYD: Head-to-Head Brand Comparison

The table below provides a side-by-side comparison of the three matched model pairs from Forthing and BYD. Forthing wins on price in every segment, while BYD's advantages lie in brand recognition, Blade Battery technology, and the availability of AWD options.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which brand offers better value: Forthing or BYD?

Forthing offers better value across all three segments compared. The T5 Evo is 20,100 AED cheaper than the Atto 3, the Friday REEV is 15,000 AED cheaper than the Song Plus, and the S7 EV is 10,100 AED cheaper than the Seal. In each case, the Forthing model offers comparable or superior performance, technology, and features at a lower price. Forthing's advantage is particularly pronounced in the electrified segments, where the Friday REEV offers more electric range, more power, and DC fast charging at a lower price than the Song Plus.

Does BYD have any advantages over Forthing?

Yes, BYD has several advantages. As the world's largest EV manufacturer, BYD has stronger brand recognition and a proven track record in electric vehicles. Its Blade Battery technology is widely regarded as one of the safest and most reliable battery systems on the market. BYD also offers a dual-motor AWD version of the Seal with 523 horsepower, which Forthing does not match in the sedan segment. Additionally, BYD's dealer network is more established in the UAE, potentially offering better service and parts availability.

Which brand is better for buyers who do not want to charge their vehicle?

Forthing is the better choice for buyers who do not want to deal with charging infrastructure. The T5 Evo is a conventional petrol SUV that requires no charging at all, while the Friday REEV and S7 REEV can operate indefinitely on petrol thanks to their range-extender engines. BYD's pure electric models (Atto 3 and Seal) require regular charging, and even the Song Plus PHEV benefits from regular plug-in charging to maximise its electric range. Forthing's REEV technology is particularly well-suited to buyers who want electric driving when convenient but do not want to be dependent on charging infrastructure.

How do the warranties compare between Forthing and BYD?

Both brands offer comprehensive warranty packages in the UAE. Forthing typically offers a 5-year or 150,000-kilometre vehicle warranty and an 8-year or 160,000-kilometre battery warranty for electrified models. BYD offers similar coverage, with a 6-year or 150,000-kilometre vehicle warranty and an 8-year battery warranty. The warranty terms are broadly comparable, with BYD having a slight edge in vehicle warranty duration (6 years vs 5 years) but both brands offering the same 8-year battery coverage. Both are supported by authorised service centres across the UAE.

Which brand should I choose if I want the best technology features?

Forthing generally offers more technology features at each price point. The Friday REEV and S7 REEV both feature rotating touchscreens, AR head-up displays, and quilted leather seats at 109,900 AED, while the BYD Song Plus at 124,900 AED has a more conventional interior. The S7 EV at 119,900 AED offers V2L functionality, an AR head-up display, and a 12-speaker audio system, while the BYD Seal at 130,000 AED has a more basic feature set in its single-motor configuration. If technology and features per dirham are your priority, Forthing is the clear winner.

Conclusion and Final Verdict

In this head-to-head comparison, Forthing emerges as the clear winner on value, offering comparable or superior performance, technology, and features at a lower price than BYD across all three segments. The T5 Evo at 89,900 AED is 20,100 AED cheaper than the Atto 3 while offering more power and a more comprehensive equipment list. The Friday REEV at 109,900 AED is 15,000 AED cheaper than the Song Plus while offering more electric range, more power, and DC fast charging. The S7 EV at 119,900 AED is 10,100 AED cheaper than the Seal while offering comparable range and a richer technology suite.

BYD's advantages lie primarily in brand recognition, the proven safety record of its Blade Battery technology, and the availability of a high-performance dual-motor AWD version of the Seal. For buyers who prioritise brand reputation, battery technology pedigree, or maximum performance in an electric sedan, BYD remains a strong choice. However, for the majority of UAE buyers who are looking for the best value proposition, Forthing's combination of lower prices, more diverse powertrain options (including the unique REEV technology), and richer standard equipment makes it the better value brand.

Ultimately, both brands are making significant contributions to the Chinese automotive presence in the UAE, and the competition between them is driving better products and lower prices for consumers. Whether you choose Forthing or BYD, you are getting a well-engineered vehicle with modern technology and comprehensive warranty coverage at a price that undercuts established Japanese and European brands. But if value for money is your primary criterion, Forthing wins this comparison decisively, earning our recommendation as the best Chinese cars value brand in the UAE for 2026.