China’s BYD Co. predictably had one of the largest footprints, and Geely Automobile Holdings Ltd. took over half of a hall at Beijing’s vast new convention centre, designed by Zaha Hadid Architects. Smartphone makers Xiaomi Corp. and Huawei Technologies Co. proved that, well, they can’t just be considered tech gadget companies anymore. Determined not to cede any more share to local incumbents, European automakers were out in force too, showcasing Chinese versions of their vehicles that you won’t find anywhere in New York City or Silicon Valley.
Xiaomi Vision Gran Turismo
An all-electric concept hypercar developed for the racing game Gran Turismo 7, the Vision features a “wind-sculpted” teardrop design that helps produce low drag. Inside the cockpit is a cocoon-shaped sofa for the full gamer experience, complete with an X-shaped steering wheel with steer-by-wire technology. After the success of its SU7 electric sedan, Xiaomi is using the futuristic concept vehicle to prove it’s a serious tech-first carmaker capable of hypercar-level engineering and dazzling design.
Denza Z Convertible
Not to be outdone, BYD’s Denza upscale brand unveiled the Z Convertible, a hypercar packed with AI and 1,000 brake horsepower, capable of going from 0 to 100 km/h in about two seconds, and designed to take on the likes of the Porsche 718.
BYD Great Tang
The Tang returns as a completely redesigned flagship three-row SUV from the Dynasty series, featuring BYD’s latest blade batteries capable of driving nearly 1,000 kilometres (620 miles) on a single charge and an advanced AI cockpit. The Great Tang is expected to go on sale in the first half of the year, starting at 250,000 yuan ($36,600).
Yangwang U9 Xtreme ‘Breaking Dawn’ Edition
BYD’s top-of-the-line Yangwang brand, whose vehicles often sell for more than 1 million yuan, unveiled the U9 Xtreme “Breaking Dawn” Edition, fitted with a quad-motor powertrain that allows the car to hit speeds of nearly 500 kilometres an hour under ideal conditions. Only a few dozen of these will be sold, though.
Geely Galaxy Light
Geely debuted the second generation of its Galaxy Light luxury sedan concept. It featured eave-style headlights, barn-style doors and a smart cockpit with holographic controls. Powered by an AI-driven hybrid system, it boasts a 2.2L/100km fuel efficiency.
AUDI E7X
Audi’s new AUDI (in all caps) brand introduced its second production model, the E7X, after the first one underwhelmed Chinese consumers. This one is a large electric SUV tailored specifically for the Chinese market, equipped with a 59-inch display, up to 26 speakers, and an AI assistant co-developed with ByteDance Ltd., the owner of TikTok. By ditching the almost century-old four-ring logo, Audi is experimenting with a more aggressive, tech-heavy identity to compete with Nio and Li Auto as part of its “In China, For China” strategy. A lot is riding on Audi getting this right.
Hyundai Ioniq Venus
Though Hyundai Motor Co. sells its Ioniq cars worldwide, including the US, the Korean carmaker’s EV brand is planning a lineup specifically for China, including the Venus sedan. Though it’s a concept car, meaning the production version may change, it features a lightweight glass roof, a see-through spoiler and a Radiant Gold finish. Inside, the cabin emphasises a driver-centric layout, complete with layered mood lighting and a high-contrast palette of suede and chrome-gold accents.
Hyundai Ioniq Earth
Positioned as a rugged family vehicle, the Earth SUV concept features a futuristic aesthetic defined by a colour-shifting, high-durability Aurora Shield finish, sharp structural lines and exposed bolt accents. The cabin features “air hug” seats made of soft air modules and ambient lighting designed to mimic tree shadows.
Fang Cheng Bao Formula X Concept
BYD’s Fang Cheng Bao has evolved from its rugged off-road vehicle roots, as it unveiled the two-door Formula X exotic sports car concept that will resemble the production version, more or less. Built on a lightweight carbon-fibre monocage chassis, the 1,000-horsepower Formula X uses a triple-motor all-wheel-drive system and is scheduled to hit the market in 2027.
Exeed X-Concept
Chery Automobile Co.’s Exeed brand showed off the X-Concept, a three-passenger luxury autonomous vehicle. It subverts the traditional focus on the driver’s seat, and prioritises the backseat instead. The vehicle comes with a changeable grille and dynamically styled wheels.
BAIC Kosmos Cabin X concept
BAIC’s Kosmos Cabin X concept provides a glimpse of what autonomous cars could look like in the future. It features rotating front seats, allowing passengers to face each other in a lounge-like setting — with no one taking the wheel.
