Beijing Motor Show, the numbers, previews and also models for Europe

The Beijing Motor Show promises record numbers in terms of both previews and floor plan. It takes place on a total exhibition area of 380,000 square metres, making it the largest motor show in the world. The 2026 edition will take place from 24 April to 3 May, for a total of 10 days. According to official figures, the show will feature 1,451 vehicles, including 181 world premieres and 71 concept cars. All this will be spread across 17 exhibition halls. The event will also host a wide range of global car manufacturers. International brands include Audi, Bmw, Ford, Mercedes, Toyota and Volkswagen. All major Chinese car manufacturers will present their latest technologies and models. The most technology-focused emerging Chinese brands are also expected to be present, including Harmony Intelligent Mobility, but also Nio, Li Auto, Xiaomi and Leapmotor, which is part of the Stellantis group. All will offer electric motors, as well as hybrids with extended range or even powered by the propellant of the future, hydrogen.

Byd, which is the number one group in China together with its satellite brands Denza, Yangwang and Fangchengbao, is expected to present revolutionary new technologies and products at the Beijing Motor Show. The expected range could include Dynasty models such as Great Tang, Han and Qin Max, as well as Ocean series cars such as Seal 08 and Sealion 08. Fangchengbao could, on the other hand, present the Ti 7 EV and an F series coupe model, while Yangwang will offer the four-seater U8L variant. Denza is expected to bring the Z9S and a possible X-series sports car. In anticipation of the opening, which is always reserved for the international media, a rich programme of extra-show events is planned, such as that of the number one western group, Volkswagen, which is planning a Night that will unveil a preview of three new models destined, however, only for the local market. In addition, there will also be Smart's Global Brand Event for #2;

At the Beijing Motor Show, the new Smart #2 will be unveiled, albeit in a version that is not yet fully finalised, and which is destined to boost sales of the brand jointly managed by Mercedes and the Chinese company Geely. Two seats only, rear-wheel drive, but with more efficient batteries and highly advanced safety features. Smart will also debut its first saloon, the #6, around 5 metres long, which will debut a plug-in hybrid powertrain while waiting to offer electric. From Smart to the Bmw 7 Series, the other most eagerly awaited novelty in Europe. The flagship of the Munich-based brand is relaunching the challenge in the representative saloon sector with a substantial restyling, as well as a proposal that also includes a battery version. Space was also given to the new entry from Leapmotor, the B05, the first electric 5-door from the Stellantis group brand. Sports trim, miniskirts, specific bumpers and a large spoiler. It will arrive in Italia in the summer.

The Chinese automotive market provides the backdrop for the scale of the event. In 2025, total vehicle production and sales both exceeded 34 million units, keeping China as the world's number one automotive market for the 17th consecutive year. New energy vehicles accounted for more than 50 per cent of domestic new car sales, while exports exceeded 7 million units, including 2.615 million new energy vehicles.

The latest data on retail car sales in China for 2026 show that Byd leads the domestic car market with 303,150 units, despite a 52.9% year-on-year decline, followed by Geely Auto with 234,291 units and SAIC-VW with 205,251 units. The other joint venture brands such as FAW-Volkswagen and GAC-Toyota are in the top 10, albeit with sharp declines;