Chengdu Motor Show: The new metal we might see in Australia

The 2026 Chengdu motor show has opened with almost 120 brands and around 1600 vehicles crammed into 220,000 square metres of exhibition space, showcasing the sheer scale and speed of China’s new-car industry. Many of these vehicles are likely to land on Aussie shores, especially from brands such as Chery, BYD, MG and iCaur.

It wasn’t that long ago we were shocked by the enormity of the 2026 Beijing auto show yet here we are, staring down the barrel of another massive motor show.

Indeed, China’s latest new-model extravaganza has delivered everything from enormous luxury SUVs and off-roaders to EVs, PHEVs and a reborn Chery sedan.

Here we’re doing our best to give you a rundown of the models making their world debut, appearing properly in public for the first time or revealing significant new pricing and specification information.

And some of them will assuredly make their way to Australia.

BYD Da Han

BYD has used the Chengdu motor show to announce pre-sale pricing for its enormous new Da Han flagship sedan, with the range starting from 249,900 yuan.

That’s equivalent to about $A52,000 at current exchange rates.

That isn't indicative of what the Da Han would cost if it eventually came to Australia, where taxes, shipping, specification and other costs would come into play. But it provides some perspective on the aggressive pricing of increasingly sophisticated luxury cars in China.

Measuring 5256mm long and riding on a huge 3130mm wheelbase, the Da Han is actually longer than a Mercedes-Benz S-Class.

It is offered with both battery-electric and plug-in hybrid power, with the longest-range EV claimed to travel up to 1008km on China's CLTC cycle.

The most powerful dual-motor all-wheel-drive version develops 570kW and can accelerate from 0-100km/h in a claimed 3.8 seconds.

High-end hardware includes rear-wheel steering, dual-chamber air suspension and BYD's latest ultra-fast charging technology.

Will the BYD Da Han come to Australia?

Don't rule it out.

BYD is rapidly expanding its Australian line-up and while the Da Han sits above its existing mainstream models, bear in mind BYD has also established Denza here to tackle the luxury market. Denza Da Han perhaps?

BYD Tang

The third-generation BYD Tang has made its global in-the-metal debut at Chengdu ahead of a late 2026 China launch, with the latest version of the long-running SUV moving further upmarket and adopting some of BYD’s newest EV technology.

At 5045mm long with a 2950mm wheelbase, the new Tang is a substantial five-seat SUV. Battery capacities extend to 105kWh and the longest-range version is claimed to travel up to 850km on the CLTC cycle. But as is often the case, take about 15 or 20% off that figure for a real world cruising range.

BYD’s latest high-voltage charging technology is also fitted, with a claimed five-minute 10-70 per cent recharge under ideal conditions.

Will the BYD Tang come to Australia?

Quite possibly in some form, but don’t assume the badge.

BYD increasingly uses different names for Chinese and export-market vehicles. A large electrified SUV of this type nevertheless fits Australia extremely well.

Fang Cheng Bao Tai 9

BYD has also used Chengdu to show off the enormous new Tai 9 (also reported as Ti 9) from its Fang Cheng Bao off-road brand in the metal for the first time.

This might be one of the show’s most interesting vehicles for Australia.

The six-seat flagship PHEV SUV uses a huge 66.5kWh battery – bigger than the battery packs in some dedicated EVs – and is claimed to provide around 310km of electric driving under China’s CLTC standard.

It’s another example of Chinese manufacturers combining the size and stance of a traditional large 4WD with increasingly serious plug-in hybrid technology.

Will the Fang Cheng Bao Tai 9 come to Australia?

Potentially – although almost certainly not wearing Fang Cheng Bao badges.

Australia already receives Fang Cheng Bao-developed products through BYD’s Denza luxury brand, so a large PHEV SUV such as the Ti 9 deserves close attention.

Exeed EX6

Chery’s premium Exeed brand has revealed the EX6 at Chengdu, adding another electrified five-seat mid-size SUV to the rapidly expanding Chery Group portfolio.

Not to be confused with Chery’s Luxeed RX, the Exeed EX6 is a close relation of the Omoda 9 already sold in Australia and based on the existing Exeed Yaoguang SUV.

The EX6 measures around 4830mm long with a 2800mm wheelbase – a large SUV – and uses a 1.5-litre turbo-petrol plug-in hybrid powertrain, with front- and all-wheel-drive versions expected.

Will the Exeed EX6 come to Australia?

Chery is adding brands and models here at an extraordinary rate and Exeed has been under consideration for years.

So an export-focused PHEV SUV from within the group is difficult to dismiss.

Jetour Traveller 7

Jetour has opened reservations at Chengdu for the Traveller 7, a larger addition to its increasingly extensive family of squared-off adventure SUVs.

It follows the same basic design philosophy as the Traveller – known as the T2 in some export markets – but stretches the formula into a roomier package.

Electrified power is central to the range, including plug-in hybrid technology, while its upright styling deliberately targets buyers attracted to traditional off-roaders.

Will the Jetour Traveller 7 come to Australia?

There’s a reasonable chance. Jetour is expanding globally and has said it will launch in Australia in 2027.

Our appetite for rugged SUVs makes vehicles such as the Traveller 7 particularly relevant.

iCaur V25

Chery-owned iCar – iCaur in Australia – brought the production V25 to Chengdu for its public debut.

The boxy V25 follows the increasingly popular Chinese formula of combining old-school off-road styling with an electrified drivetrain.

It uses a 1.5-litre petrol engine as a range-extender rather than directly driving the wheels, backed by a battery pack and electric propulsion, while its bluff nose, upright body and rear-mounted spare wheel give it plenty of visual attitude.

Will the iCaur V25 come to Australia?

Yes. Chery has already confirmed iCaur will launch in Australia from 2027 and the V25 is expected here alongside the smaller V23 and larger V27.

Xiaomi SkyNomad N70

Smartphone and electronics giant Xiaomi has used Chengdu for the first public showing of its SkyNomad N70 Max range-extender SUV and, importantly, has finally opened the doors to reveal its interior.

The five-seat N70 is 4960mm long with a 2950mm wheelbase and combines a large 76kWh battery with a petrol range-extender. The dual-motor version produces 310kW and Xiaomi claims up to 505km of CLTC electric range and 1461km total range.

If ‘super hybrids’ are good for around 100km, then this is an ‘ultra-hybrid’.

The N70 Max has opened for pre-sale at 259,900 yuan – roughly $A55,000 – but the usual caveats apply on the conversion and what such a vehicle might actually cost in Australia.

Inside there’s a large 16.1-inch central display, 20-inch head-up display and a separate rear entertainment screen, all tied into Xiaomi’s broader technology ecosystem.

Will the Xiaomi SkyNomad N70 come to Australia?

Don’t hold your breath.

Xiaomi doesn’t currently sell cars in Australia and while it has plans to expand globally, its selling every single model it builds in China already. Perhaps towards the end of the decade the brand will spread its wings to Australia and the N70 is exactly the sort of vehicle that would do well here.

Chery Arrizo 7

Chery has revived the Arrizo 7 name for an all-new sedan making its global debut at Chengdu, around eight years after production of the original came to an end.

The new Arrizo 7 is considerably more contemporary than its predecessor, with a fastback-style roofline, aggressive grille, slim headlights and full-width taillights.

At 4810mm long with a 2770mm wheelbase, it’s firmly in mid-size sedan territory – think Toyota Camry – and will be offered with both a 1.5-litre turbo-petrol engine and plug-in hybrid power.

Will the Chery Arrizo 7 come to Australia?

Don’t dismiss it. Chery describes the Arrizo 7 as a global model and already has a rapidly growing Australian operation.

The PHEV version would also fit Chery’s increasingly electrified local range, although Australia’s continuing shift away from traditional passenger cars towards SUVs works against it.

GAC Aion Ray 7

GAC's electric Aion brand took its striking new Ray 7 to Chengdu, giving the near-five-metre-long electric sedan its first major public motor show appearance following its online unveiling on August 19, 2026.

The Ray 7 measures 4960mm long and rides on a 2920mm wheelbase, with a low-slung fastback profile aimed squarely at the likes of the Xiaomi SU7.

It uses a 180kW Huawei DriveONE electric motor and CATL-supplied battery cells, with GAC claiming more than 700km of driving range on China's CLTC test.

There's also an 800-volt electrical architecture and Lidar-supported driver-assistance technology, while a new Huawei-developed electromechanical braking system does away with conventional hydraulic brakes.

Will the Aion Ray 7 come to Australia?

GAC launched in Australia in late 2025 and already sells two Aion EVs here, giving the Ray 7 an established route to market if a right-hand-drive version is developed.

Nothing has been confirmed, however, and large sedans remain a much tougher Australian proposition than SUVs.

MG 07

MG has used Chengdu to launch the MG 07 (note: a different car to the MG7 already sold in Australia) in China with both battery-electric and plug-in hybrid power – and a starting price that demonstrates just how brutal the Chinese new-car market has become.

Seven variants are offered, with official Chinese prices spanning 108,900 to 159,900 yuan – roughly $A23,000 to $A34,000 – although limited-time launch pricing starts even lower at 105,900 yuan.

The flagship EV offers up to 845km of CLTC range and 5C fast charging, while the availability of a PHEV gives MG another electrified alternative for buyers not ready to go completely electric. As with any direct Chinese currency conversion, those figures should not be regarded as an indication of what the MG 07 would cost if sold in Australia.

Will the MG 07 come to Australia?

There's an obvious route to market because MG is firmly established here, but no Australian launch has been announced.

Its sedan body works against it in an SUV-dominated market, although MG already sells the electric MG 4 hatch and IM5 sedan here. The 07's combination of EV and PHEV power could make it an interesting addition.

Geely Radar King Kong EV

Geely's Radar electric ute brand has used Chengdu to introduce an updated King Kong EV, including a new lower-range version designed to push the battery-powered dual-cab further downmarket.

The King Kong is already an established model in China, so this isn't a new-car reveal in the same sense as the Ray 7 or Arrizo 7.

But the Chengdu update is significant, bringing a new 370km-range version, updated Flyme Auto 2 infotainment and external electrical discharge capability of up to 36kW. The broader King Kong family is offered with rear- and four-wheel drive and in standard- and long-wheelbase configurations.

Will the Radar King Kong EV come to Australia?

Radar – or Riddara – is owned by Geely, which is now established in Australia. An affordable electric dual-cab would give it a point of difference in the country's enormous ute market.

However, the focus for Australia has been the smaller RD6, while an all-new larger ute with V6 power has also been confirmed.

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