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.

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.

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.

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 Cars 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.

1. Geely Starray – a premium SUV that feels luxury at an afforable price 
2. Omoda 7 - a mid-sized compact SUV that offers a strong tech package including a 15.6-inch sliding touchscreen
3. Changan Deepal S07 – a seriously luxury feeling SUV with a standout orange interior 
4. Leapmotor B10 – a new model expected to broaden the brand’s appeal for family drivers
5. Chery Tiggo 9 – a larger SUV that could become a serious option for drivers needing space without a luxury badge price

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.