Future Cars Shine Bright in China

Auto Shanghai, or the Shanghai International Automobile Industry Exhibition, is China's oldest automotive event. The 2023 edition saw a number of international models being featured. Here is a closer look at some of the new cars unveiled for this year

- Vaibhav Kashyap

BMW i7 M70 xDrive

The new i7 M70 xDrive is the first time a 70” badge has been used on a BMW because it is the most powerful production BMW vehicle ever; with an output of 660 hp and 1,100 Nm. It will be made in Dingolfing, Germany, and the global market launch will take place in the second half of this year.

The front and rear axles of the i7 M70 xDrive are outfitted with highly integrated drive units that combine the electric motor, power electronics, and transmission into a single and incredibly small housing for an ideal blend of electric mobility and performance, resulting in a driving experience unmatched in the luxury segment. With an electric motor at each axle, 190-kW 258hp) front and 360-kW 489-hp) rear, the combined peak output is 492 kW 660 hp). It can accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in 3.7 seconds and get up to an electronically limited 250 km/h.

BYD Yangwang U9

No one anticipated a supercar when BYD said they would introduce a new high-end brand since everyone was focused on the Yangwang U8, an extreme off-road SUV. However, after the U8, the Chinese automaker surprised everyone with the U9 supercar. Built on BYD’s new Visifang EV platform, the Yangwang U9 is set for its début later this year.

Apart from the fact that the Yangwang U9 makes 1,100 hp and can hit 100 km/h from standstill in a claimed two seconds, the most exciting part of the U9 is its DiSus-X active suspension and body control system. A halo system from the brand, it manages vehicle dynamics and balance on the go, and is even capable of handling the car with just three wheels.

Lexus LM

The Lexus LM luxurious mover” has been unveiled and will be available in over 60 countries worldwide, including India and several European countries for the first time.