To showcase the (mega) importance of the quirky Chinese automotive market (irrespective of the government's policies and politicians), global carmakers brought their A++ game to Beijing, China, this spring.
The 18th Beijing International Automotive Exhibition, or Auto China 2024, is currently in full swing between April 25 and May 4 at the China International Exhibition Center in Beijing, China, and is clearly shaping up to be not just the go-to automotive spring show but also one of the best of the year, irrespective of the season.
Of course, there were many local premieres that may or may not impact the international markets – we're talking about the new Chery Tiggo 9 PHEV (decent looks, 870-mile total driving range), the sharp-styled Buick Electra-L and Electra-LT sedan and station wagon concepts that sadly won't make it to America, the Buick GL8 PHEV minivan with VIP and aviation seats, BYD's radical Ocean-M concept that previews a production version set to debut later this year, the great-looking Mazda EZ-6 spiritual successor of the Mazda6 and the Arata concept, the stylish Volkswagen ID. Code prototype, the bespoke Rolls-Royce 'Spirit of Expression' commissions, or the all-new Audi Q6L plus the 225+-mph MG EXE181, among many others.
The list could go on, but let's focus on the stuff that us westerners might get their hands on. Ahem, there's a big footnote about that, as some of these international models may be out of reach for 99.99% of us even if we work 101% for the rest of our lives. I mean, there's a reason most people dream about Lamborghini and Mercedes-AMG, right? However, I'll get back to that in a moment. First things first, let's see what Auto China 2024 had for the rest of the world. We could start from the bottom of the dimensional pit with the MINI Aceman, which is the indirect or spiritual successor to the ICE-powered Paceman.
It is also MINI's first dedicated EV model – with front-wheel drive, the new looks of the brand's styling, and a WLTP range of over 400 km (249 miles). Well, I'm not exactly impressed, and all of MINI's new designs are starting to look the same. Next come two extremes – the Mercedes-Benz G 580 with EQ Technology can do the tank turn but also sound like a V8 monster, while the little Mercedes-AMG G 63 S E Performance has more than 800 horsepower and rather inconspicuous looks.
At 4.7 meters long or 185 inches, the smart Concept #5 could morph into a Mercedes-Benz EQB cousin if the company orders a series-production variant as their largest vehicle to date. It looks rugged and fun, but it would probably get severely toned down if released into the (urban) wilderness. Toyota unveiled the bZ3C and bZ3X electric crossovers in Beijing, and I think that one of the main reasons why the company doesn't sell too many EVs is because customers don't want to be made fun of them when they can't pronounce the name of the car they're driving in front of friends and family.
Nissan doubled down on the Chinese market with Epoch and Evo sedans and Epic and Era SUVs developed in collaboration with Dongfeng. Still, I really feel that anything is better than the old Leaf at this point in time, and they could just launch them globally and still sell more of them even if they smell like Chinese sneakers inside. Genesis also launched a concept – the G80 Magma EV luxury sedan- and this could have a bright international career if there weren't better options like the Porsche Taycan, Tesla Model S, and Lucid Air out and about already.
Last but not least, there's also a $258k cherry on top of everything. That would be the bright-orange Lamborghini Urus SE, the first plug-in hybrid super-SUV from Italy. It features a new design compared to the Urus, Urus S, and Urus Performante predecessors, as well as a combination of V8 and electricity that makes it a higher-powered cousin of the 729-hp Porsche Cayenne Turbo E-Hybrid. By the way, it's not only more powerful than the V12-powered 715-hp Ferrari Purosangue (and also cheaper), but it also towers magnificently with 800 ps or 789 hp above the ultra-hideous 738-hp BMW XM Label Red.
Ever since it was introduced, the Lambo Urus has become the brand's best-selling model and also a major darling of the American aftermarket world, and I see nothing stopping it from snatching the crown and ruling undefeated over the ultra-luxury super-SUV universe. Frankly, if Rolls-Royce doesn't come out with something cool for the refreshed Cullinan, I fear that it will, too, fall into oblivion, just like the Bentley Bentayga (yes, I know it's their most popular thing out there). There's no reason not to claim the throne, by the way – it's the most powerful ICE-powered production SUV out there, and the zero to 62 mph (100 kph) sprint is done in 3.4 seconds while also topping out at 312 kph (194 mph).
For the sake of comparisons, Lambo said its Urus S benchmarks to 62 mph in 3.5 seconds and 124 mph/200 kph in 12.5 seconds (11.2s for Urus SE), while the top speed is also lower at 305 kph (190 mph). Oh, and let us not forget about the 25.9-kWh lithium-ion battery sandwiched between the floor and the electronically-controlled rear differential that enables the PHEV to travel for up to 60 km (37 miles) on electric power alone in 4WD mode. Cool SUV, right?
Aurel has aimed high all his life (literally, at 16 he was flying gliders all by himself) so in 2006 he switched careers and got hired as a writer at his favorite magazine. Since then, his work has been published both by print and online outlets, most recently right here, on autoevolution. Full profile
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