German car manufacturers are presenting Porsche Panamera, Mercedes S Class, Audi Q7, BMW X5 M, new and revised models at the Shanghai Auto Show, packed with more horsepower and more luxury features.
However VW remains the only brand that Chinese promoters are presenting in an large variety of models.
In times of financial crisis, while other markets are choosing economic models, in China, people still appreciate the best, finest cars. There is still a growth, and the car market has recorded slight increases. This is the reason why this is exactly the right place to launch the Porsche Panamera, their first sedan, presented in a world premiere. With 2 engines, 400 hp (S and 4S) and 500 hp (Turbo), positioned properly to ensure sufficient capacity, even in the second row, the space of the luxury sedan is adequate. The Panamera comes in four-wheel drive as well as Turbo, and sales start in September.
Mercedes is exhibiting the revised S-class at the Shanghai Auto Show, with a 612 hp AMG engine. Completely new headlights and bumper, and the interior is also revamped and more luxurious. Completely new is the S400 hybrid with the 3.5-liter petrol engine with 279 horsepower, and an electric motor with 20 hp support. Consumption is at 7.9 liters per 100 kilometres, CO2 emissions is 186 grams per kilometre. The car will be first available in Germany in June this year.
Even BMW was present in China: with the M-version of X5, which was already presented in New York, the Bavarians wanted to promote this car in China providing. The 4.4 liter makes 555 hp with is Twin turbo.
In the same direction, Audi Q7 was presented in Shanghai for the first time. The large SUV has six strong and highly efficient direct injection engines choices, two petrol and four diesels (a V12 TDI is still available). The 3.0 TDI makes 240 hp at 2000 to 2250 RPM with a torque of 550 Nm. The consumption is only 9.1 litres/100 km. The 3.0 TDI "Clean Diesel" consumes only 8.9 litres/100km. The Q7 4.2 TDI has a fuel consumption of 9.9 litres per 100 km instead of 11.1, decreasing significantly. At the same time, the power increases to 340 hp and a maximum torque of 760 nm. The 3.6 FSI, a V6 with a narrow cylinder, comes to 280 hp and 360 Nm. On average the consumption is 12.1 litres of fuel per 100 km. The V8 in the 4.2 FSI has a power output of 350 hp and a torque of 440 Nm.
Shanghai Volkswagen presents the first gasoline version of the VW Golf BlueMotion. The quality of diesel fuel in many regions of the world is poor, so modern, economical engines will operate with gasoline. When using gasoline, there is savings in consumption of 0.8 liters per 100 kilometres, this reduction is thanks to the start-stop automatic transmission, improved aerodynamics and energy recovery devices. The petrol variant will also be offered. Moreover, in Shanghai, VW presented the Passat B5, with a spectacular facelift to be sold in China.
Chinese manufacturer Chery is presenting the Riich M1, a compact available in 1.0 or 1.3-liter engines. It will be on the market this summer.
Also on show was the H7, a big SUV that respects European emission standards-based, and meets Euro 5 guidelines meaning that sooner or later this vehicle will be available in Europe. The H7 is 4.80 metres long and weighs around two tons. Top speed is 225 km/h.
