10 Hidden Gems from the Beijing Auto Show

The 2024 Beijing auto show has brought back the excitement of international auto shows, with a wide range of affordable production cars, futuristic concepts, and high-performance supercars on display. With both local Chinese brands and foreign manufacturers showcasing their latest models, the show has been a hub of new-car unveilings that can be overwhelming to keep track of. But fear not, as we have compiled a list of some of the standout cars from this year's Beijing extravaganza that you may have missed.

MG EXE181 Concept: From the renowned British sports-car builder MG, now owned by China's SAIC Motor, comes the sleek and futuristic MG EXE181 Concept. This hypercar concept pays homage to the streamlined EX181 that set a land speed record back in 1959. With a drag coefficient of just 0.

181, this concept is designed to go from zero to 62 mph in a mere 1.9 seconds. Smart #5 Concept: Smart, now jointly owned by Mercedes and Geely, unveiled the #5 Concept, giving a preview of an upcoming production crossover.

The largest Smart yet, the #5 will feature a battery with over 100.0 kWh and an 800-volt electrical architecture. The concept boasts a rugged off-road look with features like a light bar, chunky tires, limb risers, and skid plates.

Genesis G80 EV Magma Concept: Genesis introduced a sporty concept based on its Electrified G80 sedan under its new performance subbrand, Magma. The concept, painted in Acme Blue, features flashy 21-inch wheels, larger air intakes, and a lowered suspension. Inside, the interior is adorned with quilted leather, carbon-fiber trim, and Alcantara.

Nissan Evo and Epoch Concepts: Nissan showcased two sedan concepts, the plug-in-hybrid Evo and the electric Epoch, both featuring a production-ready design with eye-catching LED lighting. The stylish yet practical design of these concepts hints at what the future holds for Nissan's sedans. Nissan Epic and Era: In addition to the sedan concepts, Nissan also revealed two SUV concepts, the plug-in-hybrid Era and the electric Epic, both featuring bold front-end designs with vertical LED lights.

The Era promises all-wheel drive and active air suspension, while the Epic can double as a mobile power source for outdoor activities. Toyota bZ3X and Toyota bZ3C: Toyota introduced two new electric crossovers for the Chinese market, the bZ3X and bZ3C, with distinct design elements catering to different preferences. The models feature familiar Toyota design cues and a tech-savvy interior with a large screen atop a minimalist dashboard.

Fang Cheng Bao Super 9: Under the new subbrand Fang Cheng Bao, BYD unveiled the striking Super 9 speedster, drawing inspiration from renowned supercars. Built around a carbon-fiber monocoque, the Super 9 is believed to feature an electric powertrain, showcasing innovation and design prowess. Zeekr Mix: From Geely's Zeekr brand comes the Mix, a unique MPV expected to house a powerful electric motor producing over 400 horsepower.

With a focus on interior space, a flat floor, and versatile seating configurations, the Mix promises to offer a distinctive driving experience. BYD Ocean M”EV Hot Hatch: BYD presented the Ocean M hot hatch concept, providing a glimpse into a forthcoming production car set to launch in China. Featuring an aggressive design with a rear-mounted electric motor, the Ocean M is poised to offer a thrilling driving experience with impressive performance.

Denza Z9 GT: Denza, a subsidiary of BYD with a stake owned by Mercedes-Benz, showcased the Z9 GT performance wagon, boasting three electric motors generating nearly 1000 horsepower. With rapid acceleration capabilities, the Z9 GT is set to hit the Chinese market before the year's end, offering a blend of luxury and performance.