It’s hard to ignore the sheer number of Chinese car brands which have arrived in the UK over the last few years. Offering high levels of technology at very affordable prices, it’s little wonder why they’re proving so popular and here at Vertu Lease, we’re able to offer many of these new cars with competitive prices.

But given that there have been so many new brands arriving, it can be tricky to work out what’s what. So let’s take a look at the most prominent Chinese car manufacturers of the moment.

AION

AION is one of the latest Chinese car brands to arrive in the UK, launching first with its V SUV. As with so many others here, it focused on electrified and ‘new energy’ powertrains to ensure high levels of efficiency.

AION has just entered the supermini segment with its new UT, which aims to rival the likes of the Renault 5.

BYD

BYD actually feels more like a longstanding member of the UK car market rather than a newcomer. It was one of the first to break out of China and has quickly become one of the more trusted brands here.

BYD’s line-up of cars is extensive, with highlights such as the Seal, Atto 2 and Dolphin representing well-made and efficient new car options.

Changan

One of the lesser-known Chinese brands is Changan. As with other Chinese brands, its range currently revolves around SUVs, with the Deepal S07 and Deepal S05 bringing high levels of standard equipment and lots of technology.

Both models are electric, too, with the smaller S05 able to deliver an impressive 301 miles on a single charge.

Denza

Denza is a new and exciting sub-brand of BYD. Whereas BYD is all about family-friendly and more accessible electric cars, Denza is about performance and luxury. It’s why it’s arriving in the UK with options such as the Z supercar and Z9GT.

But it’s also aiming to go into the luxurious area of things with cars like the D9, which is a luxury minivan which is already confirmed for the UK,

Geely

Geely may already have backed brands such as Volvo, Polestar and Lotus, but last year it announced that it would be setting up shop in the UK and it has already made its mark.

Again, it’s a brand which is locked onto electric and hybrid models, with cars like the EX5 and Starray showing off its skills. It has already broadened its range with the EX2, a car which is already one of the most popular models in its native China.

Jaecoo

Where would the new wave of Chinese brands be without Jaecoo? Best known for its now-iconic 7 SUV, Jaecoo is a brand which many people now recognise, despite it only launching a few years ago.

Pushing onwards is the Jaecoo 8, which is a luxury seven-seater designed to show Jaecoo off in a more premium light.

Leapmotor

Leapmotor is another Chinese brand but one which is slightly different to the rest due to its backing from European powerhouse Stellantis. However, while the carmaking giant might be best known due to brands such as Peugeot and Vauxhall, Leapmotor does things differently.

Cars like the tiny T03 have shown Leapmotor at its quirky best, while cars like the new B03 show it challenging established rivals.

Lepas

Lepas falls under the Chery group, which also looks after Jaecoo and Omoda. Like those brands, Lepas is launching with a series of practical SUVs that aim to deliver high levels of value but with upmarket touches

Its new L8 is the car it has kicked things off with and it’s a model with lots to offer, including a clever hybrid system capable of delivering up to 56 miles on electric-only power.

MG

MG might be best known in the UK for its now-classic sports cars and saloons, but lately it has become accomplished as a Chinese carmaker. Today, MG’s electric models are some of the most popular about and have helped to push this brand to the top.

You’ll find a good range of MG vehicles available here at Vertu, too, with all of them offering efficient powertrain setups and well-made interiors.

Omoda

Omoda sits alongside Jaecoo under the Chery umbrella, but while Jaecoo is more about rugged utilitarianism, the Omoda brand is a little more upmarket. Both, however, get lots of equipment as standard and handily efficient hybrid systems that can help to bring running costs down.

Omoda’s range-topping 9 shows the brand in a high-end light, too, with features such as massaging seats making this into a genuine alternative to more premium rivals.

Xpeng

Another brand hoping to get in on the action is Xpeng. It introduced its first car - the G6 SUV - in 2025 and has already refreshed that model while adding a new one, the L03 Coupe.

Xpeng is expected to launch an electric version of the L03 as well as a clever range-extender model which will use a compact petrol engine to work as a generator for the electric motor and battery.