Premiere showroom

The biennial Shanghai auto show attracts over 1,000 exhibitors from China and overseas to show their latest models and products, including more than 100 global debuts. Below are the vehicles you don't want to miss if you go to the 10-day event from April 16 to 25.

The all-new BMW X7

German car giant BMW launched its first large sports utility vehicle - the all-new BMW X7 - on April 15 in Shanghai. With a wheelbase stretching 3,105 millimeters that is the longest in its segment, the new model strikes a balance between extra space and multi-functions. The BMW X7 has three rows of seats, offering a seven- or six-seat layout. The third row has its own skylight and air-conditioning. Coupled with the seventh-generation BMW iDrive intelligent connectivity system and advanced BMW intelligent personal assistant system, the SUV features the latest technology. Four variants of the all-new BMW X7 are available with suggested prices ranging from 1 million yuan to 1.63 million yuan ($149,000 to $243,000).

The Hozon U

Hozon New Energy Automobile unveiled its Hozon U, a full electric sports utility vehicle, in Shanghai on Tuesday. Featuring forwardlooking design and advanced technology, the new model targets urban young customers aged 25-40. The Hozon U has a length of 4,510 millimeters, a width of 1,860 mm, a height of 1,628 mm and a wheelbase of 2,750 mm. The model can run up to 660 kilometers one charge and is capable of accelerating from 0 to 100 km/h in 4.9 seconds. The SUV is equipped with more than 20 driver assistance systems, including intelligent parking assist, adaptive cruise control and lane control. Offering two variants, the Hozon U sells at suggested prices ranging from 150,000 yuan to 210,000 yuan ($22,000 to $31,000).

Porsche's all-new Cayenne Coupe

German luxury carmaker Porsche premiered the all-new Cayenne Coupe at the Shanghai auto show. The SUV offers more standard configurations exclusively for the Chinese market, including ambient lighting, privacy glass, ionizer and side airbags for the rear seats. The carmaker will offer two high-performance engines at suggested prices ranging from 998,000 yuan to 1,908,000 yuan ($149,000 to $285,000). The Cayenne Coupe with six-cylinder turbocharged engine and displacement of three liters delivers 250 kW and maximum torque of 450 Nm. The Coupe comes fitted as standard with a rear bench that has the characteristics of two individual seats. The model is expected to be delivered to the market in the second half of this year.

Enovate ME7

Chinese electric car startup Enovate showcased its first intelligent electric SUV, the ME7, at the Shanghai auto show. It is part of efforts to showcase its intelligent capacity and promote the revolution of intelligent electric vehicles. The carmaker will only provide 6,666 ME7s for the initial edition with a suggested price of 381,800 yuan ($57,000). The model without a rear-row entertainment system is priced 366,800 yuan. The SUV is based on iMA architecture, a digital intelligent module, which can integrate the technologies of IT and internet with strong upgrade compatibility.

The Wey-X concept vehicle

Great Wall Motor's high-end SUV brand Wey showcased the Wey-X concept vehicle for the first time at the Shanghai auto show. The new pure electric vehicle uses cutting-edge electric technology, intelligent connectivity and smart driving. The SUV has many world-leading features, such as smart pixel headlight and holographic projection. It can accelerate from 0-100km/h in 4.5 seconds. Wey has cooperated with Qualcomm and Shanghai Quectel Co to launch 5G projects. It also partners with Baidu on maps and self-localization sectors, in efforts to explore more possibilities of future intelligent mobility.

Toyota's pure electric mass-produced C-HR

Toyota's pure electric mass-produced C-HR made its debut at the Shanghai auto show, in an effort to promote the development of electrification. The model is based on the TNGA architecture, which allows high integration of environmental protection and driving pleasure. The model is expected to hit the market in 2020. Toyota said that only the popularization of new energy vehicles can contribute to environmental protection. A total of 23,740 electric technology patents are freely supplied by the carmaker. These are key technologies from the R&D of hybrid electric vehicle, plug-in hybrid, and pure electric vehicle and fuel cell vehicles.

Lexus' new LM MPV

Lexus' new LM MPV made its world premiere at the Shanghai auto show, offering a more luxurious travel experience. The four-seat luxury MPV, which comes in black or white, is designed to provide an inspiration space for work, leisure and entertainment and uses Oriental traditional elements in its decoration. To create a comfortable ride, the LM has independent executive seats and a 26-inch screen in the rear, which can connect with a smart phone, iPad and play Blu-ray movies. The 14-liter refrigerator is perfect for passengers to enjoy champagne.

The Arcfox-GT

Beijing New Energy Vehicle's all-new premium brand Arcfox unveiled the Arcfox-GT, which is based on a 5G technology platform called IMC intelligent module architecture. The model is equipped with six motors, which enables the car to accelerate from 0-100km/h in just 2.59 seconds. According to Ma Fanglie, general manager of the company, Arcfox aims to create a more userfriendly, intelligent and environmentallyfriendly car to provide green, convenient and smart mobility for people. In the next two years, Arcfox will launch six models, including two editions of Arcfox-GT.

The all-new Ford Escape ST-Line

Ford unveiled the all-new Ford Escape ST-Line on Tuesday at the Shanghai auto show. Featuring dynamic design, a black grille and smooth body lines, the new model offers spacious interior space and pleasure experience to driver and passengers. Adopting lightweight material and a lower body design, the Escape ST-Line improves its dynamic performance and the fuel efficiency. Coupled with advanced 1.5-liter and 2.0-liter engines and an 8-speed automatic transmission, the Escape ST-Line has enhanced performance.

Hongqi's luxury B-class SUV HS5

Hongqi, a subsidiary of leading Chinese auto brand FAW, displayed its first luxury B-class SUV HS5 at Shanghai auto show. The model will launch pre-sales on May 1 at price range from 200,000 yuan to 270,000 yuan ($30,000 to $40,000). The SUV is equipped with a number of intelligent features, such as an interactive voice system, wireless charging and smart furniture. It has class-leading space with two 16-inch liquid crystal display screen. Last year, a total of 33,000 Hongqi vehicles were sold, an increase of 624 percent year-on-year.

(China Daily 04/22/2019 page19)