2026 Beijing Auto Show Set for April 24-May 3 with Focus on Six-Seat SUVs
The 2026 Beijing Auto Show, officially known as Auto China, will take place from April 24 to May 3 at the New China International Exhibition Centre. Organizers are billing the biennial event as the world’s largest auto fair when it opens next week, with more than 20 new model launches expected, particularly in the six-seat SUV segment.
Event Details and Timing
Auto China has been held biennially in Beijing since 1990. The 2026 edition follows the 2024 show, which ran from April 25 to May 4 at the same venue. The 2026 show will alternate with the Shanghai Auto Show as part of China’s rotating auto show schedule.
Market Context and Trends
According to the China Passenger Car Association (CPCA), the Chinese auto market is shifting toward consumption upgrades and larger family needs, with demand moving toward higher-quality and more spacious vehicles. CPCA secretary general Cui Dongshu stated that high-end pure electric large three-row SUVs have a promising future and clear advantages. Preliminary data from CPCA shows that retail sales in China’s passenger vehicle market reached 377,000 units between April 1 and April 12, 2026, down 20% year-on-year and 12% sequentially. New energy vehicle retail sales reached 224,000 units over the same period, down 11% year-on-year but up 7% from March.
Expected Vehicle Launches
Several brands have begun unveiling new models ahead of the show, including the large SUVs Nio ES9, XPeng GX, Volvo EX90, Leapmotor D19, SAIC-Volkswagen ID.ERA 9X, Voyah Taishan, BMW iX3, Zeekr 9X, Lynk & Co 900, IM LS9, among others. Facelifts of the Li Auto L9, the Onvo L90 and the Aito M9 are also debuting in the upcoming week.
BAIC Group Participation
BAIC Group, a major Chinese automotive manufacturer, will participate in the 2026 Beijing Auto Show. The company offers a full range of off-road vehicles, SUVs, sedans, and EVs through its global platform. BAIC’s recent innovations include the ARCFOX 77° Concept Car winning the 2025 Red Dot Design Award and the ARCFOX ALPHA T5 winning the 2025 iF DESIGN AWARD. BAIC was also selected as one of Beijing’s Top Ten ESG Cases among municipal state-owned enterprises in 2025.
Conclusion
The 2026 Beijing Auto Show is poised to be a significant event for the global automotive industry, highlighting the growing importance of six-seat SUVs and new energy vehicles in the Chinese market. With over 20 new model launches expected, the show will provide valuable insights into industry trends and consumer preferences.
2026 Beijing Auto Show Set for April 24-May 3 with Focus on Six-Seat SUVs
The 2026 Beijing Auto Show, officially known as Auto China, will take place from April 24 to May 3 at the New China International Exhibition Centre. Organizers are billing the biennial event as the world’s largest auto fair when it opens next week, with more than 20 new model launches expected, particularly in the six-seat SUV segment.
Event Details and Timing
Auto China has been held biennially in Beijing since 1990. The 2026 edition follows the 2024 show, which ran from April 25 to May 4 at the same venue. The 2026 show will alternate with the Shanghai Auto Show as part of China’s rotating auto show schedule.
Market Context and Trends
According to the China Passenger Car Association (CPCA), the Chinese auto market is shifting toward consumption upgrades and larger family needs, with demand moving toward higher-quality and more spacious vehicles. CPCA secretary general Cui Dongshu stated that high-end pure electric large three-row SUVs have a promising future and clear advantages. Preliminary data from CPCA shows that retail sales in China’s passenger vehicle market reached 377,000 units between April 1 and April 12, 2026, down 20% year-on-year and 12% sequentially. New energy vehicle retail sales reached 224,000 units over the same period, down 11% year-on-year but up 7% from March.
Expected Vehicle Launches
Several brands have begun unveiling new models ahead of the show, including the large SUVs Nio ES9, XPeng GX, Volvo EX90, Leapmotor D19, SAIC-Volkswagen ID.ERA 9X, Voyah Taishan, BMW iX3, Zeekr 9X, Lynk & Co 900, IM LS9, among others. Facelifts of the Li Auto L9, the Onvo L90 and the Aito M9 are also debuting in the upcoming week.
BAIC Group Participation
BAIC Group, a major Chinese automotive manufacturer, will participate in the 2026 Beijing Auto Show. The company offers a full range of off-road vehicles, SUVs, sedans, and EVs through its global platform. BAIC’s recent innovations include the ARCFOX 77° Concept Car winning the 2025 Red Dot Design Award and the ARCFOX ALPHA T5 winning the 2025 iF DESIGN AWARD. BAIC was also selected as one of Beijing’s Top Ten ESG Cases among municipal state-owned enterprises in 2025.
Conclusion
The 2026 Beijing Auto Show is poised to be a significant event for the global automotive industry, highlighting the growing importance of six-seat SUVs and new energy vehicles in the Chinese market. With over 20 new model launches expected, the show will provide valuable insights into industry trends and consumer preferences.