Highlights from Auto China 2026
Auto China 2026 kicked off this week in Beijing, and similar to previous editions most of the new vehicles making their debut are designed specifically for the Chinese market.We still think you should pay attention, though, which is why we’ve compiled some of the top highlights from the event so far. Take a look!Read alsoSmart Concept #2
Photo: Smart
The Smart brand has moved on to crossovers, but in Beijing it unveiled the Concept #2, which marks a return to its city car roots. Styling is reminiscent of the late Aston Martin Cygnet, translating Smart’s bold personality into a new era where 'Function becomes Fashion.' The ECA all-electric platform is projected to deliver a range of 300 km and enable a 10-80% charge time of under 20 minutes.XPeng GX
Photo: XPeng
Chinese automaker XPeng’s new flagship SUV is a six-seater that looks like a Range Rover and offers up to 750 km of AWD range in its pure electric variant (based on Chinese standards). It rides on 22-inch wheels and achieves a 0.255 drag coefficient, making it more aerodynamic than a Prius. The company’s most advanced autonomous driving technology is part of the mix, too, giving the GX robotaxi capability.Peugeot Concept 6
Photo: Peugeot
Peugeot introduced two similar-looking concepts in Beijing including a luxury SUV and the sporty wagon pictured here. Called Concept 6, it could hint at a successor to the 508 that went out of production last year. The three horizontal LEDs on each side are a new take on Peugeot’s illuminated claw marks. Production models will be exported to Europe from China.BYD Formula X
Photo: BYD
BYD obviously has a strong lineup at Auto China 2026. The Formula X is two-door convertible from its newer performance brand, Fang Cheng Bao, aiming to deliver a more exotic, supercar-like experience. Styling is super-aggressive and includes 19 functional air vents. The three electric motors produce a combined 1,000 hp—just a third of BYD’s record-breaking YangWang U9 Xtreme. BYD plans to start production and sales of the Formula X next year.Hyundai IONIQ V
Photo: Hyundai
Remember the Venus Concept from a few weeks ago? It’s now the production-ready IONIQ V sedan, the first dedicated IONIQ model for the Chinese market. Sized like a Sonata and reminiscent of Honda’s recently canceled 0 Saloon, it’s said to provide more than 600 km of range per China’s CLTC test cycle. The IONIQ V is just one of 20 new models Hyundai intends to launch over there during the next five years. Nissan Terrano PHEV
Photo: Nissan
The beefy and rugged Terrano PHEV Concept will spawn a new production model to be unveiled within the next year and sold in select global markets, slotting between the larger Patrol and the smaller X-Trail (a.k.a. Rogue). It’s expected to share its body-on-frame chassis with the Frontier Pro PHEV that made its debut in Shanghai last year, delivering 429 hp and 590 lb-ft of torque. We prefer the upcoming Xterra.Nissan Urban SUV PHEV
Photo: Nissan
Nissan’s second concept at Auto China 2026 is the Urban SUV PHEV, inspired by the Nissan NX8 and designed for young Chinese buyers. The front end includes stylish LEDs and a large black grille down low. It has an exceptionally sleek profile, too. Specs were not disclosed.Jetta X
Photo: Jetta
In China, the Jetta name has been used as a standalone brand since 2019, part of the Volkswagen Group. The new Jetta X concept is a rugged SUV that previews the brand's expansion into EVs. Technical information is thin, but styling suggests all-terrain capability. We think it’s pretty cool.Volkswagen ID. Unyx 09
Photo: Volkswagen
This one is a production car from Volkswagen Anhui, a joint venture with Chinese automaker JAC. The electric sedan measures roughly 5 metres long and has a sleek look with thin running lights that nearly touch each other up front. Advanced Level 2 driver assistance systems and an AI assistant are included, as well.
