The best Chinese EVs for every budget:

Chinese EVs are blooming in popularity at the moment, not just because there are some options which are genuinely good to drive, but because they tend to be very easy to live with and offer almost un-touchable value for money – especially compared to the European and Korean mainstays.

Our expert reviews team has driven every electric Chinese car on sale in the UK and put together this list of the best ones for you to consider, whatever your budget; from tiny urban commuters to big, posh saloons and even a sporty convertible.

Up to £25,000

Our recommendation: BYD Dolphin Surf

The BYD Dolphin Surf might just take the crown for most features-per-pound at the minute, with a shockingly low starting price of £18,650 for the entry-level model, yet loads of standard-fit goodies such as adaptive cruise control, a rear-view camera, 10.1-inch infotainment with phone-mirroring and leatherette-trimmed seats.

It’s not that refined though, a trade-off for its low price, with suspension that jiggles you around town and plenty of wind and road noise on the motorway. While there’s adequate room inside, the boot is quite small and oddly shaped.

The Leapmotor T03 is a compelling – and cheaper – alternative, with polar-opposite, rounded styling and a far more comfortable drive. If you’re not afraid of a second-hand option, the MG4 is superior in pretty much every way.

£25,000-£30,000

Our recommendation: MG4

One of our favourite cars on sale, the MG4 is a contender for the best looking, best-equipped and most fun to drive small hatchback. It was even crowned the Carwow Car of the Year in 2023 thanks to its practical interior and motorway comfort.

It’s a shame the infotainment is a bit fiddly to use and the interior doesn’t feel all that high-quality, plus rear visibility is a bit poor for when you’re trying to park. While it may be comfortable on the motorway, there’s a fair amount of road noise in the MG4 at high speeds.

For a similarly well-equipped family hatchback it’s worth checking out the BYD Dolphin, especially if you’re not keen on the MG’s pointy looks. There’s also the MG S5 EV SUV to consider, if you prefer a taller driving position.

£30,000-£40,000

Our recommendation: Xpeng G6

The Xpeng G6 just about sneaks into this price bracket, and it’s the closest alternative to the Tesla Model Y on sale right now. It looks a bit better than the Tesla and has a nicer interior, too, as well as a rapid infotainment system and loads of kit.

It’s a bit of a let-down on a country road though, with suspension that wallows about when the going gets bumpy, and while the screens are crisp and clear there are too many menus to navigate.

Two other SUVs worth considering are the BYD Atto 3, if you want a slightly more interesting cabin design, while the Leapmotor C10 offers more room inside.

£40,000+

Our recommendation: BYD Seal

The BYD Seal is the Chinese brand’s best offering right now; a stylish and practical saloon which is both comfortable and fun to drive, offers good range to a charge and comes with lots of standard features. It’s not cheap, but you don’t feel shortchanged by it either.

It loses a few points because of its fiddly infotainment system – there are far too many sub-menus to navigate – and its boot, which isn’t as big as you’ll find in its closest alternatives such as the Tesla Model 3 and BMW i4. The rear seats aren’t all that comfy, either, reclining you in an odd position for not enough back support.

If you’re not that keen on saloon cars there’s the larger, yet similar, BYD Sealion 7 SUV – though it’s not as comfortable as the Seal. For the sportiest driving experience look no further than the MG Cyberster.

Car change? Carwow!

Looking for a new set of wheels? With Carwow you can sell your car quickly and for a fair price – as well as find great offers on your next one. Whether you’re looking to buy a car brand new, are after something used or you want to explore car leasing options, Carwow is your one stop shop for new car deals.

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