Which Chinese family SUV to buy in the UK?

The UK has a mix of narrow urban roads, motorways, and country lanes. A family SUV needs good manoeuvrability, comfort, and space. The BYD Sealion 5 and Chery Tiggo 8 Super Hybrid both have plug-in hybrid powertrains, allowing short electric-only trips for school runs or shopping while offering the range confidence of a petrol engine for longer journeys. The BYD Sealion 7, as a pure EV, suits families with off-street parking and a home charger, offering a smooth, quiet drive and low running costs. All three have ample rear seat space and large boots, fitting child seats and luggage easily.

The BYD Sealion 5 delivers a composed, quiet ride, with electric motor response making city driving effortless. On motorways it cruises smoothly, though the engine can be audible under hard acceleration. The Chery Tiggo 8 Super Hybrid feels more SUV-like, with a slightly firmer suspension that handles UK roads well; its cabin insulation is good, reducing road and wind noise. The BYD Sealion 7 is the most refined, with instant torque and near-silent progress, though its low-speed ride can be firm over uneven surfaces. All three have comfortable seats with good adjustment for driver and front passenger.

Family life demands space for passengers and cargo. The Chery Tiggo 8 Super Hybrid seats up to seven (optional third row), making it the most versatile for larger families. The second row slides and reclines, and boot space is generous. The BYD Sealion 5 is a five-seater with a flat floor, superb rear legroom, and a deep boot. The Sealion 7, also five seats, offers a large frunk and a spacious rear compartment. All have multiple USB ports, cupholders, and storage bins. Child seat installation is straightforward with ISOFIX points in outer rear seats.

Infotainment systems are central to modern cars. BYD’s rotating touchscreen (in Sealion 5 and 7) is crisp and responsive, supporting Apple CarPlay and Android Auto wirelessly. The Chery Tiggo 8 Super Hybrid uses a dual-screen layout, with physical climate controls – a plus for ease of use. All offer navigation, Bluetooth, and smartphone mirroring. Driver assistance features like adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping, and parking sensors come standard, making motorway drives and parking stress-free. The Sealion 7 includes a 360-degree camera with high resolution.

Chinese brands are building reputation in the UK. BYD offers a comprehensive warranty (typically 6 years/60,000 miles) and has a growing dealer network. Chery’s UK presence is newer, but its Tiggo range shares components with other global markets, and parts availability is improving. Service intervals are around 12 months/12,000 miles for hybrids. The EV Sealion 7 requires less routine maintenance (no oil changes). Owners report good initial build quality, but long-term data is limited. Expect reasonable costs for consumables like tyres and brakes.

The BYD Sealion 5 suits families who want low running costs without range anxiety; its PHEV setup handles daily commutes on electric and longer trips on petrol. The Chery Tiggo 8 Super Hybrid is for those needing maximum space and optional seven seats, plus the flexibility of PHEV. The BYD Sealion 7 is ideal for eco-conscious families with home charging who value performance and a premium electric experience. For an ICE-only choice, the MG HS is a budget-friendly option, but it lacks the efficiency and modern tech of the hybrids.