What’s new at Auto China 2024：new cars

Themed "Driving to Smart Mobility" , Auto China 2024，has been hosted in Beijing from April 25 to May 4, reaching 220,000 square meters.

The Complete Vehicle section gathers over 100 brands showcasing their latest models, featuring newcomers such as Li Auto, ZEEKR, Xiaomi, FANGCHENGBAO, DEEPAL, Leapmotor, AVATR, Harmony lntelligent Mobility Alliance, IM Motors, Ji Yue, and the Durant Guild.

The Future Smart Driving and Components sections at the Shunyi Hall attracted nearly 100 industrial chain companies.

Dedicated to automotive components, the Chaoyang Hall is divided into Automotive Parts and Assembly, Electronics and Systems, and New Energy and Intelligent Connectivity sectors, among which 16% exhibitors are components and assembly suppliers, 33% are electronics and systems firms, and 51% are in new energy and intelligent connectivity section.

Now, we'll dive into the highlights of the show's new vehicles and innovative technologies.

Let's start with new vehicles. The spotlight includes 117 global debuts, 30 of which are from global car makers,  41 concept cars, and 278 new energy vehicle models.

Heavyweight models from joint ventures:

The BMW Vision Neue Klasse concept reimagines the future with its new design language, cutting-edge electronic and electrical architecture, a fresh digital experience, as well as innovative electric drive systems and battery technology. The model is slated for volume production in 2025.

The Mercedes-Benz EQG makes its global debut with a unique four-electric-motor setup, which enables it to turn on the spot. It is expected to hit the market in the second half of 2024.

Volkswagen Anhui displays its first all-electric SUV model, the ID.UNYX, marking a debut for Volkswagen’s golden badge. The model is set to go on sale later this year.

Launched by SAIC General Motors, the Buick GL8 PHEV sports the company's new-generation PHEV-dedicated power system. Besides, Buick also highlighted its future strategy for all-electric MPVs, revealing the upcoming new technologies like CTP (cell-to-pack) battery architecture, quasi-900V high-voltage platform, 5C-rate battery cells, solid-state batteries, and SiC electric drive systems.

Changan Mazda showcases its first full-electric sedan model, the MAZDA EZ-6, which is also the inaugural model from a joint venture in China to ride on a cutting-edge all-electric digital platform.

Jiangling Ford put the Ford Bronco onto the market at this year's Auto China. The model boasts over 20 removable modules and over 10 ports ready for modification, maximizing its potential for personalization.

Attention-worthy models under Chinese legacy automakers

As Geely Galaxy's first full-sized SUV prototype, the Galaxy Starship (named Xingjian in Chinese Pinyin) is crafted on the GEA (global intelligent new energy architecture) platform, featuring such cutting-edge technologies as the new NordThor hybrid dedicated powertrain, the 11-in-1 intelligent electric drive system, as well as AI-powered audio system, intelligent seats, digital assistant, and digital chassis. It is scheduled to hit the market in 2025.

BYD exhibits the BYD Qin L model, which is equipped with the latest DM-i 5.0 system. Upon the model’s market release, the Qin L aims to challenge JV-made mid-sized sedans alongside the Han. With the Qin PLUS, it will target the A+ market segment.

Filling in its gap in the premium sedan market, DENZA offers the first glimpse of the DENZA Z9 GT model in both BEV and PHEV versions. The all-electric version features the e3 architecture, while details on the PHEV yet to be announced. This model also carries advanced features like the 10-degree rear-wheel steering and the DiSus-A system.

As the first model to adopt the Co Pad in-vehicle tablet, the Lynk & Co 07 E-MP supports multi-device connectivity backed by Meizu's Flyme Link solution.

Positioned as a mid-to-large-sized SUV, the NEVO E07 is the first “digital intelligent” model to ride on Changan Auto’s SDA (software-driven architecture), prioritizing digital and intelligent features. Offered in both BEV and REEV (range-extended electric vehicle) models, the model is set to go into mass production in October and hit the market later this year.

Targeting young consumers, Chery's iCAR V23 introduces a new boxy design equipped with robust computing power. It supports high-speed NOA (Navigate on Autopilot), memory parking, and Level 2+ intelligent driving functions, expected to go on sale by the end of this year.

Remarkable models under prominent emerging brands

The Xiaomi SU7 has been a smash hit since its market release, and has secured 75,000 units of fixed orders. Xiaomi EV is on track to meet its ambitious goal of delivering 100,000 vehicles this year. Xiaomi will roll out urban NOA functions in May across 10 major cities including Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, and Shenzhen, with plans to expand nationwide by August.

The IM L6 from IM Motors is the first mass-produced model to feature a semi-solid-state battery, offering a range exceeding 1,000km. It also comes equipped with the Lingxi digital chassis, enabling an impressively low turning radius of just 4.99 meters. Moreover, plans are in place to achieve urban NOA without HD maps within the year, with pre-sales already underway.

The DEEPAL G318 is the first vehicle to feature DEEPAL's Super Range Extending 2.0 technology, equipped with air suspension plus CDC (continuous damping control), and capable of 16 driving modes through its front & rear drive systems and dual locks (the central stepless differential lock and the magnetic mechanical differential lock). It's expected to hit the market in the second quarter of this year.

The ZEEKR MIX is a crossover SUV shaped like an MPV. It is built on the SEA-M architecture, offering the largest cabin space in its class at 6.3 square meters. It is also the world's first mass-produced vehicle with electrically rotating driver and passenger seats, enabling over 20 different spatial scenarios such as Gathering Mode, Baby Mode, and Viewing Mode.

As Leapmotor's first large six-seater SUV, the Leapmotor C16 merges the strengths of MPVs and SUVs, built on the LEAP 3.0 technology architecture. It opened for pre-orders at the Auto China 2024 and is scheduled for official delivery starting in June.

Co-developed by Huawei and BAIC Group, the STELATO S9 is the first executive-level flagship sedan from Huawei’s Harmony lntelligent Mobility Alliance, positioned as a luxury D-segment sedan. It's set to go on sale in the third quarter of this year to vie with the likes the Mercedes-Benz S-Class and BMW 7 Series.

What's more, the Auto China this year also highlights a rising trend in rugged off-road vehicles. In addition to Great Wall Motor TANK series, other notable models include the Mercedes-Benz EQG all-electric off-roader, Dongfeng Motor's M-HUNTER, the DEEPAL G318, the Ford Bronco, BAIC Motor's BJ30, FANGCHNEGBAO's BAO 8, the all-new Toyota Prado, the JETOUR Shanhai T2, and Chery’s iCAR V23, all of which are worth attention.