Future Technology
Beijing Auto Show: Mobility Trends from China
From April 25 to May 4, 2024, the Beijing Auto Show will take place in Beijing. In this article, we introduce the most important new mobility developments from China.
From April 25 to May 4, 2024, the Beijing Auto Show will take place in Beijing. In this article, we introduce the most important new mobility developments from China.
1. World Premiere of the Mini Aceman
Mini has introduced the Aceman in China, the brand's first fully electric model. Positioned between the iconic three-door Cooper and the compact crossover Countryman, Mini describes the Aceman as the "first crossover model for the premium small car segment." It offers a range of up to 252 miles with a battery capacity of 54.2 kWh. The entry-level Aceman E has a drive power of 135 kW and a range of 192 miles, while the Aceman SE features a power output of 160 kW with the same battery capacity, achieving the mentioned 252-mile range.
2. Volkswagen ID. Code: A Forward-Looking Vision for China
Volkswagen has unveiled the ID. Code in China, a concept car introducing a novel design language for Chinese market and sets new technological standards. Volkswagen highlights that the ID. Code, with its innovative interactive lighting system and futuristic design, is meant to herald a new era of mobility in China, tailoring vehicles specifically to the needs and desires of Chinese consumers. Technically, the ID. Code is designed for fully autonomous level 4 driving, allowing the driver to operate the SUV themselves or hand over control entirely to the car.
3. Lamborghini Unveils First Plug-In Hybrid Super SUV
Lamborghini also introduced innovations in China this week, in the form of a plug-in hybrid super SUV called the Urus SE. This model is said to reduce emissions by up to 80% and boasts a total power output of 800 hp (588 kW). The Urus SE accelerates from 0 to 62 mph in 3.4 seconds, and from 0 to 124 mph in 11.2 seconds, reaching a top speed of 194 mph. According to Lamborghini, this makes the Urus SE the fastest production vehicle in its class.
4. Mercedes-Benz Unveils the Electric G-Class
For the first time in China, Mercedes-Benz has unveiled its new electric G-Class. The vehicle features four individually controllable electric motors that together deliver a total power of 432 kW, enabling acceleration from 0 to 62 mph (100 km/h) in just 4.7 seconds. It also has a battery capacity of 116 kWh, which allows for a range of up to 294 miles (473 km). The electric G-Class retains many of the iconic design elements of the combustion engine G-Class and integrates modern electric components to deliver outstanding performance both on the road and off-road.
5. BMW Celebrates World Premiere of the BMW i4 facelift in Beijing
BMW has hosted the world premiere of the revamped BMW i4 in Beijing. The company has given its i4 model a comprehensive facelift and introduced a new all-wheel drive version, the i4 xDrive40. The new drive system delivers a system power of 295 kW and torque of 600 Nm, making the i4 xDrive40 a more powerful and versatile option within the i4 lineup. The facelift includes a redesigned front end, improved aerodynamics, and updated LED headlights. These changes have increased the range and efficiency, with the i4 eDrive40 now capable of reaching up to 373 miles (600 kilometers). Additionally, BMW has unveiled the BMW Vision Neue Klasse for the first time in Beijing.
6. Porsche Unveils Special China Version of the Porsche Taycan and Celebrates Market Premiere of the Electric Macan
Porsche has introduced a special China version of the new generation Taycan and celebrated the Chinese premiere of the electric Macan. With the China version of the new Taycan, Porsche offers an attractive entry-level model, featuring market-specific enhancements in infotainment and connectivity, as announced by the company. Digital solutions from local ecosystems are also highlights in the fully electric Macan. Both examples demonstrate Porsche's targeted approach to addressing the individual desires and needs of the Chinese market, the company further stated.
7. Audi Expands Electric Lineup with Q6 e-tron Long Version Specifically for China
Audi has introduced the long version of the Q6 e-tron in China, tailored to the requirements of the Chinese market. This move follows the tradition of many automakers offering customized long versions for China, which not only provide more legroom thanks to the extended wheelbase but now also feature a larger battery capacity of 107 kWh. The extended Q6L e-tron is expected to offer up to 435 miles (700 km) of range and support charging power of up to 270 kW. Additionally, the Q6L e-tron features a redesigned front end and higher performance options than the global model, including a rear-wheel drive variant and a more powerful all-wheel drive version. Mass production is scheduled for the fourth quarter of 2024 in Changchun, with the first deliveries planned for 2025. The Q6L e-tron will be the first model to emerge from the new electric car factory in Changchun, China.
8. Honda Introduces Ye Series, a New Line of Electric Vehicles in China
Honda has launched the first three models of its new Ye electric vehicle series in China, including the two production vehicles Ye P7 and Ye S7, and the concept study Ye GT. By 2027, a total of six models are expected to be introduced to the Chinese market, based on a specially developed EV platform and available in both rear-wheel and all-wheel drive versions. This series represents Honda's commitment to an electrified future in China and aims to combine driving pleasure with advanced technology and attractive design. The sales of the first models are set to begin by the end of 2024, with production handled by two different joint ventures, GAC Honda and Dongfeng Honda.
9. Nissan Unveils Future Visions with New Electric Sedans and SUVs for China
Nissan has introduced four concept studies, specifically tailored for the Chinese market, including the all-electric models Epoch Concept and Epic Concept, along with the plug-in hybrids Evo Concept and Era Concept. Along with this quartet, another electric vehicle will follow, increasing the number of planned product launches in China to five, according to Nissan. Developed in collaboration with joint venture partner Dongfeng, Nissan aims to better meet the future mobility needs of customers in China. The company plans to launch these models by 2026.
10. Zeekr Introduces the Electric Van Zeekr Mix
Geely's electric car brand Zeekr has unveiled the new SEA-M vehicle platform in China and the first model built on it: the Zeekr Mix. It is the fifth model from Zeekr and is expected to be a five-seater electric van featuring spacious interiors and the latest infotainment systems. Technical specifications have not yet been released. The Zeekr Mix is also expected to enter the European market in 2025.
11. Skoda Presents Design Study Skoda Vision Gran Turismo
Skoda has introduced the Skoda Vision Gran Turismo design study in China. This model is a nod to the Skoda 1100 OHC Spider from 1957 and was developed exclusively for the Sony PlayStation game with the same name. Those wishing to get behind the wheel of this electric sports car from Skoda can do so with a PlayStation 5 and the 7th version of Gran Turismo. Whether a real sports car will be developed was not disclosed by Skoda. However, the Vision Gran Turismo theoretically offers up to 800 kW (1,088 HP) spread across four electric motors, showcasing Skoda’s new design philosophy "Modern Solid."
12. BYD Unveils the Ocean-M
The Chinese technology conglomerate BYD has introduced its new electric car model, the Ocean M, in China. It is claimed to be the industry’s first high-performance hatchback model with rear-wheel drive. The model is set to officially hit the market in the third quarter of this year and will be powered by a new generation of C2B (Cell to Body) batteries.
13. Smart Presents Concept Study Smart Concept #5
Smart has previewed an electric mid-size SUV in China with the Concept #5, which the brand describes as "The smart Concept #5 is the largest, boldest, boxiest smart ever." The production version is set to premiere later this year. The vehicle will feature 800-volt technology and be equipped with a battery with a nominal capacity of "100+ kWh." A charging session from 10% to 80% under optimal conditions is expected to take only 15 minutes. The range is stated to be more than 342 miles (550 kilometers), with the presentation of the production model planned for the second half of 2024.
14. CATL Introduces LFP Battery for Over 1,000 Kilometers Range
CATL has unveiled a new LFP battery in China that is expected to enable a range of over 621 miles (1,000 kilometers). The Shenxing Plus can charge enough energy for 373 miles (600 kilometers) of range in just ten minutes and features an energy density of 205 Wh/kg and a charging rate of 4C, representing a significant improvement over existing LFP batteries.
