2021 Guangzhou Auto Show highlights

Many international motor shows were cancelled during the peak of the Covid-19 pandemic in 2020, but the Guangzhou Auto Show was one event that remained unaffected by the events of the past year.

Held each year in late November (around the same time as the famous Los Angeles Auto Show), the motor show – located in the city of Guangzhou, about 120km northwest of Hong Kong – returned again in 2021 filled with a number of China-only vehicle reveals, wacky concept cars, and a luxurious electric SUV that will arrive in Australia early next year.

Here are some highlights from the recent show, broken into production and concept debuts:

Production vehicle debuts

Aion LX Plus

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Aion, the electric division of Guangzhou Automobile Industry (GAC), took to its home motoring event to unveil its latest zero-emissions vehicle: the LX Plus.

The electric SUV is headlined by a massive 144.4kWh battery with GAC’s silicon sponge cell technology, allowing for a claimed 1008km driving range on the China Light-Duty Vehicle Test Cycle (CLTC)... as well as two electric motors, and a 0-100km/h time of 2.9 seconds.

Chinese deliveries are planned for early 2022.

Audi A8 L Horch

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There is a new rival for the ultra-luxurious Mercedes-Maybach S-Class and Bentley Flying Spur on the market – but not ours. You’ll have to move to China to experience it.

Based on the newly-facelifted Audi A8 design, this stretched long-wheelbase Horch version is set apart by its singleframe grille with vertical struts and ‘H Crown’ alloy wheels. Inside, the spacious cabin offers diamond-quilted leather, high-pile floor mats and cushions embossed with Horch badging.

Audi expects one-fifth of A8's sold in China to be the Horch flagship, with the nation accounting for around 60 per cent of global current-generation A8 sales.

2022 Audi A8 and S8 revealed.

Audi Q5 E-Tron

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A bigger seven-seat brother to the Audi Q4 E-Tron, the Q5 E-Tron is the latest member of the electric Audi line-up – but it’ll be available for the Chinese market only.

Not to be confused with the international Q5 or upcoming PPE platform-based Q6 E-Tron, this electric SUV is based on the same MEB platform as the Volkswagen ID family and Q4 E-Tron, sharing its wheelbase and length with the large VW ID.6 family car – albeit with a more premium design inside and out.

2022 Audi Q5 E-Tron revealed; exclusive to China.

Genesis Electrified GV70

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Set to launch in Australia in the first half of 2022, the Genesis Electrified GV70 is the third all-electric vehicle from Hyundai’s luxury division. Based on the GV70 medium SUV, the electrified version retains its core styling elements, but swaps out internal-combustion power for a pair of electric motors placed on each axle, providing up to 360kW of power in ‘boost mode’.

In its regular driving mode, each motor in the Electrified GV70 develops 160kW/350Nm – propelling the SUV from 0 to 100km/h in 4.5 seconds, with a combined 700Nm of torque to boot.

Genesis claims the Electrified GV70 can travel over 500 kilometres on the CLTC test-cycle and 400km on the Korean system, with its 350kW rapid charging ability allowing the battery to be charged from 10 to 80 per cent in 18 minutes.

Just like the Hyundai Ioniq 5 and Genesis GV60, the electric SUV also features V2L (Vehicle to Load) technology, allowing it to power appliances with a combined draw of up to 3.6kW.

2022 Genesis Electrified GV70 revealed, Australian launch confirmed.

GWM King Kong

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Also referred to as the King Kong Poer, this new ute is a restyled commercially-orientated version of the GWM Ute currently sold in Australia – with the dual-cab currently under consideration for Australia.

A spokesperson for GWM Haval told sister publication, 4X4 Australia, "we’re always open to new models, such as the King Kong Ute, that could expand the GWM product portfolio in Australia,"

"While our regular discussions on product continue with our Head Office colleagues, it’s too early to say whether we’ll see it here."

Available in two size configurations, with the largest variant featuring a longer wheelbase than the GWM Ute, the King Kong is reportedly powered by the choice of a 140kW 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol engine or 123kW 2.0-litre turbo-diesel mill.

2022 GWM King Kong: Chinese pick-up under consideration for Australia.

Honda Integra

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The iconic Honda Integra nameplate has returned, with the Japanese manufacturer offering this particular model in China as a revised version of the latest 11th-generation Civic sedan – with the Integra produced under the GAC-Honda joint-venture, and its other partner Dongfeng Honda receiving the standard Civic.

The unveiling of the Chinese market Integra comes as Acura – Honda’s US-based luxury firm – prepares to launch its own version of the Integra that’s also based on the Civic, but with a redesigned body.

Other differences over the regular Civic include a larger 10.2-inch digital instrument cluster, 9.0-inch touchscreen with Honda’s ‘Connect 3.0’ infotainment system and a digital key to allow owners to lock/unlock and start the car using a connected smartphone.

2022 Honda Integra returns – but you can’t have one.

LDV Mifa 9

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Maxus – known as LDV in Australia – has unveiled the Mifa 9 luxury minivan, its latest electric vehicle at the motor show, claiming to provide the “ultimate driving space for users who yearn for green multi-person smart travel.”

Measuring in at 5270mm long with a 3200mm wheelbase, this electric van is larger than the mammoth Mercedes-Maybach GLS. Outside, it showcases slim LED headlights, large front air intakes, chrome lashings, aerodynamic alloy wheels and large rear tail-lights.

While the exterior isn’t too crazy in the styling department, the interior of the Mifa 9 features a large widescreen display that spans almost the entire width of the dashboard – with 10 displays, including a rear seat entertainment system and armrest screens, on offer. All six individual seats feature power adjustment, as well as heating, ventilation and massaging functions.

The Mifa 9 also sports an intelligent driving assistance system, with the ability for point-to-point assisted driving, automatic lane changes, smart parking and emergency avoidance assistance.

A 90kWh battery pack reportedly sits beneath the body of the Mifa 9, allowing for a claimed range of 520 kilometres with Maxus (LDV) stating it plans to introduce a longer-range version of the vehicle in 2023 with more than 650km of range. Pricing starts at around AU$58,325 in China.

Lincoln Zephyr

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The luxurious Lincoln sedan lives on with the newly-launched Zephyr, despite the discontinuation of passenger vehicles in its United States home market.

Exclusive to China, the new Zephyr revives an iconic nameplate for the Ford Motor Company, and is reportedly based on the same Ford C2 platform as the Focus, Escape and Maverick. With a large wheelbase, the luxury sedan emphasises rear seating space and legroom – both important factors for Chinese vehicle buyers.

The interior of the Zephyr is headlined by a large 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and whopping 27-inch screen running the Chinese-developed ‘SYNC+’ infotainment system, with vehicle also capable of Level 2+ autonomous driving thanks to the fitment of Lincoln’s ‘Co-Pilot 360 2.0’ active safety suite and ‘ActiveGlide’ adaptive cruise control system.

2022 Lincoln Zephyr: iconic nameplate returns for Chinese luxury sedan.

Mitsubishi Airtrek

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The Mitsubishi Airtrek is the first electric SUV from Mitsubishi – but it’ll remain exclusive to the Chinese market.

Based on the GAC Aion V revealed in 2020, the Airtrek slots between the Eclipse Cross and Outlander dimensionally and features the brand’s ‘Dynamic Shield’ design language. A Tesla Model 3-like large infotainment system sits atop the dashboard, alongside a fully-digital instrument cluster capable of providing augmented reality for the built-in navigation system.

Equipped with a 70kWh battery pack, the Airtrek is reportedly paired to a 135kW electric motor to deliver a claimed 520 kilometre driving range under the CLTC testing standard.

With a generous 2830mm wheelbase, the Airtrek focuses on rear seating space – with its dedicated electric vehicle platform and completely flat floor also working to boost comfort.

The Airtrek is set to go on sale exclusively for the Chinese market in early 2022, with international markets likely to see the continued prioritisation of PHEV models before a global electric SUV – probably based on the Nissan Ariya – is introduced.

2022 Mitsubishi Airtrek: China-only electric SUV revives old nameplate.

Voyah Dreamer

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The luxury minivan is as popular as ever in Asia, with Voyah – the luxury arm of Dongfeng – debuting its new electric Dreamer van at the motor show. The design of the Dreamer is dominated by a monster front grille similar in nature to the Lexus LM, alongside a large glasshouse, chrome accents, electronically sliding rear doors and LED tail-lights.

Larger than the aforementioned Lexus LM and Buick GL8 Avenir luxury minivans, the Dreamer sports a capacious footprint at 5315mm long, 1980mm wide and 1810mm tall, with a large 3200mm wheelbase.

Based on Dongfeng’s latest Electric Smart Secure Architecture (ESSA), the Dreamer will also be available with a plug-in hybrid powertrain – alongside a fully-electric version.

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The company is yet to provide details surrounding its EV powertrain, however the related Voyah Free SUV is fitted with an 88kWh battery pack and dual electric motors good for 510kW of power and 1040Nm of torque in flagship all-wheel drive guise.

Inside, the Dreamer picks up a full-width instrument panel across the dashboard, and an abundant amount of second-row space thanks to a 2+2 seating configuration.

XPeng G9

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Xiaopeng Motors, commonly known as XPeng, has revealed its range-topping SUV, the G9, at the motor show. Designed with international markets in mind, the XPeng G9 is set to compete with the Tesla Model Y – in addition to the Chinese Nio ES6 and Li Xiang One SUVs.

According to the manufacturer, the G9 has been developed to be compliant with a five-star Euro NCAP safety rating, as well as the European Union’s stringent WVTA vehicle certification standards. There are clear European ambitions here, with the company already introducing its flagship P7 electric sedan in Norway during August 2021.

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The slim daytime running lamps of the G9 span the front of the car, with a pair of LiDAR sensors situated beneath the LED headlights. The model will become the first XPeng vehicle fitted with the brand’s ‘XPilot 4.0’ active safety suite, which is claimed to offer “full-scenario assisted smart driving from vehicle start-up to parking.”

Over-the-air software updates will also be available through a 5G network connection, with XPeng claiming an update time of less than thirty minutes.

No interior images or specific powertrain details have been announced, however XPeng is likely to provide more details when the G9 goes on sale in China and other markets later in 2022.

Concept car debuts

Buick GL8 Flagship Concept

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Another reveal, another luxury minivan. This time we’re looking at a futuristic concept from Buick, previewing the brand’s next-generation design language with sleek styling and a plethora of swish technology.

Developed in Shanghai by SAIC and General Motors, the GL8 Flagship Concept takes the minivan to the next level with two-tone paint and sharp design elements – including an illuminated grille and large multi-spoke alloy wheels, as well as cascading tail-lights.

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An extremely plush experience can be found inside, with a rotating passenger seat and a couch-like rear bench seat designed with ‘zero gravity suspension’ to ensure optimum comfort. The driver is treated to a 30-inch freestanding display, integrated steering wheel touchscreen and full-width head-up display – with nearly all vehicle functions controllable through voice commands.

Buick claims the concept vehicle is fitted with Vehicle-to-X (V2X) technology, allowing the GL8 Flagship to communicate between vehicles, people, infrastructure and the cloud.

Buick Smart Pod

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The Buick Smart Pod is another futuristic minivan concept previewing an autonomous people-mover of the future.

Built on the same Ultium electric vehicle platform as the Cadillac Lyriq, the Smart Pod is closely reminiscent of the Porsche Vision Renndienst concept, with weirdly positioned body-coloured windows, large alloy wheels and short overhangs. The exterior of the Smart Pod also incorporates micro-LED headlights and tail-lights that are hidden when not in use.

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Offering sublime comfort for four passengers, the Smart Pod features independent reclining rear seats with the ability to provide a bed-like sleep mode.

The concept also sports a retractable 50-inch display, in addition to a virtual cockpit with artificial intelligence, voice commands and eye-tracking technology. The data provided on the head-up display can also be projected on the side windows.

GAC Vision Emkoo

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Launched at the auto show, the GAC Vision Emkoo Concept is headlined by its bold sci-fi design language, incorporating a monstrous front grille with integrated LED lighting and fastback-like rear end.

In addition, there's also hidden wheels and an interior design that is said to be inspired by the shock wave from breaking the sound barrier.

GWM King Kong Supercar Pickup Concept

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Based on the GWM King Kong dual-cab ute unveiled at the motor show, the Supercar Pickup Concept ups the ante with a wide body kit and lowered suspension, plus large black alloy wheels with yellow rings and front camber, and a stylish rear sports bar.

Wider front fenders, aerodynamic side steps and a rear spoiler also add to the design concept, as do chrome-finished claws below the regular King Kong’s headlight design. Finally, the Supercar Pickup Concept also gains dark tinted windows, quadruple exhaust pipes and a large rear diffuser.

With no details surrounding what lies under the bonnet of the GWM King Kong Supercar Pickup Concept, it is likely propelled by one of the King Kong’s two engines: a 2.0-litre turbo-petrol or turbo-diesel of the same capacity.

Honda e:N SUV and e:N Coupe

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Designed to preview a number of Honda electric vehicles set to launch in China over the next five years, the e:N SUV and Coupe concepts demonstrate an angular styling approach with sharp front and rear lighting elements.

The two concepts are reportedly underpinned by Honda’s new ‘e:N Architecture’ that will feature on a number of e:N-branded cars, with batteries set to be supplied by Chinese battery manufacturer CATL.

Hycan Concept S

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The Hycan Concept S is an electric four-door sports coupe designed to target a younger audience in China, with a front light bar stretching into a pair of sleek headlights and similarly-styled tail-lights that span across the entire rear end of the concept.

Low-profile tyres hide behind large concept-like alloy wheels, while narrow side mirrors indicate a focus on aerodynamics.

Not much else is known about the Concept S, however the Hycan brand was launched in 2019 under a joint-venture between GAC Group and NIO Inc. Since then, the company has launched two electric SUV models: the 007 and the Z03.

Salon Mecha Dragon

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Adding to the growing number of Great Wall Motors sub-brands, Salon is the latest addition to a range of brands including GWM, Haval, Wey, Tank and Ora.

The first model from Salon is the Mecha Dragon near-production concept, which sports an 800-volt electric architecture with up to 480kW of power and an 802 kilometre range – with just 10 minutes of rapid fast-charging set to be capable of adding 401km of range to the vehicle.

As with many other vehicles revealed at the show, the Mecha Dragon features a number of separate widescreen displays that span wall-to-wall across the dashboard. GWM states the concept is capable of going from 0-100km/h in just 3.7 seconds.