Here Are The Models That Stole The Spotlight At Auto Shanghai 2021

While the COVID-19 pandemic continues to throw a spanner in the works for auto shows around the world, we’ve been fortunate to witness the Auto Shanghai 2021. The auto show debuts of concepts, EVs, new debuts, facelifts, and even controversial knockoff models  Let's take a closer look:

Toyota bZ4X

Toyota kicked off its new bZ range of electric models, with the bZ4X electric crossover concept. Based on Toyota’s new e-TNGA platform, and co-developed by Subaru, it sports a pretty aggressive design and a minimalistic, yet futuristic driver cockpit. What's more, it gets a solar charging system on board.

Audi A6-e tron Concept

The folks from Ingolstadt unleashed the electric equivalent of the A6 e-tron concept that debuts Audi’s new Premium Platform Electric (PPE) architecture. It follows an imposing Sportback-like (coupe) design philosophy and is claimed to offer over 700km of range! It also gets some nifty headlight tech that can double up as a projector for your video games. For more details head here. 

Honda SUV e:prototype

It may be an evolution of the SUV e: concept it showcased at Auto China 2020, but it’s most likely an all-electric version of the third-gen HR-V. Sure, there’s plenty in common with the HR-V in design, but Honda has given it unique touches in the form of a closed-off front grille and plenty of lighting tech all around. It’ll also be equipped with advanced connected tech and driver assistance which you can read more about here. 

Lexus ES Facelift

Lexus has given the ES executive a midlife refresh. Exterior changes are hard to notice, but it comes with a tweaked front grille, reworked headlamps, and new 17-inch wheels. The real changes, though, are under the skin, including the improved Lexus Safety System+ 2.5, new Adaptive Variable Suspension, and a more intuitive touchscreen infotainment system. For more information on what’s changed, head here. 

Next-gen Nissan X-Trail

It's been a while since we last heard of the Nissan X-Trail moniker in India after the discontinuation of the second-gen model in 2014. That being said, the carmaker has unleashed the fourth iteration of the SUV in global markets. The generation update gets a sportier and more upright stance, a cleaner cabin with modern creature comforts, and Nissan’s e-Power powertrain. More importantly, the X-Trail nameplate could make a comeback in the country.  

Mercedes-Benz C-Class L

The BMW 3 Series Gran Limousine now has company with German rival Mercedes-Benz introducing a long-wheelbase variant of the 2021 C-Class, the C-Class L. Targeted at the chauffeur-driven, the C-Class L boasts extra rear legroom and creature comforts such as an armrest, a spacious stowage compartment, USB ports, and cup holders for rear seat occupants. For more on what’s different in the extended C-Class, head here..

Ora’s Controversial Knockoffs

Great Wall Motors’ sub-brand, Ora, made a splash at Auto Shanghai 2021 with its Punk Cat and Lightning Car EVs. The controversial part is both look like knockoffs of iconic European models. While the Punk Cat is a nice interpretation of the all-electric classic Volkswagen Beetle, the latter is a rather strange mix of the Porsche Panamera and the VW Beetle. To know more about our take on these two peculiar EVs, head here. 

Huawei SERES SF5 EV

Tech giant Huawei has officially entered the electric vehicle market with the SERES SF5 crossover EV. Sure, it's technically been co-developed by Chinese carmaker SERES, but it is Huawei’s first vehicle. It gets a setup similar to the Nissan ePower powertrain and offers over 1,000km of range. The EV also gets Huawei HiCar connected car tech and audio system as well as a boatload of safety features. To know more, head here.

Genesis G80 EV

Genesis took  its first steps towards electrification with the all-electric iteration of the G80 sedan. Sold alongside its internal combustion-engined counterpart, the main difference is it runs a 370PS/700Nm dual-motor electric powertrain setup, pushing a range of 500km. It also gets some exterior tweaks, a solar panel on the roof for charging, and other EV-specific bits which you can read more about here. 

Rolls-Royce Phantom Tempus Collection

After debuting in global markets last month, Rolls-Royce has brought over the special edition Phantom Tempus Collection to Auto Shanghai 2021. Everything about this special edition screams space age, right from its bespoke Kairos Blue body shade and ‘Pulsar Headliner’ to a special aluminium art called ‘Frozen Flow of Time’ on the dashboard. To know more about this space-themed Phantom, head here.