An auto show that matters

The Shanghai Auto Show isn’t just alive and well — it’s thriving. As American car shows shrink and shift online, Shanghai has become the stage where automakers from around the globe showcase their latest and most ambitious creations. This year’s show delivered an impressive mix: electric wagons, burly off-roaders, luxury SUVs, and sleek sedans built specifically for China’s fast-changing market.

While it’s impossible to cover every debut, these are some of the coolest, most important cars that stole the spotlight at Shanghai 2025.

Zeekr 9X proves luxury and speed can coexist

Geely’s premium brand, Zeekr, continues to shake up the market with bold designs, and the new 9X SUV is no exception. Taking inspiration from the flashy 009 minivan, the 9X wears an upright front fascia and a large chrome grille that exudes presence.

It’s not just a pretty face either. Underneath, the 9X houses a plug-in hybrid powertrain offering a staggering 236 miles of all-electric range. Even more impressive? Zeekr claims it can sprint from 0 to 62 mph in just 3.0 seconds. Thanks to an air suspension setup, drivers should also expect a smooth, cushy ride. And when it’s time to recharge, the 9X can juice from 20 to 80 percent in just nine minutes, a game-changer for family road trips.

Audi E5 Sportback brings serious speed to electric wagons

Audi — or rather, AUDI, the name of its new China-exclusive sub-brand — unveiled the E5 Sportback, an electric wagon that blends speed, style, and tech. Measuring about two inches shorter than the A6 Avant, the E5 Sportback stays true to Audi’s sharp design language.

The top-tier model is a powerhouse: 776 horsepower, 0-62 mph in 3.4 seconds, and a claimed range of 479 miles from its 100-kWh battery. Inside, the vibe is minimalist but high-tech, centered around a sprawling 27-inch digital display stretching across the dash. The E5 Sportback shows that wagons can still be cool, even in the age of electric SUVs.

Mazda EZ-60 brings understated elegance to electric SUVs

Mazda pulled the covers off the new EZ-60, an SUV designed in collaboration with Chinese automaker Changan. Sized between a CX-50 and a CX-70, the EZ-60 takes Mazda’s signature clean design philosophy and applies it to a future-forward EV.

Buyers will be able to choose between a fully electric model, boasting a 372-mile range, or a plug-in hybrid version that can stretch up to 621 miles. The cabin is a feast for tech lovers, anchored by a massive 26.5-inch, 5K-resolution touchscreen and an extravagant 23-speaker sound system. Mazda’s attention to detail could help the EZ-60 stand out in China’s crowded electric SUV market.

Volkswagen’s trio of ID concepts hints at China’s electric future

Volkswagen came ready to impress with not just one but three new concepts. The ID.ERA leads the pack as a large three-row SUV powered by a range-extender plug-in hybrid system, offering an extra 434 miles beyond the battery’s own 186-mile range.

Meanwhile, the ID.AURA sedan leans into futuristic luxury with a sleek, aerodynamic profile and an AI-based humanoid assistant baked into the infotainment system. Finally, the ID.EVO targets younger buyers as a full-size electric SUV riding on an 800-volt architecture for quicker charging and better efficiency. Together, these concepts lay the foundation for VW’s plan to launch 30 new vehicles in China by 2027.

Honda GT aims to electrify sports sedan lovers

Honda’s GT fastback made its debut as the flagship of the brand’s upcoming Ye series of EVs. In an unusual twist, two slightly different versions were presented: one by Dongfeng Honda and one by GAC Honda, reflecting Honda’s multiple joint ventures in China.

Details about the powertrain are still under wraps, but the GT’s athletic stance and coupe-like roofline hint at strong performance ambitions. Whether it’s packed with power or tuned more for comfort, the Honda GT represents an important step in the company’s EV strategy for China.

Lexus ES gets an electric makeover for the future

The Lexus ES has long been a staple of the luxury midsize sedan segment, and now it’s preparing for a new era. In Shanghai, Lexus revealed the next-generation ES, which will offer both hybrid and full battery-electric versions.

While Lexus hasn’t shared many technical specs yet, the announcement signals a big shift: the brand is leaning harder into electrification, not just in Europe and North America, but in China as well. Considering how beloved the ES has been for its quiet comfort and reliability, an electric version could have serious potential if it captures that same spirit with zero emissions.

Hongqi shows off its rugged side with a luxury off-roader

Best known for building stately sedans for Chinese government officials, Hongqi is now breaking new ground. In Shanghai, the brand revealed a hulking off-road SUV concept aimed at wealthy adventurers.

Although specific powertrain specs remain vague, the massive proportions, squared-off design, and aggressive stance make it clear that Hongqi wants to compete with the likes of the Land Rover Defender and Mercedes-Benz G-Class. Expect a focus on opulence too, as Hongqi is unlikely to skimp on the luxury features.

Final thoughts

The 2025 Shanghai Auto Show was more than just a collection of new cars; it was a window into the future of the automotive world. From Audi’s blisteringly fast electric wagon to Zeekr’s luxury SUV and Mazda’s sleek new EVs, it’s clear that China’s market demands innovation at every level: performance, design, technology, and luxury.

Even legacy automakers like Volkswagen, Lexus, and Honda are tailoring their strategies to fit China’s tastes, and in many ways, the Chinese market is becoming the testing ground for ideas that could later spread worldwide. As U.S. and European shows continue to shrink, Shanghai is filling the vacuum, bringing back the excitement, the drama, and the sheer spectacle of the car show experience. If this year’s debuts are any indication, the rest of the world would be wise to pay very close attention.