The G80 Magma joins the GV60 Magma (also orange) and builds the momentum of the Magma high-performance sub brand and its chances of becoming a de facto BMW M/Mercedes-AMG rival. Both Magma models are likely for Australia, too.
8
Mini Aceman
It might seem strange choosing a motor show in China as the venue to reveal the latest model from a European/British brand but itâs far more appropriate than you might imagine.
While the Countryman will be the first Mini made outside of the UK (on BMWâs X1 and X2 production lines), the Aceman will emerge from a Chinese factory as part of a GWM joint venture. Significantly, the Aceman is the only Mini model for now thatâs available exclusively as an EV, while its Mini Cooper three-door and Countryman siblings are offered as petrol and electric.
Mini refers to the new model as an SUV, sitting between the Countryman all-wheel drive and Cooper small hatchback. But with front-drive only and decidedly car-like proportions, this Mini is more for the road than the trail.
27
Mercedes-AMG GT 63 S E Performance and G580 electric
In response to the tsunami of electrification and Chinaâs demand for it, Mercedes-Benz took the opportunity to roll out a new version of a model that, until now, was one of its thirstiest.
With a 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8 and 2.5 tonnes to lug around, the G63 AMG doesnât just roar, it also guzzles. The new G580 however, whispers. Thatâs because the newest G-Class is powered by four electric motors, with individual two-speed gearboxes at each wheel, for combined outputs of 432kW and 1164Nm.
If that doesnât tickle your fancy, then the GT 63 S E Performance certainly will. The new flagship GT is a V8 plug-in hybrid with 600kW/1420Nm and it can hit 0-100km/h in a claimed 2.8sec. Thatâs quicker even than the AMG One hypercar, while top-speed is 320km/h. Both cars are due in Australia soon.
6
Smart concepts
Thanks to Australiaâs obsession with large cars, tiny city vehicle maker Smart was axed locally almost a decade ago, but the models on show in China might appear in Australia now the brand is coming back.
Not only is the range no longer only diminutive micro boxes, but the models have evolved into potent and capable machines. Revealed at the show this year was the #5 concept, which will likely evolve into a production SUV with 800-volt architecture and in excess of 550km of range.
However, the most recent evolution of its new #3 is more intriguing. Rolling out in the famous Brabus branding, the high-performance #3 has all-wheel drive, 315kW and will smash 100km/h from standstill in 3.7 seconds.
Smart says the #3 Brabus delivers âone-second-wowâ styling and performance but if we were to pick just one word itâd be, well, smart.
2
Souo H8 boxer engine
Of the vehicles on show this year, 278 were hybrid or full electric, yet thatâs not to say Auto China 2024 was without any quality internal-combustion moments.
While GWM is known for its wide range of four-wheeled vehicles, itâs making the move into motorcycle production this year. Itâs first Souo H8 bike will be revealed in June 2024, but to build a little hype in the meantime, the Chinese manufacturer rolled out its highly unusual engine â a water-cooled, naturally aspirated boxer eight.
Other than a capacity of 2.0 litres, Souo is remaining tight-lipped about tech specs, despite offering an aural treat of what itâll sound like. Think BMW flat-twin noise thatâs been fed through an event horizon.
1
Fang Cheng Bao Super 9
While there was more than enough technology on display to prove this Chinese manufacturer is at the forefront of powertrain, information and entertainment, the Fang Cheng Bao Super 9 concept was there to prove they have a grasp on aesthetics, too.
Sure, it was mostly accomplished by poaching former Lamborghini and Audi designer Wolfgang Eggert but that doesnât detract from the extraordinary screen-less speedsterâs arresting beauty.
1
Chery Exeed E08
Itâs hard to know where to start with the Chery Exeed E08. Youâve heard of three-box and two-box vehicle design but allow Chery to introduce⊠a box.
Its maker says the capsized fridge has a âsuper low drag coefficientâ but the only way this would be possible were if the elec-brick was constructed using cobwebs and the slightest draught simply gusted through any MPV matter like a photon of light through a vacuum.
9
Zeekr Mix
Part of the joy of the Beijing show is the opportunity to see a few of Chinaâs domestic-market models and brands that will definitely never be sold globally due to the catalogue of copyright and intellectual property laws that they shamelessly violate.
One such example is the Zeekr Mix, which has more than just a passing resemblance to the Volkswagen ID. Buzz.
Itâs almost a shame that it would be hailed with legal artillery the second it ventured outside PRC as its combination of 310kW, AWD and an innovative lounge-room-configurable interior make it a genuinely likeable rip-off.
1
Denza Z9 GT
Speaking of China-Euro collaborations, the Denza Z9 GT is the result of a partnership between BYD and Mercedes-Benz.
While it might look like a relatively conservative shooting brake in the company of some hyperbolic concepts, this five door is a circa-1000 horsepower cut-price Porsche Taycan slayer. Perhaps hard to believe, but it shares some of its underpinnings with the BYD Seal, although this car has lost a lot of blubber and gained muscle.
Three electric motors provide 700kW to all four wheels, while one per wheel at the rear brings tail-biased handling and sophisticated torque vectoring. All that tech and performance comes at a cost though. While performance is expected to be visceral, the Z9 GT tips the scales at 2875kg. Perhaps itâll be dubbed the BYD Whale in some marketsâŠ
2
Dongfeng Mengshi M-Hunter
It certainly wasnât the silliest name at the show this year, with plenty of amusing translation fails to be found, but the Dongfeng Mengshi M-Hunter was up there.
Looking like the illegitimate offspring of a CanAm Maverick and a Mini Moke, itâs easy to look past this hardcore off-roaderâs name when you realise, believe it or not, it is not a concept.
Details were light at the time of reveal but itâs thought to have either a pure battery or range-extended electric powertrain similar to the previous M-Hero 1. If thatâs the case, expect up to 800kW and, rest assured, the roll cage is not just for show⊠because youâll be needing that.
13
Lynk & Co 07
Despite its polarising Gen-Z phonetic name, Lynk & Co is a brand worthy of attention. Itâs not yet officially confirmed for an Australian debut â except it has already made one of sorts.
The 03 is cutting laps on track Down Under as part of the TCR racing series which, reading between the racing lines, is laying the ground for an introduction.
When it does, the 07, which had its sheets torn off in Beijing, probably wonât be the Aussie spearhead. But the 08 as part of a car-sharing service? Hmmm. Watch this space.
