Beijing Motor Show 2026, what's new. The scenarios of the car showcase

Auto China

Beijing Motor Show 2026, showcasing China leading the car revolution

Record exhibitors and exhibition space for the Beijing show, mirroring a changing market between electrification and smart technologies

Mario Cianflone

27 April 2026

Salone di Pechino, il nostro viaggio tra gli stand di Auto China 2026

2' min read

Translated by AI

Versione italiana

2' min read

Translated by AI

Versione italiana

The growth of China's automotive industry emerges strongly from the numbers and is confirmed by the scope of Auto China 2026, one of the industry's leading global events. The chosen theme, 'Future of Intelligence', focuses on artificial intelligence, autonomous driving and new forms of energy.

The 2026 edition, scheduled to run until 3 May, brings together more than 1,500 exhibitors from 20 countries in an area of 380,000 square metres, distributed between the China International Exhibition Center and the Capital International Exhibition Center, designed by Zaha Hadid. Dimensions that confirm its supremacy as the world's largest motor show.

The domestic market accelerates

The prominence of the event reflects the evolution of the domestic market, also supported by public policies in favour of New Energy Vehicles. According to the China Passenger Car Association, in March 2026 registrations were close to 900 thousand units, with a share close to 53%. Hybrid solutions and, in particular, Extended Range Electric Vehicles, chosen to overcome range limits, are on the rise.

Chinese protagonists and numerous novelties

Prominent among the market players is BYD, the national leader together with the Denza, Yangwang and Fangchengbao brands, which is expected to come up with new technologies and a range from the Dynasty models to the Ocean series. In the same context are Li Auto and Aito, backed by Huawei, both expanding in the electrified segment.

On the preview front, Bmw presents the new iX3 Long Wheelbase, while Jaguar Land Rover unveils a model developed with Chery. Expectation is also high for Smart's #2, a joint venture between Mercedes-Benz and Geely, flanked by the #6 sedan. The updated 7 Series and the electric B05 from Leapmotor, a brand of the Stellantis Group, are also among the novelties. Also among the electric models is Volkswagen's ID.Unyx 08, developed with XPeng.

A global market in transformation

The context is that of a market with over 34 million vehicles between production and sales in 2025, keeping China in first place worldwide for the 17th consecutive year. New energy vehicles exceeded half of domestic sales, while exports exceeded 7 million units.

BYD still leads domestic sales in 2026, followed by Geely and the SAIC Volkswagen joint venture. Companies such as Geely Galaxy, Dongfeng Nissan, Li Auto, Xiaomi Auto and Aito are growing, while several incumbent joint venture brands are declining, along with Tesla in the local market.

All in all, Auto China 2026 is an observatory of the industry's transformations, including electrification, the development of intelligent systems and global competition, with China at the centre of the international automotive scenario.