Highlights from the Shanghai Auto Show: The Stunning Porsche Killer, Mercedes Minivan, and Exquisite Chinese Counterpart "Maybach" Steal the Show
The Shanghai Auto Show has become the world's leading car exhibition in recent years, showcasing cutting-edge advancements, especially in electric vehicle production.
Photo: REUTERS
Not all of these vehicles will hit our markets, but China's auto industry is moving fast, with some cars arriving in the following months, while others may be sourced through parallel imports. The Shanghai Auto Show has certainly stirred up excitement. In recent years, it has grown to be the world's largest and most significant auto show, with local producers taking the lead, with their numbers set to reach hundreds soon. Western brands maintain a lower profile, but they aren't skimping on premieres.
Companies are eager to impress their clients.
Photo: REUTERS
The trend at the Shanghai Auto Show is all about electric vehicles and a race to push the boundaries with better, safer, and more powerful electric motors, batteries that hold charge longer, and faster, more efficient charging. Flying machines also made an appearance, with concepts of cars of the future like GAC's car-quadcopter hybrid, Govy. However, classic V8 petrol engines with 500 horsepower, like those being fitted in Great Wall's Tank 700 and Tank 800 SUVs, also stole the show.
So, what can we expect for the Russian market?
COMING TO RUSSIA FOR SURE
Changan CS75 Plus
The mid-size crossover CS75 Plus has updated its look, increased dimensions, and is ready to hit the Russian market. With 1.5L and 2.0L gasoline engines, paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission, this stylish crossover is expected to generate strong interest when it becomes available by the end of summer.
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JAC JS9
A seven-seat, full-size crossover, the JAC JS9, is not just coming to Russia, but it will also be produced domestically. Production is set to start at the end of the year, with sales tentatively scheduled for 2026. Experts believe this model will have strong prospects due to its competitive pricing.
- "Russians don't have many spacious SUVs for seven passengers," notes automotive expert Andrey Lomanov. "Sollers always finds voids in the market and knows how to fill them. With localization, prices should be competitive, so I believe in the prospects of this model."
Exeed Exlantix ES
Exeed, a premium brand, is carving out a niche for itself in the Russian market, and its Exlantix ES sedan, with its electric powertrain, is a testament to this. The electric-only range is impressive, ranging from 680-880 km depending on the version. Sales of this model are expected to begin by the end of summer.
LIKELY TO ARRIVE
Omoda C3
The compact Omoda C5 crossover, which became an instant hit in Russia, has spawned a sibling - the Omoda C3. The new model's sleek, angular design has garnered attention, but technical specifications and prices have yet to be announced. Sales are expected to begin in early 2024.
MAEXTRO S800
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The luxurious MAEXTRO S800 sedan, developed jointly by JAC and Huawei, is a contender for those looking for extra opulence, with luxurious materials, abundant options, and impressive performance. Sales are set to begin at the end of May to early June, but the prices are expected to range from 14-15 million rubles, according to Andrei Lomanov, making it a strong competitor in the market.
WESTERN BRANDS COULD RETURN TOGETHER
AUDI E5 SPORTBACK
Despite Western brands being absent from the Russian market, they are not to be ignored, especially as they showcase intriguing new models in China. Audi's E5 Sportback electric SUV, tailored for the Chinese market, could find its way to Russia sooner than expected. Its powerful performance and hefty price tag make it a promising entry if it does arrive here.
Lexus ES
Lexus has set its sights on becoming the flagship of Japanese electric vehicle production. The new ES sedan, now an electric vehicle and a hybrid, marks a shift for the brand. However, technical details and prices are still under wraps.
Mercedes Vision V
Mercedes has reimagined the design of the EV "minivan for two," dubbing its concept the Vision V. Although the exact details of the production version remain to be seen, this luxurious, high-performance vehicle is expected to make a splash when it hits the market.
Reference(s):[1] https://carmagazine.co.uk/car-news/toyota-reveals-bz7-concept-ahead-production-car-2025/[2] https://www.autoface.co.uk/news/xpengs-g7-electric-suv-shanghai-auto-show/[3] https://www.electrive.com/2023/04/17/leapmotor-unveils-its-high-range-b01-ev-suv-with-700-plus-km-range/[4] https://carmagazine.co.uk/car-news/baic-arconfig-series-reshapes-baic-brand-shanghai-auto-show-2023/[5] https://www.gosreldelivery.com/omoda-car-brand-shanghai-auto-show-2023-new-cars-photos/
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The Shanghai Auto Show has attracted attention from various industries, including finance and transportation. New vehicles, such as the Changan CS75 Plus, JAC JS9, and Exeed Exlantix ES, could potentially be financed and imported to Russia soon, stirring up interest in the local automotive market. Western brands, like Audi, Lexus, and Mercedes-Benz, are also showcasing impressive electric vehicles in China, suggesting a potential return to the Russian market in the future.
