Until a few years ago they were just a shadow in the Italian automotive panorama. Today, however, the Chinese cars not only are they present, but they are becoming protagonists. numbers are still contained compared to the traditional giants, but the trend is clear: from niche curiosity to concrete choice for thousands of motorists, their rise is rapid, silent and well-planned. The reason? Aggressive prices, modern designs, lots of technology and an ever-expanding range. All this topped off with a targeted marketing and networks of sales on the rise.
According to the latest data, in the first quarter of 2025, Chinese manufacturers have conquered the 5,8% of the Italian market, a sharp increase compared to the 3,7% of 2024 and at the 0,4% of 2021. In just four years, their share has grown more than 15 times. This is certified by the New Brand Observatory of Quintegia, who also underlines how this phenomenon is anything but temporary.
E It's not just about low-cost cars. Chinese brands are making inroads in all segments: from electric city cars to compact SUVs, up to the first premium models. The goal is clear: to conquer a stable place in the choices of Italians. And, judging by sales, the path taken is the right one.
However, there remains a crux to untie: the reliability of after-sales assistance. While the big European and Japanese brands can count on a consolidated network, the Chinese are still in the construction phase. But even on this front, investments are not lacking.
Mg queen of the market, but Byd runs fast
The main drivers behind the growth of Chinese cars in Italy are brands that are now well recognizable even from the general public: Mg – historic English brand but now Chinese since 2007 – Byd – now defined the Tesla's big rival globally – but also Chery (with the brands Omoda e jaeco), Leap motor, D and the Molise one (it is from Macchia d'Isernia) Dr Automobiles, which imports and reworks models built in China.
Currently the market leader is Mg, a brand of the giant Saic, which has found fertile ground in Italy since its debut in 2021. In 2024 it registered over 40 thousand cars, with a share of 2,6%, and in the first four months of 2025 alone it has already exceeded 20 thousand units sold, marking an impressive + 56 % compared to the previous year. The Mg Zs, in particular, is today among the ten best-selling cars in Italy (in ninth place).
Behind Mg, but in clear acceleration, there is Byd, world leader in the production of electrified vehicles. Having landed in Italy only in 2023, it has already convinced over 8.500 customers, and in the first months of 2025 it reached the1% market share, thanks also to the success of the plug-in SUV Seal U, first in its category for sales.
Other protagonists of the new Chinese wave are also growing. Chery, through its brands Omoda and Jaecoo, has achieved 5.500 registrations from the debut in 2024, with almost 3.000 units in the first quarter of this year alone. Leap motor, backed by Stellantis, is still in its infancy but has already sold 865 vehicles between January and April 2025. And Dr Automobiles, thanks to its Italian network and a range based on Chinese platforms, has surpassed the 4.300 units in the same period.
And the best – or the biggest – is yet to come. By 2028, well 27 new car brands will land on the Italian market, and beyond 90% of these will be of Chinese origin (among these also Xiaomi with its Su7). The focus? More and more oriented towards SUVs and crossovers, the segments most in demand by motorists and most profitable for manufacturers today. Electrification will be the common thread, with a range that will focus above all on electric and plug-in hybrid engines, which have now become the beating heart of the new mobility.
Chinese cars: here are the best models under 30 thousand euros
The growing success of Chinese cars in Italy also passes – and above all – through the priceThese brands are able to offer attractively designed, well-equipped and technologically advanced models, keeping the price list within a fundamental threshold for many Italian motorists: that of 30.000 € (duties permitting).
Whether it's electric city cars, compact SUVs or hybrid utility vehicles, the offer is already wide and constantly evolving. Here some of the most interesting models on the Italian market.
MG3: the compact utility car that winks at sportiness
The new Mg3 represents the fusion between the tradition of the English brand and the technological drive of the Chinese group. It presents itself with modern lines and classic proportions of a small car, just over 4 meters long. In addition to the petrol version with a 1.5 115 HP engine, a full hybrid variant with a total of 195 HP is now available. On-board technology includes touch displays, MG Pilot system with driving assistants and extensive connectivity. Prices start from 16.990 € (petrol) and 19.990 € (hybrid), making it one of the most interesting small cars of the moment.
Mg ZS Hybrid+: the city SUV with everything as standard
Staying in the Mg house, the Zs Hybrid+ is one of the most solid proposals in the compact SUV segment. With a length of 4,32 meters, the 145 hp mild hybrid engine and a smooth CVT gearbox, it is designed for those looking for a versatile car. The standard equipment is striking: 10″ screen, digital instrumentation, full LED headlights, infotainment with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The price starts from approximately EUR 23.500, a truly competitive offer for a well-built and technologically complete SUV.
Byd Dolphin Surf (or Seagull): the urban electric with a crossover soul
La Dolphin Surf is BYD's answer to the electric city car segment, but with a twist. Inspired by the Chinese Seagull crossover, it is compact (3,8 meters), but offers a long wheelbase and plenty of interior space. The 12,8-inch display dominates the dashboard, while the DiPilot system allows for level 2 assisted driving. Two battery variants (30,1 or 38,9 kWh), for a range of up to 350 km. The price starts from approximately 19.000 €, and aims straight at the heart of urban drivers. Designed for a young and urban public, it promises low running costs and a brilliant drive thanks to the 130 kW (177 hp) engine.
Leapmotor T03: the compact electric distributed by Stellantis
Leapmotor T03 It is a 100% electric city car, compact on the outside (3,62 m) but surprisingly spacious on the inside. It has five doors, four real seats and a range of up to 265 km Wltp (395 in the city), thanks to the 37,3 kWh battery. The engine is 95 hp, more than enough for everyday use. The equipment includes automatic climate control, touch infotainment and basic driving assistance. It is distributed in Italy through the Stellantis network, who strongly believes in the potential of this model for urban mobility. List price: 18.900 €.
Dongfeng Box: Essential Outside, Smart Inside
Recently arrived in Italy, the Box it is the electric city car of D with an extra gear. 4,02 meters long, it offers innovative solutions: the front seats recline completely to create a lounge area, ideal for breaks or waiting. The 70 kW (95 hp) engine is powered by a 42,3 kWh battery for a range of 310 km. The 12,8″ touch screen and level 2 Adas complete a modern and refined package. There is only one very complete set-up, offered at 23.800 €.
Omoda 5: Chinese SUV with European ambitions
Omoda 5 It is the crossover launched by Chery to conquer Europe. 4,40 meters long, it has a sporty and well-proportioned style. The 1.6 turbo engine with 197 HP is combined with a dual-clutch automatic transmission. The interior is modern and technological, with a package that includes complete infotainment, refined finishes and advanced safety systems. The price starts from 27.900 €.
Emc Yudo: young design and interesting autonomy
Emc Yudo is a 4,04-meter electric city SUV, characterized by a fresh and attractive design, with lime-colored inserts and tapered lines. It has a 30 kWh battery that guarantees up to 325 km of autonomy, intuitive infotainment and enough space for family use. List price: 24.200 €.
Dfsk Glory 500: The Economical Suv for the Family
Those looking for an affordable SUV can consider the Dfsk Glory 500, powered by a 1.5 petrol engine with 116 HP. Simple lines, a spacious interior and a good boot make it an interesting proposition for families. The price starts from 19.990 €, with essential but complete equipment.
