Volkswagen has unveiled a new all-electric model: the VW ID. Polo. Based on the MEB+ platform, the vehicle combines efficient front-wheel drive with three power levels ranging from 85 kW to 155 kW. Depending on the version, LFP or NMC batteries are used, enabling ranges of up to 454 kilometers (approx. 282 miles). Thanks to rapid charging capabilities, the battery can be charged from 10 to 80 percent in about 23 to 24 minutes. Compared to the combustion-engine Polo, the ID. Polo offers significantly more space: cargo capacity grows to up to 1,240 liters while maintaining a full five-seater layout. In terms of technology, Volkswagen features a new cockpit with a 10-inch digital display and 13-inch infotainment system (“Innovision”), as well as modern driver assistance systems including one-pedal driving and advanced Travel Assist with traffic light recognition. Three trim lines (“Trend,” “Life,” “Style”) cover a wide spectrum from basic functions to premium features like Matrix LED lights, massaging seats, or high-end sound systems. Additionally, the ID. Polo features vehicle-to-load (V2L) capability, allowing external devices to be powered with up to 3.6 kW. 

BYD presented a broad model offensive at Auto China, introducing several premieres across various brands. The spotlight is on the all-electric DENZA Z super sports car, featuring over 1,000 hp and acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h (62 mph) in under two seconds. With the BYD SEAL 08 and the BYD SEALION 08, BYD is also expanding its OCEAN series with two flagship models. Both combine luxurious interior concepts with the new Blade Battery, FLASH Charging, and modern chassis systems. Conceptually, BYD is showcasing the BYD OCEAN-V as a multifunctional living space with flexible usage modes. Meanwhile, the luxury brand YANGWANG is focusing on extreme performance and customization with the YANGWANG U9 Xtreme and the U8L SUV. The portfolio is rounded out by new model lines like the FORMULA series and the third generation of the BYD YUAN PLUS, which integrates modern assistance systems, LiDAR technology, and digital features. 

With the new Porsche Cayenne Coupé Electric, Porsche is launching the first all-electric coupé version of its successful SUV, blending sporty 911 design cues with modern E-Performance. The model is characterized by a flat, sloping "flyline" and a distinct front end that improves aerodynamics. With a drag coefficient of 0.23, the SUV-Coupé achieves a range of up to 669 kilometers (approx. 415 miles). Despite the dynamic silhouette, its utility remains high: up to 1,347 liters of cargo space, a 90-liter frunk, and a towing capacity of 3.5 tons underscore its everyday practicality. At launch, Porsche covers a wide power spectrum—from the base model with 300 kW to the Turbo version with up to 630 kW, which accelerates to 100 km/h (62 mph) in just 2.5 seconds. It is built on an 800-volt architecture with charging capacities of up to 390 kW, enabling short charging times. For driving dynamics, Porsche includes adaptive air suspension with Porsche Active Suspension Management as standard, optionally supplemented by the Porsche Active Ride active chassis and rear-axle steering for increased agility and stability. Inside, the "Porsche Driver Experience" combines a fully digital cockpit with a clear driver focus. Customizable displays, app integration, and optional features like an augmented reality head-up display increasingly turn the vehicle into a personalized digital platform. With optional lightweight packages and extensive customization options, Porsche further sharpens its sporty credentials, positioning the Cayenne Coupé Electric as a high-performance premium SUV for the electric era. 

MINI introduced several design premieres in China, clearly focusing on individualization, lifestyle, and creative collaborations. At the center is the MINI Countryman MINI x Vagabund, developed in partnership with the Austrian design studio Vagabund. Two one-off vehicles interpret the Countryman as an expression of adventure spirit and festival culture—featuring widened wheel arches, a striking appearance, and an integrated high-performance sound system in place of the rear side windows. Simultaneously, the MINI JCW x DEUS “The Skeg” celebrated its China premiere. This electric one-of-a-kind model combines a weight-optimized fiberglass body with surf-inspired design elements, representing a strongly lifestyle-driven approach centered on freedom and individuality. The appearance was complemented by numerous special editions and design variants, including the MINI Paul Smith Edition, which highlights the long-standing partnership with the designer. 

Bosch continues to push the development of highly automated driving functions, positioning itself in China as a key technology partner for Level 3 systems. A primary example is the new “Autonomous Emergency Steering” evasive maneuver function, which Bosch brought to series production in collaboration with a Chinese manufacturer in just six months. The system intervenes when braking alone is no longer sufficient, coordinating brakes, steering, and powertrain via Vehicle Motion Management to actively avoid collisions—even under difficult conditions like slippery roads. At the same time, Bosch has taken the next evolutionary step from Level 2 to Level 3. Since March 2026, the company has held a testing license in Wuxi to test these systems in real-world operations. The technology allows vehicles to drive autonomously in defined scenarios—such as on highways—performing lane changes and handling speeds up to 120 km/h (approx. 75 mph). In these situations, responsibility shifts from the driver to the system, allowing the driver to temporarily take their hands off the wheel and eyes off the road. Technologically, Bosch relies on an integrated package of sensors, software, and vehicle control. This includes seventh-generation radar, high-performance computers, and AI-based algorithms. This is complemented by by-wire technologies for steering and braking, where mechanical connections are increasingly replaced by electronic signal transmission. A concrete step toward series production is the new Brake-by-Wire system, consisting of two independent braking components. Bosch has already signed several supply contracts and plans for the start of series production in passenger cars by mid-2026. 

As part of a joint cross-industry collaboration at IFAT Munich—the world's leading trade fair for water, sewage, waste, and raw materials management—IAA MOBILITY and IFAT Munich will focus on a central future topic at Messe München on May 7, 2026: battery recycling in mobility. The goal of the cooperation is to make the interface between mobility and the circular economy more visible. IAA MOBILITY's participation at IFAT is part of a strategic partnership that began at IAA MOBILITY 2025 with a curated session by IFAT Munich as part of the IAA Conference. The collaboration is now being deepened: the focus is on how sustainable value chains for batteries can be designed—from production and use to recycling. The participation takes the form of a curated stage program followed by networking on May 7, 2026. 

The event kicks off on May 7, 2026, with a session on the Green Stage (Hall C4). Titled "Battery Recycling in the Automotive Industry," moderator Karol W. Bednarek from the German Association of the Automotive Industry (VDA) will speak with Jonathan Laufer (BASF) from 10:00 to 10:20 AM about current challenges and solutions. The session serves as the thematic framework for the rest of the program and aims specifically to highlight the connection between traditional automotive applications, Light Electric Vehicles (LEVs), and recycling technologies. The main session will be followed by two in-depth formats in the "Explore & Connect Lounge" (Atrium B6). The first deep-dive session, "Automotive Battery Recycling – Processes, Standards, and Challenges of the Future," will take place on May 7, 2026, from 11:00 to 11:50 AM. Here, Karol W. Bednarek (VDA) will discuss vehicle battery recycling along the entire industrial value chain with Jonathan Laufer (BASF) and Dr. Carolin Kresse (German Mineral Resources Agency, DERA). Immediately following, the second session from 12:00 to 12:50 PM will focus on batteries for Light Electric Vehicles (LEVs). Under the title "Light Electric Vehicles (LEVs) – Recycling Challenges of Small Battery Systems," Christian Koll-Schwarze from trade fair center Messe München will discuss specific requirements for e-bikes, e-scooters, and other micromobility solutions with Philipp Brunotte (LiBCycle GmbH) and Kimberly Karambis (Arvato Systems). Finally, an IAA MOBILITY networking event will be held in the Explore & Connect Lounge, attended by the speakers and the IAA MOBILITY team.