The price war in China's auto market will continue in 2024. The penetration rate of new energy vehicles has exceeded 50% for several consecutive months, and the share of domestic brands has continued to set new highs. Domestic popular models such as Xiaomi SU7 have ignited consumer enthusiasm, with traffic and sales remaining high.
In 2025, the competition focus of the automotive industry may gradually shift from price wars to in-depth competition in technology and brands, and every move by auto companies will be crucial. Based on official information from companies and public information on the Internet, Jiemian News has compiled 10 models that are highly watched and represent the future direction. Perhaps one of them will become the "top stream" in the 2025 auto market.
Image source: Xiaomi Auto
Xiaomi YU7 : a gem ahead
The hot performance of the first model, Xiaomi SU7, after its launch gaveLei Jun greater confidence. Xiaomi Auto chose to complete the public launch of its second model, YU7, before 2025.
Image source: Xiaomi Auto
In terms of style, the appearance is similar to the Ferrari Purosangue, which makes it stand out from the TeslaModel Y(configuration|inquiry)"imitation competition" currently being carried out by models of the same level. It is generally speculated that the YU7 will continue the sporty orientation of the previous SU7 model, and may even outperform it in sales.
Image source: Xiaomi Auto
Currently, the second phase of Xiaomi Auto's factory is under construction. The Xiaomi SU7 was too popular and faced a long delivery cycle. Whether this problem will happen again on the Xiaomi YU7 is the focus of attention and concern from the outside world.
Image source: Hongmeng Zhixing
Zunjie S800: Challenging the traditional concept of ultra-luxury from the underlying logic
No matter how much discussion Yu Chengdong's previous remarks have caused, it has become a general consensus in the automotive industry in the past two years that once car companies tie up with Huawei, they can gain market attention and increase sales. Specifically, for the Zunjie S800 model, the price of over one million yuan may put Huawei in a new test.
Image source: Hongmeng Zhixing
Similar to Xiaomi YU7, the Zunjie, a joint venture between JAC and Huawei, is expected to make its first public appearance before 2025. Yu Chengdong previously said that the car is far superior to Maybach and Rolls-Royce, but did not reveal more product information other than the starry sky roof and the possibility of L3-level autonomous driving when it is delivered.
Image source: Hongmeng Zhixing
Judging from the information released so far, the main highlight of ZUNJIE is the integration of Huawei's new platform and L3 autonomous driving technology, as well as intelligent driving, cockpit and domain control. Unlike traditional luxury brands such as Bentley and Rolls-Royce that rely on powerful internal combustion engines and customized services, ZUNJIE attempts to redefine the market's perception of luxury through electrification solutions. Facing the challenge of cheap power brought by electric motors, its market performance will be an important test of the new definition of luxury.
Image source: Tesla's example shows the mid-range Model 3
Tesla Model Y facelift: The best-selling car will have a mid-term facelift
From the perspective of the product cycle, deliveries to the Chinese market will start on New Year's Day 2021, and will be slightly updated in October 2023. The Model Y, which has actually gone through a vehicle cycle of four years, has also reached the node of mid-term facelift after its sister model Model 3 completed a mid-term facelift.
Image source: Tesla's example shows the current Model Y
特斯拉在2024年更加偏向守成，市场上期待已久的廉价车型未能亮相，而且旗下的S、X和Y车型也未有显著更新，显示出一定的市场疲态。
Image source: Tesla's example shows the current Model Y
The debut of the Robotaxi robot has become one of the few highlights of Tesla in 2024, and the Model Y is expected to benefit from it. However, it should be noted that intelligent driving technology alone may not be enough to resist the challenges of competitors in the long run. This also makes the outside world have great expectations on how Tesla's internal sales champion will improve itself.
Image source: Xiaopeng Motors The example in the picture shows the current G9
Xpeng G01 (code name): Going mainstream
From the Xpeng MONA M03, which has a rock-bottom price, to the Xpeng P7+, which is comfortable, spacious, and has intelligent driving capabilities, these two models show that Xpeng Motors, which uses intelligent driving functions as its label, is moving towards a more mainstream market.
Image source: Xiaopeng Motors The example in the picture shows the current G9
As the market demand for extended-range models grows rapidly, Xiaopeng Motors is also keeping up with the trend and is about to launch its first extended-range model, the Xiaopeng G01. This medium-to-large +-class 6-seater SUV developed based on the G9 prototype marks Xiaopeng's expansion into more mainstream products with broad market appeal in addition to intelligent driving technology.
Image source: Xiaopeng Motors The example in the picture shows the current G9
Xpeng G01 is expected to further meet the Chinese consumers' preference for spacious space, while avoiding the problem of insufficient market acceptance of the previous G9 SUV model, and further enhance the brand's competitiveness in the mid-to-high-end SUV market.
Image source: NIO
NIOFirefly: Betting on high-quality small cars
As one of the few companies among the leading new forces whose losses are expanding, in the face of continued pressure, NIO will launch its third brand, Firefly, at the end of 2024. The pre-sale price of the model of the same name is set at 148,800 yuan. The new car aims to compete in the boutique small car segment where models such as Smart and MINI are located.
The design of the Firefly model incorporates some controversial elements, such as the three-point light cluster on its front face. This exterior design immediately became the focus of heated discussion. Despite the market's doubts, Li Bin, the founder of NIO, is optimistic about the market potential of this car. He believes that the Firefly will expand the boundaries of the high-end small car market. It is expected to become a product that is "smarter than MINI and more MINI than Smart."
Image source: NIO
萤火虫重点市场瞄准海外，特别是欧洲，该市场小型车年销售量约为400万辆。李斌认为，萤火虫在全球小型车市场中具有显著的增长潜力，可能成为蔚来扭转目前财务困境的关键。
Image source: Ideal example is the current MEGA
Ideal M Series: Pursuing the Pure Electric Ideal Again
Although the sales of the first pure electric model Ideal MEGA did not meet expectations, the Ideal L6 launched later became the sales champion. Facing 2025, Ideal Auto plans to launch a new series of pure electric models M7, M8 and M9, which will begin to undergo more stringent market scrutiny after a year.
Industry analysts say that Ideal's new generation of pure electric vehicles may continue to emphasize the design concept of maximizing the interior space while minimizing wind resistance. Ideal has strong technical accumulation in comfort and intelligence, and the M series is expected to provide a new driving experience. In addition, the planned expansion of the fast charging network is also expected to help the M series further achieve product market differentiation.
Image source: Ideal example is the current MEGA
The outside world will continue to pay close attention to the performance and market acceptance of Ideal Auto's future pure electric products to see how it finds the truly ideal balance point.
Image source: Formula Leopard The picture shows the Super 9 concept car
Denza Coupe: BYD's further exploration in the sports car field
The Formula Panther sports car, which debuted at the Beijing Auto Show, has been widely praised for its exquisite design, especially its open-top Speedster specification. The car's style borrows design elements from many classic models, including the SLR Stirling Moss, but there is no sign of direct imitation, showing its unique innovation.
It is reported that BYD's new sports car, which was originally planned to be a mass-produced version of the SUPER 9 brand under the Formula Leopard brand, has now been acquired by Denza Auto. It is expected that the new car will be available in both hardtop and convertible versions and is scheduled to be officially unveiled at the 2025 Shanghai Auto Show.
Image source: Formula Leopard The picture shows the Super 9 concept car
BYD is still exploring the high-end market and some niche models. From the off-road-focused Formula Leopard to the luxury brand Denza, it not only conforms to the brand tone of Denza, but also helps to improve the brand's market positioning. With the addition of more MPV competitors, the current main model D9 of Denza Automobile is facing increasingly fierce market competition. The addition of the new sports car has a similar significance to the birth of the previous U9, which is aimed at helping the Denza brand to achieve differentiation in the market.
Image source: Mercedes-Benz
Mercedes-AMG pure electric models: axial flux motor is used for the first time
Mercedes-AMG plans to launch its first independent electric car in 2025. This high-performance electric car will be AMG's first fully electrified model since the SLS Electric Drive in 2013 and may replace the current AMG-GT four-door version. The new car will be based on the new AMG.EA platform and is expected to surpass the existing AMG-GT four-door version in performance.
Although Mercedes has remained silent on the specific parameters of the new car, it is reported that the power system of this electric car will provide up to 843 horsepower and 1,400 Nm of torque, and may be equipped with a more powerful electric platform. The design of the new car is inspired by the Mercedes Vision AMG concept car and is expected to incorporate a streamlined body and unique lighting design.
Image source: Mercedes-Benz Vision One Eleven concept car
In addition, AMG will also launch an electric SUV in 2025. The car shares the platform with the four-door GT and uses new battery technology and axial-flow motors, which provide higher power density than traditional radial motors. The SUV is currently undergoing winter testing in Sweden and is expected to be released shortly after the sedan.
Image credit: Porsche
Porsche Boxster / Cayman EV: Electric sports cars also need to find a balance between weight and power
After the decline in performance in 2024, Porsche will turn its focus to the sports car field in which it excels, and plans to launch electric versions of the entry-level sports cars Boxster and Cayman. Similar to the 911, the new car will continue to develop high-performance sports cars in a similar way to the 911, focusing on performance rather than simply adding horsepower and battery capacity.
Porsche's head of research and development said in an interview that the experience of racing will help the brand achieve a balance between energy efficiency and driving dynamics in the design of electric sports cars. He pointed out that electric vehicles also need to improve endurance and reduce costs through energy conservation, just as they pursue higher efficiency in racing.
Image credit: Porsche
The new electric Boxster and Cayman are expected to be available in rear-wheel drive and all-wheel drive versions with a power output of more than 500 horsepower. Unlike traditional electric vehicles, the battery will be arranged in the vehicle's traditional fuel engine position to optimize weight distribution and steering response. Nevertheless, Porsche still faces the challenge of balancing the needs of electric sports cars with the brand's usual driving pleasure. The launch of the new car is expected to be slightly delayed, but the brand aims to maintain the driving charm of its sports cars during the electrification process.
Image source: BMW
BMW M3 EV: BMW's most iconic model goes electric
BMW's electric transformation has finally penetrated into the brand's most iconic model, the M3. External sources indicate that the new Neue Klasse EV platform may enable this electric version of the M3 to be equipped with an 800-volt V power system with a battery capacity ranging from 75.0 to 150.0 kWh. In addition, other sources indicate that the top version is expected to have an output power of up to 1,341 horsepower, while the base model will also provide about 700 horsepower.
Image source: BMW
It is reported that the BMW M3 EV is scheduled to debut later in 2025 following the 3 Series electric model on which it is based, and will be officially put on sale at a later time. BMW has not yet disclosed the specific pricing details of the new car, but considering the current pricing structure of the fuel version of the M3, the price of the new electric M3 is expected to face fierce competition from automakers mainly from China, which means that BMW needs to further enhance its comprehensive competitiveness in areas such as product intelligence in addition to its traditional areas of driving performance.
