News Roundup: apr 27, 2026
- Adam Bernard
- Apr 28
- 8 min read
Check out the video: https://youtu.be/Hd8pQKypr6I
Smart Returns to its Roots
Smart’s Concept #2 previews the next chapter for the storied city-car brand that began with Swatch’s early-1990s ambitions and reached production with the ForTwo in 1997. Built on a new Electric Compact Architecture, the #2 goes fully electric and targets roughly 186 miles of range (likely on China’s CLTC cycle), a major step up versus the outgoing model. Visually it stays close to the ForTwo’s compact proportions, while likely moving from the old car’s distinctive spaceframe-and-panel construction to a more conventional body structure that better suits Geely-era production in China. A production version is slated to debut at the Paris Motor Show this fall ahead of launch next year.
WHY IT MATTERS: Some have argued that Smart has lost its way, merely following the SUV craze. The new #2 appears to be in a class by itself, but it’s not clear if the market for premium two-seat EV commuters is any bigger now than it was five years ago. That being said, the new ECA platform could easily be stretched to create a #4 B-segment hatchback.
THE BOTTOM LINE: As unique as its predecessor, and truer to Smart’s original brand promise—but it’s not clear if that’s relevant as it used to be.
The 1st Ioniq for China
The Hyundai Ioniq V is the production follow-up to the recently revealed Venus concept and the first Ioniq model developed specifically for China, reflecting Hyundai’s plan to launch 20 new China-market models over the next five years backed by a $1.1B investment. Riding on a new platform co-developed with Beijing Auto and adopting Hyundai’s fresh “The Origin” design language, it positions as an edgier alternative to the Ioniq 6 streamliner. Hyundai claims up to 600 km CLTC range (roughly ~290 miles EPA), 800V charging, and CATL batteries, paired with a tech-forward cabin featuring a 27-inch 4K display, a horizon-style head-up display, Dolby Atmos, and an LLM-based AI assistant. It will be retailed through dedicated Ioniq specialists and new store formats, supported by a transparent one-price policy.
WHY IT MATTERS: Hyundai is following the path laid down by other legacy automakers, teaming up with a Chinese partner to create unique-to-China models. Although things are tough for legacy automakers in China these days, Hyundai is doubling down with a significant commitment to this sizable market.
THE BOTTOM LINE: The Ioniq V is as bold a design as any other Hyundai EV, and checks most of the boxes you expect for a state-of-the-art EV, although the EV range seems somewhat underwhelming.
Peugeot’s New Flagship
Peugeot’s Concept 6 signals the brand’s intent to expand globally under its “Serious about pleasure” promise, using a flagship sedan idea presented in wagon form. The design leans on Peugeot hallmarks such as the three-claw lighting signature and a prominent illuminated logo, while adding drama with features like a split rear spoiler. Beyond the show-car theatrics, the concept is positioned as a preview of a new range of larger sedans and SUVs expected to be produced with partner Dongfeng, aimed at China and potentially other markets as well.
WHY IT MATTERS: Stellantis has designated Peugeot one of its four core brands, which signals additional investment—and that includes the Chinese market. The production version of this concept will help push the brand upmarket with a higher-margin entry. And, like many Chinese brands these days, Peugeot appears to see value in wagons.
THE BOTTOM LINE: A bold and fresh look, but the lack of technical information makes it difficult to judge how competitive a production version would be.
Fang Cheng Bao’s 1st Sedan
Fangchengbao’s Formula S broadens BYD’s portfolio by pushing the formerly SUV-focused marque toward a performance sedan that could encroach on Denza territory. Positioned above Denza and below Yangwang, the Formula S is pitched as a “Taycan fighter,” underpinned by an 800V architecture and a 1,000-hp tri-motor electric powertrain. With dealership arrival expected late this year, it represents a clear signal that BYD’s sub-brands will increasingly overlap as they chase premium EV buyers.
WHY IT MATTERS: Is BYD falling into the General Motors trap of too many overlapping brands? Fang Cheng Bao could have been the company’s GMC/Hummer but seems to be overextending itself at the expense of sibling Denza (down to its similar design language).
THE BOTTOM LINE: Some very impressive EV technology wrapped in an attractive but generic skin and attached to a brand built on its offroad prowess. What’s wrong with this picture?
BMW’s Newer 7
BMW’s updated 7 Series is framed as the company’s most extensive model update yet, pairing subtle exterior tweaks—like a slimmer illuminated kidney grille, ultra-thin “crystal” headlamps, and reworked rear lighting—with more meaningful changes underneath. On the EV side, the i7 adopts Gen6 battery cells and newer motors to deliver up to a 16% range lift, with BMW targeting roughly 350 miles EPA, while retaining a 400V charging architecture with DC fast charging up to 250 kW. Inside, BMW pivots hard with a Neue Klasse-inspired cabin featuring Panoramic iDrive, new screen shapes for driver and passenger, and an all-new electrical architecture that cuts harness mass by 30% and removes about 2,000 feet of wiring. The tech suite adds Alexa+ integration and BMW’s Symbiotic Drive automated driving as the brand works to defend the $100K+ segment against rising competition.
WHY IT MATTERS: Unlike Mercedes, BMW is using a single vehicle with multiple powertrain options to target luxury sedan buyers—and seems to have created a better EV (with lower investment) in doing so. BMW is also following through with plans to propagate the innovative Panoramic iDrive.
THE BOTTOM LINE: Kudos for BMW for a significantly better and more innovative interior, but they appear to have dropped the ball with the i7’s relative mundane powertrain.
Fang Cheng Bao’s Supercar
Fangchengbao’s Formula X is presented as a production-ready evolution of the Super 9 concept first shown two years ago, designed to showcase the brand’s “Life Metal” philosophy and a low, “hunting leopard” stance. The dramatic exterior features butterfly doors, an active rear spoiler, and an array of 19 air vents, wrapped around a lightweight carbon-fiber body. Power comes from a tri-motor electric setup rated at around 1,000 hp, with the production launch planned for next year.
WHY IT MATTERS: Multiple Chinese automakers are now exploring the high-performance EV space, and BYD clearly wants a bigger piece of the action.
THE BOTTOM LINE: While striking and technically interesting, this seems an even bigger stretch and questionable use of resources than the Formula S.
Denza’s Z Gets Official
The Denza Z takes last year’s concept and turns it into a four-passenger electric convertible, with its official public launch slated for the Goodwood Festival of Speed this summer. Styled under Wolfgang Egger (formerly Audi’s design chief), it’s intended to spearhead Denza’s move into Europe first, followed by a coupe and a more track-focused variant. Expected chassis highlights include steer-by-wire, four independently controlled electric motors, and DiSUS M magnetorheological suspension with predictive road sensing adapted from the Yangwang U9 hypercar.
WHY IT MATTERS: With an established portfolio of performance sedans (and wagons), this is the next logical move for BYD’s premium brand, and the four-passenger convertible is a relatively unique offering in the EV space.
THE BOTTOM LINE: Dramatic and suitably sophisticated, the only question is how much the desirable Z will cost in production form.
Lynk&Co Shines Through
Lynk&Co’s “Time to Shine” concept marks the brand’s first 2+2 GT and celebrates its 10th anniversary, led by the design team in Sweden. The exterior is described as “sculpted by light,” with yellow accents that nod to the company’s racing roots, while the limited technical information so far mentions rear-wheel drive and an “AI-powered chassis.” Inside, it aims for a driver-focused feel with distinctive materials like “white digital shimmer leather” and hand-inlaid carbon fiber. A “+” button engages a dramatic performance mode that drops the suspension 15 mm, extends aero elements front and rear, deploys the rear wing, and folds away displays to reduce distractions.
WHY IT MATTERS: Geely’s premium brand started in the B and C segments but has slowly been climbing upmarket, and, like the Denza Z, is joining the wave of new high-performance EVs coming out of China.
THE BOTTOM LINE: Like the Denza Z, a striking design and state-of-the-art technology create a highly desirable zero-emissions sports car.
Nissan Heads Offroad
Nissan revives the Terrano name for a body-on-frame off-road concept that appears aimed squarely at the new Land Cruiser 250, while borrowing design cues from past Nissan SUVs like the Patrol. Details such as topographical-map graphics on the front bumper, integrated roof-rack lighting, fender-mounted lamps, and a rear spare-tire carrier built into the wheel-arch flares emphasize its trail-ready intent. The concept is described as a plug-in hybrid (with reporting suggesting a future Xterra could use a V6 hybrid), and Nissan plans to unveil a production version within the year alongside three additional NEVs.
WHY IT MATTERS: Offroad SUVS are hot in China, and Nissan’s Terrano brings some enviable brand equity in this segment. An open question is how this relates to the body-on-frame Xterra due in 2028. They could be completely separate, perhaps sharing the same body-on-frame architecture, or, like the original Terrano/Pathfinder, be the same vehicle with different names in different markets.
THE BOTTOM LINE: Unlike Hyundai’s Boulder, the Terrano is a more original look with plenty of offroad-friendly features (and a PHEV powertrain to appeal to Chinese vehicles). The production version should be a hit.
Jetta’s NEV Reboot
The Jetta X concept reflects VW Group’s strategy of turning a familiar nameplate into a standalone brand in China, leveraging the Jetta sedan’s popularity with younger, first-time buyers. After launching with the original Jetta sedan and several rebadged SEAT SUVs, the brand is now being repositioned as a largely NEV-focused lineup spanning PHEVs, EREVs, and EVs. The “X” itself is a compact electric SUV with a rugged aesthetic that recalls vehicles like Dacia’s Duster/Bigster, and a production version is expected later this year with an entry price around USD15,000. Four more models are slated over the next two years, as Jetta targets an ambitious long-term volume of 400,000–500,000 units.
WHY IT MATTERS: Jetta never quite hit the targets VW planned, and the new reboot seems like an effort to both replace the now-discontinued Skoda brand in China and leverage interest in rugged-looking SUVs. This will also help VW Group keep the VW brand in a slightly more premium market position.
THE BOTTOM LINE: Attractive but perhaps derivative, and hard to judge in terms of competitiveness without any technical info.
Peugeot’s Flagship SUV
Peugeot’s Concept 8 previews a new flagship SUV positioned above today’s 5008, extending the brand’s latest styling themes into a larger, more premium package. Key identifiers include the familiar three-claw lighting signature, a large illuminated logo, and a dramatic split rear spoiler. The concept also hints that partner Dongfeng could bring a production version to market for China, with the possibility of additional regions to follow.
WHY IT MATTERS: Like the Concept 6, this concept pushes the brand upmarket—and it’s big enough that it could conceivably come to the US to support the ailing Chrysler brand.
THE BOTTOM LINE: A strong start for a premium SUV for China and Europe—but will the hardware back it up?
BYD’s Overlander
BYD’s Ocean V is pitched as a “family mobile life cube” that deliberately blurs the lines between sedan, SUV, and MPV in pursuit of a more flexible, lifestyle-oriented vehicle format. The concept emphasizes multi-use functionality with dedicated driving, cinema, and camping modes aimed at turning the cabin into a configurable living space. Adding to the playful theme, its jellyfish-shaped speakers and lights are designed to be magnetically detachable, suggesting an accessory ecosystem that can move with the occupants beyond the car itself.
WHY IT MATTERS: Offroad SUVs and premium minivans are big in China these days, and the Ocean V appears to split the difference. It’s not clear if a production version is forthcoming, but it certainly stands out from the crowd.
THE BOTTOM LINE: A unique family vehicle that showcases a variety of family-friendly features in a distinctive package—but will BYD build it?
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