In Malaysia, which Chinese car should I buy for a family SUV?

On Malaysian roads, which can vary from smooth highways to potholed city streets, the BYD Sealion 7 impresses with a hushed cabin and instant, smooth acceleration from its electric powertrain. Its low centre of gravity gives it a planted feel. The Chery Tiggo 8 offers a more traditional ICE drive with a torquey engine and well-tuned suspension that absorbs bumps without excessive body roll. The GAC EMKOO has a slightly sportier edge with responsive steering and a composed ride, though the cabin noise is slightly higher than the Sealion 7 at highway speeds.

All three offer comfortable seating for five, with the Tiggo 8 leading in rear legroom and boot space – ideal for long family trips with luggage. The Sealion 7 provides a flat floor in the back and a generous frunk, but its boot is shallower. The EMKOO has a styled interior with good storage cubbies and a large panoramic roof that makes the cabin feel airy, but headroom in the rear row is slightly compromised for taller passengers. All have ISOFIX anchors and decent air conditioning for the tropical climate.

The Sealion 7 excels with a responsive touchscreen, seamless smartphone integration, and a clear reversing camera. Its energy regeneration can be adjusted for one-pedal driving, handy in stop-and-go traffic. The Tiggo 8 offers a decent infotainment system with Apple CarPlay, though its interface can lag. The EMKOO has the flashiest tech – a dual-screen setup and voice control – but some menus are overly complex. For charging, the Sealion 7 requires access to a home charger; public DC fast charging is available in major Malaysian cities but less common outside urban areas.

Chery and BYD have established dealer networks in Malaysia, with service centers in most states. Parts availability for the Tiggo 8 and Sealion 7 is reasonably good. GAC is newer to the market, so spares and service coverage are thinner. The Sealion 7’s electric drivetrain has fewer wear items (no oil changes, no timing belts), but battery health and tyre wear are key. The Tiggo 8 will require regular ICE servicing. Overall, ownership support is adequate but not yet at Japanese-brand levels.

The BYD Sealion 7 is best for families who drive mostly in the city, have home charging, and want low fuel costs. The Chery Tiggo 8 suits those who need maximum space, do frequent highway trips, and prefer familiar petrol power without range concerns. The GAC EMKOO appeals to tech-savvy buyers who value modern cabin design and are willing to accept slightly less proven service backup.