Shanghai motor show 2015 report

The Shanghai motor show saw a fair share of debuts from the likes of BMW, Mercedes-Benz, McLaren, Audi and Volvo to name a few. The Shanghai edition of the motor show along with its counterpart, the Beijing motor show, mainly concentrates on cars being developed for the Chinese market — both by international and local manufacturers — but is also a platform to unveil new cars on the global platform.

This year at Shanghai we saw the entry-level model for McLaren’s new Sports Series range with the 540C, Volvo’s entry into the super-luxury SUV segment with the XC90 Excellence along with landmark cars for certain brands such as the six millionth SUV from Land Rover. From the local manufacturers we saw cars like the Land Wind X7, an SUV that draws inspiration from the Range Rover Evoque and the Zoyte E01, an all-electric car that drew styling inspiration from the BMW i3, Smart Fortwo and the Range Rover Evoque.
 

Here is a look at some of the important models from the show :

Audi A6 L e-tron - Audi showcased the long-wheelbase version of its A6 in a plug-in hybrid form.

Audi Prologue Allroad - Audi showcased its third Prologue concept as a high-riding Allroad model. This new Prologue concept is expected to become the precursor to the new A6 Allroad due in 2018.

Audi Q7 e-tron 2.0 TFSI Quattro - Also showcased was the petrol-hybrid Q7 e-tron. The Q7 e-tron TFSI marked the debut of the Quattro all-wheel-drive system mated to a petrol-hybrid powertrain.

BMW X5 xDrive40e - The Bavarian carmaker debuted the plug-in hybrid version of the X5. The car had initially been slated for debut at the New York motor show, but was delayed.

Cadillac CT6 hybrid - In New York, Cadillac had unveiled its new flagship the CT6 and had said that a hybrid was under development. The hybrid CT6 was unveiled to the public in Shanghai.

Land Rover’s six millionth car - Land Rover showcased its six millionth SUV — a Ranger Rover — which has been manufactured at its Solihull plant, England.

McLaren 540C - The second from the Sports Series range, the McLaren 540C becomes the entry-level model to the series and subsequently the cheapest McLaren on sale internationally.

Mercedes-Benz GLC Coupe - The concept version of the GLC Coupe was showcased by the German automaker at the Shanghai motor show. The production car is expected to debut sometime later this year.

Volkswagen C Coupe GTE concept - The new concept from Volkswagen is expected to showcase a new model that will slot in between the Passat CC and the Phaeton in the company’s global line-up.

Volkswagen Scirocco GTS - The facelifted Scirocco gets additional visual upgrades inside and out over the R-Line trim model.

Volvo XC90 Excellence - Volvo showcased its new top-spec super-luxury SUV. The XC90 Excellence does away with the seven-seat layout in favour of a four-seat layout and a more luxurious interior.

Volvo Lounge Console concept - Volvo showcased a three-seat version of the XC90 Excellence with a Lounge Console replacing the front passenger seat. The console offers additional storage spaces, a padded footrest, a large vanity mirror and a 17-inch media screen.