The Shanghai Auto Show really stands out.
It’s easy to see why, considering that China controls 30% of the global automotive manufacturing market.
Xiaomi’s Su7 Ultra Hyper Sedan is being touted as one of the most thrilling releases from the Shanghai show in 2025. This electric vehicle packs a punch with 1,548 horsepower (1,138 kilowatts) and can go from 0 to 60 miles per hour in just 1.98 seconds.
This year’s show wrapped up last week, featuring 70 automakers from 26 countries and showcasing around 1,300 vehicles.
The offerings there give insights into where the automotive industry is headed. Notably, around 70% of the cars displayed this year were alternative energy vehicles.
It’s quite understandable. Despite ongoing tariffs and fierce price competition, China remains the largest global market for electric vehicles (EVs).
You can also glean quite a bit about shifts in the industry, particularly from the largest players—at least 15 of them were notable absentees.
Here’s a rundown of those who didn’t show up and what that might mean:
Tesla
Even with a major factory in Shanghai, Tesla has skipped out on the show for the third year straight. What’s the deal? It seems there just isn’t a major new vehicle lined up to unveil.
Additionally, this absence may signal a strategic pivot as the company faces stiff competition from Chinese brands like BYD, Nio, and Xiaomi, which are rapidly advancing in both technology and market presence. It suggests Tesla is focusing elsewhere, perhaps trying to maintain its relevance in a market where local competitors offer innovative features.
Past controversies, like a 2021 incident where customers protested brake issues at the Tesla booth, might also play a role in their continued absence.
Hyundai
Surprisingly, this year marked the first time Hyundai—along with its affiliates KIA and Genesis—missed the show since entering the Chinese market back in 2002. The company’s sales have dropped, leading to just a 1.6% market share by mid-2024.
Instead of attending, Beijing Hyundai held a strategic communication conference in Shanghai shortly before the event, hinting at their priority on launching new models elsewhere, like the IONIQ 9 at the Los Angeles Auto Show in November 2024.
Lamborghini and other luxury brands
Alongside other luxury brands like Maserati, Jaguar, and Land Rover, Lamborghini opted out of the 2025 show. The primary reason seems to be a sharp decline in the market for ultra-luxury vehicles in China—sales in this segment fell 53% year-on-year in early 2025 for cars priced over 1 million yuan (around $137,000).
This downturn makes attending costly car shows far less feasible for brands like Lamborghini, especially as local manufacturers increasingly offer competitive luxury options. Their absence highlights the growing struggles of foreign luxury automakers in adapting to China’s fast-changing marketplace, where newer energy vehicles take precedence over traditional combustion models.
This year’s guest list was notably slim, but those who participated brought some excitement.
Here are a few standout vehicles:
Xiaomi Su7 Ultra
Xiaomi’s Su7 Ultra Hyper Sedan truly grabbed attention at the show. This powerful EV accelerates from 0 to 60 in 1.98 seconds.
And it’s not just about speed. The price point of $114,000 caught my eye, but what’s more impressive is the charging capability—you can go from 10% to 80% in just 11 minutes.
It also features an advanced torque vector system with dual-chamber air springs, adaptive dampers, cutting-edge carbon ceramic brakes, and a sleek carbon fiber roof.
But, truth be told, it likely won’t make its way to the U.S. market anytime soon.
GWM Tank 300 Hook
This truck features a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, and there’s also a variant sporting a 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8. It seems like the message hasn’t gotten through that gas-powered vehicles are facing an uphill battle here!
Huawei Maextro S800
When it comes to luxury, Huawei’s Maextro S800 is making waves. It’s a spacious luxury sedan that claims to overshadow nearly all competitors in China.
Inside, the cabin boasts massive screens and even champagne flutes near the reclining massage seats. It’s all about the rear-seat entertainment, featuring an aluminum folding table, hot and cold cup holders, a fridge, and a fingerprint-protected box for valuables.
As for performance, you can choose a pure EV version with a battery capable of 436 miles, or go for an extended range with up to 193 miles. You might not catch this car in North America, as pricing starts at $131,600.
Nissan Frontier Pro
Nissan’s Frontier Pro PHEV is making its debut at the show, though it may not be as extravagant as some of the show’s other highlights. If it follows Chinese specs, expect around 300kW of power and 800 Nm of torque, along with an electric range of about 135 kilometers.
The Frontier Pro is designed with off-roading in mind, featuring solid axle suspensions. Inside, tech-savvy elements include large dual screens and massage seating.
Zeekr 9x
Zeekr introduced the “Inspiration” 9x SUV, which is a hybrid model. It combines a 2.0-liter internal combustion engine with a battery that promises a full electric range of over 236 miles.
This sizeable SUV, weighing nearly 3 tons, can accelerate to 60 mph in just 3 seconds and introduces industry-first dual-chamber air suspension for better comfort and performance. It’s also designed with stunning headlights that feature diamond-cut designs for an eye-catching “starry sky” effect.
Audi E5 Sportback
Lastly, Audi’s E5 Sportback was revealed as part of a new, China-specific brand initiative. This 4-door model is the first to be unveiled at the Shanghai Auto Show under this project and offers impressive specs like 776 horsepower and a range of 478 miles.
Configured with either rear-wheel drive or Quattro all-wheel drive, it can rocket from 0 to 60 mph in 3.4 seconds. The rationale for keeping this brand focused in China is still unfolding.
Check out this video for more insights on the 2025 Shanghai Auto Show.
