2025 Shanghai Auto Show: Must-See Chinese Brand Debuts

The 2025 Shanghai Auto Show opens April 23 as a pivotal global automotive event, where Chinese automakers will showcase breakthrough models across EV, PHEV and EREV technologies. These launches demonstrate China's growing innovation leadership while reshaping international market competition.

Featured New Models & Key Highlights

BYD e7

- Range: 520km (CLTC) | Positioning: Mid-size electric sedan for family/ride-hailing

Adopting BYD's Ocean美学 design language with Ocean X concept elements. Single 100kW motor with 48kWh/57.6kWh battery options delivering 450km/520km ranges. Expected to dominate fleet markets with competitive pricing.

AITO M8

- Huawei ADS 3.3 autonomous driving | 1526km extended range | Price: $50,000-$62,500

This premium 5/6-seat SUV features seamless Huawei Harmony ecosystem integration, "garage-to-garage" self-driving capability, and luxury safety systems - directly challenging established European luxury brands.

Li

Fangchengbao T3: The Complete Guide to This Tech-Powered Electric "Boxy" SUV in the 100,000-200,000 CNY Range

The Fangchengbao T3 has quickly gained attention in the 100,000-200,000 CNY pure electric "boxy" SUV market since its launch, thanks to its futuristic design, advanced intelligent driving capabilities, dual-motor four-wheel drive, 500 km range, and a series of cutting-edge technologies. Starting at 133,800 CNY (approximately $18,440 USD at current exchange rates).

Key Highlights

Exterior Design

• "Stellar Combat Vehicle" futuristic appearance with sci-fi inspired front fascia and dual-line cut headlights
• Mecha-style body lines with rear wing-style tool box combining practicality and aesthetics

Luxury Tech Interior

• 15.6-inch central touchscreen + 12-inch HUD display
• Devialet premium audio system
• Dual-zone heating/cooling车载冰箱 (executive-class feature)
• Combat-vehicle style electronic gear shifter with crystal buttons
• C-shaped ambient lighting, ergonomic seats, dual-zone automatic climate

How Geely Panda Mini "Vitality Bear" Captures Generation Z's Attention

The Geely Panda Mini "Vitality Bear" has rapidly gained popularity among Generation Z consumers in the competitive micro-EV market through its unique "pet-like" design and aggressive pricing strategy. Emerging during the rise of "cute economy," this model's product details, functional configurations, and marketing strategies perfectly align with young consumers' aesthetic preferences and practical needs—especially female users.

Design, Interior & Feature Highlights

• Distinctive "Panda Bang Bang" front fascia design: Rounded contours with blackened trim connecting the LED "eyelash headlights," plus small cross badges and color-contrasting circles create high recognition and playfulness.
• Bamboo-leaf inspired 13-inch two-tone wheels that echo the front design with exquisite detailing.
• Multiple body/interior color options including Bamboo Green, Puff Pink, and Rolling White to satisfy Gen Z's personalized tastes.
• 8-inch

Horizon Unveils HSD – The Next-Gen L2 Urban ADAS System in Partnership with Chery

HSD Launch Marks New Era of "Complete Package" L2 Intelligent Driving

On April 18, 2025, Horizon Robotics unveiled its groundbreaking L2 urban ADAS system - Horizon HSD at its annual launch event in Shanghai's Dishui Lake. This system redefines urban assisted driving with "human-like experience and user trust", transitioning from merely "functional" to genuinely "usable and desirable", accelerating L2 intelligent driving adoption in complex urban environments.

Key Highlights

• Full-stack Integrated Solution: HSD combines Horizon's self-developed Journey 6P computing platform with end-to-end architecture, becoming China's first deeply coupled hardware-software solution for urban L2 ADAS.

• Three-tier Product Matrix: The HSD 300, HSD 600, and HSD 1200 versions cater to diverse needs from entry-level to premium full-scenario performance, offering automakers flexible configuration options.

Technological Breakthroughs

2025 Shanghai Auto Show: Complete Guide for International Buyers

Event Dates & Essential Information

The 2025 Shanghai International Automobile Industry Exhibition (commonly called Shanghai Auto Show) will run for 10 days from April 23 to May 2, 2025. As China's premier automotive event, it serves as the launchpad for major global vehicle debuts and technological innovations.

Key Expected Vehicle Launches

While manufacturers haven't finalized their exhibition lineups, industry patterns suggest these new energy vehicles (NEVs) and intelligent cars will dominate attention:

• BYD: All-new Seal 06, Han series refresh, Denza SUV/MPV models, Fang Cheng Bao flagship
• Li Auto: i8 series update, first pure-electric flagship reveal, new powertrain options
• XPeng/NIO/Zeekr/Neta: Focus on intelligent driving systems and extended-range solutions
• SAIC-VW/SAIC-GM/FAW-VW: Plug-in hybrid and smart connectivity upgrades
• Premium brands: Mercedes EQ series, BMW i5, Audi Q6 e-tron, Lexus electrified models

New Changan UNI-V: A Detailed Look at China's Latest Sporty Sedan

Blackened Design Meets Performance Upgrades

The newly updated Changan UNI-V has officially passed China's MIIT certification, revealing significant exterior redesigns and powertrain enhancements that position this model as a true "coupe hot hatch" competitor in its class.

Exterior Design Highlights

• Full blackout treatment across all body elements for maximum sportiness
• Traditional grille removed in favor of a clean, closed front panel with triangular accents
• More aggressive front bumper/intake designs, with 2.0T models featuring red accents
• Redesigned taillights with improved light chamber patterns
• Dual exhaust setup on 2.0T versions with sportier rear diffuser

Dimensions and Interior Features

Maintaining its coupe-like proportions with:

• Length: 4,740mm
• Width: 1,838mm
• Height: 1,430mm
• Wheelbase: 2,750mm

While interior details remain undisclosed, expectations point to retained features like the 10.3-inch digital instrument

Avatr 06 Launch on April 19: Key Features and Configuration Details

Official Announcement and Market Positioning

Chinese premium EV brand Avatr has confirmed its new mid-size sedan Avatr 06 will debut on April 19, 2025. The model will offer 5 variants with both pure electric and range-extender powertrains, directly competing with Tesla Model 3 and Xiaomi SU7 in its segment.

Pre-Sale Pricing & Purchase Benefits

• Starting pre-sale price: ¥215,900 (~$29,600)
• Early reservation privileges:
  • ¥2,000 deposit counts as ¥5,000 (instant ¥3,000 discount at purchase)
  • 20-inch five-spoke sport wheels + sport package (worth ¥11,000)

Model Variants & Powertrain Options

Key powertrain

NIO Firefly Debuts: A New Premium Smart Compact EV Contender

Introduction

NIO's sub-brand "Firefly" has unveiled its first model with official images and key specifications now public. This all-electric premium compact car directly competes with popular models like the BYD Seagull and Geely Xingyuan, scheduled for market launch on April 19, 2025 with a pre-sale price of ¥148,800 (approximately $20,600).

Key Highlights & Specifications

Exterior Design

• Dimensions: 4003mm (L) × 1781mm (W) × 1557mm (H) with 2615mm wheelbase
• Signature "Trio" headlights with illuminated logo and circular halo design
• 18-inch alloy wheels, floating roof design, blackened spoiler
• 5 color options: Inspired Purple, Fresh Green, Relaxing Beige, Pure White, and Exploration Gray

Space & Practicality

• Front trunk: 92L capacity (class-leading) with dry-wet separation and drainage
• Rear trunk: 335L standard / 1250L expanded (with rear seats folded)

Interior & Tech Features

• Round-rectangle design elements with floating

Deepal G318 Explorer Edition Officially Launched: A New Benchmark in Off-Road PHEV SUVs

Key Highlights

Launch Date: April 18, 2025

Starting Price: ¥152,900 (~$21,100 USD)

Market Position: Disruptive pricing for a hardcore PHEV SUV with luxury features

1. Model Variants & Pricing

The Deepal G318 expands from a single model to a full series with three configurations:

• 2WD Wild Field Edition: ¥152,900 (~$21,100 USD)
• 4WD Distant Mountain Edition: ¥166,900 (~$23,000 USD)
• 4WD Secret Trail Edition: ¥196,900 (~$27,200 USD)

Limited-time promotional pricing (valid until May 31, 2025). Standard MSRP ranges from ¥185,900 to ¥229,900.

2. Exclusive Launch Benefits

Buyers receive ¥26,500 worth of premium packages including:

• Special edition colors
• Factory-installed tow hooks
• Lifetime warranty vouchers
• TopUsedCars.com charging station with installation
• Free vehicle health checks

3. Standout Features

3.1 Cyberpunk Armor Design

• Bold "Cyber Metal" styling with functional armor elements
• Factory-equipped adventure

Li Auto i8 Debuts in MIIT Announcement: Key Configurations and Features

Vehicle Dimensions and Design

The Li Auto i8 marks the company's first all-electric SUV, adopting the family design language of Li Auto's pure electric vehicles while incorporating design elements from the MEGA model. With dimensions of 5085mm in length, 1960mm in width, and 1740mm in height, along with a 3050mm wheelbase, its size is comparable to the Li L8 but benefits from a longer wheelbase that promises superior interior space.

Wheel Options

Buyers can choose between 20-inch and 21-inch wheel configurations to suit their preferences.

Battery Specifications

The vehicle comes standard with a 5C ternary lithium battery supplied by leading battery manufacturers in the industry.

Powertrain System

The i8 features a standard dual-motor intelligent all-wheel-drive system, with the front and rear motors delivering maximum power outputs of 150kW and 250kW respectively.

Smart Technology Features

All variants come equipped