Some of the Shanghai auto show’s greatest hits

Some of the Shanghai auto show’s greatest hits

If we were to spew facts, the stakes remain high for global automakers, considering that there seems to be no clear end in sight to the ongoing trade war between the U.S. and China. Yet, the Shanghai Auto Show proves that China’s automotive market remains a powerhouse in the global automotive landscape.  

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The show was attended by more than 1,000 well-known domestic and international companies from 26 countries and regions. It featured a staggering 1,366 vehicles, with over 70% classified as new energy vehicles (NEVs), and 163 models making their world debut. Drawing in over 1 million visitors, including 63,000 attendees from more than 90 countries and regions outside China, the event showcased itself as a strong platform for previewing the future of the global auto industry.

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While leading automakers took the opportunity to showcase models tailored not just for China but for the world, they did so under the shadow of growing trade tensions. As the U.S.–China tariff standoff continues, vehicle manufacturers are fighting to stay competitive, all while bracing for the next move from President Donald Trump.

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Of course, there were exciting debuts at almost every stand. And while we’d love to cover it all, space is limited, so here are a few standout highlights we think stole the show.

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BMW M4 Edition Nurburgring

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Called the BMW M4 Edition Nurburgring, this particular model has been created to pay homage to the iconic Nurburgring circuit and it’s poised to become a rare piece of kit. Firstly, only 53 units will be built to commemorate 53 years of BMW M’s division. Yes, that’s how long the division has been around and gave us some of the greatest and iconic M cars that we still hold in high regard today. 

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Draped in stunning Frozen Deep Green exterior shade, which nods to the Ring’s ‘Green Hell’ nickname, it just became too hard for us to resist having a closer look. It’s beautifully designed with a red outline of the track on the headrests and red colouring on the radiator grille as well as ‘Nurburgring 1/53’ lettering on the door sills. Power-wise, there’s no bump in performance, which admittedly feels like a missed opportunity for a car this special. And if that wasn't enough of a gut punch, here's the kicker: it’s only for the Chinese market. Yes, you read that right. A car this desirable won’t be making its way to other parts of the world, and we can’t help but feel a bit left out. Tough luck for Mzansi fans. 

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Chery Himla bakkie

Chery has been flirting with the idea of entering the highly competitive lifestyle double-cab bakkie segment. We first got a glimpse of those plans firsthand during our visits to China in 2023 and 2024, where we even took part in one of their design surveys. Two years later and the Himla double-cab bakkie has officially made its debut. 

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When it finally arrives before the end of the year or early 2026, it will challenge segment stalwarts such as the Toyota Hilux, Ford Ranger, Isuzu D-Max, to name a few, alongside the GWM P-Series and Foton Tunland G7, both of which are Chinese products. Just like its rivals, it’s also built on a rugged ladder-frame chassis and aims to deliver both utility and lifestyle appeal. While details remain under wraps, it will reportedly be powered by an in-house turbocharged diesel engine alongside a range of hybrid and petrol engines. If that’s true, it could make things very interesting in this segment.

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Changan Hunter K50

Changan Automobiles recently announced its plans to reintroduce itself into the local market before the end of the year, following more than a decade-long hiatus. The Chinese brand will make a comeback through Jameel Motors, an experienced independent distributor, to bring in a fresh lineup that includes SUVs, sedans, and, most excitingly, bakkies.

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Speaking of bakkies, we got a glimpse of the Hunter K50 at the show, which, as far as off-road credentials are concerned, could become a serious off-road bruiser to take on the likes of the Toyota Hilux GR-S, Nissan Navara Warrior, and Ford Ranger Tremor. What sets the Hunter K50 apart is its range-extended electric powertrain. It’s powered by a dual-motor setup pushing out 200kW and 470Nm of torque, paired with a 31.18kWh battery that offers up to 131km of pure electric driving. But here’s the clever bit: it also features a 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol engine that doesn’t drive the wheels directly, but instead acts as a generator to recharge the battery on the go. The result? A claimed total driving range of over 1,000km. 

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There’s no official word yet on whether the Hunter K50 will be part of Changan’s initial offering here, but considering Mzansi’s deep love for bakkies and the rising interest in electrified options, it’s hard to imagine they’d leave this one out.

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GWM Tank 300 Hooke

Over at the GWM stand, we found ourselves face-to-face with what could easily be the Chinese manufacturer’s most hardcore off-roader yet, the Tank 300 Hooke. And we’ve got to say, it looked the part. Towering with its raised stance, chunky all-terrain tyres, and aggressive presence, it instantly gave off serious Wrangler Rubicon and Land Rover Defender energy.

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The Tank 300 Hooke appears to sit higher than the normal Tank 300 model, but what stands out, though, is that it was revealed alongside a new 4.0-litre V8 engine that is scheduled to power most products under the GWM envelope. Chances are, the Hooke could be the first in line to get it. If that’s the case, it’s poised to become a serious rival against the Jeep Wrangler Rubicon, especially since it recently swapped its V6 for a downsized 2.0-litre 4-cylinder turbopetrol engine. 

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Though exact specs are still under wraps, early whispers point to outputs around 450kW and 800Nm. That’s proper V8 muscle, enough to put it in the same league as bigwigs like the Mercedes-Benz G63 and Land Rover Defender Octa. If GWM does bring this beast to SA, we reckon it’ll stir up some serious excitement among off-road die-hards.

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BYD YangWang U9

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Though it may never make its way to local showroom floors, it’s still worth mentioning. What you are looking at here is the YangWang U9, a stunning battery-electric supercar from BYD Auto that first made waves when it debuted at the 2023 Shanghai Auto Show. 

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Fast forward to November 2024, and BYD decided to show off its creation after it clocked an impressive 7:17.9 seconds lap time at the Nürburgring during a public test. While not an official record, it gives us a glimpse of what an electric supercar, especially coming out of China, is capable of. Though the U9 is one of the fastest Chinese production cars, it still trails behind heavyweights like the Xiaomi SU7 Ultra, Porsche Taycan Turbo GT, and the Rimac Nevera in lap times.

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Now, let’s talk power, because this thing is powerful. With four electric motors producing a massive 960kW, the U9 boasts a range of up to 450km. BYD claims it can accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in just 2.3 seconds, all while reaching a top speed of 391km/h on an oval track at the Nürburgring, setting a new record for Chinese production cars.

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While it’s clear BYD is focused on the Chinese market for now, one can only hope that this incredible machine finds its way to our shores. Fingers crossed!

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Porsche 911 Spirit 70

Just in case the Porsche 911 GTS feels a little bit restrained to evoke the classic spirit of the brand, the Stuttgart-based marque has your back with the recently-revealed 911 Spirit 70, which is essentially a Carrera GTS convertible, but more appealing. You see, the Spirit 70 is a limited-edition model that pays homage to the vibrant spirit of the 1970s and early 1980s.

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It blends nostalgic styling cues with superb performance, courtesy of a newly developed 3.6-litre boxer engine paired with an electric motor integrated into the PDK transmission. The result? A lively 398kW and 610Nm. Only 1,500 units will be built for global consumption, with a select few headed to South Africa in the coming months. Priced at R5,056,000, it commands a R1.5 million premium over the standard GTS, but we think the unique heritage touches warrant the price tag. 

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Attending the show made us realise one thing: Chinese car brands are no longer just knocking, they’re kicking the door down. From hypercars to budget EVs, they’re showing up with serious intent, and the legacy players are starting to feel the heat. It’s becoming clear, adapt or risk becoming irrelevant. The game has changed, and China is playing to win, increased tariffs or not.

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