Electric Supercars Take Center Stage at 2026 Beijing Auto Show

The scale of the 2026 Beijing auto show is staggering, with nearly 1500 vehicles on display and over 200 debuts of new models and concept cars. This year's event has set a high bar for future automotive exhibitions.

French automaker Peugeot arrived in Beijing with two eye-catching concepts that preview a new arsenal of large sedans and SUVs designed specifically for China. The focus is centered on a bold new design language, with crisp lines and aggressive front ends.

The Concept 6 wears a sleek wagon body, while the Concept 8 is a taller SUV, both featuring an aggressive front end with a trio of horizontal LED lines. This design language exudes a fierce presence, showcasing Peugeot's commitment to innovation in Chinese markets.

Denza, a subsidiary of Chinese powerhouse BYD, unveiled its new electric supercar, the Z. The Denza Z is now ready for production and will be offered in three forms: a hardtop coupe, a softtop convertible, and a hardcore track-focused model.

The Denza Z produces over 1000 horsepower, with a claimed 0-to-62-mph time of less than 2.0 seconds. This level of performance is unprecedented for an electric vehicle, underscoring the rapid progress made in EV technology.

BYD also showcased its Fangchengbao brand, which unveiled the Formula X and other production models. The Formula X features sultry styling, with a long hood and curvaceous fenders, and will reportedly produce 1000 horsepower and 737 pound-feet of torque.

The Fangchengbao Formula S sedan and larger Formula SL sedan also debuted, marking an expansion for the brand that previously focused on boxy SUVs. These new models feature sleek, low-slung styling and a 1000-hp electric tri-motor setup.

The Leapmotor B05 Ultra, sold in China as the Lafa5 Ultra, is more down-to-earth than its high-performance counterparts. However, it highlights the growing diversity of Chinese car manufacturers and their willingness to cater to different segments of the market.