The much-anticipated biennial Beijing Auto Show is set to open its doors as scheduled!

From April 24 to May 3, the 2026 Beijing International Automotive Exhibition (hereafter referred to as the '2026 Beijing Auto Show') will take place in Beijing. As a premier event in the global automotive calendar, the 2026 Beijing Auto Show, themed 'Leading the Era, Intelligent Future,' will be hosted at two venues for the first time—the China International Exhibition Center (Shunyi Pavilion) and the Capital International Convention and Exhibition Center—spanning a total exhibition area of 380,000 square meters.

Official data reveals that the auto show will showcase 1,451 vehicles, including 181 global premieres and 71 concept cars. The density of new product introductions and the intensity of concept car displays both surpass those of the previous Beijing Auto Show.

Judging from the lineup of exhibitors and the layout of exhibits, the widespread adoption of intelligent technologies and the intense competition among large SUVs have emerged as the two defining themes of this auto show. This reflects the clear trajectory of China's automotive market transitioning from 'scale expansion' to 'quality enhancement,' as well as the fierce rivalry among domestic and foreign automakers to capture the premium market and vie for technological supremacy.

Domestic New Models Shine, Accelerating Intelligence Implementation

If the past few years have been characterized by the popularization of new energy vehicles, then the 2026 Beijing Auto Show signifies that major brands are officially entering the 'final round' of high-end and intelligent competition.

As the undisputed protagonists of this auto show, Chinese independent brands have made a concerted effort, with particularly impressive technological iteration speeds in the intelligent sector. The integration of full-domain AI large models into vehicles has become a standard feature.

The NIO ES9 is equipped with the world's first mass-commercialized 5nm automotive-grade intelligent driving chip, the Shenji NX9031, and features the built-in SkyOS·Tianshu full-vehicle operating system. Additionally, it boasts AR-HUD (with a near-focus equivalent to 38 inches at 4 meters and a far-focus equivalent to 130 inches at 13 meters) and NOMI Mate 3.0.

Geely Auto has brought together its brands, including Zeekr, Lynk & Co, Galaxy, and China Star, to showcase the latest achievements of its full-domain AI 2.0 and full-domain safety 2.0 technology systems. At the same time, Geely will set up an independent technology ecosystem booth for the first time, displaying cutting-edge technologies such as Super Eva, Qianli Haohan G-ASD 4.0, and the Intelligent Egg Cabin.

Notably, Geely's first native Robotaxi prototype will make its debut at the Beijing Auto Show, which opens on April 24. Developed based on Geely's L4-level AI digital architecture, the vehicle integrates the WAM World Action Model and L4-level autonomous driving technology. Its onboard computing power and sensing hardware capabilities will exceed industry standards and introduce physical AI capabilities.

BYD has adopted a 'whole pavilion' strategy, gathering all its brands, including Tengshi, Fangchengbao, and Yangwang. Its flash charging technology and the 'Divine Eye' system will also have dedicated booths, highlighting core achievements in the fields of energy replenishment and intelligent assisted driving. It is reported that BYD will introduce a combination of a full-domain 1000V high-voltage platform and a new-generation blade battery. This platform reduces internal resistance by 50%, achieves energy transmission efficiency exceeding 99%, and, when paired with megawatt flash charging 2.0 technology, delivers a peak power of 1500kW, enabling a 'charging as fast as refueling' experience with 400 kilometers of range replenished in just 5 minutes.

Huawei's 'Jing' series brands will participate in the exhibition for the first time, with two models, the Yijing X9 and Qijing GT7, jointly developed with Dongfeng Motor and GAC Group, making their global debuts. Additionally, Huawei ADS, Huawei Digital Energy, and HarmonyOS Smart Mobility will all have dedicated booths. In terms of partner brands, Avatr under the HI PLUS joint creation model, as well as Seres, Luxeed, and Shangjie under the smart selection vehicle model, will also occupy their respective exhibition spaces.

From an overall trend perspective, intelligence has become the core competitive arena in the automotive industry. At this year's Beijing Auto Show, the intelligent cockpits of mainstream brands have evolved from simple interaction upgrades to proactive services, while assisted driving has transitioned from basic functional configurations to scenario-based implementations. Hardware-software collaborative innovation is driving the widespread adoption of intelligent technologies.

Large Luxury SUVs Take Center Stage, Refined Competition Emerges as New Trend

While the competition in intelligence intensifies, large luxury SUVs have become another major focus of this year's Beijing Auto Show. As flagship models for brand elevation, full-size six- or seven-seat SUVs not only serve as concentrated showcases of automakers' latest technological achievements but also as core carriers for competing for premium market share. Therefore, they have become a key segment in which major automakers are heavily invested.

Among the SUV new models set to debut at this auto show, each model carries a clear market positioning and differentiated advantages, meeting the core needs of family users from various dimensions. Models such as the Li Auto L9 Livis, all-new AITO M9, BYD Datang, Great Wall WEY V9X, and Leapmotor D19 are particularly eye-catching.

Among the global premieres at this auto show, the Li Auto L9 Livis is undoubtedly the most anticipated. As a brand-new generation (not a facelift) of the Li Auto L9, it will officially debut on April 24. Positioned as a full-size six-seat flagship SUV, it is equipped with dual 5nm Mach 100 chips, four lidars, and an 800V fully active suspension. The flagship version is priced at 559,800 yuan, with expected delivery immediately upon launch on May 15.

Also set to make its global debut at this auto show is the all-new AITO M9. This high-end flagship SUV, which continues the success of the current model, brings comprehensive upgrades and becomes one of the core highlights of the HarmonyOS Smart Mobility booth. The new vehicle is equipped with six lidars and adds a side-view camera on the C-pillar, significantly improving perception accuracy and blind spot recognition capabilities in complex environments. It offers both pure electric and extended-range versions, equipped with a new-generation CATL battery, representing a comprehensive upgrade in product strength. Pricing starts at 469,800 yuan for the five-seat version and 479,800 yuan for the six-seat version.

The BYD Datang EV will officially open for pre-sale on the first day of the auto show. In terms of power, the BYD Datang offers single-motor and dual-motor four-wheel-drive versions, with the four-wheel-drive version achieving a 0-100 km/h acceleration time of just 3.9 seconds. The Datang is also equipped with BYD's second-generation blade battery, providing a maximum pure electric range of 950 km. For charging, the new vehicle is equipped with BYD's flash charging technology.

The Leapmotor D19 features a dual-chamber closed air suspension with CDC damping, lidar, dual Qualcomm 8797 central domain control chips, an onboard refrigerator, power suction doors, and Nappa leather upholstery... At the same time, it also globally premieres an automotive-grade Senye Oxygen Cabin system, with an oxygen production flow rate of 8 liters per minute, offering both diffuse and nasal inhalation modes, providing a tangible boost to travel comfort for the elderly and children.

At this year's Beijing Auto Show, GAC Aion will unveil its all-new mid-to-large SUV, the Aion S600, and simultaneously launch global blind reservations. The new vehicle is positioned as a 'new luxury, intelligent, and sporty SUV,' featuring a fastback coupe design, dual powertrain layouts, and superior luxury configurations, marking a crucial battle for the Aion brand in the mainstream SUV market.

The Chang'an CS75PLUS, a benchmark national SUV with cumulative sales exceeding 2 million, will introduce a brand-new generation at this year's Beijing Auto Show. The fourth-generation CS75PLUS Blue Whale Super Engine will make its global debut, with blind reservations opening simultaneously. With comprehensive upgrades in hybrid technology, intelligent configurations, and safety features, it is expected to reshape the landscape of the compact SUV market.

Overall, at the 2026 Beijing Auto Show, the new SUV lineups from emerging EV makers and traditional independent brands are full of诚意 (sincerity, replaced the original Chinese pinyin). Each model carries a clear market positioning and differentiated advantages, showcasing not only the iterative upgrades of core technologies such as self-developed chips but also reflecting the industry trend of the high-end SUV market shifting from blind internal competition to refinement.

Behind this SUV competition lies automakers' precise insights into user needs and the overall enhancement of China's automotive industry's core competitiveness. The high-end SUV market is transitioning from price-based internal competition to refined competition based on core technologies (such as self-developed chips, drive-by-wire chassis, and high-voltage platforms), with the industry developing more rationally and maturely.

Luxury Brands Launch Electrified Counterattacks, BBA Defend Their Turf with Heavyweight New Models

While domestic independent brands are making significant strides in the high-end market, international traditional luxury giants are not sitting idly by. At this year's Beijing Auto Show, the three major BBA brands have brought multiple heavyweight new models tailored specifically for the Chinese market, launching a determined electrified counterattack to defend their traditional advantages in the high-end market and engage in head-to-head competition with Chinese independent brands.

BMW has unveiled the core weapons of its 'Neue Klasse' strategy—the Neue Klasse BMW iX3 Long Wheelbase and the Neue Klasse BMW i3 Long Wheelbase, both set to make their global debuts at the Beijing Auto Show.

This marks BMW's first introduction of a long-wheelbase version for the iX3 series, with the wheelbase extended to 3005mm, directly addressing Chinese family users' core demand for rear-seat space. The new vehicle is built on the all-new Neue Klasse platform, achieving a CLTC range exceeding 900 kilometers, and introduces revolutionary interaction concepts in the intelligent cockpit domain.

In terms of intelligence, the Neue Klasse iX3 Long Wheelbase deeply integrates Chinese intelligent AI technology, featuring a full-scenario navigation-assisted driving system.

Audi has introduced the all-electric flagship SUV E7X through its SAIC Audi channel. In terms of power, the new vehicle offers single-motor and dual-motor powertrain options, with the single-motor delivering a maximum power of 300kW and the dual-motor's front and rear motors providing 200kW and 300kW, respectively. The vehicle is equipped with an all-aluminum chassis and quattro intelligent all-wheel-drive system, achieving a 0-100 km/h acceleration time of just 3.97 seconds. It is equipped with high-performance CATL battery cells across all variants, with a 109-degree battery providing a range of 751 km, and comes standard with a 900V high-voltage fast-charging architecture. In the field of assisted driving, the vehicle's assisted driving system is equipped with Momenta's latest-generation flywheel large model.

Mercedes-Benz has chosen to introduce a mid-cycle facelift of its flagship model from the fuel-powered era—the S-Class. Although the new S-Class Long Wheelbase is not purely electric, over 50% of its components have been refreshed. In terms of intelligent driving, the new vehicle is equipped with 10 cameras, 5 radars, and 12 ultrasonic sensors, featuring standard MB.DRIVE assisted driving, supporting adaptive cruise control, lane centering, and lane change assistance.

It is evident that the electrified counterattacks by the three major BBA luxury brands are no longer simple product iterations but represent localized innovations deeply aligned with the Chinese market's demands. This 'Sino-foreign showdown' not only intensifies competition at the 2026 Beijing Auto Show but also drives the global automotive industry's electrification and intelligent transformation, ultimately benefiting consumers and the entire automotive industry.