San Francisco Frontiers - Auto Zürich 2026 Opens with Record Chinese Presence and Over 400 Vehicles

The Auto Zürich exhibition opened on Wednesday at the Oerlikon trade fair center, marking a notable shift in the Swiss automotive landscape with a record presence of Chinese manufacturers. The event, which is completely sold out, showcases over 400 vehicles and more than 100 world premieres, reflecting a growing diversity in the European market.

Ines Nägeli, managing director of Auto Zürich, emphasized the exclusivity of this year's lineup during the traditional preview opening attended by approximately 5,000 guests. "We have two F1 cars from Audi and Cadillac, as well as Xpeng's two-seater drone on site," she stated. Because the exhibition is fully booked, organizers have omitted traditional sections such as tuning and motorcycles to focus exclusively on the latest vehicle models.

A defining feature of Auto Zürich 2026 is the prominence of Chinese brands, with 18 manufacturers represented. This marks a significant expansion for these companies in Switzerland, where JAC has been present since 2019 as the first Chinese brand to enter the market.

JAC is showcasing six models aimed at providing affordable mobility. Highlights include the e30X electric city car starting at CHF 16,900, the seven-seat JS8 Pro SUV from CHF 29,900, and the T9EV electric pickup truck priced at CHF 41,989.

Leapmotor, participating for the third time, is displaying a range of models including the T03, B05, B10, B03X, and C10. The updated Leapmotor C10 is available as a four-wheel-drive variant with a 460-kilometer range starting at CHF 39,900. The brand has integrated into the Emil Frey Group network, which now includes 35 dealerships. CEO Patrick von Bachellé guaranteed "the best after-sales and service from day one, not just one or two years later."

Geely introduced its new E2 compact car, designed to maximize interior space. Alican Kuscu, Brand Director at Geely, explained, "Those who drive small usually make compromises – not with us." The E2 features a 375-liter trunk and an additional 70-liter front trunk (frunk). Priced from CHF 19,990, it offers ranges of 252 kilometers with a 35-kWh battery or 345 kilometers with a 47-kWh battery. Kuscu noted that Geely plans to launch up to 10 models in Switzerland by the end of 2027, expanding its partner network from 18 to 35.

Xpeng presented its new flagship G9L SUV, which made its world premiere in Paris earlier this month. The five-meter-long vehicle offers six or seven seats and a tight turning circle of 10.4 meters due to all-wheel steering. With 585 horsepower and support for 540-kW fast charging, the G9L will be available for order now, with deliveries beginning in the second quarter of 2027.

Denza showcased its new Z electric super sports car, available as a coupe, spider, and racing version. The vehicle produces 1,604 horsepower and 1,240 Nm of torque, accelerating from 0 to 100 km/h in 2.25 seconds. The racing variant can reach 350 km/h and accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in just 1.96 seconds. Ferdinando D’Apice, CEO of Denza and BYD in Switzerland, announced plans to install the first Flash-Charge station within two months, capable of charging the battery to 97 percent in nine minutes. Denza also displayed the Bao 5 plug-in hybrid SUV, starting at CHF 77,900.

Zeekr introduced the 7GT, combining wagon-like space with premium sedan dynamics. The all-wheel-drive model features active air suspension and delivers 646 horsepower. Electric doors open at the push of a button.

Beyond Chinese brands, established European and American manufacturers unveiled new models. Bentley presented the Torcal S, an electric SUV set to launch next year. It features 888 horsepower, 1,350 Nm of torque, and a range of approximately 600 kilometers. The vehicle's sound was recorded with a real orchestra to mimic a V8 engine.

Cadillac showcased the Optiq electric SUV, equipped with "Super Cruise," a hands-free driving system. GM is bringing this technology to Europe after 1.5 billion kilometers of use in the United States.

Range Rover launched its first fully electric generation, emphasizing that "Range Rover First, Electric Second." The new model features an 118.5-kWh battery and an 800-volt architecture, offering up to 609 kilometers of range. The electric GT variant will be available from January.

Hyundai introduced the fifth-generation Tucson, which has grown by five centimeters and offers a 695-liter trunk. All-wheel drive is standard for the Swiss market, with deliveries starting in March.

Lynk & Co presented the 07 GT plug-in hybrid sports wagon, set to arrive in 2027. David Green, Vice President of Strategy at Lynk & Co, stated that future models will be "even more dynamic and sporty." The 07 GT is available as an all-wheel-drive model with approximately 530 horsepower.

Maserati celebrated its 100th anniversary by introducing a new entry-level V6 Nettuno engine with 390 horsepower for the Grecale SUV, marking the brand's push into affordable performance.

Nissan displayed the new Pixo, a compact city car measuring just 3.78 meters long with a turning circle of 9.9 meters. It will be available from February 2027.

Other notable presentations included Alfa Romeo’s limited-edition Giulia Quadrifoglio Luna Rossa, Polestar’s SUV version of the Polestar 4, Lucid Motors’ Gravity seven-seat electric vehicle, and Smart’s #2 city car. Fiat returned with its Grizzly models, while Mazda showcased the new CX-6e electric SUV.

Nägeli announced that work has begun on the logo development for Auto Zürich’s 40th anniversary in 2027. The exhibition remains open to the public until November 8.

H.Davis--SFF