Coolest productions and concepts of Beijing Auto Show 2024
26 Apr 2024|2,836 views
The Beijing International Auto Show is one of China's largest auto exhibition. Spanning 220,000 square metres large, it has become an important platform for the global auto industry to showcase every two years in China (it alternates with Shanghai Auto Show), and is one of China's well-known brand exhibitions with extensive international influence.
Located at the China International Exhibition Centre with its theme of "New Era, New Automobiles", the 18th Beijing Auto Show showcases plenty of electric vehicles (EVs), several world premieres as well as local launches. Familiar big brands such as those from Volkswagen Group were present. But it was the local carmakers such as BYD, GWM and Zeekr who added colour to the show.
Here are some of the coolest productions as well as concept cars of the 2024 Beijing Auto Show:
Audi Q6L e-tron
Audi launched the long wheelbase version of its Q6 e-tron. As you'd expect, this model will be made in China for China only. It will be built at the new Audi FAW NEV (New Energy Vehicle) factory in Changchun, China, and is expected to carry over the powertrains from the standard model.
This would mean a dual-motor setup that will send some 382bhp to all four corners and will be based on the Premium Platform Electric (PPE) platform similar to the recently launched all-electric Porsche Macan. This means it'll come with an 800V technology and a 100kWh lithium-ion battery.
The Audi Q5 e-tron RS as well as the SQ6 both made its first appearance here in Beijing, too.
Bentley Mulliner Batur
Making its China debut is Bentley's new luxury GT sports car. The Bentley Batur is powered by a W12 engine that's good for a massive 730bhp and mountain-moving 1,000Nm of torque. As such, the car will be capable of smashing the century sprint in just 3.3 seconds.
The highly desirable car is handcrafted by the Mulliner division. The vehicle's development is complete, with a global limited production of 18 units. Deliveries are expected to be completed by the end of 2024.
BMW Vision Neue Klasse
According to Oliver Zipse, Chairman of the board of management of BMW Group, the Neue Klasse vehicles are "more than just a car or a specific concept; it is redefining the BMW brand". Batteries used in Neue Klasse vehicles will extend their driving range by up to 30% but cut their charging time by 30% compared with current ones.
This concept showcases the future possibilities of the carmaker, with a focus of reducing the CO2 footprint throughout its life cycle. Alongside this concept SUV was also the facelifted BMW i4.
BYD Ocean-M
BYD's latest EV, the Ocean-M, is arguably the sportiest-looking in its current lineup. Possibly based on the newly developed architecture e-platform 4.0, it will be the first electric performance hatchback with rear-wheel drive.
While specifications are currently unknown, it's clear that the Ocean-M is going to be fast and furious, with long, sharp headlamps flanking the BYD lettering and wide gaping air intakes underneath and a prominent spoiler lip. Plus, you get a roof-mounted rear wing that highlights the athletic nature of the EV, further confirming its go-quick nature.
The Ocean-M will certainly add on to BYD's large array of EVs as well as market share - something that has already surpassed Tesla.
Denza Z9 GT
Another brand that BYD has its foot in is Denza. The brand was a fruit of a joint venture between Daimler and BYD in a 50-50 stake but the German carmaker slashed its stake to just 10%, allowing BYD to take 90% of it. The result is the Denza Z9 GT.
Created to fight the Porsche Panamera Sport Turismo, this plug-in hybrid is a wagon that boasts huge dimensions. However, not only is it huge, it's also a heavy vehicle. At close to 2.9 tonnes, the Z9 GT is one of the heaviest EVs we've come across so far.
Thankfully, with an insane total output of over 950bhp, so I doubt the heft can be felt when you're out and about.
Fang Cheng Bao Super 9 Concept
BYD continues to expand its lineup of models including in its premium sub-brand Fang Cheng Bao. Almost similar to Yangwang, this brand also has its sights set on the niche supercar market with the Super 9 Concept. The brand, however, is expected to be positioned under Yangwang but above Denza.
Falling into the speedster category, the Super 9 is distinct from anything else the Beijing Auto Show, as a two-seat electric show car with a carbon fibre monocoque. It's created by BYD's Head of Design, Wolfgang Egger, who was also responsible for cars from Alfa Romeo, Audi and Lamborghini.
Haval H6
Under the Great Wall Motors umbrella is Haval, amongst others. The latest facelifted H6 is a sleek-looking SUV that should be powered by a 2.0-litre four-pot powerplant. That should endow the car with roughly 230bhp and 385Nm of torque. Based on the figures, the car is good for a fuel consumption of approximately 12.3km/L.
Alongside the H6 is the Haval H9, a crusher of an SUV that resembles the Toyota Land Cruiser. Local authorised distributor Cycle & Carriage is currently working to bring the Haval H6 into our shores. More details to come.
Honda Ye GT Concept
This cool-looking EV concept will join the existing Ye Series such as the Ye P7 and the Ye S7. Both the production cars bear a strong resemblance to the Toyota Crown and will only be on sale in China.
According to Honda, it plans to introduce 10 new EVs in the Chinese market by 2027, six of which will be new Ye Series models. Its latest series of EVs is all part of the automaker's plan to shift its lineup to fully electric vehicles in China by 2035.
As for the GT concept that you see here, not much specs has been offered by Honda just yet but a large screen will be adopted for the very first time in a Honda car for the front seat passenger. The all-new Ye Series models will wear the new 'H mark' designed exclusively for Honda's next generation EV models.
Mazda EZ-6
The Mazda EZ-6 is the first of a series of new electrified vehicles. This car here is a dedicated electrified model that combines Mazda's design language, KODO: Soul of Motion, and its signature driving performance that focuses on the Jinba-ittai (car and driver as one) driving feel.
Two versions of the Mazda EZ-6 will be available, a fully-electric variant as well as a plug-in hybrid (PHEV). The all-electric model has an expected driving range of approximately 600km, while the PHEV is expected to achieve over 1,000km of driving range on a single tank of fuel.
The Mazda EZ-6 will go up against cars like the BYD Seal, Ora 07 as well as the Tesla Model 3.
MINI Aceman
Of course, this car comes as no surprise, but the MINI Aceman is now finally making its first appearance in Beijing. Slated to replace the MINI Clubman as a full-electric model, the Aceman is a joint venture between MINI and Great Wall Motor (GWM). While not much info has been revealed, there should be two variants launching - Aceman and Aceman S.
The base model should be getting a 40kWh battery that's good for some 300km. Output should be rated at 181bhp and 290Nm of torque via a single electric motor. The S, on the other hand, should be equipped with a larger 54kWh battery pack that will see to a range of 400km. Output should be rated at 215bhp and 329Nm of twisting force, all of which will be sent to the front wheels.
Ora 07
Equipped with an 83.5kWh battery, the Ora 07 is a four-door coupe that will go head to head with cars like the BYD Seal and the Tesla Model 3.
This beauty has a combination of both Porsche at the front and Bentley at the back and is available in two variants - Long Range and Performance. The former comes with a single motor that churns out some 200bhp and 340Nm of torque, allowing the car to hit the 100km/h mark from nought in 7.9 seconds.
The more powerful Performance variant, on the other hand, comes equipped with two motors, which endow the car with 402bhp and 680Nm of twisting force. These figures allows the juicier variant to smash the century sprint in just 4.3 seconds.
The car will be arriving in Singapore at the end of the year.
Zeekr Mix
Zeekr has confirmed its 5th EV model - a new van-like multi-purpose vehicle called the Mix. Zeekr, the luxury EV brand under the umbrella of China's Geely Holding Group, is coming to Singapore this year. The Chinese firm has partnered with Premium Automobiles Group, the authorised dealer for Audi in Singapore, with two models slated to launch here - 009 and X.
The Mix will either be available in a five-seater or a six-seater (3+3) model, depending on the market, that is capable of some 415bhp.
The Beijing International Auto Show is one of China's largest auto exhibition. Spanning 220,000 square metres large, it has become an important platform for the global auto industry to showcase every two years in China (it alternates with Shanghai Auto Show), and is one of China's well-known brand exhibitions with extensive international influence.
Located at the China International Exhibition Centre with its theme of "New Era, New Automobiles", the 18th Beijing Auto Show showcases plenty of electric vehicles (EVs), several world premieres as well as local launches. Familiar big brands such as those from Volkswagen Group were present. But it was the local carmakers such as BYD, GWM and Zeekr who added colour to the show.
Here are some of the coolest productions as well as concept cars of the 2024 Beijing Auto Show:
Audi Q6L e-tron
Audi launched the long wheelbase version of its Q6 e-tron. As you'd expect, this model will be made in China for China only. It will be built at the new Audi FAW NEV (New Energy Vehicle) factory in Changchun, China, and is expected to carry over the powertrains from the standard model.
This would mean a dual-motor setup that will send some 382bhp to all four corners and will be based on the Premium Platform Electric (PPE) platform similar to the recently launched all-electric Porsche Macan. This means it'll come with an 800V technology and a 100kWh lithium-ion battery.
The Audi Q5 e-tron RS as well as the SQ6 both made its first appearance here in Beijing, too.
Bentley Mulliner Batur
Making its China debut is Bentley's new luxury GT sports car. The Bentley Batur is powered by a W12 engine that's good for a massive 730bhp and mountain-moving 1,000Nm of torque. As such, the car will be capable of smashing the century sprint in just 3.3 seconds.
The highly desirable car is handcrafted by the Mulliner division. The vehicle's development is complete, with a global limited production of 18 units. Deliveries are expected to be completed by the end of 2024.
BMW Vision Neue Klasse
According to Oliver Zipse, Chairman of the board of management of BMW Group, the Neue Klasse vehicles are "more than just a car or a specific concept; it is redefining the BMW brand". Batteries used in Neue Klasse vehicles will extend their driving range by up to 30% but cut their charging time by 30% compared with current ones.
This concept showcases the future possibilities of the carmaker, with a focus of reducing the CO2 footprint throughout its life cycle. Alongside this concept SUV was also the facelifted BMW i4.
BYD Ocean-M
BYD's latest EV, the Ocean-M, is arguably the sportiest-looking in its current lineup. Possibly based on the newly developed architecture e-platform 4.0, it will be the first electric performance hatchback with rear-wheel drive.
While specifications are currently unknown, it's clear that the Ocean-M is going to be fast and furious, with long, sharp headlamps flanking the BYD lettering and wide gaping air intakes underneath and a prominent spoiler lip. Plus, you get a roof-mounted rear wing that highlights the athletic nature of the EV, further confirming its go-quick nature.
The Ocean-M will certainly add on to BYD's large array of EVs as well as market share - something that has already surpassed Tesla.
Denza Z9 GT
Another brand that BYD has its foot in is Denza. The brand was a fruit of a joint venture between Daimler and BYD in a 50-50 stake but the German carmaker slashed its stake to just 10%, allowing BYD to take 90% of it. The result is the Denza Z9 GT.
Created to fight the Porsche Panamera Sport Turismo, this plug-in hybrid is a wagon that boasts huge dimensions. However, not only is it huge, it's also a heavy vehicle. At close to 2.9 tonnes, the Z9 GT is one of the heaviest EVs we've come across so far.
Thankfully, with an insane total output of over 950bhp, so I doubt the heft can be felt when you're out and about.
Fang Cheng Bao Super 9 Concept
BYD continues to expand its lineup of models including in its premium sub-brand Fang Cheng Bao. Almost similar to Yangwang, this brand also has its sights set on the niche supercar market with the Super 9 Concept. The brand, however, is expected to be positioned under Yangwang but above Denza.
Falling into the speedster category, the Super 9 is distinct from anything else the Beijing Auto Show, as a two-seat electric show car with a carbon fibre monocoque. It's created by BYD's Head of Design, Wolfgang Egger, who was also responsible for cars from Alfa Romeo, Audi and Lamborghini.
Haval H6
Under the Great Wall Motors umbrella is Haval, amongst others. The latest facelifted H6 is a sleek-looking SUV that should be powered by a 2.0-litre four-pot powerplant. That should endow the car with roughly 230bhp and 385Nm of torque. Based on the figures, the car is good for a fuel consumption of approximately 12.3km/L.
Alongside the H6 is the Haval H9, a crusher of an SUV that resembles the Toyota Land Cruiser. Local authorised distributor Cycle & Carriage is currently working to bring the Haval H6 into our shores. More details to come.
Honda Ye GT Concept
This cool-looking EV concept will join the existing Ye Series such as the Ye P7 and the Ye S7. Both the production cars bear a strong resemblance to the Toyota Crown and will only be on sale in China.
According to Honda, it plans to introduce 10 new EVs in the Chinese market by 2027, six of which will be new Ye Series models. Its latest series of EVs is all part of the automaker's plan to shift its lineup to fully electric vehicles in China by 2035.
As for the GT concept that you see here, not much specs has been offered by Honda just yet but a large screen will be adopted for the very first time in a Honda car for the front seat passenger. The all-new Ye Series models will wear the new 'H mark' designed exclusively for Honda's next generation EV models.
Mazda EZ-6
The Mazda EZ-6 is the first of a series of new electrified vehicles. This car here is a dedicated electrified model that combines Mazda's design language, KODO: Soul of Motion, and its signature driving performance that focuses on the Jinba-ittai (car and driver as one) driving feel.
Two versions of the Mazda EZ-6 will be available, a fully-electric variant as well as a plug-in hybrid (PHEV). The all-electric model has an expected driving range of approximately 600km, while the PHEV is expected to achieve over 1,000km of driving range on a single tank of fuel.
The Mazda EZ-6 will go up against cars like the BYD Seal, Ora 07 as well as the Tesla Model 3.
MINI Aceman
Of course, this car comes as no surprise, but the MINI Aceman is now finally making its first appearance in Beijing. Slated to replace the MINI Clubman as a full-electric model, the Aceman is a joint venture between MINI and Great Wall Motor (GWM). While not much info has been revealed, there should be two variants launching - Aceman and Aceman S.
The base model should be getting a 40kWh battery that's good for some 300km. Output should be rated at 181bhp and 290Nm of torque via a single electric motor. The S, on the other hand, should be equipped with a larger 54kWh battery pack that will see to a range of 400km. Output should be rated at 215bhp and 329Nm of twisting force, all of which will be sent to the front wheels.
Ora 07
Equipped with an 83.5kWh battery, the Ora 07 is a four-door coupe that will go head to head with cars like the BYD Seal and the Tesla Model 3.
This beauty has a combination of both Porsche at the front and Bentley at the back and is available in two variants - Long Range and Performance. The former comes with a single motor that churns out some 200bhp and 340Nm of torque, allowing the car to hit the 100km/h mark from nought in 7.9 seconds.
The more powerful Performance variant, on the other hand, comes equipped with two motors, which endow the car with 402bhp and 680Nm of twisting force. These figures allows the juicier variant to smash the century sprint in just 4.3 seconds.
The car will be arriving in Singapore at the end of the year.
Zeekr Mix
Zeekr has confirmed its 5th EV model - a new van-like multi-purpose vehicle called the Mix. Zeekr, the luxury EV brand under the umbrella of China's Geely Holding Group, is coming to Singapore this year. The Chinese firm has partnered with Premium Automobiles Group, the authorised dealer for Audi in Singapore, with two models slated to launch here - 009 and X.
The Mix will either be available in a five-seater or a six-seater (3+3) model, depending on the market, that is capable of some 415bhp.
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