Car News from China
Car news and model launches from China - the world's largest and most innovative automotive market.
Lynk & Co has shown official photos of the 07 GT, a wagon based on its 07 PHEV sedan. Built on Geely's CMA Evo platform with the EM-P powertrain, it adds roof rails, a large spoiler, carbon trim and standard lidar. An AWD option is expected. Premiere set for Q3 2026.
The ultra-luxury Maextro brand has shown the first official images of the V800, its second model and first minivan. A plug-in hybrid with 530 hp, AWD, a 63.2 kWh battery and 275 km WLTC electric range, in a 2+2+3 layout with Huawei electronics. Premiere imminent; pricing not yet set.
Xpeng's flagship six-seat SUV booked 25,000 paid orders within 12 hours of going on sale, with more than 80% of buyers choosing the top Ultra trim. Waiting times have stretched to eight months and Xpeng is restructuring production. The GX spans BEV and EREV powertrains on an 800V platform.
Chinese makers are aiming at one of the most closed niches in the Japanese market - kei cars. Two China-linked projects are preparing to launch in Japan: BYD's Racco kei microvan and EMTA, a new Chery-backed brand.
BYD has started sales of the Song Ultra DM-i in China. The plug-in hybrid SUV is near-identical to the updated Sealion 06 DM-i - same powertrains, same prices - with up to 310 km of electric range and 1,845 km combined.
AITO has updated the M9, the Huawei-Seres flagship SUV. The car grows in two body lengths and gains a new range-topping Ultimate trim with three motors and 903 hp. EREV and pure-electric powertrains carry over.
SAIC has launched the MG 4X in China. The compact EV SUV uses a semi-solid-state SolidCore battery developed by SAIC Qingtao. Launch price: from 92,800¥ ($13,700).
Wuling has opened pre-orders for the Starlight L in China. The flagship of the Starlight family is a six-seat PHEV SUV, 4,980 mm long, with a 1.5-litre engine, 231 hp electric motor, and 260 km EV range on a 37.9 kWh battery. From 122,800¥ ($18,100).
BYD has released the first official photos of the Dolphin G DM-i, a B-segment PHEV hatchback designed for export markets. Full reveal expected in weeks; dealer deliveries expected by end of summer 2026.
Li Auto's flagship six-seat EREV SUV moves to an 800V platform and adds steer-by-wire and four-wheel steering. 571 hp, 72.7 kWh battery, 420 km electric and 1,650 km combined CLTC. Two trims - Ultra from ¥459,800, Livis from ¥509,800. On sale in China.
Voyah released official photos of the Passion S - a youth-focused electric crossover with Huawei electronics. Price around 250,000¥ ($36,800). Full premiere expected mid-2026.
SAIC has released official images of the MG 07, the successor to the 2023 MG 7 and the brand's new China flagship. Fastback-liftback body, LiDAR mounted above the windscreen, PHEV and BEV powertrains confirmed, Momenta autonomous driving. Full specs and pricing to follow at the official launch.
The GT variant of the YU7 laps the Nürburgring in 7:22.755 - a record for electric SUVs - on its way to Chinese showrooms at $57,400.
SAIC-Volkswagen's second ID.Era model is a large PHEV sedan for China - 4,836 mm long, 1.5L petrol + 177 hp electric motor, 160 km CLTC EV range. Design matches the ID.Era 9X crossover but with semi-hidden door handles instead of retractable ones, and no LiDAR. Launch planned before end 2026. Pricing not announced.
China's state broadcaster CCTV aired an investigation into "battery lockdown" - OTA updates that covertly reduce battery capacity and charging speed to avoid warranty claims. 12,000+ complaints in March 2026 alone (+273% year-on-year). Eight automakers summoned; three under formal investigation; two have already recalled affected updates. New rules ban hidden OTA battery changes from 2026.
The third model from the HIMA Alliance (Chery and Huawei's joint brand) is a seven-seat MPV with a 53.4 kWh battery, 800V architecture, and screens totalling 80 inches of display area. RWD at 309 hp / 305 km CLTC; AWD at 520 hp / 285 km. Second-row seats rotate. Sales open now in China.
NIO's ONVO brand opens orders for the L80, a five-seat electric SUV on the NT 3.0 platform. 85 kWh, 900V, up to 615 km CLTC. RWD 462 hp or AWD 598 hp. Retail from ¥245,800 (~$33,900).
BYD's FangChengBao Tai 7 expands its lineup with new BEV versions, joining the existing PHEV range. Electric variants offer up to 700 hp (AWD), with the largest battery option of 105.7 kWh delivering up to 755 km CLTC. BEV pricing starts from ¥199,800 ($29,400).
BYD VP Stella Li said at the FT Future of the Car conference in London that the company is in talks to acquire multiple idle European plants, with Italian Stellantis assets the primary target. Maserati was named as a 'very interesting' acquisition candidate. BYD's Q1 2026 net profit fell 55% year-on-year.
BAIC's Arcfox S3 goes on sale in China from ¥96,800 ($14,200) - or from ¥68,800 ($10,100) with a battery rental scheme. Single motor, 216 hp, up to 65.8 kWh and 660 km CLTC.
Arcfox enters the premium MPV segment with the Wendao V9 - an EREV with a 309 hp electric motor and a 1.5T range extender. 2+2+3 seating, 21.4" ceiling screen, from ¥219,900 ($32,200) in China.
GAC unveiled the Hyptec S600 at the Beijing Auto Show. Three powertrain options: EREV with 180 km pure-electric range, plus 340 hp RWD and 503 hp AWD pure electric. Blind orders open; pricing from ¥189,900 ($27,800) expected.
Leapmotor is localizing B05 production at Stellantis's Zaragoza plant in Spain. Currently sold from €26,900 in Europe (imported from China); local production is expected to bring the entry price to around €19,500 after subsidies.
SAIC-Volkswagen unveiled the second AUDI-brand production model at Beijing Auto Show - the E7X, a flagship electric SUV on a new 900V platform.