BMW, Volkswagen, Continental, Porsche, Audi, NIO and more

At Auto Shanghai, BMW pulled the cover off its “BMW Vision Driving Experience” prototype—a test vehicle designed to push the limits for its upcoming “Neue Klasse” platform. At its core is the new central computing unit “Heart of Joy,” which is set to control all driving dynamics functions in real-time. With up to 18,000 Nm of torque, this machine aims to deliver Formula 1-level performance, making it a stress test for BMW’s next-gen drive and control tech slated for production starting in late 2025. Another standout feature: a glow-in-the-dark paint finish, using pigments that charge in daylight and shine neon yellow at night. BMW also announced that its vehicles in China will be powered by Deepseek’s AI going forward.

In line with its “In China, for China” strategy, Volkswagen introduced three new concept vehicles—ID. AURA, ID. ERA, and ID. EVO—co-developed with joint ventures FAW-Volkswagen, SAIC VOLKSWAGEN, and Volkswagen Anhui. Though aimed at different customer groups with distinct design languages, all three clearly bear Volkswagen DNA. Classified as New Energy Vehicles (NEVs) in China, they span BEVs, plug-in hybrids, and range extenders. All production versions will feature AI-based systems for high-level automated driving, with capabilities expected to reach Level 2++ automation as early as next year.

Continental announced at Auto Shanghai that its automotive business will now operate under the new name “Aumovio.” The name reflects a blend of tradition, innovation, and the company’s ambition to shape future mobility. Aumovio will offer cutting-edge electronics and mobility solutions for software-defined vehicles, with a focus on safety, connectivity, and autonomous driving. Highlights included new lighting technologies such as laser-based near-field projection and auto-dimming software for headlights. New product debuts included the Luna and Astra intelligent driving systems, a Central Light Computer, and the In2Visible overhead console.

Porsche unveiled two special 911 variants at Auto Shanghai: the 911 Spirit 70 and the 911 GT3. The Spirit 70, limited to 1,500 units and based on the 911 Carrera GTS Cabriolet, features a T-hybrid system delivering 398 kW (541 hp) and nods to the 1970s and early ’80s with retro design elements like the iconic Pascha interior pattern and a new Olive Neo paint. The performance-focused 911 GT3 also made its return to the Chinese market. Porsche further announced a new infotainment system designed exclusively for China, set to launch in 2026.

Audi, in partnership with SAIC, brought 19 models to Auto Shanghai—including five premieres developed exclusively for China: A5L, A5L Sportback, Q5L, A6L e-tron, and the Audi E5 Sportback. These vehicles will feature next-gen driver assistance systems, a smart cockpit experience with panoramic and passenger displays, and are slated to enter the Chinese market within months. Audi also highlighted three platforms—the Premium Platform Electric (PPE), Premium Platform Combustion, and the jointly developed Advanced Digitized Platform—tailored to deliver more flexible and connected offerings in China.

Nio took the wraps off its brand strategy, presenting three EV brands: Nio, Onvo, and Firefly. Among 11 new models and 12 full-stack technologies, the spotlight was on the Nio ET9, a flagship EV featuring SkyRide active suspension and steer-by-wire. Onvo debuted the L90, a spacious seven-seat SUV made possible by highly integrated components. Meanwhile, firefly, NIO’s entry-level brand, announced plans to enter 16 global markets—including Norway and the Netherlands—starting in summer 2025.

BYD introduced the Yangwang U8L, a luxury SUV built on the e4 platform with four electric motors delivering a combined 880 kW. The vehicle also features BYD’s DuSus-P hydraulic suspension system and the advanced “God’s Eye A” driver assistance suite, which includes three LiDAR sensors. BYD also presented the Seal 06 DM-i Wagon—a plug-in hybrid with a 1.5-liter gas engine, an electric motor, and up to 83 km of electric range. The all-electric Seal 06 EV is due in Q2. BYD’s premium brand Denza, now available in Europe, also unveiled the Denza Z Concept electric sports car.

Mercedes-Benz wowed Auto Shanghai audiences with the world premiere of its Vision V concept—a fully electric luxury van featuring lounge seats that convert into beds and large screens for movies or karaoke. A key innovation is the Dual Smart Glass tech combining SPD and PDLC layers. Mercedes-Benz also introduced a new vehicle naming system for its upcoming electric “Grand Limousines,” to be called VLE and VLS. In addition, the company debuted the long-wheelbase CLA, built on the MMA platform and running entirely on its in-house Mercedes-Benz Operating System (MB.OS)—marking the brand’s first fully software-defined vehicle. Mercedes also revealed a new generation of modular, intelligent electric drivetrains capable of adding 325 km of range in just ten minutes.

XPeng introduced its “AI Tech Tree” strategy, combining innovations like the Turing AI chip, a 5C ultra-fast-charging battery, and the humanoid robot IRON. The company also revealed a refreshed version of the X9 electric van featuring a LiDAR-free Hawk Eye ADAS, active 6D chassis control, and luxury interior upgrades. With up to 740 km of range and rapid charging capabilities, the X9 is set to redefine family mobility.

GAC unveiled its "X-SOUL AI Panorama" ecosystem—an all-encompassing smart mobility vision covering “Sky, People, Home, and Vehicle.” Under the "Sky" banner, GAC introduced its flying car brand GOVY. For “People,” GAC showcased the third generation of its GoMate humanoid robot. The “Home” segment focused on vehicle-smart home integration via its Green Smart Vehicle-Home system. In the “Vehicle” domain, GAC aims to launch China’s first factory-equipped SAE Level 4 autonomous car by the end of 2025.

Bosch presented a new ADAS product family featuring a modular approach to driver assistance. A key highlight was a compact, high-performance radar sensor powered by a custom system-on-chip (SoC). Bosch also showcased new multi-function cameras and inertial sensors designed to enable SAE Level 2 driving and parking features. A new high-performance vehicle computer for AI-based cockpit systems was revealed, with Bosch securing its first high-volume production contract in China, set to start in late 2025.

Nissan introduced two new models at Auto Shanghai: the all-electric N7 sedan and the Frontier Pro PHEV—the brand’s first plug-in hybrid pickup for China. The N7 is based on Dongfeng’s 007 platform and will be available with 160 kW or 200 kW rear-wheel drive. The Frontier Pro is part of Nissan’s plan to launch nine electrified models in China by mid-2027.

Toyota took the stage in Shanghai with the debut of the bZ7, a full-size electric sedan over five meters long. Co-developed with GAC, the bZ7 will launch within a year and feature Huawei’s HarmonyOS and a LiDAR-based driver assistance system.

Mazda showcased the EZ-60, a mid-size electric crossover developed with Changan. Built on the EPA1 platform, it will be offered both as a BEV with up to 600 km of range and as a range-extended hybrid. Features include a rear-mounted motor (160 or 190 kW), an 80 kWh battery, a 26.45-inch display, virtual head-up display, and gesture/voice controls. The vehicle is expected to launch in Europe as the Mazda CX-6e.

Battery giant CATL revealed the second generation of its Shenxing ultra-fast charging battery, capable of adding 520 km of range in just five minutes—equal to 2.5 km per second. Based on LFP chemistry, the battery can reach 800 km total range and charge from 5% to 80% in just 15 minutes even at -10°C. CATL also introduced “Naxtra,” a sodium-ion battery aimed at offering a safer and more affordable alternative to lithium-ion, with up to 500 km range and mass production slated for late 2025.

Infineon Technologies and Marelli revealed a groundbreaking cockpit innovation at Auto Shanghai: a MEMS-based laser beam scanning (LBS) system designed to push the boundaries of display flexibility, efficiency, and in-car design. Built on Infineon’s MEMS laser technology, the LBS system allows projection of content onto diverse surfaces, giving interior designers greater freedom to create immersive digital cockpit experiences.