2024 can be described as the most fiercely competitive year in the automotive industry. At the beginning of the year, BYD lowered the price of the Qin PLUS to 79,800 yuan, kicking off the gasoline-electric vehicle war. By the end of March, Xiaomi SU7 hit the market, causing a sensation. At the end of May, BYD Qin L and Haibao 06 changed the landscape. Additionally, there were continuous new car launches and surprises at auto shows in Paris, Chengdu, Guangzhou, and other cities in the second half of the year.

As 2024 draws to a close and 2025 approaches, major automakers are also planning to make a big splash in the new year. Domestic brands, with their continuously surging market performance, plan to build on their success. Currently, automakers such as Geely, Baojun, Hongmeng Zhixing, and XPeng have announced their 2025 plans. Let's take a look at what "tricks" they have up their sleeves.

New-energy vehicle makers focus on extended-range vehicles

In the era of new energy vehicles, models from new-energy vehicle makers have attracted countless attentions. This is because these new brands excel in intelligence and connectivity, equipped with advanced autonomous driving systems and intelligent interconnection functions, enhancing the driving experience for users. At the same time, these brands have launched multiple models that cover different market needs, ranging from entry-level electric vehicles to high-end intelligent sedans, meeting the needs of various consumers. This differentiated product mix allows these new brands to attract more consumers, especially in the younger market.

As 2025 approaches, many new-energy vehicle makers also plan to continue their momentum. Hongmeng Zhixing plans to launch multiple new models in 2025 to enrich its product line and meet the needs of more consumers, including the Wenjie M8, the Xiangjie S9 extended-range version, the Zunjie S800, the second model of Zunjie, and new models of Zhijie.

Among them, the Wenjie M8 will be launched in the first half of 2025. It will compete with the Lixiang L9 and have an overlapping price range. The Wenjie M8 features innovative design in both appearance and interior and is equipped with Huawei's latest ADS intelligent driving system. This model will fill the product gap in the 350,000-450,000 yuan price range for the Wenjie family and is expected to become another hit model for Hongmeng Zhixing.

Zunjie is a new brand launched by Hongmeng Zhixing, and the S800 will be the brand's first model. According to Yu Chengdong, Executive Director of Huawei, the Zunjie S800 will be more luxurious, high-end, and intelligent than a Rolls-Royce. This model will undertake the important task of enhancing the brand image of Hongmeng Zhixing and is expected to be launched before spring 2025.

Turning to XPeng, two new models will be launched in 2025, including XPeng's first Kunpeng super electric system model, which includes an extended-range version. At the same time, XPeng will have multiple model refreshes next year, introducing at least four new models throughout the year, including the XPeng G7 and XPeng G01.

The XPeng G7 is a B-class SUV expected to be launched in April-May 2025. Based on the P7+ platform, it inherits the design style of the P7+ and has a starting price range of 180,000-190,000 yuan. It will be equipped with an 800V silicon carbide fast-charging system and Turing AI advanced intelligent driving system, offering configurations such as a rear single motor and a lithium iron phosphate battery. Meanwhile, XPeng also plans to introduce the Land Aircraft Carrier, a highly futuristic product scheduled for launch in December 2025. It combines the design of a land vehicle and an aerial vehicle, with the land vehicle supporting 6x6 all-wheel drive and rear-wheel steering, while the aerial vehicle is the first purely electric vertical take-off and landing aircraft for individual users.

As for NIO, the flagship model ET9 is expected to be unveiled in December 2024 and begin deliveries in 2025. This model boasts luxurious configurations and advanced technologies, including 22-inch wheels, smart projection headlights, smart sensing doors, an electric spoiler, multiple large screens, and an intelligent operating system. Meanwhile, the Letao brand also plans to launch at least two new home SUVs in 2025, one being a 6/7-seater flagship SUV and the other a large five-seater SUV. These two new models will focus on cost-effectiveness and compete with models like the Lixiang L8/L7. The first model of NIO's third brand, Firefly, has been named "Firefly" and is scheduled for release in December 2024 with official deliveries in 2025.

Among the new-energy vehicle makers, Lixiang Auto undoubtedly garners more attention. Lixiang Auto plans to launch multiple 800V high-voltage pure electric vehicles in 2025. This technology will significantly improve the charging efficiency and range of electric vehicles, providing users with a more convenient charging experience. Additionally, Lixiang Auto plans to introduce a new pure electric SUV in the first half of 2025, specifically designed for family users and fully considering the various needs of family travel. Besides this new pure electric SUV, Lixiang Auto also plans to launch two other pure electric SUV models, named M7 and M9, respectively. These two models will be positioned in the midsize and large SUV markets, further improving Lixiang Auto's product lineup.

From the layout of new-energy vehicle makers, it can be seen that extended-range vehicles are gradually becoming their focus. The success of Lixiang Auto and Wenjie in the extended-range vehicle segment demonstrates the promising development prospects of this niche market, which will see more players in the future. At the same time, new-energy vehicle models entering the market next year will exhibit more outstanding performance in intelligent driving, performance, charging, and other aspects, and the price threshold for new models is expected to become lower and lower.

Traditional automakers are not to be outdone

Traditional automakers face unprecedented challenges and opportunities in the era of new energy vehicles. They are actively seeking change to adapt to the rapid changes in the market and the upgrading of consumer demand. Based on diverse consumer needs, the development of the new energy vehicle market has gradually shifted from a "pure electric dominance" to a "multi-power development era." In 2025, traditional automakers will no longer be limited to pure electric vehicles when introducing new products.

In 2025, Geely Automobile will focus on brand consolidation. Not long ago, Geely Automobile announced the merger of the Zeekr and Lynk & Co brands. In the future, resources such as technology, channels, and services of the two brands will be integrated, and the new models to be launched will cover about 60% of the segment market. Geely plans to hit the annual sales target of 650,000 vehicles in 2025. To achieve the 2025 sales target, all models under the Lynk & Co brand will be equipped with intelligent electric hybrid technology to achieve electrification of the entire product line. However, product information for the Zeekr brand has not been announced.

Another traditional automaker that has announced its 2025 plans is Baojun Automobile. Baojun's large, full-scenario intelligent SUV is expected to debut in the fourth quarter of 2024. This SUV will feature a six-seat layout and be equipped with full-scenario intelligent functions to meet the needs of family travel and various usage scenarios. The Baojun intelligent flagship sedan is expected to be launched in the first half of 2025. This sedan will adopt a new design style and be equipped with intelligent driving technology. It will offer both pure electric and plug-in hybrid versions in the future, with the plug-in hybrid version having a pure electric range of 101 kilometers. The new car may be named "Baojun Xiangjing," but the final naming has not been determined.

In 2025, it is a general trend for traditional automakers to focus on the hybrid vehicle segment. Hybrid vehicles have significant advantages in fuel economy, energy conservation and emission reduction, driving range, driving experience, policy incentives, and market recognition. These advantages make hybrid vehicles highly competitive in the market and meet consumers' diverse needs for new energy vehicles. With the backing of Geely Automobile, "New Zeekr" has a strong foundation. As a traditional automaker, Baojun has extensive experience in engine, transmission, and powertrain matching and optimization, enabling it to contribute to the research and development of hybrid vehicles.

Car Reviews by the People

In 2025, both new and traditional automakers are showing increased willingness to compete for the hybrid vehicle market. This trend is mainly driven by the rapid growth of the hybrid vehicle market and the diversification of consumer demand. With more new models entering the market, competition in the new energy vehicle market is bound to intensify. It is estimated that 2025 will be another tumultuous year, with automakers such as Baojun, Hongmeng Zhixing, and Lixiang further strengthening their hybrid vehicle lineup. XPeng, which has traditionally focused on pure electric vehicles, has also begun to lay out its hybrid vehicle strategy, and more automakers are expected to follow suit in the future. What do you think is worth looking forward to?