For some time now China has been the world’s biggest automotive market both in revenue and production output. For such a big country and industry, China keeps things simple. It has three main trade events for the industry, each focused on a particular niche. The ‒ Shanghai Auto Show ‒, the ‒ All in Caravanning-Beijing ‒, and the ‒ China Commercial Vehicle Show-Wuhan ‒. China is also home to the world’s biggest seller of Battery Electric Vehicles (BEV), BYD. It is no wonder then that all major players in the industry want to grab the spotlight in an event such as the Shanghai Auto Show. Eyes from all over the world are paying close attention, and the reception these products receive in China is of paramount importance for automakers to be sure their market research paid off.
This year’s Shanghai Auto Show, being held in late April, and some much-anticipated launches are making their first appearance now. While it’s difficult to pick the definitive ‘showstopper’ due to the high quality and value of the products being unveiled, it’s possible to draw some conclusions from a small sample of some of these vehicles.
Chery eQ7 All-Electric SUV
Another Chinese automaker present at the Shanghai Auto Show is Chery. Their biggest launch at this time is the eQ7 all-electric SUV. Some pictures of the Chery eQ7 electric SUV have been released in China recently. The eQ7 is a mid-size SUV with a 155kW motor. Its biggest rival will come from China itself, and it’s the BYD Song Plus EV. The interior will feature large floating LCD screens. This is an entry-level EV SUV and comes equipped with a single motor making 211 horsepower. The price range is estimated to be between 150,000 to 200,000 Yuan, which translates to about $21,783 up to $29,044 at the current exchange rate.
Volkswagen ID.7
VW is unveiling the ID.7 simultaneously in Europe, China, and the U.S. The ID.7 is largely viewed as a major competitor to the Tesla Model 3. VW claims the large battery pack trim ID.7 has a class-leading range of up to 435 miles, achieved by the employment of great aerodynamics and thermal management. The ID.7 is a fundamentally important cornerstone for VW’s electrification strategy, and it looks like it will deliver the goods. The 210 kW (282 horsepower) electric motor doesn’t seem like much, but it is currently the most powerful electric motor in any Volkswagen ID model. This motor was developed and manufactured in Germany. Inside the ID.7 is a 15-inch infotainment screen as well as an augmented reality head-up display. Other amenities such as massage seats and a panoramic sunroof are also available. All in all, it looks like Volkswagen did its homework well in the development of the ID.7 EV.
Nissan Max-Out Concept
The Japanese brand is using its exuberant Max-Out EV two-seater convertible concept as a Halo car to help the brand figure out its electric future. With a design unlike anything else out there, the Max-Out looks decisively futuristic. It’s Nissan’s way of showing its ambition, and innovative capabilities for its future. China’s role in the global automotive industry has grown tremendously over the past years. The importance automakers from all over the globe are placing in this year’s Shanghai Auto Show is proof of that. Being the world’s largest automotive market means China has tipped the needle of the compass to a new north that must be carefully observed by any company looking to succeed in the uncertain future as the transition from internal combustion engines to battery electric vehicles is navigated through in all sorts of different ways by legacy automakers and newcomers alike.
Mercedes-Maybach EQS SUV
Maybach is unveiling its first-ever all-electric vehicle based on the Mercedes EQS SUV. Flaunting a much bolder exterior design, and a luxurious interior, the Maybach EQS SUV is sure to turn many heads during the Shanghai Auto Show. China is Maybach’s biggest market today, and it only makes sense the brand would debut its first EV there. The Maybach EQS full-size SUV features two electric motors and an all-wheel drive system. The estimated range goes as far as 373 miles. The motors' combined output is 649 horsepower and 700 pound-feet of torque. These figures are good enough to launch the big luxury SUV from 0-60 MPH in just 4.4 seconds and reach a top speed of 130 MPH. The car has all the features, technology, and amenities the usual Maybach limousine has.
BYD Yangwang U9 BEV Hypercar
Chinese giant BYD is marking its presence in the event with its Yangwang U9 BEV hypercar. The car is supposed to go from 0-60 MPH in 2 seconds and has a unique body control system called DiSus. To showcase this system's capabilities, the Yangwang can ride on three wheels and even jump from a standstill, lifting all four wheels off the ground. This feature seems aimed at displaying the capabilities of the system more than anything and is being marketed by BYD in a way that helps the company’s positioning as one of the most innovative BEV brands out there.