The Beijing Auto Show, also known as Auto China, is the world's largest auto show, spanning 380,000 square feet — equivalent to 50 football pitches — with more than 1,400 vehicles on display, according to multiple reports. The show features over 1,450 vehicles, including 181 global debuts, though the exact count varies slightly between sources. This year's event underscores China's dominance in the electric vehicle (EV) market, with domestic brands unveiling a wave of new models and technologies.
Among the highlights is the Zeekr 8X, a large, long-range plug-in hybrid SUV equipped with a side collision prevention system that lifts the vehicle up to 80mm before a side impact to protect passengers, according to major media reports. The SUV also features a parking system that allows the car to drive itself out of a tight space when the owner waves at it. Priced at approximately £40,000, the Zeekr 8X aims to compete in the premium hybrid segment.
When you're driving on the highway, you fall asleep, or if you feel unwell and can no longer control the vehicle, the system can detect the situation, pull over automatically and alert emergency services. Many people who have tried it say it's amazing.
The Denza Z, a four-seater electric supercar GT, boasts over 1000bhp and a 0-62mph time of less than two seconds, according to reports. The vehicle will debut in Europe before arriving in China, marking a strategic push into Western markets. Its exact price has not been disclosed.
XPeng showcased its GX model, a six-seater SUV with third-row seats that can lie completely flat, offering versatile interior space. The company also plans to begin manufacturing flying cars in 2027, according to reports.
We survive and are successful without the US market today.
Battery technology took center stage with BYD showcasing a new generation of its fast-charging 'blade' EV battery that can achieve a near full charge in nine minutes, according to reports. BYD's flash charging technology can add hundreds of kilometres of range in minutes. Meanwhile, CATL unveiled a new version of its 'Shenxing' battery that can be charged from 10% to 98% in about six-and-a-half minutes, according to reports. These breakthroughs address one of the biggest barriers to EV adoption: charging time.
BYD executive vice president Stella Li, speaking to BBC News - Business, described the company's strategy and market position. According to BBC News - Business, Li stated that BYD can survive and succeed without the US market, and that the company is experiencing higher demand than supply capacity. She also described BYD as an ecosystem, noting that it produces one-third of global smartphone components and is a leading player in battery storage, solar panels, buses, and trucks. Li added that consumers feel daily savings when oil prices increase, and EVs help them save money every day.
Consumers feel the daily savings when oil prices increase. EVs help them save money every day.
XPeng's founder and CEO, He Xiaopeng, demonstrated the company's advanced driver-assistance systems. According to reports, he said that when driving on the highway, if a driver falls asleep or feels unwell and can no longer control the vehicle, the system can detect the situation, pull over automatically and alert emergency services. He added that many people who have tried it say it is amazing.
The SAIC/HIMA Z7 electric car, a copy of the Porsche Taycan, costs about a quarter of the Taycan's price, according to reports. It is available in Max, Max+, and Ultra versions with prices ranging from 219,800 yuan to 299,800 yuan (approximately £24,000 to £33,000). The Z7's performance in independent tests has not yet been compared to the Taycan.
Actually, we are now suffering [insufficient] capacity. Our demand is much higher than what we can supply.
Chinese EV makers face regulatory challenges in the US and Europe, including tariffs and other barriers. The exact timeline for the Zeekr 8X's availability in specific markets remains unclear, as does the production timeline for XPeng's flying cars and humanoid robots. The Denza Z's price has not been announced.
We are not just a car company. We produce one-third of global smartphone components, we are a leading player in battery storage, solar panels, buses, and trucks. So BYD is an ecosystem.