13 fascinating concepts at the 2026 Auto Beijing!
26 Apr 2026|75 views
Concept cars have always been an interesting… concept to us enthusiasts. Some of these are absolutely out of this world, serving as canvasses for design teams to let their wildest automotive fantasies run free. Others, however, reveal themselves as path-lights for future production models - making us one of the fortunate few to see them firsthand before they materialise on actual roads for the rest of the world.
At the 2026 Auto Beijing, one of the largest motor shows in the world (where many already-cool production models are already on display), we managed to catch 13 of them, and they were nothing short of brilliant. Here are some of our favourites!
1. AVATR Vision Xpectra
Those who drive in glass cars… shouldn't throw stones? Anyhow, our point is: Don't knock on AVATR's concept-car for being a rather distant vision of the future still.
The Vision Xpectra is a stellar example of how the AVATR design language bridges the gap between reality and our ideal. While the front is typical of current AVATR models like the 11, 12, and 06T, the body leads into more fantasy territory: Suicide doors, transparent headrests, and a see-through cabin. What's more, at around 5.8m long, the Vision Xpectra is even longer than a Rolls Royce Phantom.
The journey from reality to fantasy, after all, requires you to have the courage to build something most people can't imagine. And if you can't imagine it yet, maybe you need a little Vision first.
2. Citroen ELO
'Hello!', or - ahem - 'ELO!' says this spaceship-like concept car at Citroen's booth with its gaping wide eyes and bright orange paintwork.
Don't let its bloated proportions in the pictures fool you; "ELO is small but thinks big!", says Citroen. This isn't a full-sized MPV, but rather, a fully-electric compact minivan (minipod?) that's just 4.1 metres long - just a smidge longer than a Dongfeng Box, to put things into perspective. Within it, though, lies an outsized interior, with its modular nature apparently designed to accommodate up to six folks.
At the show, we spotted a lie-flat bed in the car and front swivel seats. Citroen says the ELO can even "be transformed into a sleeping space for two people, a home cinema room, a power supply, and many other uses". All in all, a charming cute vision that we hope will come to life one day. If anyone knows a thing or two about making charming small cars, after all, it's Citroen.
3. Dreame
Never heard of this name in the automotive world? Fret not.
Famous for being a home appliance brand, Dreame has also tossed its hat into the ring at Auto Beijing, with a booth at the show to feature a few of its concept cars.
We're focusing more on the general brand here than the actual vehicles on show; while some of their proportions might make seem derivative (like that of the NEBULA Next 01X Concept) , or make you squint your eyes and tilt your head, sometimes a fresh name on the market is exactly what's needed to give it a good jolt.
And hey, for what it's worth, Dreame isn't the first electronics-first brand to announce a concept car, and probably won't be the last.
4. Freelander Concept 97
Chery and Jaguar Land Rover's (JLR) revived Freelander is nothing short of cool, all thanks to its unveiling of the Freelander Concept 97 vehicle here at the show. Similar to Defender, Freelander has now been spun off as a brand on its own, now standing as a revived electric-only vehicle brand under the joint venture between Chery and JLR.
To keep up with global competition, the revived Freelander will build completely new models based on a new architecture. Ambitious plans are already in place to release six new models over the next five years to compete with China's fiercely competitive luxury EV market.
While specifications of the Concept 97 are unclear at the moment, we do know that the production vehicle will come standard with Huawei's Qiankun ADS 4.1 smart driving system, thanks to a collaboration with the Chinese tech giant.
Word even has it that the Concept 97 has already gone into winter testing in extreme cold environments of minus 30 degrees Celsius in Sweden, and should be ready to be showcased to the world in the second half of this year.
5. Geely Galaxy Light II Concept
Boy do we hope this one makes it to production.
Proof that the Chinese know how to design not just a good-looking SUV but a head-turning sedan too, Geely Group's Light II concept is a stunning grand-touring vision.
Bearing what Geely has dubbed a 'Ripple Aesthetics' design language, it announces its presence with a menacing front grille and narrow head lights, has properly luxury car-like suicide doors, and boasts comfy seating for four, with each occupant seeming to get his or her own dedicated zone.
There's not much else that know about the Light II concept yet - there are only smaller details such as golden ambient lighting throughout the cabin, and the fact that it has a panoramic glass roof (almost standard equipment these days) - but don't be surprised to see this taking on the likes of China's biggest and best luxury sedans in the future.
6. Hyundai VENUS Concept
One of the two all-electric concept cars developed specifically for China is the Hyundai VENUS Concept. Appearing to be a really low-slung, driver-centric sedan, the VENUS Concept is clad in gold finishing that sports a single-curve silhouette and what seems to be a futuristic cabin, from what we can see.
This could well be a premium alternative to the current IONIQ 6 all-electric sedan for the China market. A production-specced model based on this concept also appears to have launched at the show under Hyundai's all-new IONIQ sub-brand. Its name: The IONIQ V.
7. Hyundai EARTH Concept
The other concept car from Hyundai that’s made landfall for China's market is the EARTH Concept, a bold-looking family SUV that sports sharp edges and an overall visual toughness that will make the Tesla’s Cybertruck look like a plaything. According to Hyundai, this aggressive design is dubbed 'Aurora Shield'.
On the inside, the EARTH's cabin takes a minimalist approach, with styling that's warmer and more practical, resembling your cosy living room more so than just another typical car's cabin. A production-specced model based on this SUV concept is expected to be unveiled in China next year.
8. ICAUR ROBOX
The ICAUR ROBOX is the latest concept vehicle under Chery's ICAUR sub-brand. Moving away from its typically boxy designs (such as the ICAUR 03/Jaecoo J6, V23, V27), the ROBOX instead features a streamlined silouette that's a little Prius-like.
Design wise, its front-end and the large pair of fog lights remind of the Mitsubishi Delica D5, which was an MPV that had a truly sporty face. In fact, with its fender flares, low roof line, massive wheels and ground clearance, the ROBOX looks like it’s ready to compete in the Dakar Rally.
The ICAUR design team sure is onto something - the ROBOX was drawing throngs of crowd to the booth. If this is a preview of what's to come from the brand, things sure are going to get pretty interesting.
9. Jetour F700 Topfire 6x6
The Jetour F700 is the brand's latest premium plug-in hybrid pickup truck. Built to compete with trucks like the BYD Shark 6, the F700 has a wheelbase exceeding 3.3m.
While that’s already plenty impressive, what caught our eyes was this heavily modified concept that was showcased in the Jetour booth - the Topfire 6x6 F700. There's just something about a massive 6-wheeled truck. Maybe it's due to its minibus-like length, or maybe it's the idea that one could run over any kind of terrain and anything with a behemoth like this.
10. MONTX P10 (by GAC Commercial Vehicles)
‘New Breed. No Boundaries.' That's the creed of GAC Commercial Vehicles' new sub-brand MONTX, which it launched at Auto Beijing as a vision of what its heavier-duty machines could look in the future.
Between the duo on display, it's the MONTX P10 concept that's caught our eyes in particular: A cyberpunk-style pickup truck finished in fighter-jet grey that doesn't just look like it could tackle any sort of terrain or road condition thrown at it, but even has an integrated drone at the back.
GAC has lots of, er, grand things to say about it. It apparently 'integrates earth-sky synergy, vehicle-drone symbiosis, and rugged tactical aesthetics'. But there are some interesting bits that you could see making it to production: Long-travel suspension, four-wheel drive, torque vectoring control, and an intelligent drive system with automatic suspension adjustment.
11. Nissan Terrano Concept
This plug-in hybrid concept from Nissan is nothing short of rugged. Dubbed the Terrano, the concept appears to be a boxy SUV that's aimed at adventure-styled vehicles like the Toyota Land Cruiser and GWM’s flagship Tank 700 SUV.
While the details of the car are limited, we do understand that the car is expected to utilise a 1.5-litre four-pot powerplant, combined with a dual motor setup. The combined output is approximately 425bhp and 800Nm of torque, with an all-electric range of about 130km.
According to Nissan, the Terrano will be a stepping stone for a production model for China within a year, with the aims of bridging the gap between the X-Trail and the bigger Patrol.
12. Volkswagen ID. Aura T6
The ID. Aura T6 appears to be a mid-size crossover with a five-seater configuration layout. Based on what we can tell, it does resemble the Volkswagen ID. 6, a three-row electric from the brand that's already exclusively on sale in Singapore.
While the dimensions and specifications of the concept are still unknown at the moment, we do understand that the ID. Aura T6 is a fully-electric vehicle. Sources online, however, indicate that it is built on an entirely new China-specific platform that has input from Volkswagen's domestic subsidiaries as well as... Xpeng. Interesting.
Furthermore, according to the brand, this should just be the start. Rather than just one car, the ID. Aura is a series of electrified vehicles that will include not just fully-electric cars but also plug-in hybrids.
13. Xiaomi Vision GT
From the company that brought you the fastest production electric car on the Nurburgring (beating out a Porsche Taycan Turbo GT), this concept is closer to reality than most others. On a stage peppered with Xiaomi SU7 and YU7 Maxess, the Xiaomi Vision GT still managed to hog the limelight.
As its name suggests, the Xiaomi Vision Gran Turismo was designed for the Vision Gran Turismo project, so you probably won't ever see it roll into production, but probably digitally in the game.
Still, Vision GT cars are quite hallowed territory, with the honoured likes of Porsche and Nissan having contributed their own design studies to the game in the past. Notably, Bugatti used its Vision GT car as a design precursor to what would be the Chiron.
Again, the existence of concepts like the Xiaomi Vision GT should serve as proof that the world is rapidly recognising China as a force to be reckoned with.
Don't forget to check out these other stories!
16 noteworthy production models at the 2026 Auto Beijing!
11 most fascinating concepts at the 2025 Japan Mobility Show
The best cars at Singapore Motor Show 2026 that you can't buy (yet)
Concept cars have always been an interesting… concept to us enthusiasts. Some of these are absolutely out of this world, serving as canvasses for design teams to let their wildest automotive fantasies run free. Others, however, reveal themselves as path-lights for future production models - making us one of the fortunate few to see them firsthand before they materialise on actual roads for the rest of the world.
At the 2026 Auto Beijing, one of the largest motor shows in the world (where many already-cool production models are already on display), we managed to catch 13 of them, and they were nothing short of brilliant. Here are some of our favourites!
1. AVATR Vision Xpectra
Those who drive in glass cars… shouldn't throw stones? Anyhow, our point is: Don't knock on AVATR's concept-car for being a rather distant vision of the future still.
The Vision Xpectra is a stellar example of how the AVATR design language bridges the gap between reality and our ideal. While the front is typical of current AVATR models like the 11, 12, and 06T, the body leads into more fantasy territory: Suicide doors, transparent headrests, and a see-through cabin. What's more, at around 5.8m long, the Vision Xpectra is even longer than a Rolls Royce Phantom.
The journey from reality to fantasy, after all, requires you to have the courage to build something most people can't imagine. And if you can't imagine it yet, maybe you need a little Vision first.
2. Citroen ELO
'Hello!', or - ahem - 'ELO!' says this spaceship-like concept car at Citroen's booth with its gaping wide eyes and bright orange paintwork.
Don't let its bloated proportions in the pictures fool you; "ELO is small but thinks big!", says Citroen. This isn't a full-sized MPV, but rather, a fully-electric compact minivan (minipod?) that's just 4.1 metres long - just a smidge longer than a Dongfeng Box, to put things into perspective. Within it, though, lies an outsized interior, with its modular nature apparently designed to accommodate up to six folks.
At the show, we spotted a lie-flat bed in the car and front swivel seats. Citroen says the ELO can even "be transformed into a sleeping space for two people, a home cinema room, a power supply, and many other uses". All in all, a charming cute vision that we hope will come to life one day. If anyone knows a thing or two about making charming small cars, after all, it's Citroen.
3. Dreame
Never heard of this name in the automotive world? Fret not.
Famous for being a home appliance brand, Dreame has also tossed its hat into the ring at Auto Beijing, with a booth at the show to feature a few of its concept cars.
We're focusing more on the general brand here than the actual vehicles on show; while some of their proportions might make seem derivative (like that of the NEBULA Next 01X Concept) , or make you squint your eyes and tilt your head, sometimes a fresh name on the market is exactly what's needed to give it a good jolt.
And hey, for what it's worth, Dreame isn't the first electronics-first brand to announce a concept car, and probably won't be the last.
4. Freelander Concept 97
Chery and Jaguar Land Rover's (JLR) revived Freelander is nothing short of cool, all thanks to its unveiling of the Freelander Concept 97 vehicle here at the show. Similar to Defender, Freelander has now been spun off as a brand on its own, now standing as a revived electric-only vehicle brand under the joint venture between Chery and JLR.
To keep up with global competition, the revived Freelander will build completely new models based on a new architecture. Ambitious plans are already in place to release six new models over the next five years to compete with China's fiercely competitive luxury EV market.
While specifications of the Concept 97 are unclear at the moment, we do know that the production vehicle will come standard with Huawei's Qiankun ADS 4.1 smart driving system, thanks to a collaboration with the Chinese tech giant.
Word even has it that the Concept 97 has already gone into winter testing in extreme cold environments of minus 30 degrees Celsius in Sweden, and should be ready to be showcased to the world in the second half of this year.
5. Geely Galaxy Light II Concept
Boy do we hope this one makes it to production.
Proof that the Chinese know how to design not just a good-looking SUV but a head-turning sedan too, Geely Group's Light II concept is a stunning grand-touring vision.
Bearing what Geely has dubbed a 'Ripple Aesthetics' design language, it announces its presence with a menacing front grille and narrow head lights, has properly luxury car-like suicide doors, and boasts comfy seating for four, with each occupant seeming to get his or her own dedicated zone.
There's not much else that know about the Light II concept yet - there are only smaller details such as golden ambient lighting throughout the cabin, and the fact that it has a panoramic glass roof (almost standard equipment these days) - but don't be surprised to see this taking on the likes of China's biggest and best luxury sedans in the future.
6. Hyundai VENUS Concept
One of the two all-electric concept cars developed specifically for China is the Hyundai VENUS Concept. Appearing to be a really low-slung, driver-centric sedan, the VENUS Concept is clad in gold finishing that sports a single-curve silhouette and what seems to be a futuristic cabin, from what we can see.
This could well be a premium alternative to the current IONIQ 6 all-electric sedan for the China market. A production-specced model based on this concept also appears to have launched at the show under Hyundai's all-new IONIQ sub-brand. Its name: The IONIQ V.
7. Hyundai EARTH Concept
The other concept car from Hyundai that’s made landfall for China's market is the EARTH Concept, a bold-looking family SUV that sports sharp edges and an overall visual toughness that will make the Tesla’s Cybertruck look like a plaything. According to Hyundai, this aggressive design is dubbed 'Aurora Shield'.
On the inside, the EARTH's cabin takes a minimalist approach, with styling that's warmer and more practical, resembling your cosy living room more so than just another typical car's cabin. A production-specced model based on this SUV concept is expected to be unveiled in China next year.
8. ICAUR ROBOX
The ICAUR ROBOX is the latest concept vehicle under Chery's ICAUR sub-brand. Moving away from its typically boxy designs (such as the ICAUR 03/Jaecoo J6, V23, V27), the ROBOX instead features a streamlined silouette that's a little Prius-like.
Design wise, its front-end and the large pair of fog lights remind of the Mitsubishi Delica D5, which was an MPV that had a truly sporty face. In fact, with its fender flares, low roof line, massive wheels and ground clearance, the ROBOX looks like it’s ready to compete in the Dakar Rally.
The ICAUR design team sure is onto something - the ROBOX was drawing throngs of crowd to the booth. If this is a preview of what's to come from the brand, things sure are going to get pretty interesting.
9. Jetour F700 Topfire 6x6
The Jetour F700 is the brand's latest premium plug-in hybrid pickup truck. Built to compete with trucks like the BYD Shark 6, the F700 has a wheelbase exceeding 3.3m.
While that’s already plenty impressive, what caught our eyes was this heavily modified concept that was showcased in the Jetour booth - the Topfire 6x6 F700. There's just something about a massive 6-wheeled truck. Maybe it's due to its minibus-like length, or maybe it's the idea that one could run over any kind of terrain and anything with a behemoth like this.
10. MONTX P10 (by GAC Commercial Vehicles)
‘New Breed. No Boundaries.' That's the creed of GAC Commercial Vehicles' new sub-brand MONTX, which it launched at Auto Beijing as a vision of what its heavier-duty machines could look in the future.
Between the duo on display, it's the MONTX P10 concept that's caught our eyes in particular: A cyberpunk-style pickup truck finished in fighter-jet grey that doesn't just look like it could tackle any sort of terrain or road condition thrown at it, but even has an integrated drone at the back.
GAC has lots of, er, grand things to say about it. It apparently 'integrates earth-sky synergy, vehicle-drone symbiosis, and rugged tactical aesthetics'. But there are some interesting bits that you could see making it to production: Long-travel suspension, four-wheel drive, torque vectoring control, and an intelligent drive system with automatic suspension adjustment.
11. Nissan Terrano Concept
This plug-in hybrid concept from Nissan is nothing short of rugged. Dubbed the Terrano, the concept appears to be a boxy SUV that's aimed at adventure-styled vehicles like the Toyota Land Cruiser and GWM’s flagship Tank 700 SUV.
While the details of the car are limited, we do understand that the car is expected to utilise a 1.5-litre four-pot powerplant, combined with a dual motor setup. The combined output is approximately 425bhp and 800Nm of torque, with an all-electric range of about 130km.
According to Nissan, the Terrano will be a stepping stone for a production model for China within a year, with the aims of bridging the gap between the X-Trail and the bigger Patrol.
12. Volkswagen ID. Aura T6
The ID. Aura T6 appears to be a mid-size crossover with a five-seater configuration layout. Based on what we can tell, it does resemble the Volkswagen ID. 6, a three-row electric from the brand that's already exclusively on sale in Singapore.
While the dimensions and specifications of the concept are still unknown at the moment, we do understand that the ID. Aura T6 is a fully-electric vehicle. Sources online, however, indicate that it is built on an entirely new China-specific platform that has input from Volkswagen's domestic subsidiaries as well as... Xpeng. Interesting.
Furthermore, according to the brand, this should just be the start. Rather than just one car, the ID. Aura is a series of electrified vehicles that will include not just fully-electric cars but also plug-in hybrids.
13. Xiaomi Vision GT
From the company that brought you the fastest production electric car on the Nurburgring (beating out a Porsche Taycan Turbo GT), this concept is closer to reality than most others. On a stage peppered with Xiaomi SU7 and YU7 Maxess, the Xiaomi Vision GT still managed to hog the limelight.
As its name suggests, the Xiaomi Vision Gran Turismo was designed for the Vision Gran Turismo project, so you probably won't ever see it roll into production, but probably digitally in the game.
Still, Vision GT cars are quite hallowed territory, with the honoured likes of Porsche and Nissan having contributed their own design studies to the game in the past. Notably, Bugatti used its Vision GT car as a design precursor to what would be the Chiron.
Again, the existence of concepts like the Xiaomi Vision GT should serve as proof that the world is rapidly recognising China as a force to be reckoned with.
Don't forget to check out these other stories!
16 noteworthy production models at the 2026 Auto Beijing!
11 most fascinating concepts at the 2025 Japan Mobility Show
The best cars at Singapore Motor Show 2026 that you can't buy (yet)
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