Why these five new cars from Chengdu 2025 deserve attention

Chengdu Motor Show 2025 showcased Nissan N7, Zeekr 9X, Exeed E05, Voyah Dreamer 2026 and Mercedes CLE 53 Cabrio. Learn their key features and strengths.

The Chengdu Motor Show 2025 once again confirmed its role as one of the most important automotive events in China. From August 29 to September 7, Western China International Expo City hosted dozens of world and local premieres. Among them, five models clearly stood out, each reflecting a different path in the industry’s evolution — from an affordable mass-market EV to a luxury cabriolet.

Nissan N7 symbolizes the brand’s strategic focus on China. It is the first mass-produced electric sedan built on the Tianyan architecture, jointly developed with Dongfeng. Priced from just 119,900 yuan, it combines affordability with advanced specifications: a drag coefficient of 0.208, range up to 635 km (CLTC), and 58 or 73 kWh battery options. Inside, it runs Nissan OS on a Snapdragon 8295P chip, while voice control is powered by DeepSeek-R1. Driver assistance systems were co-developed with Momenta and include urban and highway Navigate on Autopilot features. For Nissan, the N7 is more than a launch — it is a tool to strengthen its presence in China.

Zeekr 9X takes a very different approach as the brand’s first plug-in hybrid. The SUV focuses on comfort and long-distance capability: built on the SEA-S platform, it delivers over 1,000 km of combined range (CLTC) and features a three-row layout with Cloud Lounge seating. The highlight is a Naim audio system with 32 speakers and up to 3,868 watts of power. On the tech side, its G-Pilot package is announced as L3-ready, showcasing Zeekr’s autonomous driving ambitions. Pre-sales opened in Chengdu, with prices starting at 479,900 yuan.

Exeed Exlantix E05 represents the extended-range EV segment. Revealed in Chengdu, it features a 1.5-liter range-extender engine rated at 115 kW, a 32.7 kWh LFP battery, and up to 165 km of electric range (CLTC). Built on Chery’s E0X platform, the SUV measures 4.78 meters in length. Importantly, it is the first Exeed model to feature Horizon SuperDrive with a Journey 6P chip, enabling advanced L2-level driving assistance. This marks a technological step forward for the brand.

The premium MPV category was reinforced by the arrival of the Voyah Dreamer 2026. At 5.3 meters long with a 3.2-meter wheelbase, it caters equally to corporate and family buyers. Offered as both PHEV and BEV, the model went on pre-sale in Chengdu with prices from 389,900 yuan. Standout claims include 5C fast charging and even a tank-turn mode, while new exterior colors such as Golden Red emphasize the focus on detail.

Rounding off the selection, the Mercedes-AMG CLE 53 Cabriolet serves as a reminder that driving pleasure remains essential even in a changing industry. It features a 3.0-liter inline-six with 48V mild-hybrid assistance and an electric compressor. Performance is brisk, with 0–60 mph achieved in around 4.1 seconds. The AMG Performance 4MATIC+ all-wheel drive, rear-axle steering, and AMG Ride Control suspension enhance dynamics, while AIRSCARF and AIRCAP technologies improve open-top comfort. Its showcase in Chengdu marks an important step for Mercedes in the Chinese market.

What unites these five debuts is their diversity. Nissan bets on affordable, tech-heavy EVs; Zeekr expands into premium hybrids; Exeed pushes forward with smart EREVs; Voyah strengthens the luxury MPV segment; and Mercedes-AMG underscores the enduring appeal of driver-focused cars. Together, they highlight the varied directions shaping the future of mobility — where accessibility, innovation, and luxury coexist.