Chengdu Motor Show 2025: top new launches

The Chengdu Motor Show, which starts today, is the largest mid-year auto show in China and this year it did not disappoint, with significant new car launches: here the most important  

The Chengdu auto show is held annually and has become one of China's largest automotive exhibitions. The Shanghai auto show and Beijing auto show are held every two years. The auto show will take place from August 29 to September 7 at the Western China Expo City in Chengdu, Sichuan province. August 29 is media day, and the general public can attend from September 1 to 7. This year's event will cover an exhibition area of 220,000 square meters, featuring over 1,600 models from nearly 120 brands, according to the organizers. Here the most important launches 

 

ZEEKR 9X

Zeekr, the premium electric vehicle brand under Geely, revealed its first full-size plug-in hybrid Suv, the Zeekr 9X and began presales in China with a starting price of 479,900 yuan ($67,080). Chinese customers paying a 5,000 yuan deposit now will receive a 10,000 yuan discount upon final payment. Shortly after the Zeekr 9X began pre-sales, Zeekr announced that the model received 42,667 pre-orders within the first hour. The Zeekr 9X is built on the brand-new SEA-S modular platform, known in Chinese as Haohan-S, which utilises the SEA Hybrid (Haohan Hybrid) technology. 

The six-seat full-size luxury SUV measures 5,239 mm in length, 2,019 mm in width, and 1,819 mm in height, with a wheelbase of 3,169 mm. A highlight of the Zeekr 9X’s powertrain is its CATL-made Freevoy battery, available in 55 kWh and 70 kWh capacities. The 70 kWh version is the largest battery pack in any passenger PHEV, offering a pure electric range of 355 km under CLTC conditions. 

The Zeekr 9X became available for presale in three trim levels: Max, Ultra, and Hyper. The entry-level car costs 479,900 yuan ($67,080). It offers a combination of a 2-liter ICE and two electric motors for 660 kW (885 hp). The 9X Max has a 55 kWh battery on board, suitable for 300 km of electric range under CLTC conditions. The car’s mixed range in PHEV mode reaches 1,200 km. The Zeekr 9X Max comes standard with a dual-chamber air suspension complemented by a dual-valve continuous damping control (CDC) system. The Zeekr 9X Ultra starts at 499,900 yuan ($69,880) and comes standard with 660 kW and a 55 kWh battery. However, it can be optionally equipped with a 70 kWh pack. 

The Zeekr 9X Hyper is the top-of-the-line model with a price of 569,900 yuan ($79,660). This variant comes standard with a 70 kWh battery for 355 km of CLTC range. It sends power to three electric motors. The combined power output of the Zeekr 9X Hyper reaches 1,030 kW (1,381 hp). The mixed range of this vehicle is 1,165 km. It speeds up to 100 km/h in 3.1 seconds. Zeekr reiterated that although there are no current plans for a BEV version, the company is technically prepared to offer one if future demand justifies it. The 9X will enter the Chinese market in the third quarter of 2025.

 

MG4 EV

MG, a brand under SAIC, officially launched its all-new MG4 EV today at the Chengdu Auto Show 2025. The compact EV is available in five trims with prices ranging from 68,800 yuan ($9,560), with discounted prices beginning at 65,800 yuan to 102,800 yuan ($14,290). discounted to 99,800 yuan (about $14,000). The 102,800 yuan ($14,290) version is the semi-solid-state battery Anxin Edition, which is said to be delivered within this year. 

The car measures 4395mm in length, 1842mm in width, and 1551mm in height, with a wheelbase of 2750mm. The MG4 features a six-in-one integrated electric motor delivering a maximum power output of 120 kW (161 hp). The vehicle is equipped with Lithium Iron Phosphate (LFP) batteries, available in two capacities: 42.8 kWh and 53.9 kWh. These provide CLTC-rated cruising ranges of 437 km and 530 km, respectively. Both battery options support fast charging, achieving a 30%-80% charge in 20 minutes.

 

XIAOMI SU7 ULTRA NÜRBURGRING LIMITED EDITION

The Xiaomi SU7 Ultra Nürburgring Limited Edition made its offline premiere today at the opening of the Chengdu Auto Show. The vehicle, which officially launched on June 26th, quickly sold out its initial batch. Priced at 814,900 yuan ($113,300), the Xiaomi SU7 Ultra Nürburgring Limited Edition offered 10 units of the 2025 edition, which were made available for sale during the Xiaomi YU7 launch event on June 26th. The model is permanently limited to a total of 100 units. 

Built upon the foundation of the SU7 Ultra, the Nürburgring Limited Edition is equipped with a professional track package designed for performance. This includes a carbon fibre dual-duct front hood, a carbon fibre aerodynamic underbody guard, and additional carbon fibre rear wheel arches. A large carbon fibre rear spoiler further enhances the vehicle’s aerodynamics, providing increased downforce at high speeds to maintain stability and grip. 

Under the hood, the Xiaomi SU7 Ultra Nürburgring Limited Edition features the same “super triple-motor system” as its prototype, comprising two V8s motors and one V6s motor. This marks the official mass production debut of Xiaomi’s self-developed V8s super motor, which boasts a maximum rotational speed of 27,200 rpm, making it one of the highest-revving and most powerful mass-produced main drive motors currently available. The powertrain delivers a maximum horsepower of 1548 hp, enabling the car to accelerate from 0-100 km/h in 1.98 seconds (excluding rollout) and from 0-200 km/h in 5.86 seconds. It’s designed to reach a top speed of 350km/h. Powering this car is a track-spec high-power battery pack, which globally debuts the CATL Qilin II. 

This battery is recognised as one of the strongest-performing mass-produced battery packs, offering a maximum discharge rate of 16C and a peak discharge power of 1,330 kW. Even when the charge level drops to 20%, it can still deliver 800 kW of discharge power. For rapid recharging, it supports a maximum charging rate of 5.2C, allowing for a 10%-80% charge in 11 minutes. The vehicle has a CLTC range of 630 km.

 

NIO: 100 kWh PACK NOW STANDARD

Nio officially announced a switch to offering 100 kWh batteries as standard for its whole lineup at the Chengdu Auto Show 2025. Prices of the cars with a bigger battery were sliced to the level of previously available 75 kWh variants, marking a notable reduction. The 75 kWh will still be available as part of the BaaS (Battery as a Service) plan. 

Nio-branded models were previously available for purchase with two battery options for 75 kWh and 100 kWh. Recently, netizens started complaining that cars with 75 kWh offer too low a range, judging by modern standards. In response, Nio switched to the 100 kWh battery available as standard for the whole lineup.

ROEWE M7 DMH

SAIC’s Roewe brand unveils the new M7 DMH: positioned as a medium-to-large sedan, the Roewe M7 DMH has a length, width, and height of 4940/1890/1510 mm, and the wheelbase is 2820 mm. The curb weight is 1670 kg. The model is the first mass-produced model design by Josef Kabaň, former Head of Design at Rolls-Royce, after joining SAIC. 

Josef Kabaň is a Slovak automotive design veteran who joined SAIC Motor in April 2024, bringing experience from Škoda, BMW, and Volkswagen. He was also responsible for the exterior of the Bugatti Veyron and worked at Audi and Rolls-Royce as Head of Design. He unexpectedly left his position at Rolls-Royce after only six months without further explanation in 2019.

 

Power comes from SAIC’s fifth-generation DMH hybrid system, which consists of a 1.5L engine with a thermal efficiency of 43% and an electric motor. The engine has a maximum power of 82 kW (110 hp) and a peak torque of 135 Nm while the motor has a maximum power of 137 kW (184 hp) and a peak torque of 330 Nm. The CLTC pure electric and comprehensive ranges are expected to reach 160 km and 2,050 km, respectively. SAIC’s Roewe M7 DMH entry-level long range sedan is opened for pre-sale, available in three trims priced from 97,800 to 114,800 yuan ($13,700 to $16,000).

FIREFLY EV “NOMADIC MAILLARD”

Nio Firefly EV “Nomadic Maillard” special edition, limited to 333 units, has sold out in China within 30 hours. The new special edition Firefly EV, unveiled at Chengdu Motor Show, features a low-saturation color scheme with exclusive decals and wheel designs, showcased at Nio stores across 48 cities. These features provide a different appearance and are more prominent than the standard variant. Firefly launched this variant on August 25 with starting price at 133,800 yuan ($18,680) including the battery pack, 11.69 percent higher than the base variant.Under the BaaS (Battery as a Service) battery rental plan, the special edition variant starts at 93,800 yuan with a monthly battery rental fee of 399 yuan.

Firefly is positioned by Nio as a premium compact car, with its most direct competitors including the BMW Mini and Mercedes-Benz Smart. As a five-seat compact BEV, Firefly has length, width and heights of 4,003 mm, 1,781 mm and 1,557 mm, respectively, and a wheelbase of 2,615 mm. Firefly is a compact car built for urban mobility, with the smallest turning radius in its class at 4.7 meters. Firefly does not use performance as a selling point and is powered by a rear motor with 105 kW of peak power and 200 Nm of peak torque.

AITO M7

The new Aito M7 crossover from Huawei and Seres had official debut at the Chengdu Auto Show 2025 and will enter the Chinese market on September 23 with with prices ranging from 249.800 yuan ($34,920) to 329.800 yuan ($46,100). The Aito M7 is a large SUV with dimensions of 5080/1999/1780 mm and a wheelbase of 3,030 mm. It will be available for purchase in both 5-seat and 6-seat configurations. The EREV variant of the Aito M7 features a 1.5-liter engine under the hood, producing a maximum power output of 118 kW (158 hp). The entry-level M7 has a power output of 227 kW (304 hp), while the 4WD boasts 392 kW (526 hp). The BEW variant has the same electric motors. The cabin adopts a fully redesigned center console with three screens. The main touchscreen of this SUV has a diameter of 16.1 inches. There is also a screen in front of the front passenger. The infotainment system of the new Aito M7 is powered by the Harmony OS from Huawei. Another feature of this vehicle is a head-up display. The gear shifter of the new Aito M7 moved to the steering column. As a result, the center tunnel of this SUV got two wireless charging pads, a pair of cup holders, and a spacious compartment. There are almost no physical buttons inside the Aito M7, as modern Chinese cars rely on voice interaction systems and large monitors. Both front seats of the car support a zero-gravity mode.

 

FORD BRONCO

Ford unveiled the all-electric and EREV versions of the Ford Bronco in China. The new EV will be manufactured by Jiangling Motors (JMC) – Ford joint venture in Jiangxi province. It will feature lidar, a battery from BYD and 650 km CLTC range. The Bronco EV is a 5-seater SUV with the following dimensions: 5,025 mm in length, 1,960 mm in width, and 1,815 mm in height, with a 2,950 mm wheelbase. The curb weight is 2,630 kg. The all-electric SUV is all-wheel drive (AWD) with a 130 kW motor on the front axle and a 202 kW motor in the rear, providing a combined output of 232 kW (311 hp). The top speed is 170 km/h. The drivetrain is powered by a 105.4 kWh lithium-iron-phosphate (LFP) blade battery from BYD, good for 650 km CLTC range.

VOLVO XC70

The all-new Volvo XC70 plug in hybrid (PHEV) has been officially unveiled at Chengdu Motor Show 2025. On August 27, Volvo has opened its China-made all-new XC70 for pre-sales. Two trims are available, with the price starting at 299,900 yuan ($41,900) for the two-wheel drive long-range model and 329,900 yuan ($46,100) for the four-wheel drive ultra-long-range model. The Volvo XC70 has body dimensions of 4815/1890/1650 mm (l/w/h), with a 2895 mm wheelbase. Power comes from a plug-in hybrid system consisting of a 1.5T engine and P1+P2+P4 electric motor(s), and mated to a 3DHT. The engine outputs a maximum power of 120 kW (161 hp) and a peak torque of 255 Nm. The P1, P2, and P4 motors have a maximum power of 60 kW (80 hp), 107 kW (143 hp), and 156 kW (209 hp), respectively. Additionally, the four-wheel drive has a ternary lithium battery capacity of 39.6 kWh, supplied by CATL, providing a CLTC pure electric range of 180 km and a comprehensive range of 1,200 km. It can accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in 5.28 seconds and has a WLTC fuel consumption of 6.55L/100km. The two-wheel drive has a lithium iron phosphate battery pack capacity of 21.22 kWh, also from CATL, providing a 100 km CLTC pure electric range. The WLTC fuel consumption is 5.85L/100km.

 

 

CHERY EXEED ET5

Chery's premium automotive brand Exeed unveiled the ET5 midsize Suv on the opening day of the 2025 Chengdu auto show, aiming to create the smart, safe Suv of choice for young families. The model, internally designated E05, is named ET5 to continue Exeed's ET series, the brand said. "ET" stands for "Enjoy Time," reflecting Exeed’s vision of creating premium, enjoyable mobility experiences for global family users, it explained. The vehicle is a mid-size range-extended Suv measuring 4,780 mm in length, 1,890 mm in width, and 1,725 mm in height, with a wheelbase of 2,800 mm. It features a 1.5-liter engine as a range extender, delivering a maximum power output of 115 kW. The electric motor delivers a maximum power of 195 kW and peak torque of 324 Nm, accelerating from 0 to 100 km/h in 7.8 seconds. The Exeed ET5 features a 32.66 kWh lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery pack, providing a range of 205 kilometers.

 

BYD QUIN L EV

The new energy vehicle (NEV) maker announced on the first day of the Chengdu auto show that two lower-priced variants of the Qin L EV electric sedan have each been discounted by 10,000 yuan ($1,400), effective until September 30. The updated starting prices for these variants are now 109,800 yuan and 119,800 yuan, down from 119,800 yuan and 129,800 yuan respectively. Meanwhile, BYD introduced a new variant of the Qin L EV equipped with the DiSus-C body control system, priced at 139,800 yuan. This replaces the previously available variant at the same price point. The new variant also qualifies for the limited-time 10,000 yuan discount, resulting in an effective starting price of 129,800 yuan. DiSus is BYD's body control system unveiled on April 10, 2023, initially comprising three variants: the intelligent damping body control system DiSus-C, the intelligent air body control system DiSus-A, and the intelligent hydraulic body control system DiSus-P. The Qin L EV equipped with DiSus-C enhances ride comfort on bumpy roads while improving body stability during cornering and emergency maneuvers. The new variant also features a high-speed tire blowout stability system. If a blowout occurs at speeds below 140 km/h, it actively controls lateral body deviation to help maintain driving stability. 

Launched on March 23, the Qin L EV rivals Tesla's Model 3 in dimensions but targets younger consumers with a lower price point. Its dimensions measure 4,720 mm in length, 1,880 mm in width, and 1,495 mm in height, with a wheelbase of 2,820 mm. All three variants of this BYD sedan feature single-motor rear-wheel drive. The entry-level model's motor delivers 110 kW peak power and 220 Nm peak torque. The other two variants share a motor with 160 kW peak power and 330 Nm peak torque. The entry-level BYD Qin L EV features a 46.08-kWh battery pack with a CLTC range of 470 kilometers. The two higher-priced variants both utilize a 56.64-kWh battery pack, each offering a CLTC range of 545 kilometers.

 

CHERY QQ3

The all-new Chery QQ3 made its debut at the 2025 Chengdu Auto Show. The official market launch could be as early as the end of this year. When the QQ series was first launched in 2003, Chery positioned it as “young people’s first car”. Subsequently, Chery launched the Chery QQ3, the QQ6, and QQme. Earlier in April, Chery revived its QQ series by introducing the new Chery QQ concept car at the Shanghai Auto Show. Chery QQ3 measures over 4.200 mm in lenght with a wheelbase over 2700 mm. Power comes from a 90 kW (121 hp) rear electric motor. The battery capacity and range info still need to be revealed officially.

 

BMW X5 SPORTS NIGHT SET

At the 2025 Chengdu International Auto Show, BMW introduced an exclusive X5 variant called the Sports Night Set. Designed specifically for the Chinese market and produced in limited numbers, it pairs a bespoke styling package with expanded equipment to highlight the crossover’s athletic character. The treatment comes across as cohesive, emphasizing performance without shouting about it. The exterior leans into a night-inspired theme: a dark body color with gloss-black accents in place of chrome, a black kidney grille and roof rails, a more assertive M Package bumper, and black exhaust finishers. Special-design wheels complete the stealthy look. The blackout approach flatters the X5’s proportions, visually planting the SUV lower and wider on the road. 

Inside, dark materials with contrast stitching set the tone. The dashboard gets carbon-look trim, while the seats carry the series logo. Equipment is boosted by an extended M package that brings a head-up display, a sports steering wheel with shift paddles, and a broader suite of driver assists. The multimedia system runs the latest-generation BMW iDrive with gesture and voice control. The balance feels decidedly sporty yet remains easy to live with day to day. Under the skin, the Sports Night Set mirrors the standard X5 in xDrive40i and xDrive M60i trims. Power comes from either an inline-six or a V8 with M TwinPower Turbo. Depending on the version, output reaches 381 or 530 hp, with 0–100 km/h taking between 4.3 and 5.5 seconds. xDrive all-wheel drive and an adaptive sport suspension are part of the standard spec. The spread covers everything from brisk to genuinely quick, with performance that should satisfy most buyers. Sales of the limited series will begin in China immediately after the show. Pricing is expected to land around 600–800 thousand yuan higher than the standard X5.

 

CADILLAC XT5

Cadillac unveiled the updated XT5 at the Chengdu auto show. The crossover reaches the market in four versions, with a recommended price range from 379,900 to 459,900 yuan. The exterior keeps its familiar character, refined with a few new touches and a fresh body color called Sailimu Blue. Dimensions are unchanged at 4888x1957x1694 mm with a 2863 mm wheelbase. Even the base model rides on 20-inch wheels, while top trims add 21-inch rims and Brembo brakes—details that give the range a more confident stance. Inside, the atmosphere steps up thanks to a 33-inch curved 9K display and a broader suite of amenities: heated, ventilated and massaging seats, AKG audio, a panoramic roof, and a digital rearview mirror. The focus is clearly on richer tech and finish rather than radical design shifts, a strategy that suits the XT5’s audience. The powertrain remains familiar: a 2.0-liter turbocharged engine rated at 174 kW, paired with a 48-volt mild-hybrid system and a 9-speed automatic. Most versions include all-wheel drive as standard, which makes the lineup straightforward for buyers who value traction and stability.