Domestic brands come out strong in Shanghai

The Chinese car market remains significant from an outright sales perspective, but there are also great strides being made on the design front.

The Shanghai auto show — arguably the biggest in China and a major fixture globally — was once afflicted by the so-called ‘copycat’ trend with many new launches looking suspiciously similar to popular models from western brands. But those days appear to be long gone, with a strong showing from many home-grown brands of late. From touring the show floor, here is our round-up of the ones that stood out best.

XPeng G6

XPeng unveiled its fifth production model and the first on its all new SEPA2.0 platform. Although officially described as an SUV coupe the G6 is more like a high riding hatchback and is clearly aimed both in style and size to compete with the Tesla Model Y. With 800V architecture the platform allows superfast charging meaning as much as 300km of range can be added in ten minutes.

HiPhi Y

Unlike when HiPhi unveiled the X and Z the premium EV brand’s third model is much closer to production with deliveries set to begin within China in 2023 and Europe in 2024. Despite being aimed as a more mass-market model the Y surprisingly keeps the X’s combined gullwing/suicide combination doors for rear passengers. Although still large at 4938mm long it is considerably shorter than the dual flagship X and Z models. A five-seater, the maximum range is 810km.

Nio ES6

The original ES6 was one of Nio’s best selling cars and the new car which rides on the company second generation platform hopes to replicate that success. Designed for improved autonomous driving the ES6 features Nio’s now familiar watchtower sensor suite at the top of the windscreen. Deliveries will begin in late May and the car will come in a choice of ten colours.

BYD Song L

Another Model Y competitor the Song L is a fully electric car on BYD’s e-platform 3.0. Overall sharp and sporty lines are matched by features such as frameless doors and an electric rear spoiler. Due to go on sale this year the Song L will feature BYD next generation smart cockpit along with its new Disus suspension system.

Geely Galaxy L7

Geely showed its latest brand to the public for the first time including both the Light concept and the L7 set to be the brand’s first production car. A modern looking SUV the L7 rides on an electrified version of Geely’s CMA platform and will be a PHEV. One noticeable design element is that the rear lights extend from one wing right across the back to the other wing.

Mengshi M-Hero 917

This stealthy looking SUV is a new energy vehicle brand from Dongfeng. Aimed as a high end brand Mengshi (Warrior) first model the 917 is available as a pure EV and also as a range extended EV where a petrol engine acts as a generator to replenish the battery. Sales are expected to begin this year with prices starting in China from RMB700,000 (£82,000).

Chery iCar 03

Chery at the 2023 show went all in with electric cars showing various models under different brands. Set to be the first production model from iCar the 03 is a boxy electric SUV. Along with level 2 ADAS there’s i-VA, an intelligent virtual assistant, to control functions. The brand is also set to be the launch customer for CATL’s sodium-ion batteries.

Hongqi E001 concept

The E001 concept is meant to showcase an upcoming saloon from sub-brand Hongqi New Energy. It seems that Hongqi is trying to replicate the success GAC has had with Aion. Looks wise it is a significant departure from previous Hongqi models loosing the red ornament on the bonnet. Another significant element is the car will feature, battery swapping. Sales will begin in China this year with European markets to follow.

GAC Aion Hyper GT

This scissor-doored saloon is one of the most aerodynamic cars to go into production. Despite the name the car is not about all out performance and only a single motor powers the rear wheels, although the most powerful version still manages 100km/h (62mph) in 4.9 seconds. Range is up to 710km (441 miles) and a lithium-ion battery version can use battery swapping.

Maxus GST Concept

There was no shortage of pick-up truck on display this year but the GST Concept was one of the most striking. Tough looks, but this is firmly an EV. The front compartment houses a drone and, in tune with the lifestyle type marketing, the bed provided home for some bikes.