China’s first motor show since Covid restrictions were finally lifted is under way, and already it's shaping up to be one of the biggest motoring events in recent years.
Auto Shanghai, which began in 1985, is hosting unveilings from global brands such as Polestar, Porsche and Smart, as well as home-grown ones including BYD, Nio and Xpeng - and as Chinese brands ramp up plans to compete in Europe, we're just as excited to see all of them.
Here's every new car appearing in Shanghai:
Audi Formula 1 car
Audi is primed to enter Formula 1 in 2026 in partnership with Sauber, and it has been reported that more details on its project will be presented at Shanghai, given the importance of the Chinese market for the sport. The move towards sustainable fuels and the cost cap for each team were key motivators for the German brand to join F1.
Audi partners with Sauber for Formula 1 entry
BMW i7 M70
It might not be a 'full-fat' M-car, but with 650bhp and enough torque to pull down a house, the new top-rung i7 is a luxury limo with supercar-baiting performance. In fact, it'll do 0-62mph quicker than a Porsche Cayman GT4 - but BMW says it can still crack up to 348 miles between charges. The ultimate all-rounder?
BMW i7 M70 becomes brand's most powerful EV with 650bhp
BMW XM Red Label
The most powerful hybrid SUV on the market makes its official debut in Shanghai. It's a radically styled, 738bhp SUV that will do 0-62mph in 3.8sec. The £170,860 Red Label builds on the regular XM's 644bhp powertrain with the addition of an upgrade package for its V8 - it now produces 94bhp more than the standard car's V8. With this upgrade to the combustion engine, its electric-only range is now 47-52 miles and will reach a top speed, in electric mode, of 87mph. Derestricted and with the optional M Driver’s Package, it will reach a top speed of 180mph.
BMW XM Label Red brings 738bhp for £170,860
BYD Yangwang U9
China's answer to the Audi R8 comes as a £122,100 sports coupé with an electric motor powering each wheel to deliver a 0-62mph time of less than 2.0sec. While not much has been disclosed about the U9, we can confirm that it uses EV technology developed by BYD itself and was styled by Wolfgang Egger, the former Alfa Romeo and Audi design boss.
BYD launches luxury EV brand with supercar and rugged 4x4
HiPhi Y
HiPhi is a rapidly evolving Chinese premium EV manufacturer that currently offers the X SUV and Z grand tourer. Sitting below them will be the entry-level Y, a slightly smaller but no less outlandish electric SUV that will begin HiPhi's expansion into Europe. Arriving at the end of the year, it targets a lower price point and higher sales volumes than the £75,000 X and Z.
Join the debate
Add your comment