The Chinese auto industry has made a real revolution over the past 5 years: from cheap “tin boxes” to high-tech cars competing with European and Japanese brands. Today every fifth car sold in the world - Chinese assembly, and in some countries (for example, Russia) their share exceeds 40%. But which model was the best-selling? And why?
In 2026, the palm will be held by Geely Coolray is a compact crossover that combines stylish design, advanced technology and an affordable price. However, leadership varies by region: in China it may be BYD Song, in Europe - MG ZS EV, and in Russia - Changan CS35 Plus. In this article we will analyze top 3 best selling Chinese cars, their technical features, real reviews from owners and nuances that are worth knowing before purchasing.
Top 3 best-selling Chinese cars in 2026
Global sales analysis (data JATO Dynamics and China Association of Automobile Manufacturers) shows that market leaders change annually, but several models consistently hold their positions. Here is the current rating:
- 1st place: Geely Coolray — more than 500,000 copies sold in 2023–2026. (including the restyled version). Popular in Russia, Latin America and Southeast Asia.
- 2nd place: BYD Song (including Song Plus and Song Pro) - about 450,000 sales, leader in China and Europe thanks to hybrid and electric versions.
- 3rd place: Changan CS35 Plus — 380,000 sales, the best choice in terms of price/quality ratio in the budget segment.
Interestingly, all three models belong to the class crossovers — this confirms the global trend towards increased ground clearance and versatility. At the same time BYD Song stands out as the greenest option with a wide range of electric cars, and Changan CS35 Plus - as the most affordable (price from 1.2 million rubles in the basic configuration).
Geely Coolray: why is it a leader?
Geely Coolray (sold as Geely Binyue) is a compact crossover that has revolutionized the idea of Chinese cars. His main trump cards:
- 🔥 Design: futuristic front end with LED optics, reminiscent of Audi Q3, and a dynamic silhouette.
- 🛡️ Security: 5 stars in crash test C-NCAP (Chinese equivalent Euro NCAP), 6 airbags, system
ADASeven in mid-range trim levels. - 💻 Technologies: 10.25 inch touch screen support Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, digital dashboard, wireless charging.
- 🔧 Reliability: engines
1.5T(177 hp) and1.8T(184 hp) from Volvo, 7-speed “robot” with dual clutch.
Average price in Russia - from 1.8 to 2.5 million rubles depending on the configuration. Among the disadvantages, the owners note:
- ⚠️ Stiff suspension on uneven roads (especially in the version with 19-inch wheels).
- ⚠️ Insufficient noise insulation at speeds over 100 km/h.
- ⚠️ The high cost of original spare parts (for example, a windshield costs ~40,000 rubles).
Before purchasing Geely Coolray Check the availability of an official dealer in your region - warranty service and availability of spare parts depend on this.
BYD Song: Electric Breakthrough
BYD Song is not just a car, but a symbol of China’s transition to “green” energy. The model is offered in three versions:
- 🔋 Song DM-i — a hybrid with an electric range of up to 120 km.
- ⚡ Song EV - fully electric version with battery
60 kWh(power reserve 400–450 km). - 🔥 Song Pro — “charged” version with engine
1.5T(197 hp) and sports suspension.
Main advantage BYD — own battery development Blade Battery, which do not ignite when punctured (unlike lithium-ion analogues). This has become a key factor for European buyers after scandals with fires in electric cars of other brands.
| Modification | Power reserve (electric) | Power, hp | Price in Russia, million rubles. |
|---|---|---|---|
| Song DM-i | 120 km | 197 (hybrid) | 2,3–2,7 |
| Song EV 60 kWh | 400 km | 177 | 2,5–2,9 |
| Song Pro 1.5T | — | 197 | 2,1–2,4 |
However, there are nuances:
⚠️ Attention: Service network in Russia BYD is still poorly developed - only about 50 dealers (for comparison: Geely there are more than 200 of them). This may complicate warranty repairs or battery replacement.
Changan CS35 Plus: the budget king
If you need inexpensive but modern crossover, Changan CS35 Plus - one of the best options. Its key features:
- 💰 Price: from 1.2 million rubles (the most affordable in the top 3).
- 🛠️ Easy to repair: engine
1.6L(126 hp) and 6-speed automatic transmission from Aisin - reliable and well-known components to mechanics. - 📱 Technologies: 10.25-inch screen, 360° camera, adaptive cruise control (in top versions).
- 🌍 Localization: from 2023 it will be assembled in Russia (Lipetsk), which simplifies the logistics of spare parts.
Among the disadvantages:
- Weak acceleration dynamics (up to 100 km/h in 11.5 seconds).
- Simple interior trim (lots of plastic, no premium materials).
- No all-wheel drive (front-wheel drive only).
Comparison with competitors
Unlike Geely Coolray, y Changan CS35 Plus There is no turbocharged engine, which affects power. However, it is cheaper to maintain: for example, an oil change costs 3,000–4,000 rubles (versus 5,000–6,000 for Geely).
Comparison by key parameters: table
To make the choice easier, we have summarized the main characteristics of the leaders in one table:
| Parameter | Geely Coolray | BYD Song EV | Changan CS35 Plus |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine type | 1.5T/1.8T (petrol) | Electric/hybrid | 1.6L (petrol) |
| Power, hp | 177–184 | 177–197 | 126 |
| Fuel consumption, l/100 km | 7,5–8,2 | 0 (electric) / 5.5 (hybrid) | 7,8–8,5 |
| Price, million rubles | 1,8–2,5 | 2,3–2,9 | 1,2–1,6 |
| Warranty, years | 5 (body), 3 (engine) | 6 (battery), 3 (other) | 4 (body), 3 (engine) |
Important: BYD Song EV is the only model in the top 3 that is eligible for a government subsidy for the purchase of electric cars in Russia (discount of up to 625,000 rubles in 2026).
Owner reviews: pros and cons
To get an objective picture, we analyzed reviews on Drom.ru, Drive2 and Chinese forums. Here's what real owners say:
Geely Coolray
- ✅ “Design at the level of European brands, often confused with Audi or Volvo.»
- ✅ “The 1.5T engine is very responsive, there is no turbo lag.”
- ❌ “The suspension is stiff, it knocks on bumps.”
- ❌ “The back row is a bit cramped for tall passengers.”
BYD Song EV
- ✅ “It’s a pleasure to drive with electricity – it’s quiet and vibration-free.”
- ✅ “The battery does not lose capacity even after 50,000 km.”
- ❌ “Charging to 100% takes 8–10 hours from a home outlet.”
- ❌ “Dealers sometimes wait months for parts.”
Changan CS35 Plus
- ✅ “For your money - a great option, nothing extra.”
- ✅ “Repairs are cheaper than competitors.”
- ❌ “Noise insulation is weak, you can hear the engine running.”
- ❌ “Multimedia is sometimes glitchy.”
Most complaints about Chinese cars are not related to breakdowns, but to ergonomic shortcomings (for example, inconvenient button placement) or build quality (plastic creaks). Technical problems are less common than in budget European cars 10 years ago.
What to look for when purchasing?
Before buying a Chinese car, check the following points:
Check the availability of an official dealer in your city|Check delivery times for spare parts (especially for electric cars)|Test multimedia for compatibility with a smartphone|Pay attention to noise insulation at speeds of 100+ km/h|Check the model’s review history on Russian forums-->
Also note:
⚠️ Attention: Many Chinese cars are sold with truncated configurations for the Russian market. For example, in Geely Coolray For Russia there is no option for heated steering wheel, which is available in European versions.
Another important point - service. Despite the warranty, some dealers refuse to recognize defects as “out of warranty.” For example, squeaks in plastic or malfunctions of a 360° camera are often attributed to “improper operation.”
FAQ: answers to frequently asked questions
Can you trust the crash tests of Chinese cars?
Yes, but with reservations. Tests C-NCAP (Chinese standard) often give inflated estimates compared to Euro NCAP. For example, Geely Coolray received 5 stars in C-NCAP, but in Euro NCAP (2023) - only 4. The reason is different evaluation criteria. However, in terms of safety, Chinese cars are not inferior to Korean ones (for example, Hyundai Creta).
How long do batteries last in electric BYDs?
The manufacturer states that the batteries Blade Battery retain 80% capacity after 3,000 charging cycles (about 1.2 million km). In practice, owners note a loss of 5–10% of capacity after 100,000 km. The battery warranty is 6 years or 150,000 km.
Which Chinese cars are better not to buy?
Avoid little-known brands without official support in Russia (for example, Haval F7 old style or FAW Bestune). Also be careful with first batches of new models - they often suffer from “childhood diseases” (for example, Zeekr X 2023 had problems with the software).
Where is it cheaper to buy: from a dealer or from someone else?
It is better to buy new cars from an official dealer - this way you will receive a guarantee and the opportunity to apply for a government subsidy (for example, for electric cars). On the secondary market, Chinese cars lose their value by 20–30% in 2–3 years, but the risk of running into a “problem” copy is high. The best option is demo-auto (with mileage up to 5,000 km) with a 10–15% discount.
Is it possible to install non-original spare parts?
Yes, but with caution. For example, for Changan CS35 Plus many spare parts from Mazda (engine 1.6L similar Mazda 3 first generation). But for BYD Song EV It is strictly forbidden to install non-original batteries - this will void the warranty and may lead to a fire.