The Beijing motor show is almost here, with plenty of big-name new car reveals expected from the likes of Audi, Bentley, Citroën, Mercedes-Benz and Peugeot. The show opens its doors on April 20.
Models we're particularly excited to see include Bentley's first-ever hybrid model, based on the Mulsanne, and Citroën's WRC-inspired DS 5LS R. Here's a list of some of the exciting displays expected at the show.
Audi Q4 concept
The newest hybrid SUV concept to emerge from Ingolstadt is a high-riding, five-door off-roader with similar design cues to Audi's Allroad Shooting Brake car from Detroit. With styling heavily influenced by the new TT, the Q4 is powered by a plug-in petrol-electric hybrid powertrain.
Bentley Hybrid Concept
A new concept car based on the Mulsanne will preview the latest hybrid powertrain destined for use in Bentley's forthcoming SUV, due in 2017. The Hybrid Concept offers a 25 percent increase in power and a 70 percent reduction in CO2 emissions compared to a standard Mulsanne.
Citroën DS 5LS R
A high-performance version of Citroën's existing China-only DS 5LS saloon, the DS 5LS R features more muscular styling and distinctive paintwork. Power comes from a 1.6-litre turbocharged petrol engine with 300bhp.
Citroën DS SUV
The French firm's new luxury DS model will be revealed in Beijing, and could represent the final production form of Citroën's long-awaited Wild Rubis SUV. If that's true, the new model is expected to enter production later this year, badged as the Citroën DS X7. It would sit alongside the firm's existing DS models, including the DS4 and DS5.
Hyundai ix25
Hyundai's new compact SUV is based on the current i20, and is part of a joint venture between BAIC and Hyundai. While it's only planned to be sold in China at the moment, the global booming compact SUV market could lead to this becoming a new global car.
Infiniti Q50 Eau Rouge
The F1-inspired Q50 Eau Rouge concept car has been a regular visitor to recent motor shows, and we now know Infiniti is running a feasibility study to see if it could become a production reality. Current F1 champion Sebastian Vettel has been testing the car in his role as Infiniti's director of performance. Power comes from the same twin-turbocharged 3.8-litre V6 engine as the Nissan GT-R.
Lexus NX SUV
Based on the firm's LF-NX concept car from last year, the NX is Lexus's new crossover, and will be seen in final production-ready form for the first time in Beijing. Power is likely to come from an adapted version of the American market Lexus ES300h sedan's Hybrid Synergy Drive system. That means the NX should have a 156bhp 2.5-litre petrol engine in conjunction with an electric motor.
Mercedes-Benz Concept Coupé SUV
The Concept Coupé SUV previews the new MLC – Mercedes' answer to the new BMW X6. Featuring more aggressive styling than the standard car, the five-door MLC is claimed to have "very dynamic handling", with an engine range featuring V6 petrol and diesel engines as well as a new hybrid.
MG SUV
The long-promised MG SUV is expected to be seen in final production-ready form in Beijing, following on from the firm's CS concept at Shanghai last year. The new car is understood to be based on the same platform as the MG 5 hatch’ and the MG 6 notchback, with power coming from MG's new range of modern GDI engines.
MG 5 coupé
We've known for some time that a coupé version of the MG 5 was in development, with sales targeted specifically at the Chinese market. Joining the current hatchback and sedan models, the new coupé would likely take the hatchback's 1.5-litre engine for power, although local reports suggest the MG 6's 1.8-litre turbocharged unit could also be fitted.
Peugeot Exalt concept
The Exalt is Peugeot's vision of a new luxurious saloon, and uses the same bare-metal bodywork as the Onyx concept of 2012. Featuring bare steel, wool fabric and leather, the Exalt uses the same 1.6-litre THP engine as the RCZ R, coupled to an electric motor.
Porsche Cayman/Boxster GTS
Sales of Porsche's two new GTS flagship models get underway next month, with each featuring more power, revised suspension and plenty more kit than standard models. The cars' 3.4-litre flat-six engine now complies with stricter Euro 6 emissions regulations, and has 355bhp in Cayman GTS form, and 325bhp in the Boxster GTS.
Volkswagen Golf R Evo
A high-performance Golf test mule spotted recently at the Nürburgring has fuelled rumours that VW will reveal a new, high-performance version of the Golf R in Beijing. The Golf R Evo should have as much as 370bhp, and will also showcase new driveline and lightweight construction technology.