Beijing Auto Show: Top cars that wowed audiences
What's the story
The Beijing car show, the world's biggest auto show, is underway with a major focus on artificial intelligence (AI) and other advanced technologies. The event highlights China's growing dominance in the automotive industry, with companies like BYD and Geely taking center stage. Despite their innovative designs and features, these vehicles are unlikely to make it to the US or India anytime soon due to trade restrictions and infrastructure limitations.
Tech giants
Xiaomi Vision Gran Turismo hypercar
Tech giants Xiaomi and Huawei Technologies Co. are no longer smartphone makers. Xiaomi unveiled its Vision Gran Turismo, an all-electric hypercar designed for the racing game Gran Turismo 7. The futuristic concept vehicle features a "wind-sculpted" teardrop design, steer-by-wire technology, and a cocoon-shaped sofa in the cockpit for an immersive gaming experience. Huawei showed off its innovative headlights that can project movies and navigation cues on the road.
Innovative launches
BYD's AI-powered Denza Z convertible and Great Tang SUV
BYD's upscale brand Denza unveiled the Z Convertible, an AI-powered hypercar with 1,000 brake horsepower and a two-second acceleration time. The company also showcased the Great Tang, a redesigned flagship three-row SUV from its Dynasty series. The vehicle features BYD's latest blade batteries capable of driving nearly 1,000km on a single charge and an advanced AI cockpit.
Performance showcases
Yangwang's Breaking Dawn Edition and Geely's Galaxy Light luxury sedan
BYD's premium Yangwang brand unveiled the U9 Xtreme "Breaking Dawn" Edition, a quad-motor powertrain car that can reach speeds of nearly 500km/hr under ideal conditions. Meanwhile, Geely debuted its second-generation Galaxy Light luxury sedan concept with eave-style headlights, barn-style doors, and a smart cockpit with holographic controls. The vehicle is powered by an AI-driven hybrid system offering fuel efficiency of 2.2L/100km.
Market adaptations
Audi's E7X electric SUV and Hyundai's China-specific Ioniq lineup
Audi's new AUDI brand launched its second production model, the E7X, a large electric SUV designed for the Chinese market. It comes with a 59-inch display, up to 26 speakers, and an AI assistant developed with ByteDance Ltd., TikTok's owner. Hyundai Motor Co., which sells its IONIQ cars globally including in the US, revealed its IONIQ V concept. It has frameless doors, a floating mirror design for reduced drag, a massive 27-inch, 4K screen and more.
Futuristic designs
Fang Cheng Bao's Formula X and Exeed X-Concept luxury vehicle
BYD's Fang Cheng Bao has unveiled the two-door Formula X exotic sports car concept, which is expected to resemble its production version. The 1,000-horsepower Formula X uses a triple-motor all-wheel-drive system and is set to hit the market in 2027. Meanwhile, Chery Automobile Co.'s Exeed brand showcased the X-Concept, a three-passenger luxury autonomous vehicle with a changeable grille and dynamically styled wheels.