2025 Munich Auto Show Preview: Chinese Automakers Take on German Giants in N...

摘要： 在即将到来的2025慕尼黑汽车展上，中国汽车制造商将挑战德国巨头，这场盛会将展示中国车企的创新技术和车型，与德国汽车业巨头展开竞争，此次展览将聚焦新能源汽车和智能技术，成为全球汽车...

在即将到来的2025慕尼黑汽车展上，中国汽车制造商将挑战德国巨头，这场盛会将展示中国车企的创新技术和车型，与德国汽车业巨头展开竞争，此次展览将聚焦新能源汽车和智能技术，成为全球汽车行业关注的焦点。

TMTPOST -- The 2025 Munich Motor Show, also known as IAA MOBILITY 2025, is set to run from September 9 to 14 at the Munich Exhibition Center in Germany, with this year’s theme titled “IT’S ALL ABOUT MOBILITY.” The event will focus on three key pillars: mobility, sustainability, and technological innovation.

As Europe’s premier automotive exhibition, the show is expected to draw over 750 leading exhibitors from across the globe, showcasing a wide range of mobility solutions. Attendees can expect to see advancements in electric vehicles, hydrogen fuel cell technology, intelligent driving systems, and the use of sustainable materials in automotive design.

Chinese automakers are also gearing up to present their flagship technologies, highlighting their ambitions in the rapidly growing fields of new energy vehicles and intelligent mobility solutions. The exhibition offers these companies a prime opportunity to compete on the global stage, demonstrating their technological capabilities to international audiences.

Industry analysts view the Munich Motor Show as both a testing ground for Chinese automotive innovation and a key indicator of broader global trends in vehicle electrification, automation, and sustainable mobility solutions.

The event promises to be a showcase of the latest advancements shaping the future of transportation, bringing together traditional automotive giants, innovative startups, and technology leaders from around the world.

Below are the key highlights of this year’s Munich Motor Show as compiled by AsianFin:

1. New Vehicle Lineups from the “Host” Brands

Mercedes-Benz All-New GLC EV

Mercedes-Benz will debut the all-new GLC EV, the first mass-produced model built on the brand’s new MB.EA all-electric platform. The front features a closed-off grille design, with large illuminated perforated elements to emphasize its electric character. Compared to the gasoline version, the new GLC EV’s wheelbase is extended by 80mm, significantly enhancing rear passenger space and trunk volume, with an additional 128L of front trunk storage.

Image source: Mercedes-Benz official

On the technical front, the Mercedes-Benz GLC EV supports an 800V high-voltage architecture, allowing it to add about 260 kilometers of range with just 10 minutes of charging. Its total range exceeds 650 kilometers. The vehicle comes standard with air suspension and offers an optional 4.5° rear-wheel steering system. A higher-performance AMG version will be launched in the future.

BMW All-New iX3

BMW will make the global debut of the all-new iX3 at this year’s auto show. As the first mass-produced model based on BMW’s new-generation all-electric architecture (Neue Klasse), it marks a significant milestone in the brand’s electrification strategy. The new iX3 measures 4,780 mm in length, 1,895 mm in width, and 1,635 mm in height, with a wheelbase of 2,895 mm—an increase of 31 mm over the current model—offering a more spacious interior.

Image source: BMW Official

The all-new iX3 is equipped with the sixth-generation BMW eDrive technology and an 800-volt high-voltage platform, enabling a 300-kilometer range increase with just 10 minutes of charging. It offers three battery capacity options: 75 kWh, 90 kWh, and 105 kWh. The interior features a panoramic iDrive cockpit, including a horizon-wide panoramic display, a 3D head-up display system, and a centrally oriented control screen. For the Chinese market, the voice interaction function will be further optimized, supporting generative AI large language models.

Audi’s All-New Pure Electric Concept Car

Audi will unveil a brand-new pure electric concept car, internally codenamed “TT Moment 2.0.” Positioned between the TT and R8, this new electric sports car is not a direct successor to the Audi TT, but it will influence the design of the next-generation all-electric Audi TT production model.

Image source: Audi Official

The new model is built on the PPE electric platform jointly developed by Porsche and Audi, featuring an 800V electrical architecture. It is expected to offer both single-motor rear-wheel drive and dual-motor all-wheel drive powertrain options.

Volkswagen’s All-New T-ROC

Volkswagen will unveil the all-new T-ROC at the Munich Auto Show. The new model features the signature Volkswagen family design, equipped with a full-width LED light strip and an illuminated logo. The headlight styling closely resembles that of the ID all-electric series, while the rear also adopts a full-width taillight integrated with an illuminated badge.

Image source: Volkswagen official

The new model’s wheelbase has been extended by 28mm compared to the previous generation, reaching 2631mm, and the China-made version may see a further increase. Inside, it offers a three-spoke multifunction steering wheel, a floating full-digital instrument cluster, a floating central control screen, and an electronic gear selector, all powered by the latest infotainment system.

In terms of smart features, the car introduces the Park Assist Pro system, supporting memory parking for distances up to 50 meters and remote parking via smartphone. Built on the MQB Evo platform, the European market version will be available with a 1.5T engine paired with a 48V mild hybrid system.

Porsche All-Electric Cayenne

The all-electric Porsche Cayenne will make its official debut at this year’s auto show. Built on a high-end 800V electric platform, it targets a WLTP range of 700 kilometers.

Image from all-electric Cayenne spy shots

On the technical side, all versions of the new model come standard with all-wheel drive and offer three powertrain options. The Turbo variant delivers over 1,000 horsepower and accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in under 3 seconds. The chassis is equipped with an intelligent air suspension and Porsche Active Ride system, which automatically adjusts ride height according to speed and performs 13 adaptive adjustments per second to ensure a smooth ride. Porsche states that the all-electric version will be sold alongside the gasoline version, with deliveries expected to begin in 2026.

Škoda Vision O Concept Car

The Skoda Vision O concept car is positioned as a fully electric station wagon, built on the Volkswagen Group’s SSP electric platform and featuring a brand-new design language called “Modern Solid.” Judging from the currently revealed silhouette, the Vision O continues the styling cues of the Octavia Combi and Superb Combi, while incorporating characteristics unique to the electric era.

Image source: Skoda Official

In addition, the vehicle’s interior makes extensive use of eco-friendly materials, including woven fabrics made from recycled polyester fibers, 3D-printed headrests, and plant-based microfiber. According to reports, the production version of the Vision O is expected to debut in overseas markets as early as 2029.

2. The Breakthrough of the Chinese Auto “Legion”

The lineup of Chinese OEMs at the event demonstrates a clear, strategically tiered deployment. At the 2025 Munich Motor Show, nearly a hundred Chinese companies will form a “group army” that comprehensively covers core areas such as vehicle manufacturing, electric drive systems, and intelligent hardware and software. From BYD’s hybrid station wagon to CATL’s super factory, from XPeng’s intelligent driving to Hesai’s lidar, China’s automotive industry is staging a “breakthrough battle” on the central stage of global automotive transformation.

BYD Seal 06DM-i Touring Edition

As a pioneer, BYD will unveil the Seal 06DM-i Touring Edition for the first time in Europe at this year’s Munich Motor Show. This plug-in hybrid model, with a starting price of around 250,000 euros, is tailored to the European market’s preference for station wagons.

Image source: BYD Official

Its 150-kilometer CLTC pure electric range is well-suited for short-distance commuting needs in Europe, while the 1.5-liter plug-in hybrid system offers flexible energy replenishment for long-distance travel. Reportedly, the vehicle is equipped with the “Tianshen Eye C” driver assistance system, which has already passed EU regulatory certification. The system features a combination of 12 cameras and 5 millimeter-wave radars, with algorithm models specifically optimized for Europe’s complex road conditions.

Leapmotor Lafa5

Leapmotor has arrived with a clear benchmarking target: its soon-to-be-launched electric hatchback, the Lafa5, is aimed directly at the Volkswagen ID.3. Although official specifications have not yet been released, it is predicted that the Lafa5 will be priced 15%–20% lower than its competitors, while offering a larger central control screen and more comprehensive in-car connectivity features.

Image source: Leapmotor official

The Leapmotor Lafa5 was previously codenamed B05 internally and is positioned as a compact hatchback, targeting the European small car market. At this year’s Munich Motor Show, Leapmotor set up an expansive outdoor exhibition area, signaling its ambitions for the European market and its intention to build brand awareness through large-scale test drive experiences.

The All-New XPeng P7

The all-new XPeng P7, a strategic model for the XPeng brand, will make its European debut at the Munich Motor Show. The new vehicle adopts a minimalist curved-surface design language, seamlessly integrating the headlights and sensors into the body lines, with the drag coefficient optimized to 0.198Cd.

Image source: XPeng official

At this year’s Munich Auto Show, XPeng Motors will showcase five models, including the all-new XPeng P7, the 2025 XPeng G6, the 2025 XPeng G9, the XPeng X9, and the XPeng P7+. In addition, the company will display its humanoid robot, flying car, land carrier model, and SEPA architecture technologies. XPeng will also introduce localized products for the European market—such as the European version of its home charging station—further advancing its global strategy.

Hongqi EHS-5 Production Model

Hongqi recently announced that its brand-new all-electric SUV—the Hongqi EHS5 (domestic version: Hongqi Tiangong 06)—will make its European debut at the 2025 Munich Auto Show, which opens on September 8. The vehicle is scheduled to officially launch in the Danish market in the fourth quarter, with a starting price expected to be 349,999 Danish kroner (approximately 393,800 RMB).

Image source: Hongqi Official

As a key part of Hongqi’s deepening strategy in Europe, this model continues the brand’s latest Tiangong all-electric platform technology, forming a global product matrix alongside the Tiangong 06 currently available in China. The Hongqi EHS5 targets the European mid-size electric SUV market, maintaining the signature Hongqi family design and bringing “Chinese-style luxury” to European consumers.

smart #5 BRABUS Edition

The smart #5 BRABUS Edition is based on the standard model, enhanced with exclusive BRABUS sport styling for a more striking visual impact. Red accents on the front lip and side skirts, together with 21-inch wheels and red brake calipers, create a strong performance vibe.

In terms of smart features, the vehicle is equipped with a 25.6-inch AR-HUD, a 13-inch dual OLED display, and an AMD V2000 chip. Its powertrain is a core highlight, featuring dual motors on the front and rear axles for a combined torque of up to 710 Nm. The car accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in just 3.8 seconds, and, thanks to its 800V high-voltage platform, achieves a CLTC range of 660 kilometers.

In addition, breakthroughs in the luxury market have been achieved jointly by Polestar and AVATR. Polestar, a brand under Geely Group, is set to launch the high-performance electric luxury touring car, Polestar 5. Its bonded aluminum chassis technology reduces weight by 30% compared to traditional welding methods, and its range is expected to exceed 700 kilometers. Meanwhile, AVATR, a brand co-developed by Changan and Huawei, has not yet announced the specific models to be exhibited, but the setup of an outdoor exhibition area suggests that it will showcase its latest intelligent cockpit system. The integration of Huawei’s HarmonyOS ecosystem with localized European applications is highly anticipated.

3. Full-Chain Collaboration: Chinese Automakers Go Global

This year’s Munich Auto Show highlights multiple technological breakthroughs in the electrification of the automotive industry. Currently, the 800V high-voltage platform has become mainstream in the Chinese market, and German manufacturers are rapidly catching up.

Several models, including the all-new BMW iX3, Mercedes-Benz GLC EV, Audi AI:RACE, and Porsche’s all-electric Cayenne, all feature the 800V architecture, significantly reducing charging times—most can complete the main charging process within 10-15 minutes.

At the same time, solid-state battery technology has also made substantial progress. The Audi AI:RACE concept car uses innovative lightweight solid-state batteries, achieving a lower vehicle weight and longer driving range.

Amidst the many new energy and intelligent automotive technologies, Chinese companies are everywhere, demonstrating a strong trend of full-industry-chain collaboration in their global expansion.

The lineup of Chinese chip manufacturers at the show is equally impressive. Black Sesame Technologies will unveil its latest A2000 chip, which delivers 200 TOPS of computing power and supports multi-sensor fusion. In addition, the company will debut its “Safe Intelligent Base” solution overseas, which is centered around the Wudang C1200 family of cross-domain fusion chips, offering automakers a new approach to balancing safety and cost in cockpit-driving integration.

Image source: Black Sesame Technologies

Hesai Technology’s AT128 LiDAR has secured orders from BMW, with its 128-line high resolution extending detection range to 200 meters even in rainy or foggy conditions. Meanwhile, Momenta will showcase its collaboration with Uber—the jointly developed autonomous taxi system has already completed 100,000 kilometers of road testing in Munich and is scheduled for commercial deployment in 2026.

CATL will showcase its new batteries produced at its European factory, which feature a 20% increase in energy density and a 50% improvement in charging speed. More strategically, its production capacity in Europe has already reached full output, accounting for one-third of the total demand for EV batteries in Europe in 2024. This localized production layout enables CATL to effectively circumvent trade barriers and respond promptly to customer needs.

The so-called “second tier” of battery makers—CALB, EVE Energy, and Gotion High-Tech—are also drawing significant attention. CALB’s 15GWh plant in Hungary has begun trial production, with its flagship lithium manganese iron phosphate batteries reducing costs by 10%. Gotion High-Tech’s 20GWh factory in Germany focuses on the cascade utilization of batteries for both energy storage and automotive applications, demonstrating a differentiated competitive strategy. The collective presence of these four battery giants signals that Chinese battery companies have evolved from mere suppliers to providers of comprehensive energy ecosystem solutions.

Conclusion

Overall, while German automakers enjoy a clear home-field advantage at this year’s Munich Motor Show, the Chinese automotive presence is proving increasingly formidable. No longer mere “visitors,” Chinese manufacturers are emerging as key players in the global automotive transformation.

Examining the ecosystem strategies of nearly a hundred exhibitors, it’s clear that China’s automotive industry has entered a new phase of globalization. Rather than focusing solely on exporting individual models, Chinese companies are exporting complete value chains—spanning vehicle brands, core components, and integrated software solutions.

When BYD’s hybrid technology, CATL’s battery systems, Black Sesame’s chip solutions, and Hesai’s LiDAR appear together at the Munich Exhibition Center, the display goes beyond a collection of products. It represents a holistic new energy vehicle solution, showcasing China’s systematic capabilities. This comprehensive approach enhances the resilience of Chinese brands against trade and technology barriers while reshaping the global automotive landscape.

European consumers are beginning to view Chinese vehicles differently. With localized production ramping up and technical standards exported abroad, Chinese automakers are positioned to significantly increase their market share in Europe, shifting from marginal participants to mainstream contenders.

What unfolds at this year’s show may be more than a demonstration of technology—it could mark the dawn of a new era in the global automotive industry.