Auto Shanghai 2025 Five Cars from China that we Want

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The show is over—these five models from Auto Shanghai 2025 are the ones we would also like to see in the European market.

Last year, it produced 30 million cars and reached a global market share of almost one-third. Once ridiculed as a horde of copycats and horsepower trifles just 20 years ago, the Chinese automotive industry is now more successful than all other motor powers. It is also more mature and serious than ever.

While the Chinese used to yearn for European models from Mercedes, BMW, and Audi or at least VW, Skoda, or DS, today it's the other way around. Much of what was recently showcased as new at the Shanghai Auto Show would also look great in Nuremberg or Naumburg. However, so far only a few brands and models are being exported. From the auto show innovations, we wish for these five cars from China. 

iCar23: The Defender for the iPhone Generation 

While Apple has officially scrapped plans for its own car, China's export champion Chery boldly uses the apparently never-protected name iCar for its own brand—and under this label builds small, cute SUVs. While they may not be as smart as the products from Cupertino, they look all the better and are also affordable. In China, the iCar23, just shown at the auto show, starts with 211 HP and a 500-kilometer (approx. 311 miles) electric range for less than 15,000 euros (16,675.50 USD).

Even if it were to cost twice as much here, it would still have great chances as a Defender for the iPhone generation. Especially since the Suzuki Jimny has failed to meet Brussels' emissions and cybersecurity regulations and the original is neither electric nor affordable for the masses. 

Gallery

Audi E5 Sportback: Without Rings—and Without Relics

Of course, it is primarily intended to appeal to Chinese tastes, remove the cadre-car blemish from Audi, and blow dust off the metal so that the Bavarians can appeal to young customers again. But because the chic VW subsidiary is also somewhat outdated here, the E5 Sportback would do well even in Germany. With the 800-volt platform contributed by partner SAIC for fast charging and long driving, it offers not only contemporary technology but also likely at a significantly lower price than its own models from the PPE platform.

It dares a new appearance, especially on the inside, tossing a few old relics overboard and arriving with its new, heavily streamlined cockpit design looking fresh and unspent. And while we could easily do without the Single Frame outside, as we've slowly grown tired of it, they could put a few rings on the face of the Chinese hope for us if necessary. 

Shanghai

Long Cars and the First China-Audi

VW ID Era: Because Length Works

While we're at it, we'd also like from parent company VW the ID Era, which, as one of the most crowded Shanghai studies, is sure to go into series production soon. Yes, the almost rustic design is a pleasant change in the monotony of the ID fleet, and the ample space with three rows of seats on a skateboard makes it a better Tayron or even a more modern Touareg.

But what truly stirs our desire is the drive system. For the first time, VW uses a range extender in the study developed together with SAIC, thus increasing the electric range from 300 kilometers (approx. 186 miles) to over 1,000 (approx. 621 miles). No one needs to mourn the TDI anymore. Although there is little hope that the Era itself will make it to Europe.

But as the electric euphoria wanes and Brussels appears to be warming up to alternatives, there are increasingly more voices from Wolfsburg (Germany) suggesting that ID models might soon be extended with an on-board generator.

Li Auto Mega: How Captain Future Drives his Kids to Soccer

It's larger than a VW Transporter, more aerodynamic than a Porsche Taycan, and charges faster than a Tesla—with the Li Auto Mega, the Chinese show us what a van can be. Even if a new spaceship takes off every month, there is currently no cooler space shuttle in China than the streamlined giant designed by a former Porsche designer. And hardly any that is so technically advanced: its 800-volt battery with a capacity of 103 kWh offers a second best value in addition to the 710 kilometers (approx. 441 miles) of standard range and charges with up to 550 kW power.

The Mega is not only fast at the charging station. With a 210 hp electric motor at the front and a 330 hp engine at the rear axle, together generating 540 Nm, the spacecraft accelerates to 100 km/h (approx. 62 mph) in 5.2 seconds and continues to hum up to 180 km/h (approx. 112 mph).

Van

Xpeng X9—Spaceship for the Road

Since it hit the market last spring, it has been the number one topic of conversation among companies and families in Guangzhou or Beijing and is selling excellently despite the stately price of the equivalent of 74,000 euros (82,265.80 USD). It is a frequent topic among the car bosses in Wolfsburg, Munich or Stuttgart (Germany). Because on the one hand, they would like to have such a cool concept for the Chinese themselves and on the other hand, they are afraid that this UFO could eventually land here. Then, Germany would quickly catch space fever and BMW, Mercedes, Porsche, and Audi could suddenly have to scrap their SUVs. 

Onvo L90: Are all Good Things Really Three?

They compete only from the mid-range upwards and command hefty prices. Thus, Nio has struggled in Europe so far. Therefore, the Chinese want to broaden their approach and have launched Onvo as the third brand alongside the youthful lifestyle brand Firefly and reiterated its European ambitions. Now, one might well ask whether three brands are really necessary and if it isn't challenging enough to establish just one.

But if Onvo is to come, then not with the already offered Model Y clone L60, with which the otherwise self-assured start-up embarrassed itself as a plagiarist. Rather, please bring the L90, which was unveiled in Shanghai. As an SUV measuring 5.15 meters (approx. 16.9 ft), it would be the perfect competitor not only for the Hyundai Ioniq 9 or the Kia EV9. With three rows of seats, great variability, and a gigantic frunk with 240 liters, it would also be an enticing alternative to the ID Buzz.

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