As part of the celebrations around Chinese New Year, Leasing Options wanted to take a timely moment to recognise just how quickly the UK car market has changed.

Two years ago, Chinese cars in the UK were still treated as a ‘newcomer’ story. Fast-forward to Fenbuary 2026 and that’s no longer the case. Chinese manufacturers are now a genuine part of everyday car shopping — especially if you’re looking at electric cars, electric SUVs, plug-in hybrid SUVs, and high-spec family cars that deliver strong value.

If you’re wondering about other country’s car brands, check out our guide on Japanese car brands and see how different regions tackle car manufacturing.

Why Chinese manufacturers have a growing presence in the UK

• They offer strong value for money - Chinese car manufacturers are gaining a stronger presence in the UK largely because they offer strong value for money at a time when affordability is a major concern. Brands such as BYD, MG and Chery sell vehicles that are often thousands of pounds cheaper than comparable European models while still offering modern features and good performance. This competitive pricing is especially appealing in the UK market, where buyers are highly price-sensitive and less tied to traditional brands than in some other European countries.
• Their skill with electric vehicles - Another major factor is their strength in electric vehicles (EVs), which aligns with the UK’s rapid transition away from petrol and diesel cars. Chinese manufacturers have invested heavily in EV technology and battery production, giving them an advantage in cost, range, and innovation. At the same time, UK policies such as the zero-emission vehicle (ZEV) mandate are pushing demand for EVs higher, making the market particularly attractive for companies already specialising in electric models.
• The UK is an accessible market - The UK is also an unusually accessible market compared to other Western regions. Unlike the EU or the United States, Britain has not imposed major tariffs on Chinese-built electric cars, allowing them to enter at competitive prices. Combined with the UK’s status as a large and growing EV market, this makes it an ideal entry point for Chinese firms looking to expand internationally. In addition, strong domestic competition in China has pushed many manufacturers to look overseas for growth opportunities.

There are countless myths in the media about Chinese car brands being “cheap” or “dangerous”, but this is simply not true. The growing popularity of Chinese car manufacturers in the UK proves this. To strengthen this point even more, as of May 2026, Chinese manufacturers account for 40% of all manufacturer-related traffic on the Leasing Options website.

Chinese Car Brands Leading the Charge in the UK

Here we take a look at the Chinese manufacturers currently available in the UK right now, and why they’re getting so much attention.

MG (SAIC Motor)

MG has become the most familiar example of a Chinese-owned brand in the UK, and it’s done it by offering strong value, generous standard equipment, and a broad range. For many drivers searching for an affordable electric hatchback or a practical family car, MG is now a default shortlist brand — and it continues to play a major role in making electric driving feel more achievable.

BYD

BYD has moved from ‘one to watch’ to a brand many UK drivers now actively compare when searching for electric cars and plug-in hybrids. Its UK range is designed to appeal to drivers who want modern tech, strong everyday usability, and the reassurance of a major global manufacturer with serious momentum in the EV space.

OMODA (Chery)

OMODA has entered the UK quickly and confidently, targeting one of the most searched-for segments in British motoring - the family SUV. It’s building awareness through high-spec models that focus on the things buyers care about most — practicality, styling, technology, and competitive pricing, alongside electric options for drivers ready to make the switch.

JAECOO (Chery)

JAECOO is carving out a place in the UK SUV market with models that look and feel more premium than their price tag suggests. It’s already becoming part of the mainstream conversation for drivers looking for a smart, capable SUV with strong on-board tech and a confident road presence.

If you want to find out what makes this new Chinese car brand so brilliant, our guide on Omoda vs. Jaecoo should give you some more information. 

Leapmotor

Leapmotor has a clear focus - well-equipped electric cars that feel accessible. It has arrived with models aimed at both city driving and family life, bringing more choice to a market where demand for practical EVs continues to grow.

GWM (Great Wall Motor)

GWM has been building its UK footprint through a mix of distinctive electric cars and hybrid SUVs. For drivers who like the idea of better efficiency but aren’t ready to plug in every day, its hybrid options are particularly relevant — while its electric models offer something different in a market that can sometimes feel a bit samey.

Changan (Deepal)

Changan is another sign of how quickly the UK market has opened up. With new models appearing and visibility rising, it’s part of a growing wave of brands aiming to compete in the core areas UK drivers are searching for right now - electric SUVs, tech-led interiors, and strong value.

Geely

Geely is a major force globally and is now putting more emphasis on its own brand presence in the UK. It’s also the parent company behind several well-known international automotive names (Volvo, Lotus and Polestar), which gives it real scale — and makes it one of the most important groups to watch as the Chinese car story continues to develop here.

If you would like some more information on this car brand taking the UK by storm, check out our guide: Who is Geely?

XPeng

XPeng is one of the most talked-about newer names for drivers searching terms like Tesla alternative, electric SUV with technology, and new EV brand UK. Its focus is on advanced driver assistance, modern cabin tech, and EV performance that aims to compete with established players.

Skywell

Skywell is a quieter name, but it adds to the key theme for 2026 - UK drivers now have more choice than ever when it comes to Chinese-built electric SUVs, and the market is no longer dominated by only one or two familiar badges.

We’ve been watching Chinese manufacturers and their cars for a while now but even we can’t believe the boom in cars even in two year! So what’s changed?

The biggest shift is simple. Chinese manufacturers are no longer just ‘arriving’ — they’re competing. They’re competing on the things that matter most to UK drivers -

• Electric range and real-life usability
• Standard equipment and value for money
• In-car technology and driver assistance features
• SUV practicality, space and comfort
• Plug-in hybrid options for drivers not ready to go fully electric

And they’re doing it in the segments UK drivers search the most - electric hatchbacks, electric SUVs, and plug-in hybrid SUVs.

Chinese car models to watch in 2026

Looking ahead over the next 12 months, there are a few new arrivals and upcoming models we’re watching closely — the ones we expect UK drivers to be searching for (and talking about) a lot more.

• Geely Starray – a premium SUV that feels luxurious at an affordable price
• Geely EX5 - a modern electric SUV that combines efficient performance, advanced technology, and everyday practicality in a sleek, contemporary package
• Omoda 7 - a mid-sized compact SUV that offers a strong tech package including a 15.6-inch sliding touchscreen
• Omoda 5 - a stylish compact SUV that combines bold design, modern technology, and everyday practicality
• Changan Deepal S07 – a luxurious SUV with a standout orange interior
• Leapmotor B10 – a new model expected to broaden the brand’s appeal for family drivers
• BYD Seal U – a mid-size electric SUV focused on comfort, practicality, and long-range efficiency for everyday family use
• BYD Atto 3 – a compact electric SUV designed for affordability, practicality, and everyday urban driving with a modern, tech-focused interior
• BYD Sealion 5 – a compact electric SUV that combines sleek styling with practicality and efficient performance for everyday driving
• BYD Sealion 7 – a stylish mid-size electric SUV that delivers strong performance, advanced features, and a refined driving experience for families
• MG 4 – an easy-to-live-with electric hatchback that’s affordable, practical, and well-suited to everyday driving
• MG ZS – a compact SUV that offers practicality, efficiency, and strong value
• MG IM5 – a sleek electric saloon that combines modern design, advanced technology, and smooth performance for a more premium driving experience
• Jaecoo 7 – a rugged yet refined SUV that combines off-road capability with modern comfort and advanced technology
• Jaecoo 5 – a compact SUV that blends everyday practicality with modern styling and advanced features for a comfortable and versatile drive

Another set of models we are watching closely is the Chery Tiggo 4, 7, 8, and 9. The Tiggo 4 is a compact, entry-level SUV suited to city driving, while the Tiggo 7 is slightly larger and more powerful with improved comfort and technology. The Tiggo 8 moves into the large SUV category with seven seats and more family-oriented practicality, and finally, the Tiggo 9 sits at the top as the biggest and most premium model, delivering the most space, performance, and high-end features.

If you’re shopping for a new car in 2026, Chinese brands are no longer a niche choice. They’re now firmly part of the mainstream, bringing more competition, more technology, and more value into the UK market.

At Leasing Options, we’ll keep tracking the newest arrivals closely and sharing what they mean for everyday drivers — especially as more electric and plug-in hybrid models land over the next year. And if you’re thinking about making the switch, keep an eye on our latest deals too, as we’re constantly securing incredible exclusive offers across some of the most in-demand models.