Chengdu International Auto Show trends

The 2026 Chengdu International Auto Show highlights a significant shift in the Chinese automotive market toward domestic brands and the mainstreaming of electric off-road SUVs. These vehicles are increasingly designed to bridge the gap between daily commuting and outdoor adventure through advancements in plug-in hybrid and pure electric technologies.

Key developments include the rise of luxury and high-tech models, such as BYD’s Dahán EV and Zeekr’s 9X. HIMA Intelligence brands, Luxeed and Stelato, have also drawn attention by showcasing advanced intelligent cockpit technologies. These include the Luxeed G9, which features an outdoor-oriented ecosystem with accessories like electric roof tents and tailgate kitchens, and the Stelato Z7 series, which utilizes the ‘Xiaoyi AI assistant’ for complex natural language processing and cabin control.

Amidst these technological advancements, Xiaomi Auto announced a recall of several hundred thousand 2024 SU7 series electric vehicles to address issues with emergency mechanical handles, intending to resolve the matter via warning labels and software updates.