Thursday, May 9

A Glimpse Into The Future: Highlights From The 2024 Beijing Motor Show

Written by S Das

The 2024 Auto China show in Beijing has emerged as a vibrant showcase of the automotive industry’s evolution, with a plethora of new models unveiled by both domestic Chinese brands and European manufacturers. This bustling event highlights the significant growth of the Chinese market and the rapid development of its car industry.

Audi made its presence felt with the debut of the Q6L e-tron, a China-exclusive long-wheelbase variant of its latest electric crossover. Meanwhile, Bentley chose to showcase the craftsmanship of its Mulliner Bespoke division with a stunning array of one-off commissions tailored for the local market.

BMW introduced subtle facelifts for the i4 and 4-series Gran Coupe, emphasizing the brand’s commitment to refining its existing lineup. Buick, a key player in the Chinese market, unveiled two electric concepts, the Electra-L saloon and Electra-LT estate, signaling its intent to cater to evolving consumer preferences.

Denza, a joint venture between Mercedes-Benz and BYD, showcased the Z9 GT, an all-electric estate boasting a formidable three-motor setup. Dongfeng presented the M-Hunter, an adventurous off-roader with a doorless, windscreen-less design, while Fangchengbao impressed with the Super 9, an electrifying two-seater speedster concept envisioned by Wolfgang Egger.

Genesis, Hyundai’s luxury arm, unveiled the China-exclusive long-wheelbase version of its electric G80 executive saloon and teased the G80 EV Magma concept, embodying the brand’s commitment to performance and innovation.

Honda introduced the Ye GT concept, offering a glimpse into its upcoming series of Chinese-market EVs, while Lamborghini stole the spotlight with the launch of the new plug-in hybrid Urus SE, boasting refreshed styling and formidable power.

Mazda captured attention with the sleek EZ-6, a rear-wheel-drive lift back saloon available exclusively in the Chinese market. Mercedes-Benz showcased its prowess with two significant reveals: the high-performance GT 63 Hybrid and the long-awaited all-electric G-Class, known as the G580 with EQ Technology.

MG wowed attendees with the EXE181, a futuristic single-seat all-electric hypercar concept, while Mini introduced the Aceman, its first EV-only model equipped with a virtual dog assistant.

Nissan presented a quartet of concept cars, offering insights into its future design direction, while Rolls-Royce emphasized its bespoke commissioning service with customized versions of the Ghost, Phantom, and Spectre.

Smart, now a joint venture between Mercedes and Geely, unveiled Concept #5, signaling its foray into larger models, while Volkswagen teased the ID. Code and ID. Unyx concepts, designed specifically for the Chinese market.

Zeekr, a sub-brand of Geely, unveiled the Mix, a spacious electric people carrier poised to rival the VW ID. Buzz. With its twin sliding doors and innovative design, the Mix reflects Zeekr’s ambition to expand its presence globally.

Overall, the 2024 Beijing Motor Show serves as a testament to the automotive industry’s dynamism and innovation, showcasing a diverse range of vehicles tailored to meet the evolving needs and preferences of consumers worldwide.