Auto China Beijing 2024 - a Round-up of Model Launches Including NIO, VW, MINI and More...

With automotive shows around the world in retreat, all eyes are on Beijing, where Auto China 2024 is taking place. And it already appears to be delivering in terms of launches.

Local brand NIO has presented eight 2024 models, including the smart electric executive sedan ET7, which was officially launched at the auto show. It's also showing NIO Full Stack, a collection of 12 technology domains, including chips and smart hardware, battery system, electric drive and high-voltage system.

In a press release, NIO states: 'The 2024 NIO ET7 Executive Edition is a premium sedan for the business community. Catering to the premium executive needs, the model has undergone major upgrades in six aspects, including interior and exterior design, digital cockpit, driving and handling, assisted and intelligent driving, vehicle safety and recharging experience'.

Delivery of the ET7 will start on April 30 in China.

The VW Group and its brands are holding six world and five China premieres at this year's show. 

One of which is the unveiling of the all-electric ID. CODE design show car developed specifically for customers in China. The new model offers a preview of a large electric SUV.

It is also designed for Level 4 fully autonomous driving. 

Thomas Schäfer, CEO of the Volkswagen brand, says. “The Volkswagen brand can already look back on 40 years of success in China, and we are continuing this success story into the new mobility era, thus confirming the trust of our Chinese customers.”

He adds: “The ID. CODE gives a first preview of the future of VW in China: with a new design, a new technology standard and a holistic brand experience – specifically oriented to the needs and wishes of our Chinese customers. We are ushering in a new era of mobility in China, together with our Chinese partners.”

By 2030, VW's all-electric ID. family will grow to a total of 16 models. 

VW brand Audi has unveiled the Audi Q6 e-tron, its first production model on the Premium Platform Electric (PPE). It is tailored specifically for the Chinese market, and will make its public debut in the fourth quarter of 2024.

It offers a CLTC range of more than 700 kilometers.

Audi CEO, Gernot Döllner, says: “The Q6L e-tron will have more differentiation from the global model than ever before, both regarding exterior design and the digital interior experience. The interior of the Audi Q6L e-tron will be more consistently geared towards the needs of Chinese customers than ever before.”

BMW's MINI brand has unveiled its first crossover model for the premium small car segment. Measuring just under four metres in length, the new all-electric MINI Aceman has five seats and a predicted range of up to 406 kilometres in the WLTP test cycle.

The brand’s first fully-fledged voice assistant can be activated in the MINI Aceman by saying “Hey MINI!”.

Voice-controlled interaction is visualised on the circular OLED display by means of an animation of graphic elements, typography and an avatar.

Stefanie Wurst, Head of MINI, comments: “The MINI Aceman brings a new level of excitement to our all-electric lineup, packed with a truly enjoyable immersive digital experience. The MINI Aceman is perfect for navigating crowded city streets, while maintaining the versatility and functionality of a Crossover and the Go Kart feeling you can expect from a MINI. I am certain that the sleek design, the performance, and the versatility as a 5-seater Crossover, will make the MINI Aceman a resounding success.”

“The MINI Aceman is a strong character with his own young personality within the new MINI family. It has an independent design language, is compact and looks agile. With its distinctive expression, it is the perfect everyday companion for those who value individuality in urban areas.” adds Oliver Heilmer, Head of MINI Design

The brand’s first fully-fledged voice assistant can be activated in the MINI Aceman by saying “Hey MINI!”.

Established in year 1990, the Auto China 2024 is taking place from April 25 to May 4 in Beijing.