A fresh wave of Chinese carmakers is entering the UK market — and this time, they’re not just testing the waters. Backed by strong manufacturing, keen pricing, and increasingly polished design, brands like Denza, Xpeng, Chery, and Leapmotor are pushing hard into the fleet and leasing space. Here’s what they’re bringing.
Denza
A joint venture between BYD and Mercedes-Benz, Denza is BYD’s premium sub-brand — and arguably the most upmarket of the Chinese newcomers. Three models are confirmed for the UK: the Z9 GT (pictured above), a shooting-brake electric tourer with up to 933bhp and tri-motor AWD; the D9 MPV, a luxury people carrier available as a plug-in hybrid; and the B5, a tough-looking SUV with a hybrid powertrain and more than a passing resemblance to a Defender.
Denza’s UK launch is scheduled for early 2026, but the brand has already made its public debut at the Goodwood Festival of Speed, and it’s being pitched as a serious alternative to BMW, Audi, and Mercedes. For fleets running executive-level vehicles or VIP transport, Denza could undercut the Germans on cost while offering comparable spec.
Xpeng
Having already entered several European markets, Xpeng officially touched down in the UK earlier this year. Its first UK model, the G6, is a mid-size coupe-SUV with sleek looks, a 354-mile range, and pricing from £39,990 — aiming it squarely at the Tesla Model Y.
Xpeng is launching with a 20-strong dealer network, plus home charging incentives via Ohme. Though still building brand recognition, it offers ADAS tech, spacious interiors, and a clean user interface. For fleets seeking a more affordable EV option in the D-segment without sacrificing quality or usability, Xpeng may become a viable choice — assuming servicing and residual values can keep pace.
Chery (Omoda & Jaecoo)
Chery has taken a more layered approach to the UK, launching sub-brands before the parent name. Omoda arrived last August as a bold-styled value SUV line-up, followed by Jaecoo, which leans toward rugged, off-road capable PHEVs and crossovers. Now, Chery itself is coming to the UK this summer, launching with the Tiggo 7 Pro and Tiggo 8 Pro, both available in hybrid and plug-in hybrid versions.
Chery is planning a broad dealer rollout and actively courting families and small business fleets with generous kit levels and competitive pricing. The brand is one of China’s largest car exporters and has a solid reputation in markets like South Africa and the Middle East — so while new to the UK, it’s far from untested.
Leapmotor (via Stellantis)
Unlike the other entrants, Leapmotor has a secret weapon: Stellantis. The group behind Peugeot, Vauxhall, Jeep and Fiat now sells Leapmotor EVs across its dealer network, giving instant reach and aftersales support. Two models are already available: the T03, a city-sized hatchback priced at just £15,995 (after matching the UK EV grant out of its own pocket), and the C10, a mid-size SUV at £36,500.
The brand has leaned into creative marketing — think bungee jumping stunts and guerrilla brand activations — but the product is sensible enough. Early reports suggest decent build quality and simple interfaces. For fleet managers needing low-cost EVs for urban use or company pools, the T03 could be a compelling option.
