Tesla’s Model Y has once again claimed the title as the best-selling SUV in China, according to newly released insurance registration data for May 2025.
With 24,770 units sold, the all-electric mid-size SUV edged out its closest rival, the BYD Song Plus, which registered 24,240 sales during the same period. (via CarsNewsChina)
This marks a rebound for Tesla, after the Model Y narrowly lost the top spot to the BYD Song Plus in April. At that time, Tesla recorded 19,984 Model Y sales, while BYD’s offering came in at 20,668 units.
Rounding out the top three for May was Geely’s petrol-powered Xingyue L, which saw 21,014 sales.
Despite the monthly win, Tesla’s broader sales figures in China continue to show signs of strain. In May, the U.S. automaker recorded 38,588 vehicle sales in the country—a 30% year-over-year drop compared to May 2024. Model Y’s own monthly sales were down 38% from the 39,985 units it moved a year earlier, highlighting both the challenges Tesla faces and the strength of its brand that still allows it to lead in such a competitive segment.
From January through May 2025, Tesla sold a total of 126,643 Model Y units in China, maintaining a solid lead over BYD’s Song Plus, which reached 110,551 sales in the same period. The BYD Song Pro ranked third with 80,245 units sold. Notably, all three top SUV models have seen their year-to-date sales decline by roughly 20% compared to the same timeframe in 2024.
Overall, while Tesla’s domestic sales in China are facing headwinds, the Model Y’s ability to reclaim the best-selling SUV title reinforces the vehicle’s strong appeal. As competition intensifies and local brands like BYD continue to gain traction, Tesla’s performance in the second half of 2025 will be crucial for sustaining its foothold in the world’s largest EV market.
