After the gradual decline in scale at the Frankfurt Motor Show, the title of the "Olympic Games of the Automotive Industry" has almost fallen on the Beijing Auto Show.
As a top car show, the Beijing Auto Show presents not only "quantity" but also "quality."
At this year's Beijing Auto Show, many top international luxury brands have unveiled their heavyweight products. Several million-dollar and even multi-million-dollar luxury cars have truly delighted our eyes.
In this issue, let's take a look at five top luxury cars and see just how powerful these top products really are.
First Model: Hongqi Guo Ya
Guidance Price: Not available yet (just unveiled)
Brief Review: Stepping onto the global stage, Hongqi's fire is burning brightly.
Undoubtedly, domestically, Hongqi is considered a top luxury brand, divided into three sub-brands. Among them, Jinkuihua is arguably the brand that best represents the face of Chinese luxury cars.
At this auto show, all four "State Guest Cars" from Hongqi, including the Hongqi Guo Ya, a large luxury sedan, are making a grand appearance, showcasing some heavyweight products.
From a design perspective, the Hongqi L5 exudes a strong Chinese luxury vibe, from the prominent Hongqi badge to the two-tone body design, all the way to its 5.3-meter body size, showcasing the grandeur and commanding presence of this luxury vehicle.
In the author's opinion, this Chinese luxury sedan is fully capable of going head-to-head with the Mercedes-Benz S-Class Maybach.
The confidence stems more from the luxurious ambiance inside the car.
Hongqi's Gao Ya incorporates numerous classic elements such as the golden kui flower emblem, retro steering wheel, real wood trim, and a series of elements that create a noble and luxurious visual and tactile experience.
This kind of sensory experience actually significantly contributes to the unique character of Hongqi's high-end luxury cars, enabling them to stand out in the luxury market.
Finally, in terms of powertrain, the Hongqi L5 starts with a 3.0T hybrid system, and in the higher-end models, a 4.0T V8 hybrid system is also available. In terms of performance and driving quality, there is no need to worry about the performance of the Hongqi L5.
Model 2: Mercedes-Benz EQG Electric Off-Roader
Price: Not available yet (just unveiled)
Brief Review: This is the ultimate G-Class, a toy for the wealthy.
The Mercedes G-Class off-roader needs no introduction worldwide.
Whether within the Mercedes lineup or in the luxury off-road vehicle segment, the G-Class stands as a benchmark of luxury and performance.
At the 2024 Beijing Auto Show, the Mercedes-Benz all-electric G-Class off-road vehicle (G580) made its official debut.
This vehicle is equipped with four independent wheel-mounted electric motors and a 2-speed gearbox, delivering a robust power performance of 432kW and 1164N·m, with a zero to 100 km/h acceleration time of just 4.7 seconds.
After entering the era of electrification, the traditional performance of the Mercedes-Benz all-electric G-Class off-road vehicle has not been lost.
With the assistance of a 2-speed gearbox, this vehicle still provides low-speed torque amplification for its electric four-wheel drive system, allowing it to climb steep slopes of up to 45 degrees.
Moreover, based on more intelligent motor control, this vehicle also features a series of functions such as turning on the spot and performing tank turns, showcasing off-road capabilities that rival the traditional G-Class.
However, it should be pointed out that the pure electric G-Class off-road vehicle has a range of only 570 km under CLTC conditions. In long-distance travel and off-road scenarios, this range performance, combined with the characteristics of a pure electric vehicle, is clearly insufficient.
Therefore, from a market perspective, the pure electric G-Class off-road vehicle is destined to only become one of the many luxury cars in the garages of the wealthy. It is more like a large toy, allowing users to shuttle from the city to the suburbs in a relaxed and elegant manner.
Third Model: Lamborghini Urus SE
Guidance Price: Not available (only unveiled)
Brief Review: It is a speed machine and a long-distance travel weapon
Compared to the pure electric G-Class off-road vehicle lacking the ability for long-distance travel, the Urus SE unveiled by Lamborghini at the Beijing Auto Show appears to be more practical.
The most notable feature of this car is the newly designed plug-in hybrid system composed of a 4.0L twin-turbocharged V8 engine, with a maximum horsepower of 600 PS and peak torque of 800 N·m.
With its impressive performance, the Lamborghini Urus SE accelerates from 0 to 200 km/h in just 11.2 seconds, reaching a top speed of 312 km/h. Undoubtedly, for passionate driving enthusiasts, this is a highly compelling data point.
In addition, the Urus SE features a brand-new mid-mounted longitudinal electric torque vectoring system for the first time, combined with a differential and a new electronic limited-slip differential, allowing the vehicle to achieve "on-demand" oversteer. This design also means the Lamborghini Urus SE has a highly agile rear end, capable of delivering a Lamborghini supercar driving experience on the track.
Thanks to the plug-in hybrid system, the Lamborghini Urus SE has reduced emissions by 80%. With 4 electric performance strategies and 11 driving modes, it is expected to significantly increase its range. This makes it not only a pure driving machine but also a comfortable travel companion.
Section Four: Bentley Batur
Price: Over 14 million RMB!
Brief Overview: The pinnacle of ultra-luxury GT models
The GT model seamlessly blends performance and luxury, allowing gentlemen to embark on a comfortable journey while also unleashing their fervent desire for driving on the racetrack. Hailing from the UK, Bentley has crafted the GT model to near perfection.
The Bentley Batur, launched first in China, can be considered the pinnacle of top-tier GT cars in the author's view.
With only 18 units available worldwide, this top-tier model is priced at over 14 million RMB, a price that many find hard to imagine. In terms of product performance, this Bentley can almost be described as "perfect."
The British style above remains the consistent theme of Bentley Batur, with its elegant body design and exquisite details interpreting its taste and nobility. Once inside the car, Bentley Batur still presents us with the elegance of the "old-school gentleman." No matter from which angle you look at it or touch it, there are no blind spots. Who wouldn't love such a product?
For the author, performance takes precedence. With the support of a W12 engine, a new intake system, intercooler system, and turbocharging system, it delivers robust performance with over 740 horsepower and 1000 N·m of torque. Coupled with features like air suspension, a 48-volt active anti-roll system, and electronic limited-slip differential, this top-of-the-line Bentley still maintains its elegant driving quality.
Section Five: Lotus Evija Fittipaldi Limited Edition
Price: ¥26.88 million!
Brief Review: An unattainable car, also Colin Chapman's ultimate dream
Priced at ¥26.88 million, with only 8 units available worldwide... Such a car, I would call it a "masterpiece".
The Lotus Evija Fittipaldi Limited Edition is the most expensive pure electric supercar at the Beijing Auto Show, and a true dream ride.
The design inspiration for this supercar comes from the legendary F1 driver Emerson Fittipaldi and the Lotus team winning the F1 driver and team double championship 50 years ago. At the same time, Lotus also aims to seamlessly blend its brand history with cutting-edge electric technology in this new era.
Beneath its classic black and gold exterior, the Lotus Evija Fittipaldi limited edition is built for powerful performance. With a four-motor all-wheel-drive system, it delivers a maximum power of up to 1500kW and peak torque of 1709N·m. Its acceleration from 0-300km/h takes less than 9 seconds, and it boasts a WLTP range of 400 kilometers. It's easy to envision this beast dominating the racetrack.
Conclusion:
The series of luxury cars showcased at the Beijing Auto Show is truly impressive, presenting a splendid blend of performance and luxury.
Notably, China's influence is now making a mark on the global stage.
Red Flag, as a pure Chinese luxury brand, has crafted top-tier luxury vehicles that rival those of Mercedes-Maybach. Meanwhile, Lotus under Geely's umbrella showcases remarkable performance, demonstrating the formidable strength of this automaker.
