Auto Shanghai 2025 was more than just a stage. It was a Broadway spectacle – and the cars were its stars. Here are ten models that stole the spotlight (and perhaps soon the hearts of European buyers) this year.
Auto Shanghai 2025 was not just a car show. It was Disneyland on four wheels, a Broadway spectacle of the future, where cars are no longer just means of transportation, but digital living rooms, fashion icons and technological demonstrations of power.
While Shanghai glowed with innovation, the European auto industry finally bid farewell to the leading position it had held for decades. Auto Shanghai became the stage of the future – a stage where China and the US compete for supremacy, while Europe quietly accepts its slippage to third place.
From over a hundred new products, we have selected ten cars that shone like real stars this year and indicated who will write the automotive story of the future. Fasten your seatbelts - the ride into the future begins here.
Deepal S09 – luxury, digitalization and six seats
The Deepal S09 is a luxurious SUV that even exceeds the length of a Toyota Land Cruiser. It is powered by a hybrid electric vehicle (EREV) system with an electric range of approximately 180 km and almost 500 hp (368 kW). The interior impresses with three screens and advanced technologies, including Huawei Autopilot. Although it remains on Asian roads for now, it clearly sets a new standard in the luxury SUV class. Read the article!
Audi e5 Sportback – exclusive to China
Audi has unveiled the e5 Sportback, an electric coupé sedan with almost 800 hp (588 kW) and a range of around 770 km (CLTC). It accelerates from 0 to 100 km in just 3.4 seconds and is charged with 800-volt technology. The first Audi designed and built exclusively for China is making European customers salivate. A European gem at Auto Shanghai 2025. Read the article!
Onvo L90 – a new generation family electric SUV
Nio, under its Onvo sub-brand, has introduced the L90, a 7-seat electric SUV with the largest “front” on the market. Boasting a 900-volt architecture for ultra-fast charging and an exceptionally spacious and tech-rich interior, the Onvo L90 is clearly aimed at European families. Read the article!
MG CyberX – retro-futurism for a new generation
The MG CyberX combines the ruggedness of a Land Cruiser-style SUV with retro sporty details like Ferrari Testarossa-style pop-up headlights. It's a futuristic electric SUV designed for younger drivers who want something special. Unveiled at Auto Shanghai 2025. Read the article!
Zeekr 9X – Chinese Rolls-Royce among SUVs
The Zeekr 9X, with a length of 5.3 meters, 6 or 7 seats and a luxurious interior, is aimed at the elite. It is powered by a 900-volt electric system with fast charging and level 3 autonomous driving. A Chinese challenger to the Rolls-Royce and Range Rover at a significantly lower price. Read the article!
2026 Lexus ES – Prestige in the Electric Age
The new Lexus ES (2026) continues the tradition of Japanese luxury with minimalist design, a large central display and massage seats. In addition to hybrid versions, a purely electric model with a range of around 480 km will be available for the first time. Read the article!
Nissan N7 – Tesla, beware
Nissan and Dongfeng have teamed up to create the Nissan N7, an electric sedan with a sharp, sporty design and cutting-edge technology. The goal? To compete head-on with Tesla. The Sino-Japanese partnership heralds a new standard in electric mobility. Read the article!
Toyota bZ7 – refined elegance
Developed in collaboration with Chinese partners, the Toyota bZ7 is a sleek electric sedan measuring over 5 meters in length. It combines the aerodynamic lines of the Prius and Crown with cutting-edge connectivity and driver assistance technology. Read the article!
Buick Electra GS – an American icon in Chinese style
Buick brought the Electra GS to Auto Shanghai 2025 – a modern electric sedan designed for the Chinese market. Based on the GM Ultium platform, it offers the promise of long range and fast charging, with a sophisticated design that combines American tradition and Chinese innovation. Read the article!
Volkswagen's ID trio – the future is now
Volkswagen has unveiled the ID. Era, ID. Evo and ID. Aura – three electric concept models designed for the Chinese market. From a family SUV to a compact sedan with artificial intelligence – VW shows that it is seriously planning for the future where the market is biggest. Read the article!
Conclusion: Auto Shanghai 2025 – when the future became Chinese
Auto Shanghai 2025 was not just a showcase of new models. It was a clear sign that the automotive world has moved on – and Europe is no longer at the forefront. While European manufacturers are still debating the future, China and the US are already writing the new rules of the game.
On this stage of the future, we saw not only electric cars with futuristic designs, but also a complete redefinition of luxury, technology and innovation. From SUVs with Huawei autopilot to sedans that would easily compete with the best brands in the world.
If Auto Shanghai was a highlight on the automotive events calendar years ago, today it has become its epicenter. And anyone who ignores it risks remaining where Europe is today – in the background, in the role of an observer.
The real future of motoring was in Shanghai – and the vehicles are already ready for export.
The only question is: will Europe be fast enough to catch the last train?
