Shanghai Auto Show 2025: The domestic brands
After looking at the notable foreigners at the Shanghai Auto Show, it’s now time for the domestic brands. We’ll look at the 3 most impressive Chinese carmakers in a separate post. What would have been previously considered as secondary brands are now commanding the biggest footprint in the Show. For example, Zeekr had a larger stand than parent company Geely, and Hongqi played with the big boys such as BYD in terms of showroom surface. Here’s a quick overview of what the Chinese presented at the show, new or not, in alphabetical order. Needless to say all these models are New Energy vehicles: either BEV, PHEV or EREV.
AvatR impressed up with the 06, sporting a closed up back and plush interior. The car can also display messages just below the windshield (2nd picture from the top).
BYD Dynasty D concept
BYD Ocean S concept
BYD Sealion 05 EV
BYD Sealion 07 EV
BYD had no massive launch this year, just a station wagon and EV variant of the Seal 06. All the brand’s models have the same air though, and it may be time to change head designers… Two concept cars were presented: the Dynasty D and Ocean S.
This is one of the most interesting vehicles of the show: the new Chery QQ, a traditional best seller for the carmaker. Great sales potential for this one. The Chery press conference was the most crowded of the entire show, perhaps because over 5,000 international guests were invited.
We’re staying with the Chery Group with this Exeed concept car. The brand also unveiled a new Exlantix sedan.
Fang Cheng Bao Bao 03 interior
Fang Cheng Bao Bao 8 interior
A new added model in the Fang Cheng Bao lineup: the Bao 3, still keeping with rugged interiors. And I’m still enamoured by the Bao 8 cockpit.
Firefly is a new entry level brand by NIO and its first model is the… Firefly. Displayed within the NIO stand and sold in NIO dealerships, the Firefly’s real aim is Europe. It is scheduled to launch in no less than 16 countries by the end of the year. Price starts at 119,800 yuan in China (14,500€ or US$16,400), and is estimated to be below 30,000€ when launching in Europe. The exterior is innovative and the interior basic but well finished. Like all NIO models, Firefly supports battery swap in China.
A very impressive dash for the Geely Galaxy E8
iCar previewed new colours and a pickup version of the V23, as well as a fluffy one (see end of article).
Leapmotor introduced the B01 sedan, a potential strong seller for the brand which should be priced sharply from 88,800 yuan (10,700€ or US$12,200). It was also the first time for me inside the B10 which is ready for its European launch. One of the versions displayed at the Show had a tablet unfolding from the glovebox.
A favourite of mine: The Li Mega.
MG presented the Cyber X concept and its stand was filled with Cybersters. It has pop-up headlights, appearing when in use and receding when turned off. The production model should launch in 2026.
M-Hero had the new M817, a military-grade electric 4WD by Dongfeng.
NIO introduced the new ET9. The car, mid-way between a sedan and a crossover, features wire steering, independent suspension featuring 1,000 adjustments per second, and 256 ambient colours. The Nomi AI assistant can be summoned from outside the car thanks to voice recognition software.
Nio’s mid-premium brand Onvo unveiled its second model after the L60 SUV: the L90 large SUV. The media presentation focused on its capacity: 6 people and 10 suitcases, including 3 in the oversized frunk, which can be opened by tapping the hood twice.
Once again the Xiaomi stand was the most crowded in the entire Show despite not presenting its future SUV the YU7. This would have been the main event of the show if it happened. The line to enter the Xiaomi stand during the first day open to the public was the length of an entire hall. The manufacturer had two SU7 Ultra and 11 standard SU7 on its stand.
Zeekr unveiled its flagship 9X SUV on a gigantic stand. It can accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in the 3 second range despite its size and weight and will start at around 500,000 yuan (60,100€ or US$68,500). Although the car will benefit from a cult-like following of Zeekr as a brand in China, its sales potential overseas will be limited.
We’ll end with a facetious trend of the 2025 Show: fluffy cars! The IM LS6, iCar V23 and Whiling Hongguang Mini EV 4-door all had versions covered with fur both in- and outside. No idea where that trend came from but the kids at the Show were very pleased.
Next we detail the 3 most impressive Chinese brands at the Show.
