The once-glorious automotive extravaganzas in cities such as Geneva, Frankfurt, Detroit and Paris, have gradually dwindled or completely vanished. A triennial spectacle of major global car manufacturers flaunting their latest inventions and futuristic ideas was assured at these venues. However, their importance has diminished over time. For instance, this year’s Geneva show, once the most prestigious automotive event, could only boast a few booths and a single notable car launch – the latest Renault 5.
Altering dynamics in industrial production, economic systems and, arguably, politics have shifted the focal point towards the East. Specifically, Beijing, where the 2024 automobile exhibition appeared as magnificent as the old-time European shows. Renowned car brands such as Ford, Honda, Lincoln, Chevrolet, BMW, Mini, Volkswagen, Nissan, Bentley, Land Rover, Jaguar, Lexus, Toyota and many others exhibited, along with remarkably influential and burgeoning Chinese competitors.
Did Build Your Dreams (BYD) outshine others at the event? It certainly made a powerful impact by unveiling numerous new models across different divisions, demanding four distinct spaces to accommodate them all. A little disclosure: I was invited to the exhibition, accommodated and taken care of by BYD, which indicates its goal to replicate its commercial success from China in Europe.
BYD presented two new plug-in hybrid sedans under its brand, employing its DM-i technology. This technology combines electric motors and a large ‘Blade’ battery with a 1.5-litre petrol engine. The L DM-i might appear as BYD’s competitor to the Toyota Camry and might not enter the European market. However, the mechanically similar Seal 6 DM-i likely will. To add to the expanding Seal range, the already successful fully electric Seal sedan in Ireland will be followed by the robust-looking Seal-U DM-i plug-in hybrid SUV.
While there are limited technical details available, the handsome Seal 6 saloon boasts the same hybrid DM-i technology as the Seal-U, allowing it to cover atleast 100km, possibly up to 120km, on a single electric charge. It could also offer superior fuel efficiency over extended distances.
If the appeal of the Seal extends further, then BYD is ready with another variant – the all-elective Seal 7. It shares the design of the Seal saloon, but features a higher stature, transitioning from a four-door sedan to an elegant, roomy, ‘coupe’ SUV with a sleek fastback. It also offers a whopping 500-litre boot capacity and a sizeable ‘frunk’ in the front to house all the possible charging cables. The Seal 7 will be available in Ireland from 2025, and it pledges a remarkable 500km driving range, thanks to its 93kWh ‘Blade’ lithium-iron phosphate battery that can be charged at a rate of 250kW on DC power.
In addition, there is the visually striking, bright orange Ocean-M concept, a sporty electric hatchback. This vehicle is highly reminiscent of the Cupra, highlighted by its large carbon-fibre rear spoiler and robust body kit.
Over at Yangwang, BYD’s premium brand, the highlight of the show was on display. Currently exclusive to China, Yangwang is most notable for its gargantuan U8 SUV, famous for its ability to spin on its axis like a tank or float on water in emergencies (though not simultaneously). However, they’re now setting their sights on luxury brands such as Mercedes, BMW, and Maserati with their new sleek U7 saloon.
This attractive four-door car draws its frontal design from Yangwang’s U9 electric supercar. It leverages power from four electric motors to produce an astonishing 1,300hp and reaches a speed of 100km/h from a standing start in a mere 2.9 seconds (though this may not be something you’d want to frequently perform).
Yangwang demonstrates more than just impressive performance with its advanced technology. The vehicle’s suspension is fully adaptive and operates via electric actuators instead of traditional air springs or hydraulics. The springs and dampers connect electrically, allowing them to send energy back to the battery through their recoil and road-responsive actions. While Yangwang has yet to confirm its entrance to the European market, it’s clear that their engineering capabilities are astounding.
For those interested in a technologically advanced Chinese brand arriving in Europe, there’s Denza, a collaboration between BYD and Mercedes. The latest model, the Yangwang U7, BYD lineup and a fashionable five-door fastback saloon are all the brainchild of ex-Audi designer Wolfgang Eggers. The saloon is powered by three electric motors (one in the front, two at the back) and boasts an impressive 965hp. It’s expected that Denza will launch in Europe this year, possibly including models from BYD’s additional brand, Fengchangbao.
The brand’s first model, the Bao 5 (which loosely translates to ‘Leopard’), is a significant competitor to the Toyota Land Cruiser. This plug-in hybrid boasts the option to incorporate an adaptive suspension similar to that found in Yangwang models. At Beijing, the Bao 5 was showcased alongside the Bao 8 (a six or seven-seater SUV flagship), the Super 3 concept design, and the Super 9 electric sports car, a roofless, windscreen-less model that appears more fantastical than the sturdy off-roaders.
Aside from these BYD-centric stands, the company’s rapid developmental capabilities were a hot topic, with claims that a new car can be developed in just 14 months. A high-ranking executive from a prominent European car manufacturer, whose identity remains undisclosed, suggested that BYD will quickly become familiar with manufacturing and retailing cars in Europe, indicating BYD’s plans to possibly open one or two European factories and their ambition to capture a ten per cent market share by 2030.
Luca De Meo, CEO of Renault Group, has expressed admiration for the speed at which a new vehicle can be developed, likening the process to building with Lego. He noted that their new platforms also allow for speedier car development through the use of ready-made parts.
BYD has asserted its dominance by utilising its developed batteries on Toyota’s new electric models – the bz3c and bz3X; sleek fastback saloon and medium-sized crossover respectively. However, there hasn’t been any confirmation as to whether these models will reach Europe. The models are anticipated to improve the generally weak one-charge range of Toyota’s bz4X electric crossover.
Additionally, Mini has revealed the production version of its new Aceman, a crossover with a lower roof that fits perfectly between the Mini hatchback and the Countryman SUV. Despite its compact size, similar to that of a Renault Clio, it offers up to 400km of range and a more spacious interior than the small hatch. The Aceman serves as the replacement for the former Clubman estate.
Nissan has also joined the new electric model unveiling, flaunting four ‘new energy’ design models in Beijing. These models comprised of two saloons and two crossovers. Regrettably, these designs were purely conceptual and not set for production.
Volkswagen similarly shared a glimpse into its concept car journey with the ID.Code concept, described as an electric crossover likened to a ‘pizza base.’ The plan is for this concept to lay the foundation for further concept cars to be unveiled later this year, in collaboration with Volkswagen’s Chinese production partners. The ID.Code concept will also influence future production cars for Europe, and it’s anticipated that the clean design elements from this concept will be adopted by the next-generation ID.4.
Almost inevitably, one’s attention is drawn back towards BYD. Among the brand’s offerings, the compact Seagull electric city-car style hatchback stands out, boasting a battery that promises a range between 300km to 400km based on the variant. The car, with a retail price as low as around €10,000 in China, has been confirmed by BYD to be making its way to Europe, catered for right-hand driving.
The optimistic price tag of €10,000 for the European market however, appears far-fetched. Even though the Seagull’s interior is noted for its seemingly high-calibre look and feel, significant engineering adjustments will have to be made to ensure it complies with European standards. Despite BYD’s acknowledgement of its unlikely achievement of a full five stars on the Euro NCAP crash test, a redesigned Seagull is anticipated to go on sale in Europe, most likely by 2026.
As I rejoin the ceaselessly congested roads of Beijing, it’s challenging to ignore the conclusion that a city dealing with excessive traffic hardly requires a show advocating for more car ownership. Regardless, the message is clear – if one aspires to make a notable impact in the global automotive landscape, the place to be is not Geneva, but rather the dynamic capital city of Beijing.