Author: Dianchesen

Due to the impact of the pandemic, the “24th Chengdu International Automobile Exhibition” originally scheduled to be held from August 27th to September 5th, 2021 has been postponed to August 29th to September 7th. Despite the small interruption, as one of the four major A-level auto shows in China, each car manufacturer naturally saves up their best treats to release in Chengdu. So, what are the heavyweight new energy vehicles in this year’s Chengdu Auto Show? (See exhibition guide at the end of the article)

NO.1: Mazda CX-30 EV

Highlights of new car: Mazda’s first pure electric SUV, 450 km range

Mazda CX-30 EV will officially debut at the Chengdu Auto Show. As Changan Mazda’s first pure electric vehicle model, CX-30 EV is an oil-to-electric car model based on the CX-30 fuel version. The new car has previously appeared at the Shanghai Auto Show in April. The overall styling is basically the same as the fuel version, but the closed shield-shaped front grille is thicker than the fuel version in the front and rear bumpers and the side guard plates.

In terms of dimensions, the length, width, and height of the new car are 4410/1852/1655 mm, with a wheelbase of 2672 mm. The new car will be equipped with an electric motor with a maximum power of 169 kW, and the range may exceed 450 km.

The new car will adopt a permanent magnet synchronous motor, with a maximum output power of 160 kW (217 horsepower), a peak torque of 300 Nm, and a battery capacity of 61.1 kWh. The range can reach 450 kilometers under NEDC conditions.

NO.2: Volkswagen ID.3

Highlights of new car: Continuation of overseas design, multiple power and range choices

The Volkswagen ID.3 is built on the MEB pure electric platform, positioning itself as a compact car. The overall styling is fashionable and dynamic, with an A-pillar triangle window design that is similar to some MPV models.

The dimensions of the new car are 4261/1778/1568 mm in length, width, and height respectively, and its wheelbase is 2765 mm. Its advantage in wheelbase is very significant, even approaching the Touareg L (2791 mm).

In terms of power, it will be equipped with a driving motor with a maximum power of 125 kW and a maximum torque of 310 Nm. It will provide three battery capacities of 45 kWh, 58 kWh, and 77 kWh, with WLTP range of 330 km, 420 km, and 550 km, respectively. In terms of price, based on the pricing of the ID.4 X (starting at 199,888 yuan), the expected starting price is around 150,000 yuan, and it may be launched in December.

NO.3: Audi Q5 e-tron

Highlights: MEB platform, range up to 560 km, available in 6/7-seater configuration

The SAIC Audi Q5 e-tron is built on the MEB platform, and the overall design still maintains the design style of the current Audi family. It adopts the design of a coupe SUV and the whole vehicle has a very individual sporty feel.

In terms of body size, according to the information currently exposed, the SAIC Audi Q5 e-tron is 4876/1860/4675 mm in length, width, and height respectively, and its wheelbase is 2965 mm. It provides two seating layouts of 6 and 7 seats.

In terms of configuration, the new car can choose different appearance configurations such as wheels, rearview mirrors, front grille, front and rear bumpers, etc. It can also be equipped with convenient configurations such as ETC and front camera. According to previous reports, the new car is the first domestically produced Audi model with an augmented reality head-up display system (AR HUD), and it will also provide a choice of 6/7-seater seating layouts.In terms of power, the new vehicle provides three power combinations, including high/low power single-motor rear-wheel drive and dual-motor all-wheel drive. The maximum power of the low-power version electric motor is 132 kW (35 e-tron), and the high-power electric motor is up to 150 kW (40 e-tron). The four-wheel drive version is equipped with a maximum power of 80 kW/150 kW dual motors (50 e-tron). It is reported that the new car has a range of up to 560 km (CLTC-P cycle).

NO.4: Lincoln Explorer PHEV

New features: Equipped with a 1.5T plug-in hybrid system, pure electric range of 64 km.

The Lincoln Explorer PHEV will be officially launched at the Chengdu Auto Show. The Explorer PHEV made its debut at the Shanghai Auto Show earlier, which is the first new energy vehicle of the domestic Lincoln brand. Its appearance is basically the same as the fuel version in terms of design, with only minor differences in details, such as the obvious addition of a charging port design.

Looking at the side, the new car only has blue markings on the fenders to enhance its new energy vehicle attributes. The tail of the new car is basically the same as the fuel version, still maintaining the design of dual-round exhaust decoration and through-type taillights. In terms of body size, the new car is 4615/1887/1630 mm in length, width, and height respectively, with a wheelbase of 2711 mm, which is consistent with the fuel version.

As for the interior, the changes of the new car are relatively small, mostly continuing the design of the fuel version. The center console is equipped with a 12.8-inch touchscreen embedded with the Ford SYNC+ system, and the display function of the instrument panel will be adjusted according to its identity as a plug-in hybrid vehicle.## NO.5: WEY Mocha

New features: Equipped with DHT hybrid system, with a combined range of 1100 km.

The WEY Mocha will begin pre-sales at the Chengdu Auto Show. In terms of appearance, the WEY Mocha adopts the latest family design language of the brand, which is similar to the higher-positioned WEY Mackie. After the hexagonal grille of the new car is matched with the sharper headlights and larger front bumper intake, the visual effect is more aggressive, and the rough lines of the front face also make the vehicle more recognizable.

The center console design of Mocha is officially called “Sky Dome Smart Shape”, with a design that envelops the driver with a line running through the center. At the same time, the “Coffee Intelligence” cockpit will also appear on the Mocha, and the new car is equipped with an instrument screen, AR-HUD, central control display screen, etc., which are expected to achieve multi-screen linkage.

In terms of power, the new car uses a hybrid power unit. The internal combustion engine part of the power unit is developed by Honeycomb Power, and the 1.5-liter engine can output 102 horsepower. The battery cell part of the hybrid battery pack is provided by CATL, and it takes the form of a nickel-cobalt-manganese lithium-ion battery. According to the previously released news about the Lemon hybrid DHT power system, this 1.5-liter engine is combined with the high-integration DHT100 hybrid gearbox. The system has a comprehensive power of about 192 horsepower.

NO.6: Toyota Sienna

New features: The first domestically produced Toyota MPV model, with a full range of 2.5L hybrid systems.

# New car based on TNGA architecture, with consistent appearance with overseas models

The new car is built on the TNGA architecture and has a consistent appearance with overseas models, with dimensions of 5180/1995/1765 mm in length, width, and height respectively, and a wheelbase of 3060 mm. It is expected to open up a higher-end family market position above the GL8.

The interior of the new car has not yet been fully exposed, and is expected to follow the layout of the overseas version, with details adjusted according to consumer preferences. For example, the second row will increase leg rests, the interior material selection will be more upscale, and the configuration will be more abundant.

In terms of power, the entire Saina lineup will be equipped with a 2.5L four-cylinder hybrid system with a comprehensive power of 183 kW and an E-CVT transmission with a planetary gear structure. In addition, an E-Four electronic four-wheel drive will be optional. Currently, information has been released that the new car’s price range is between 276,800-369,800 yuan, and it will officially enter the market in the fourth quarter.

NO.7: GAC New Generation GS8

New car highlights: more powerful appearance, first Chinese-branded model equipped with Toyota THS hybrid system

The new generation GS8 from GAC will be officially unveiled at the Chengdu Auto Show, with pre-sale prices announced. As the first high-end SUV under the GPMA GAC global platform modular architecture, the new car adopts two styles of intake grille, “Conqueror’s Wing” and “Dragon Scale Wing”. The “Conquest Eye” headlights have practicality and technology in terms of lighting width, brightness, and form. The “Red Diamond” taillights and headlights echo each other in design.

The new car has dimensions of 4980/1950/1780 mm in length, width, and height respectively, with a wheelbase of 2920 mm, making it more powerful than the current model. At the same time, the new car will be equipped with the ADiGO 4.0 intelligent driving and interconnected ecological system, and is expected to advance into a leading position in the same class in the field of smart network connectivity.

In terms of power, the new second-generation GS8 will provide two models: fuel and hybrid versions. The fuel version is equipped with a 2.0T GDI engine with a maximum power of 185 kW and a peak torque of 400 N·m, matched with an Aisin 8AT transmission. The hybrid version is equipped with a 2.0TM + Toyota’s fourth-generation THS hybrid system.

NO.8: R Car ES33 Mass Production Version

New car highlights: positioned as a pure electric midsize SUV, equipped with LiDAR

In terms of appearance, based on the concept car, the new energy vehicle uses the iconic enclosed intake grille, which makes the front face look very simple. The sides are equipped with penetrating LED daytime running lights and sharp headlight clusters. In addition, the new car uses sharp lines in many places, which not only has a strong sense of three-dimensionality, but also looks very fierce. The most obvious thing on the side of the car body is its exaggerated sloping design, combined with the positioning of medium-to-large-sized SUVs, it is easy to see that this is a crossover model.

It is worth mentioning that the new car uses cameras to replace traditional rearview mirrors. The rear of the body adopts the popular penetrating taillight design, and an exaggerated rear bumper. It not only has a sporty feel, but also has a strong futuristic sense.

The new car’s digital intelligent cockpit will be based on the SOA cloud management end full-stack self-developed platform, and the whole car is equipped with 33 high-performance perception hardware, including laser radar, 4D millimeter wave radar, ultra-high-performance computing chips, etc. In terms of power, the new car will provide single-motor and dual-motor versions, equipped with 77kWh and 90kWh ternary lithium batteries respectively, and a three-electric system with more than 1,000 patented technologies and an L0-level thermal runaway management system to control the risk of spontaneous combustion.

NO.9: ORA Ballet Cat

Highlight: Electric “Beetle”

ORA Ballet Cat shares a similar design style with Volkswagen Beetle and Porsche vintage sports cars. The similar rounded sloping styling exudes a strong retro atmosphere.

Regarding power system and cruising range information, there is currently no accurate official information released for ORA Ballet Cat. However, based on the current performance of the main competitors’ pure electric vehicle products, it is expected to remain stable at over 400 km.

NO.10: Chery QQ Ice Cream

Highlight: Micro pure electric vehicle, cruising range is about 200 kilometers

Chery QQ Ice Cream is positioned as a pure electric micro car and will make its debut at the Chengdu Auto Show. Currently, the car has officially started blind testing in the iCar mini program, featuring a cute and compact exterior design.

As for the power system, the Chery QQ Ice Cream is equipped with a 20 kW electric motor. Considering the NEDC range of 120 km and 170 km of its competitor, the Hongguang MINIEV, the range of the Chery QQ Ice Cream may be around 200 km.

NO.11: WM Official Modified Car “WM Champion”

New features: 0-60 mph in 1.8 seconds, exaggeratedly large carbon fiber spoiler.

“WM Champion” is a modification of the production version of the WM W6. Apart from the black garnish plate on the front with a WM logo, it is difficult to recognize this as a WM W6. With a large amount of aerodynamic design and exaggeratedly large carbon fiber spoiler, the exterior clearly shows that this is an “ultimate performance beast.”

In terms of power, “WM Champion” is equipped with a 400V high-voltage double-motor system specially designed for the racetrack, and the front and rear arranged motors form an electric four-wheel drive system. It is said that the power system can output a maximum power of 600 kW, and the officially given 0-60 mph acceleration time is 1.8 seconds, surpassing top supercars such as Bugatti, Ferrari LaFerrari, and Porsche 918.

NO.12: Leapmotor T03 Deluxe Pro Edition and Micro Sugar Edition

New features: configurations and performance are expected to be further upgraded.

The Leapmotor T03 Deluxe Pro Edition and Micro Sugar Edition are based on the Leapmotor T03 body. From the official released pictures, the new car’s exterior has not changed much from the current Leapmotor T03 on sale, still featuring a cute and rounded design style. The car is positioned as a 5-door, 4-seat micro pure electric vehicle, with dimensions of 3620/1652/1577mm and a wheelbase of 2400mm.

In terms of interior design, based on the current model, the Leapmotor T03 is equipped with a 10.1-inch floating LCD central control screen with an intelligent vehicle system. After binding the Leapmotor mobile App, it can achieve many functions, including remote vehicle control and query, air conditioning, itinerary log, battery management, and driving recording viewing.

In terms of power, based on the power of the current model, the new car is equipped with a permanent magnet synchronous motor with a maximum power of 55 kW and a peak torque of 155 N·m. The official 0-100 km/h acceleration time is 14 seconds. In terms of endurance, according to configurations, it is equipped with a 41 kWh lithium iron phosphate battery and a 38 kWh ternary lithium battery. The NEDC endurance is 403 km and it supports fast charging.

At the same time, the official promotional materials mention the slogans “What new configurations will be added to the new version?” and “Is 55 kW motor satisfactory, and can the performance be further improved?”, indicating that the car may be upgraded in terms of configuration and performance.

NO.13: New BMW iX3

New features: optimized details design, added OTA and other intelligent configurations

Recently, the official pictures of the new BMW iX3 have been released. The entire design is basically the same as the gasoline version, only some details of the appearance and interior are different. For example, the exterior uses a closed grille and hidden exhaust, while the rest is consistent with the gasoline version.

In terms of interior design, the new BMW iX3 is also basically the same as the gasoline version, with a 12.3-inch LCD instrument panel and central control screen, and the gear shift lever has been redesigned with blue elements added. In terms of intelligent configuration, the new car is equipped with BMW Live Cockpit Professional, covering intelligent personal assistant, navigation, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, BMW Connected, OTA upgrades, and many other functions.

In terms of power, the new BMW iX3 has not changed, still equipped with an electric motor with a maximum power of 210 kW (286 horsepower) and a maximum torque of 400 Nm, and is equipped with an 80 kWh high-voltage battery. The WLTP comprehensive endurance can reach 460 km. In terms of charging, the new BMW iX3 supports 150 kW DC fast charging, and can travel 100 km after 10 minutes of charging.### NO.14: BYD Dolphin

Highlights of the new car: the first model built on the e-platform 3.0 and equipped with a full-series heat pump air conditioning system.

The BYD Dolphin will be officially launched at the Chengdu Auto Show. The pre-sale price (RMB 96,800 – 124,800) has been announced. The Dolphin is the first model based on BYD’s e-platform 3.0 and the first model built with the “ocean aesthetic” design concept, which is different from BYD’s current car models, and looks more fashionable and cute, likely to attract a lot of female customers.

Although positioned as a small pure electric vehicle, the new car has a 2700mm wheelbase, so the BYD Dolphin is expected to perform well in terms of space.

In terms of power, the BYD Dolphin is equipped with a permanent magnet synchronous motor with a maximum power of 70 kW and a peak torque of 180 N・m; while the high-performance version (Knight version) of the drive motor has a maximum power of 130 kW and a peak torque of 290 N・m. In terms of cruising range, depending on the version, the new car is equipped with a 30.7 kWh or a 44.9 kWh lithium iron phosphate battery, with NEDC cruising ranges of 301 km, 401 km, and 405 km optional.

We have already had a static experience with the BYD Dolphin. Interested friends can click the article “BYD Dolphin Static Experience: e-platform 3.0 and full-series heat pump air conditioning”.

NO.15: BYD Yuan PLUS

Highlights of the new car: longer wheelbase than the Song Pro, with a range of up to 510 km.

The front face of the BYD Yuan PLUS adopts the same design language as the Yuan Pro, while the rear is equipped with a light strip that runs through the whole body, and the “small backpack” external spare tire is removed. The overall shape is more delicate, and the interior is equipped with a floating LCD instrument panel and central control screen. In terms of size, the new car is 4.45 meters long with a wheelbase of 2.72 meters, surpassing the Yuan Pro. In terms of power, the new car is equipped with a permanent magnet synchronous motor with a maximum power of 150 kW.

As of the time of writing, all the above-mentioned models have been confirmed to participate in the exhibition as new energy vehicles. Overall, each model has its own advantages in terms of design, space, intelligent configuration, and driving range. In addition, it is believed that there will be some heavyweight news about new cars before the auto show officially begins and Electric Vehicle Resource will update live during the Chengdu auto show.

Annex: Chengdu Auto Show Visitor Guide

“Ticket Matters Needing Attention”

1. Purchasers should buy tickets from outlets designated by the organizer or through specified online channels, such as the official website, official WeChat account or Weibo account of “Chengdu International Auto Show,” damai.cn, tfwer.com APP, sky-wheel.com, maoyan.com, or CIBA Chengdu International Finance City. Tickets obtained from outlets other than those specified by the organizer may be lost or stolen tickets, counterfeit tickets, or invalid tickets, which cannot be used for admission.

2. August 30-31 are professional days with a ticket price of 80 yuan. September 1-7 are normal days with a ticket price of 60 yuan.

Tickets are non-refundable or exchangeable. Before purchasing tickets, please make sure to confirm the corresponding ticket category for successful entry. Each mobile number can purchase up to 6 auto show tickets. One QR code ticket allows only one person to enter and is valid only once. Both online and offline purchases support WeChat Pay and Alipay.

3. Online tickets are QR code electronic tickets. Scan the code directly for admission at the entrance.

4. Online tickets are non-refundable. After purchasing tickets, viewers should not copy or forward the success message or the QR code ticket. The organizer will treat the person who presents the valid QR code first as the valid ticket purchaser, and further verification of the actual ticket purchaser is no longer necessary when scanning the QR code ticket.

5. If online ticket purchasers need an invoice, they can obtain one by visiting the ticket office at Entrance 3 with their QR code ticket.

6. Children below 1.3 meters tall are admitted free of charge to the auto show.

“Matters Needing Attention for Viewing the Auto Show”

1. To ensure personal safety, please wear a mask throughout the show, and according to the real-person system requirements for epidemic prevention and control, you need to show your “Sichuan Tianfu Health Code” at the entrance for verification, and authorize relevant departments to obtain your personal identity information and your photo for real-name system entry registration. Also, cooperate with staff in temperature measurement. Only those with green codes and normal temperatures can enter the exhibition hall.

2. Due to security checks during entrance, please do not bring large bags, luggage, pets, flammable or explosive materials.

3. Due to the large number of visitors at the auto show, please avoid peak hours, view the exhibition in a civilized manner and pay attention to safety.4. In case of a large number of visitors, the organizing committee reserves the right to temporarily suspend admission of spectators to ensure safety. The freight passageway between the halls, the pre-hall in front of the halls and the outdoor North Square are designated as safety evacuation areas.

4. The organizing committee shall not be responsible for any of the following circumstances: any force majeure event or circumstances beyond the control of the organizing committee that prevent visitors from attending the exhibition, delays, additional expenses, personal injury, property loss, etc.

5. The organizing committee reserves the right to cancel or modify the content of services at any time and without prior notice for reasonable reasons. If there is a cancellation or change in the content of services, the organizing committee will provide other feasible arrangements.

6. Without the written permission of the organizing committee, no institution or individual may conduct surveys, public opinion polls, fundraising or donation activities or any other activities among the visiting spectators. Cameras or recording devices shall not be used in the prohibited photography or filming areas.

7. During the auto show, Chengdu Traffic Police will release information on traffic and parking conditions around the exhibition hall through various channels. Visitors driving to the exhibition are advised to pay attention.

“Bus routes for visiting the exhibition”

Free peripheral shuttle bus

Route: Tianfu Park stops 1, 2 – Hanzhou Road stops 3, 4, 5 – Shuzhou Road stop 6 – Guangzhou Road stops 15, 14, 13, 12, 11 – Guangzhou Road West Exhibition City P3 area stop 10 – South Square Gate 5, Exhibition City stop 9 – West Exhibition City Gate 4 stop 8 – Metro West Exhibition City station C exit stop 7 (loop)

Operating hours: August 29th, 2021 – September 7th, 2021 8:00-19:00

Taxi

Please take a taxi and get off at Gate 4 of the Exhibition City.

Free inner-area shuttle bus

Route 1 (Inner-area): Shuttle bus cyclically runs between Halls 2-5 and Gate 3 of Exhibition City.

Boarding point: outside Halls 2, 3-4, 5, 11, 14, and 16.

Route 2 (External parking lot – exhibition hall entrance): Shuttle bus cyclically runs between Hall 10 (rear gate), Hall 16 (rear gate), Gate 4 (exhibition hall entrance) of Exhibition City.

Boarding point: Halls 10-11 rear gate, Halls 14-15 rear gate, Halls 15-16 rear gate, and Gate 4 of Exhibition City.

Operating hours: August 29th, 2021 – September 6th, 2021 9:30-18:00, September 7th, 2021 9:30-16:00

Public bus

Take the T1, T7, or T40 express bus and get off at the West Exhibition City Subway Station.

Subway

Take Line 1, 6, or 18 to West Exhibition City (exit D), or take Line 1 to Guangzhou Road (exit F). The exhibition hall entrance is just outside the station, which is very convenient.

This article is a translation by ChatGPT of a Chinese report from 42HOW. If you have any questions about it, please email bd@42how.com.