In the blink of an eye, January 2024 has already passed halfway, and I believe everyone has lost their minds and started planning their Spring Festival holiday itinerary, right? However, for many car companies, the period before the Lunar New Year is not idle. They have applied for new cars at the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology, and these new cars are expected to be launched after the year. Today, we will take a look at the popular new cars that are about to be launched. If you have plans to buy a car this year, don’t miss it!
Part 1: Domestic New Forces and New Energy Vehicle Models
01. Beam MINI
As early as July 2018, Great Wall Motors reached a cooperation agreement with BMW to establish a new joint venture company, Beam Motors, with the main goal of producing a new generation of pure electric MINI in China. Now, more than 5 years have passed, and Beam MINI has finally completed its domestic application, and its listing is just around the corner! In terms of exterior design, the beam MINI is consistent with the new generation pure electric MINI released overseas last year, both of which adopt MINI’s classic round light flat top design, with high brand recognition.
In terms of size, the beam MINI has not gained weight due to its identity as a pure electric vehicle. The three dimensions are 3863/1756/1458mm, and the wheelbase is 2526mm, still maintaining MINI’s small and flexible figure, with an absolute pure bloodline.
In terms of interior design, taking the overseas version as a reference, the all-new pure electric MINI still retains its unique design style, especially the classic circular central control screen still appearing on the center console. With the advancement of technology, this screen adopts a narrow bezel OLED technology with a diameter of 24 centimeters, and the display effect is very delicate and transparent.
As a MINI, rich optional configurations are naturally indispensable. The Beam MINI also offers 6 different shapes and sizes of wheel rims to choose from, as well as sporty tail wings, bumper, decorative strips and other accessories. In terms of power, the Beam MINI adopts a single motor front wheel drive design. The entry-level version has 184 horsepower, paired with a 40.7kWh ternary lithium battery. The high-performance MINI COOPER SE has 218 horsepower, accelerating from 0-100km/h in 6.7 seconds, and the battery capacity has been increased to 54.2kWh. The overseas version of WLTP has a pure electric range of 402km.
According to the plan, the domestically produced MINI will be officially launched in 2024, not only for domestic sales, but also for export to the global market, which has always been BMW’s electrification strategy.
02. Zhiji L6
After the successful launch of the mid to large-sized SUV LS6, Zhiji Automobile has once again targeted the mid to large-sized sedan market and launched a Zhiji L6 with a lower positioning than the previous L7. In terms of appearance, the Zhiji L6 adopts the family design of the Zhiji brand, with a ghostly lamp group shape and muscular lines, giving it a sporty appearance.
The same goes for the tail design, where the Martin style lines and taillights, although often mocked, have indeed become one of the most recognizable elements of the Zhiji brand. In terms of size, the length, width, and height of the Zhiji L6 are 4931/1960/1474mm respectively, with a wheelbase of 2950mm, which is 167mm shorter than the previous Zhiji L7.
In terms of configuration, the high-end model of Zhiji L6 offers options such as LiDAR, Brembo calipers, and a half width steering wheel. In terms of power, the single motor version of the Zhiji L6 has 340 horsepower, while the dual motor version has 787 horsepower, making its performance highly anticipated. In addition, the dual motor version should also be similar to the LS6, supporting an 800V high-voltage platform. From the perspective of size and specifications, the main competitors of Zhiji L6 will be models such as Jike 007 and Galaxy E8. Considering Zhiji’s consistently excellent cost-effectiveness, the future price of L6 is likely to be within 200000 yuan.
03. Yang Wang U7
Yang Wang U7, which just released its official image last week, completed its application to the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology this week. As for whether this car looks good or not, it varies from person to person, at least the recognition is high enough.
In terms of size, the length, width, and height declared by U7 are 5265/1998/1517mm, with a wheelbase of 3160mm, which has reached the level of a D-class sedan. In terms of power, the U7 is equipped with four-wheel four motor drive, each motor has 240kW, with a total power of 960kW (1305 horsepower), and a top speed of 270km/h, which is quite powerful.
In other configurations, the U7 also offers optional features such as LiDAR, electronic exterior mirrors, electric tail wings, carbon fiber decorations, and high-performance caliper brake discs. It is worth mentioning that although the U7 is less than 5.3 meters long, its curb weight is as high as 3095kg, which is about 350kg heavier than the 5.4-meter BMW i7 60L and even 100kg heavier than the 5.45-meter Rolls Royce Sparkling. This is curious about the battery capacity of the U7
It is rumored that the price of the U7 will be in the million level, and its main competitors will also be luxury brand pure electric D-class sedans such as BMW i7 and Mercedes EQS.
04. BYD Sea Lion 07 EV
The “Most Beautiful BYD” Song L, which was recently launched, belongs to the Dynasty Sales Network. In order to enrich the product line of Ocean Network, BYD has also launched a pure electric mid size SUV called the Sea Lion 07 EV. This car is built on the same e-platform 3.0 as the Song L, and the front face design uses the shape of Ocean Network, which looks very sporty.
In terms of rear design, the Haishi 07 EV adopts a through type tail light and a sloping tailgate design, with a large area of smoked black decoration on the lower bumper, a small tailgate opening, and a license plate holder located on the bumper. In terms of size, the length, width, and height of the Haishi 07 EV are 4830/1925/1620mm respectively, with a wheelbase of 2930mm. Compared with the Song L, except for a slightly higher body height, the other parameters of the Haishi 07 EV are basically the same, and the wheelbase is completely the same.
In terms of power, the Haishi 07 EV offers three specifications to choose from. Among them, the entry-level rear wheel drive version has a single motor of 231 horsepower, the high-power rear wheel drive version has been increased to 313 horsepower, and the four-wheel drive version adopts a dual motor drive, with a total power of 530 horsepower. In terms of batteries, the Haishi 07 EV uses BYD’s own lithium iron phosphate battery, but the specific capacity and endurance are currently unknown. As a comparison, the selling price of the Song L ranges from 189800 to 249800 yuan, and the price of the Sea Lion 07 EV should also be within this range.
05. Deep Blue G318
Last week, Deep Blue Motors released a new extended range off-road vehicle called G318, which immediately completed its application. In terms of exterior design, the G318 adopts a very typical tough off-road vehicle style, which looks very tough but also has the smell of a new energy vehicle.
In terms of rear styling, the G318 adopts a side opening tailgate with an exposed full-size spare tire in the middle, and it can be seen that the vehicle uses a rear independent suspension design. In terms of dimensions, the length, width, and height of G318 are 4915 (4998)/1985/1885 (1960) mm respectively, with a wheelbase of 2880mm.
In terms of optional configurations, in addition to a full-size spare tire, the G318 can also be equipped with rear mounted storage boxes, roof camping lights, luggage racks, electric pedals, and other configurations. In terms of tires, G318 offers three specifications: 255/65 R18, 265/60 R18, and 255/55 R20, and the 18 inch version offers an optional factory AT off-road tire.
In addition, as a vehicle that focuses on off-road and outdoor use, the G318 also provides a towing port and RV power supply interface, and the original factory has towing qualifications. In terms of power, the G318 adopts the Changan super range extender system, which is a 1.5T gasoline engine with 150 horsepower. For the motor part, G318 offers 252 horsepower single motor rear wheel drive and 430 horsepower dual motor four-wheel drive options. It is currently unclear whether there will be front and rear axle differential locks.
06. New Extreme Krypton 001
Next are two models that will undergo facelifts in 2024, the first of which is the Geely Krypton 001. Speaking of the Geely Krypton 001, it can be said that it is a car with both reputation and controversy. Since its launch in April 2021, there have been numerous complaints from car owners regarding delivery, configuration, engine stability, price reductions, and other reasons. However, the vehicle’s unique design and good driving experience have resulted in quite successful sales. Perhaps due to the decline in competitiveness of the Geely Krypton 001 in 2024, this model has recently undergone a mid-term facelift.
In terms of appearance, the new Geely Krypton 001 still has a relatively thick crossover style overall, but the shape of the front and rear bumpers has been adjusted, more like the high-performance version of the Geely Krypton 001 FR.
As a mid-term facelift model, the main upgrade of the Geely Krypton 001 still comes from the technical aspect. Firstly, the high-end model of the new car has added a laser radar on the roof, and the vehicle’s assisted driving ability should be upgraded. In terms of power, the new Geely Krypton 001 will also be upgraded to an 800V high-voltage platform, with the single motor version having 421 horsepower and the dual motor version having 789 horsepower. As a comparison, the old 001 single motor version has 272 horsepower and the dual motor version has 544 horsepower, with a very significant improvement in the new model.
At present, the old model of the Geely Krypton 001 has a great discount. In January, when purchasing a car, you can not only enjoy a price reduction of up to 37000 yuan, but also receive a free air suspension and Yamaha sound package worth 34000 yuan. Although the new Geely Krypton 001 has increased significantly, its price will definitely not be too low, so it is also a good choice to bargain with the old Geely Krypton 001 now.
07. LiXiang’s new L family
The LiXiang’s new L family also welcomed the facelift, among which the heavyweight new car L6 made its debut, with a highly recognizable family style design. In terms of size, the length, width, and height of L6 are 4925/1960/1735mm respectively, with a wheelbase of 2920mm. Compared with the L7, the length of the L6 has been shortened by 125mm, the wheelbase has been shortened by 85mm, the width has been reduced by 35mm, and the height has been reduced by 15mm. Overall, it has been reduced by a circle, but the 4.9 meter size is still relatively large in a mid size SUV.
In terms of rear end design, the LiXiang L6 looks the youngest in theLiXiang L family, especially with the newly added folding design in the center of the tailgate, which no longer looks as bulky as the L7 and L8, but is more fashionable. In terms of power, the L6 still adopts a 1.5T extended range structure, but the specific motor power is currently unknown. In terms of batteries, the LiXiang L6 series uses lithium iron phosphate batteries with a capacity of 35.8kWh, corresponding to a WLTC pure electric range of 172km. In terms of chassis, the LiXiang L6, like the L7, adopts a front double wishbone structure without any shrinkage.
In addition to the debut of the L6, the L7, 8, and 9 SUVs have also undergone a facelift. Among them, the biggest change is in the L7. The tailgate has been redesigned, and the license plate holder has been moved from the original position of the rear bumper to the center of the tailgate, giving it a more layered appearance. This has also eliminated the problem of the old model’s empty visual center at the rear.
In addition to the changes in the design of the L7 tailgate, the L7, 8, and 9 SUVs have also undergone upgrades in terms of configuration. Among them, the new models have been upgraded to the Qualcomm 8295 chip across the entire lineup, resulting in a significant improvement in overall performance. The car’s infotainment system will be smoother and have stronger AI computing power. In terms of battery, the top of the line Max versions of L7, 8, and 9 have increased their capacity from just over 40kWh to 50kWh, corresponding to a WLTC pure electric range of 220-224km, which is more than 40km longer than the previous pure electric range.
According to the plan, the new L7, 8, and 9 series will be officially launched in March, while the new L6 is expected to be launched in April. However, just like the facelift of the Geely Krypton 001 mentioned earlier, although the ideal new L-series has been improved, its impact on the old model is not significant. Currently, L-series SUVs generally have discounts of over 30000 yuan, which is actually more suitable for purchase.
Part 2: Traditional joint venture brands and fuel vehicles
01. The all-new Magotan
Last August, Volkswagen released the B9 Passat overseas. However, due to changes in global market demand, the B9 Passat in the European market only offers a travel version, which cannot meet the needs of domestic users for sedans. Therefore, the sedan version of the B9 Passat was handed over to the Chinese team. In the end, FAW Volkswagen was the first to hand over the answer sheet, bringing a new generation of Passat.
From a design perspective, the all-new Magotan front face does not adopt the overseas version of the “grinning” design style, but continues the design language of SUVs such as the Landmark and Landmark under the FAW Volkswagen brand. The grille adopts a horizontal through design, with a chrome trim dividing the layers and a smoked black decorative piece below, giving it a very grand appearance.
At the rear of the car, the all-new Passat is similar to its own electric vehicle ID.7 VIZZION, featuring through type taillights and a nearly rectangular tailgate design. There is a smoked black decoration below the rear bumper and a red reflective strip as a combination. In terms of size, the all-new Magotan has a length, width, and height of 4990/1854/1487mm, and a wheelbase of 2871mm. Compared with the current B8 generation, the wheelbase of the new car remains unchanged and the length has increased by about 13cm.
In terms of power, the all-new Magotan currently only applies for the “380TSI” version, which is equipped with a 2.0T high-power engine with a maximum power of 220 horsepower, consistent with the current model. The transmission should still be a 7-speed wet dual clutch.
02. The all-new Tiguan L
FAW Volkswagen has brought the all-new Magotan, while SAIC Volkswagen has brought the all-new Tiguan L. In terms of exterior design, the all-new Tiguan L basically continues the design style of the overseas version. The front face adopts a “big mouth” intake grille, paired with horizontal through light groups, giving the whole vehicle a round and sporty feeling.
The rear of the car features Volkswagen’s iconic through type taillights, and three sets of LED beads are also installed on the outside of the taillights. In addition, the all-new Tiguan L has been changed to “TIGUAN L PRO” in the tail label section, which may be called the Tiguan L Pro after its future launch. In terms of dimensions, the new car has a length, width, and height of 4735/1859/1682mm, and a wheelbase of 2791mm. The length and wheelbase are consistent with the current Tiguan L, with an increase of 20mm in height and 9mm in width.
In addition to the regular version, the all-new Tiguan L still offers the R-Line Sport package version, with a larger smoked black honeycomb grille on the front face, and an R badge added to one side of the front logo and the front doors.
In terms of tail design, the R-Line version has also adopted a smoked black rear bumper with a honeycomb mesh structure, but the exhaust is still a hidden design, and there is even no fake decoration.
In terms of power, the all-new Tiguan L has declared a 2.0T high and low power version, providing 186 horsepower and 220 horsepower respectively, which is consistent with the current model. In addition, new cars in overseas markets also offer a 1.5T plug-in hybrid power, which should also be introduced domestically in the future.
03. Honda’s two pure electric cars
Guangzhou Honda e: NP2
In the relatively quiet pure electric vehicle market, Honda has brought two pure electric crossover SUVs, namely GAC Honda e: NP2 and Dongfeng Honda e: NS2. First of all, let’s take a look at the Guangben version. The overall appearance of the new car is a crossover style SUV, with a boomerang style headlight design on the front, and a rich sense of hierarchy in the front.
The rear of the e:NP2 also draws inspiration from the style of the front, and the “pliers” style taillights are also a commonly used design by Honda in recent years. The smoked black trim in the middle of the tailgate is labeled with the brand spelling “Honda”, and the rear bumper is decorated with horizontal smoked black trim. In terms of size, the GAC Honda e: NP2 has a length, width, and height of 4787/1838/1570mm, and a wheelbase of 2735mm.
Dongfeng Honda e: NS2
After discussing the Guangben version, let’s take a look at Dongfeng Honda’s e: NS2. As a sister model, the headlights of the Dongben version adopt a corner shape, paired with sharp and angular surrounds, giving it a sharper appearance.
In terms of rear design, the e: NS2 adopts through type tail lights and extends downwards on the outside, with a black and white grille shape on the lower bumper. In terms of dimensions, the length, width, and height of the Dongben e: NS2 are 4788/1838/1570mm respectively, with a wheelbase of 2735mm. It can be seen that the dimensions of these two new cars are almost identical. In terms of power, both are equipped with a 204 horsepower single motor drive and a 68.8kWh ternary lithium battery from CATL, with an expected pure electric range of around 500km.
04. The all-new XT5
The Cadillac XT5, which has been on the market for 8 years, has finally ushered in a new generation! In terms of appearance, the all-new XT5 adopts Cadillac’s latest family design, including a shield shaped grille and staggered split headlights, which enhances brand recognition.
The rear design of the all-new XT5 also continues the style of the front, such as the L-shaped split tail lights and the shield shaped concave license plate cover, which can be seen from a distance as a Cadillac. In terms of size, the all-new XT5 has dimensions of 4888/1957/1694mm in length, width, and height, and a wheelbase of 2863mm. Compared with the current model, the new car has a larger overall size and a wheelbase increase of 6mm.
In terms of power, the all-new XT5 is still equipped with a 2.0T engine, with a maximum power of 230 horsepower, and is expected to be paired with a 9-speed automatic transmission. In terms of tires, the all-new XT5 offers two optional specifications: 235/55 R20 and 265/45 R21. The entry-level version is front wheel drive, while the high-end version offers a four-wheel drive system.
05. New Haval H9
Last week, Great Wall released the official image of the all-new Haval H9, and this new car has completed its application this week. In terms of appearance, the all-new H9 adopts a square box design, which looks like an enlarged version of the Haval Raptor, which is more in line with the current aesthetic trend of off-road vehicles.
In terms of tail design, the all-new H9 still adopts a side opening tailgate and offers two forms: a full-size spare tire for rear suspension and a storage box for rear suspension. If the rear storage compartment is selected, the spare tire will be placed under the chassis. In terms of size, the all-new Haval H9 has a length, width, and height of 5070 (with a rear mounted spare tire)/1976/1930mm, and a wheelbase of 2850mm.
In terms of chassis, the all-new H9 will adopt a non load bearing body and rear integral bridge suspension, and offer optional configurations such as original trailer ports, trailer power ports, and electric pedals. The original factory also has a towing qualification of 2.5 tons. In terms of power, the new car will provide 2.0T+8AT gasoline and 2.4T+9AT diesel power. Among them, the gasoline version has 224 horsepower, while the diesel version has 186 horsepower.
06. Tank 330
In addition to the Haval H9, Great Wall has also declared an off-road vehicle called Tank 330. In fact, it is the tank 300 3.0T V6 version publicly crowdfunded in March 2023. After nearly a year, the project has finally landed and is expected to be launched in March. In terms of appearance, Tank 330 continues the appearance of the previous Tank 300 Border Limited Edition, but adds more exaggerated raised decorations on the hood, giving it a wild look.
In terms of rear design, the Tank 330 has a sporty tail wing above the tailgate, a full-size spare tire hanging from the rear in the middle, and the name “Tank 330” on the left side. The red “V6” logo is located in the lower right corner of the tailgate.
In terms of power, the Tank 330 is equipped with the same 3.0T V6 twin turbocharged engine as the Tank 500, with a maximum power of 360 horsepower and a maximum torque of 500 Nm, paired with a 9-speed automatic transmission. In terms of four-wheel drive, Tank 330 will adopt an intelligent and timely four-wheel drive system, which is expected to provide three differential locks in the front, middle, and rear. In addition, the vehicle also has an original factory towing port, supporting a maximum towing capacity of 2.5 tons. It is understood that the price of the new car will be around 350000 yuan, mainly to meet the demand of a few players for large displacement off-road vehicles.
Overall, the first batch of new cars from the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology in 2024 is definitely a topic of discussion. In addition to the domestic pure electric MINI, Zhiji L6, Yangwang U7, BYD Haishi 07 EV, Ideal L6, Deep Blue G318, mid-term facelift Jike 001 and other new energy models that we explained in the previous article, traditional brands such as Honda, Volkswagen, Great Wall, and Cadillac are also continuing to make efforts. In 2024, the competition in the Chinese car market is bound to become even more intense. Whoever will become the biggest winner will be left to the market to answer!