Paris Motor Show: the rivalry between Europe and China takes centre stage
There are 28 European brands at the motor show, each with double-digit model ranges, preparing to take on the 24 Chinese brands that are now staging a veritable invasion of Europe: +100 per cent in 2025 compared with 2024 and +50 per cent in the first half of 2026.
The European car industry is preparing to take on the increasingly aggressive Chinese manufacturers at the Paris Motor Show (12–18 October), who, for once, however, must contend with a stronger European presence. It took three major European groups – Renault, Stellantis and Volkswagen – to make a difference. However, rather than a challenge, what the Europeans have announced is more of a forceful response to an invasion that is spiralling out of control. Will it be enough to counter the ambitions of the Chinese carmakers? Probably not, given that many of them are already busy consolidating their presence on the Old Continent. This is evident from the decision taken by one of the global giants, Chery, which has chosen to emphasise its Italian identity by adding the word ‘Italia’ to its parent company’s name; from now on, Italy will be the home of its brands already familiar to us – Omoda and Jaecoo – as well as others yet to come.
BYD at the heart of the Chinese car market
The Shenzhen-based giant, the leading Chinese manufacturer to have taken on the European car industry – and not just that – having set its sights on models in the premium segments, is now also targeting the mass market with the Dolphin G DM-i, a new compact plug-in hybrid model accessible to a wide audience. At the Paris Motor Show, BYD is sure to showcase innovative solutions such as the Denza Bao 5 hybrid SUV and the D9 MPV. Meanwhile, Changan is one to watch, bringing its new Nevo and Avatr brands to Paris, whilst the other global giant, Geely, will unveil a model designed to conquer European cities: the compact E2. The spotlight at the motor show will be on the Smat #2, designed in Germany by Mercedes and manufactured in China by Geely. Joining it are Leapmotor’s entry-level models, the B05 and B10, which are among the most affordable on the market, with prices below 20,000 euros.
Changan launches three new brands
The Chinese group is showcasing three new brands – Deepal, Nevo and Avatr – at the Paris Motor Show; Deepal is bringing its models to Europe, including Italia. These are two battery-powered SUVs, whilst, according to the latest reports, Avatr is unveiling a luxury estate car, the 06T, available in both electric and Extended Range versions. Meanwhile, the Nevo Q05 is a compact SUV just 4.43 metres long, with a wheelbase of 2.73 metres for the time being – dimensions that allow the Chinese manufacturer to describe the car as a small family SUV, with a very dynamic design, ideal for European customers. Added to this, of course, is advanced technology and a very spacious interior. The electric version is front-wheel drive with 163 cv, offering a choice between two LFP batteries – 40 or 52 kWh – supplied by CATL. According to the Chinese CLTC certification cycle, the range is between 405 and 506 km.
Li Auto makes its debut on the European markets
The Paris Motor Show is also hosting the European debut of Li Auto, a Chinese manufacturer specialising in electrified vehicles, which is unveiling the i6 – a large electric SUV available with either rear-wheel drive (340 cv) or all-wheel drive (536 cv). The 87.3 kWh LFP battery, supplied by CATL, offers a range of up to 580 km. In China, it is the brand’s best-selling model. It measures 4,950 mm in length, 1,935 mm in width and 1,655 mm in height. The centre console follows the layout seen in other brands, featuring a unit comprising two 15.7-inch screens. The rear-wheel-drive version has a single electric motor on the rear axle. The all-wheel-drive version adds a front motor. Power is supplied by an 87.3 kWh LFP battery produced by CATL. The range of the rear-wheel-drive version is 590 km, whilst that of the all-wheel-drive version is 541 km.
Xpeng: another model manufactured in Europe
Another new model worth mentioning is the Xpeng G9L, a battery-powered SUV measuring over 5 metres in length. Like the rest of Xpeng’s range, this model will be manufactured in Graz, Austria – a move that plays a significant role in the Chinese brand’s European strategy. The G9L range includes both an all-electric version and a range-extender version. The electric version delivers 577 cv, features 4x4 drive and is equipped with a 91.9 kWh battery. Its range is expected to be up to 357 km. The range-extender version has a range of 1,600 km. The interior features a large touchscreen, a slim LCD instrument cluster and an augmented reality display, a 9-inch streaming rear-view mirror, a touchscreen for the rear passenger and a 21.4-inch screen on the roof lining. Finally, it is worth noting that the G9L will be available in Europe as a 7-seater, whilst in China it will be a 5-seater.
