5 most expensive Chinese cars in South Africa in 2025
Now, while myriad Chinese vehicles were introduced to our shores as more attainable offerings (Chery's Tiggo 4 Pro, for example) a number of cars from the Far East are placed – and priced – within the premium segment.
We take a look at the five most expensive Chinese cars that you can buy in South Africa as of July.
5. BYD Sealion 7 Premium – R1 099 900
Introduced alongside the Shark 6 plug-in hybrid bakkie in April, the Sealion 7 forms part of BYD's (Build Your Dreams) Ocean series. In Premium level of specification, the Shenzhen brand's premium emissions-free SUV sports a 230kW/380Nm rear-wheel drivetrain. BYD claims a driving range of up to 567km.
4. Maxus T90 EV double cab – R1 100 000
The only bakkie to make this list, the Maxus T90 EV – which also appeared as an 'honourable mention' in our list comprising South Africa's five most expensive bakkies in 2025 – is the first battery-electric bakkie available in South Africa. The Shanghai automaker's emissions-free double cab is endowed with 150kW and 310Nm of torque, and offers an operating range of around 330km from a single, full charge.
3. BYD Seal Performance AWD- R1 199 900
Perhaps BYD's most dynamic offering in its local portfolio, the Seal is the only sedan on this list. Sporting a 390kW/670Nm dual electric-motor setup and all-wheel drive, the pinnacle variant in the Seal lineup completes the 0-100km/h dash in just 3.8s, the firm claims. The Performance model's driving range is quoted as 520km.
However, if operating range is at the top of your list, a 230kW/360Nm single-motor, rear-wheel-drive model – the Premium Extended Range, which is priced from R999 900 – is also available, and offers 570km from a single, full charge.
2. GWM Tank 500 2.0T HEV Ultra Luxury 4WD – R1 228 950
The GWM Tank 500 is the only car here that features an internal combustion engine (ICE). However, it does come with electric assistance. Sharing a drivetrain with the Baoding brand's flagship P500 model, which we evaluated for a road test in the November 2024 issue of CAR magazine, the Tank 500's ICE is paired with an electric motor for a combined system output of 255kW and 648Nm of torque.
1. BYD Sealion 7 Performance AWD – R1 299 900
The second Sealion 7 and third BYD to make this list, the range-topping Sealion 7 is the most expensive Chinese car you can currently buy in South Africa. Spearheading the Sealion 7 lineup, the Performance derivative's all-electric, all-paw drivetrain produces 390kW and 690Nm, allowing it to launch from a standstill to 100km/h in a claimed 4.5s. BYD claims an operating range of 542km.
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