Automakers displayed a dizzying array of vehicles of all shapes and sizes at the 2026 Beijing auto show, bringing the heat with the weird. One specific trend stood out: the “and then some” type models found while hoofing around the show halls. Everything from tented-up trucks to furry SUVs appeared on the floor, representing the wild, wacky, and otherwise mindbogglingly fun vehicles from the big Chinese automotive extravaganza.
Beijing Auto Works has been working on its hardcore line of 212 trucks, powered by a fairly conventional 2.0-liter diesel and 8-speed automatic transmission combo. They have Land Rover design elements especially, with Jeep and Mercedes G-Class vibes thrown in for good measure. To get some added exposure, the company added just about every conceivable option to this truck, including not one, but 2 tents, a huge rooftop cargo carrier, and all manner of other bad-ass-style adornments. We have no idea how this truck would fare in a real deal off-road scenario, but it looks the part at least.
BYD also showed off a “My Little Pony” BYD Yuan Plus, which is also known as the ATTO 3. The EV SUV is having a bit of a sales dip lately, so we guess BYD was hoping a little dress up would help? The vehicle features a fuzzy exterior finish and pony branding, creating a striking contrast to the usual hard plastics found on most electric cars. It serves as a reminder that the Chinese market remains open to experimental designs that might never make it to the West.
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Fang Cheng Bao Formula X is a spinoff brand of BYD, and its emerging range of cars and SUVs is led by this supercar. The Formula X roadster on the stand at the Beijing show is an evolution of the brand’s Super 9 concept, with a carbon fiber body, scissor doors, an active rear spoiler, expressive head and taillamps, and all manner of aero vents and diffusers front and rear. No word on the powertrain, but it will likely be enough to motivate it with a quickness. It had better, because this sexy beast needs to go as fast as it looks when it’s standing still.
Supercars and Luxury Concepts
Denza Z is yet another brand under the BYD portfolio, and like the Formula X, the Denza Z is another superstar roadster with reportedly as much as 1,000 horsepower and designs on sub-2.0-second 60-mph time and Nürburgring-attacking capabilities. An evolution of a concept styled by former Audi design chief Wolfgang Egger, the Denza Z has a unique presence and will be available in soft top or hardtop versions, with a hardcore track model planned. We don’t know why, but we’re here for you, BYD, keep spinning off these sexy supercars.
Geely made a huge statement with its new EVA Cab, China’s first true purpose-built robotaxi that’s being billed as one of the most advanced vehicles of its type in the world. One of the key components of the EVA Cab is what Geely is calling EEA 4.0, otherwise known as “the world’s first quantum-level AI E/E architecture.” Cutting edge stuff, that.
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Production Models and EVs
The EVA Cab also has a G-ASD system, reportedly the industry’s first Level 4 ready autonomous system ready for mass production. So, when’s all this newfangled, highfalutin technology coming to a road near Beijing? As early as 2027, says Geely. Buckle up, because robotaxis are rapidly approaching, and Geely plans to lead the way everywhere. Except the U.S., of course.
Lotus Eletre X For Me is the first Lotus SUV as a decent enough high-performance electric SUV, but we found it somewhat lacking. Well, the team at Geely-owned Lotus has changed up its Eletre game, underpinning it with Geely’s new 900-volt, plug-in hybrid powertrain with 939 total system horsepower, 0–60-mph times in the 3.3 second range, and 260 miles of range from its 70-kWh battery pack. Dual electric motors are augmented by a 2.0-liter turbo four-cylinder acting as both a power adder and a generator depending on the situation. We especially loved the John Player Special livery edition seen here, of which only 87 will be built. And no, you can’t have it. It’s China-only for now, but will be expanding to other countries not named the U.S.
Smart #6 is a plug-in hybrid that can turn in a decent mid-six-second 0–60-mph time, with some of the biggest brake calipers we’ve ever seen on a middle-of-the-road performer. It seems so far out of what the brand seems to be looking to do, given that it’s a decent-looking, but relatively anonymous sedan (styled by Mercedes, it even says so on the B-pillar!). But it sort of grows on you, with stylistic vertical lighting treatments front and back and a clean-looking profile. Why not have it overbraked?
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Hyundai’s Ioniq brand is going to be a thing in China, and the Ioniq V is going to kick off the introduction of a number of all-electric models. Initial specs are sparse at this point, but so far it will almost certainly be built on a version of Hyundai’s E-GMP, 800-volt platform, with a range expected to be 300-plus miles, about what the longer-range U.S. market Ioniq cars are capable of at present. But it’s the styling that sets it apart from the Ioniq 5 and 6, with a wedgy look front end and greenhouse that lend it a future forward stance.
Hyundai Earth Concept is another blocky, stocky design, the Earth has a similar look and feel, but with its own stance and approach. Although the Hyundai Venus actually got a name and a production intent model on the Beijing show stand, Hyundai also brought along the other concept it revealed in China just prior to the show, called Earth. We suspect the production version of the Earth, given it’s an SUV, will likely outshine the Ioniq V whenever it also reaches production, which we’re assuming it will.
Lincoln Zephyr is a sedan that still gets made in China. It’s powered by a relatively pedestrian (for the Chinese market) 2.0-liter turbo four-cylinder hybrid setup with roughly 243 horsepower, mated to an 8-speed automatic. Also marketed simply as the Z (this particular car had a Zephyr badge on the rear decklid), it looks as though the Zephyr has undergone a recent freshening to get it more in line with the rest of Lincoln’s lineup. We don’t hate it, as it has a pretty tidy overall styling and proportions.