Beijing Auto Show Concepts: From Robotaxis to Aerodynamic Supercars

The concept cars revealed at the 2026 Beijing Auto Show showcase a wide range of design directions and emerging technologies. Both domestic automakers and joint-venture brands brought experimental and pre-production models, offering a clear look at where the industry may be heading over the next several years.

Concepts at the Auto Show: Pushing Design Boundaries

The Avatr Vision Xpectra stands out immediately because of its sheer size, stretching nearly 19 feet long. The concept features pillarless coach doors that open in opposite directions, along with a full panoramic glass roof extending from the front all the way to the rear.

Its technology package includes:

• LiDAR sensors integrated into the front bumper
• A silicon carbide-based motor with claimed efficiency of up to 99.1%
• Level 4 autonomous driving hardware

This mix of size, design, and technology positions the concept as a flagship vision of future premium mobility.

The Lynk & Co GT takes the form of a low-slung wide-body coupe. Powertrain specifications have not been officially confirmed. Industry discussions have mentioned hybrid options, including plug-in hybrid systems, but no production-ready details were announced.

A Shift Toward Performance and Technology Integration

The Hongqi Tiangong S concept uses a coupe-style body and focuses heavily on advanced driver assistance systems and digital cockpit technology. However, final production specifications had not been confirmed during the event.

The Xiaomi Vision GT was introduced alongside a documentary showing its development process. The vehicle reportedly has a drag coefficient of 0.29 and generates roughly 2,600 pounds of downforce.

The concept combines high-performance engineering with connected vehicle systems. It’s important to note that this model is not intended for production and remains purely an experimental project.

The BYD Ocean-V was presented as part of the company’s Ocean Series lineup. The concept focuses on maximizing interior packaging and multi-purpose vehicle usability, though no production specifications were released.

The Geely Robotaxi became one of the show’s biggest talking points. Geely introduced what it describes as China’s first native robotaxi prototype—a purpose-built autonomous vehicle developed from the ground up as a Waymo-style platform rather than a converted passenger car.

Key highlights include:

• Native autonomous platform built on Level 4 architecture
• World Action Model system combining perception and planning functions
• Multiple sensors and onboard computing systems
• No traditional controls such as a steering wheel or pedals
• Potential future commercial use through the Caocao Mobility platform
• A production-oriented version is planned for 2027

This marks one of the first times a Chinese automaker has publicly shown a robotaxi designed specifically as a driverless vehicle instead of adapting a conventional model.

Geely Galaxy Light Second Generation

Geely also revealed the second-generation Galaxy Light concept at the 2026 Beijing Auto Show, introducing an updated design language that moves from its earlier “Ripple Aesthetics” theme to a new front-end identity called “Galaxy Starfall,” designed to work across multiple powertrain types.

The concept features:

• Redesigned lighting elements with architecture-inspired headlights and star-pattern taillights
• A taller and more upright stance compared to the previous generation
• An AI-powered “cockpit-driving integration” system combining displays, controls, and seating with Chinese-inspired design references

According to official information, the concept also includes:

• Geely AI 2.0 system
• A 2,160-line digital LiDAR unit
• More than 3,000 TOPS of computing power
• Support for map-free urban navigation and point-to-point driver assistance functions

Chery iCAR RoBox and the i-Swift 3.0 Platform

The Chery iCAR RoBox concept was shown as part of the brand’s X-Series development. The name combines the words “ROBOT” and “BOX.” Its design uses a one-box upper structure with a lower body section featuring high ground clearance, large wheels, and wide fender flares.

Lighting elements mix circular and rectangular shapes. The model also features blind rear quarter windows and a high-mounted brake light.

The RoBox is associated with the i-Swift 3.0 platform, which is described as offering:

• A high-voltage architecture compatible with both lithium-ion and solid-state batteries
• Capability for megawatt-level charging
• Axial-flux motors and multi-motor setups supporting torque vectoring
• Level 3 to Level 4 autonomous driving capability
• AI-focused cabin interaction systems

Chery X-Concept: Future Autonomous Mobility

The X-Concept is positioned as a vision of future autonomous transportation, combining aerodynamic efficiency with premium styling.

Concept highlights include:

• A streamlined body with airflow-optimized front and rear structures
• An active grille that adjusts for cooling and aerodynamics
• Lightweight aerodynamic wheels
• Full-width matrix lighting

The concept previews the brand’s future design and technology direction.

Joint Venture Brands Join the Concept Push

Dongfeng Peugeot and Dongfeng Citroën presented four concept cars. The Peugeot Polygon features a rectangular steering interface equipped with steer-by-wire technology. It also uses recycled 3D-printed materials and configurable interior elements.

Buick introduced an autonomous concept under its Electra sub-brand. Its exterior uses a design language called “Floating Wing Shield,” featuring laser-engraved surfaces and projection-based display elements.

Inside, the concept includes a reconfigurable center structure that can fold into a table-style layout, along with screen-based control interfaces.

The concept cars presented at the show include both pure design studies and near-production prototypes. Many reference advanced driver assistance systems, electric powertrains, and digital cockpit technologies, though several still have no confirmed production timeline.

For the industry and investors, the message is clear: native robotaxi platforms suggest autonomous driving technology is reaching maturity, AI integration and LiDAR are becoming standard for flagship concepts, and interior design experiments reflect a search for entirely new forms of mobility.

The real challenge, however, will be turning these ambitious concepts into commercially viable vehicles that customers can actually buy.