China’s automotive market leadership in 2025 has a new protagonist — and it’s not a Tesla or BYD model.

China ‘s best-selling car , including electric and combustion models, in the first half of the year was the Geely Xingyuan, also known as the “Star Wish”.

With prices starting at 69,800 yuan (approximately R$49,000), Geely ‘s compact electric car has surpassed traditional bestsellers and taken the top spot in the rankings.

According to Chinese news outlet Yiche , Geely had sold around 205,000 units of the Xingyuan as of June. The BYD Seagull (our Dolphin Mini), which until then was neck and neck with the Tesla Model Y for the lead among EVs, came in second with 174,912 units.

Tesla ‘s electric SUV came in third, with 171,491 cars sold in the same period.

The Xingyuan’s success is no coincidence. Geely’s model offers two LFP battery versions manufactured by CATL: a 30.12 kWh and a 40.16 kWh battery.

The first offers a range of up to 310 km (CLTC cycle), while the second reaches 410 km. Even with modest specifications, the package is more than sufficient for urban use—and the affordable price is a decisive win-over for consumers.

Despite the loss, the BYD Seagull didn’t do badly. It sold nearly 30,000 units per month, keeping it a benchmark in the segment.

To maintain competitiveness, BYD has again reduced the Seagull’s prices in 2025, offering the base model for 55,800 yuan (approximately $39,000).

Other models appearing in the top 5 sales include the Wuling Hongguang MINI EV, with 171,046 units, and the BYD Qin PLUS, with 163,603.

Another highlight is the Xiaomi SU7, which despite limited production has already reached more than 155 thousand units sold and has maintained a monthly average above 20 thousand since October.

Tesla, for its part, continues to lead the premium segment with the Model Y, but is feeling the pressure.

The rise of Xiaomi’s SU7 and the explosion of cheaper models from Geely and BYD show that Chinese consumers are increasingly concerned about value for money, especially in the entry-level segment.

With fierce competition and new launches on the way, the second half of the year promises even more activity in what is the largest electric car market on the planet.

The war for the top has barely begun, and affordable compacts seem to have a clear advantage.