Chinese SUV Jaecoo 7 Tops UK Sales Charts Again

The UK’s new car market saw a surprising winner in September: the Jaecoo 7, a Chinese SUV often dubbed the ‘Temu Range Rover’ for its resemblance to the Range Rover Velar. According to the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT), the Jaecoo 7 found over 10,800 buyers, securing its second monthly sales crown this year and beating out popular models like the Tesla Model 3, Ford Puma, and Kia Sportage.

This victory is not an isolated incident but part of a broader trend. Chinese brands are rapidly gaining traction in the UK, capturing 23% of the market share in September. Jaecoo alone accounted for 4.3%, while its parent company Chery claimed 2.8%, and BYD represented 5.75% of light-duty vehicle sales. This surge is fueled by the UK’s lack of tariffs on Chinese vehicles, unlike the European Union, allowing these brands to offer highly competitive pricing.

The Jaecoo 7’s appeal lies in its combination of luxury aesthetics and affordability. Starting at around £30,000, it undercuts the Range Rover Velar by approximately £26,000, offering a similar upscale look and interior at a fraction of the cost. Available as a plug-in hybrid, the model also benefits from the UK’s booming electrified vehicle market. In September, battery-electric vehicles made up 28.3% of sales, up five percentage points year-over-year, while plug-in hybrid sales soared by 55.7% to 59,563 registrations. Affordable PHEVs like the Jaecoo 7 are clearly resonating with buyers.

However, the model’s success comes with caveats. According to What Car?, the Jaecoo 7 was listed among the UK’s 10 least reliable cars this year, with most issues stemming from non-powertrain electronics. Additionally, 65% of affected customers reported repair times exceeding a week. This serves as a reminder that lower upfront costs can sometimes come with ownership headaches.

Despite reliability concerns, the Jaecoo 7’s triumph signals a significant shift in UK consumer behavior. Buyers are increasingly open to Chinese vehicles and plug-in hybrids, drawn by attractive pricing, desirable styling, and the growing acceptance of electrified powertrains. As Chinese automakers continue to expand their footprint, the UK market may see even more disruption in the months ahead.