Home sentauto observation Kicking Off 2026 with a Bang!A Flurry of New Car Applications from Chinese Brand Automobiles Unveils

Kicking Off 2026 with a Bang!A Flurry of New Car Applications from Chinese Brand Automobiles Unveils

haotong
sentauto observation
2026-01-09 11:00:15

As 2026 turns its first page, China's automotive industry has ignited enthusiasm with an intensive wave of new car applications. In the latest application catalog of the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT), five major Chinese brand automobiles—BYD, Leapmotor, ONVO, NIO, and AITO—have collectively unveiled their new masterpieces. New energy vehicles such as battery electric (BEV) and extended-range electric (EREV) models take center stage, covering popular segments including SUVs and MPVs. Each new car, armed with distinct technical highlights and global ambitions, is like a "pioneer ready for overseas expansion," poised to shine on the international stage.

Kicking Off 2026 with a Bang!A Flurry of New Car Applications from Chinese Brand Automobiles Unveils

BYD Song Ultra: The "All-Round Upgrader" of the Song Family

As a new member of BYD's Song series, the Song Ultra is more like a "capable all-rounder that fills the gaps," achieving precise upgrades based on the Song L DM-i. While retaining the family's recognizable design, its redesigned lower grille and larger air deflectors enhance the sporty appeal. The optional lidar + "Tian Shen Zhi Yan B" (God's Eye B) advanced driver assistance system (ADAS) fills the key gap in intelligent driving, enabling assisted driving in both urban and highway scenarios and boosting its competitiveness in the smart technology sector.

Kicking Off 2026 with a Bang!A Flurry of New Car Applications from Chinese Brand Automobiles Unveils

Kicking Off 2026 with a Bang!A Flurry of New Car Applications from Chinese Brand Automobiles Unveils

With upgraded dimensions of 4850/1910/1670mm (length/width/height) and a 2840mm wheelbase, the Song Ultra offers a more spacious interior than the Song L DM-i, precisely catering to the needs of family users. In terms of power, its 270kW single motor far exceeds the previous Song L EV, and the 210km/h top speed showcases strong performance. In overseas markets, whether it's Europe's dual demand for intelligent driving and space or Southeast Asia's preference for large-size new energy SUVs, the Song Ultra can gain a firm foothold with BYD's mature pure electric technology endorsement and balanced product strength, becoming another mainstay of the brand's overseas expansion.

Kicking Off 2026 with a Bang!A Flurry of New Car Applications from Chinese Brand Automobiles Unveils

Leapmotor D19: The "Range Breaker" with Dual Versions

Launching with both BEV and EREV versions, the Leapmotor D19 is more like a "solution expert who understands user anxieties," accurately grasping market demands from blind booking policies to core technologies. A 999-yuan deposit secures priority delivery rights and exclusive benefits, building momentum ahead of its launch, while the 250,000-300,000-yuan pricing targets the mid-range mainstream market.

Kicking Off 2026 with a Bang!A Flurry of New Car Applications from Chinese Brand Automobiles Unveils

Kicking Off 2026 with a Bang!A Flurry of New Car Applications from Chinese Brand Automobiles Unveils

The EREV version represents the pinnacle of technical integration. Its pioneering extended-range cell-to-chassis (CTC) battery technology maximizes chassis space utilization: the 80.3kWh battery pack delivers 500km of pure electric range, and when paired with a 40L fuel tank and a high-efficiency extended-range system that reduces weight by over 60kg, the combined range is further enhanced. Supported by an 800V platform, it can charge from 30% to 80% in just 15 minutes, eliminating range anxiety entirely. The BEV version adopts a 1000V high-voltage platform and CATL hybrid battery cells, with the 115kWh battery offering an ultra-long 720km range and industry-leading fast-charging performance of over 350km in 15 minutes.

Kicking Off 2026 with a Bang!A Flurry of New Car Applications from Chinese Brand Automobiles Unveils

In overseas markets, the EREV version is suitable for regions with underdeveloped charging infrastructure such as Southeast Asia and Latin America, while the BEV version aligns with markets with mature new energy infrastructure like Europe and North America. This dual-version layout allows the Leapmotor D19 to flexibly adapt to the needs of different regions. With its robust three-electric core technologies and affordable pricing, it is expected to carve out a niche in the overseas mid-range market.

ONVO L90 New Version: The "All-Round Performer" of Intelligence and Comfort

The new version of the ONVO L90 is more like a "self-evolving top student," addressing shortcomings and upgrading the experience based on existing models. The addition of lidar takes its already powerful intelligent driving hardware to the next level—equipped with 7 8-megapixel cameras, 4D imaging millimeter-wave radar, and NVIDIA Orin-X chip, its existing highway/urban Navigate on Autopilot (NOA) function gains greater confidence, completely breaking free from "pure vision dependence."

Kicking Off 2026 with a Bang!A Flurry of New Car Applications from Chinese Brand Automobiles Unveils

The two-tone body and new wheel rims bid farewell to monotony, meeting the personalized needs of young users. In terms of power, the single-motor 340kW and dual-motor 440kW outputs, paired with 0-100km/h acceleration times of 5.9 seconds and 4.7 seconds respectively, deliver impressive performance. The 900V high-voltage architecture enables 25-minute fast charging and is compatible with NIO's battery swap stations, offering the rare flexibility of 3-minute battery swaps in the industry. The five-link rear suspension + intelligent air suspension + 10 driving modes further maximize comfort.

Kicking Off 2026 with a Bang!A Flurry of New Car Applications from Chinese Brand Automobiles Unveils

In overseas markets, European consumers value driving quality and intelligent configurations, and the ONVO L90's intelligent driving upgrades, chassis tuning, and flexible charging solutions can accurately meet their needs. Southeast Asia's preference for large-space and high-comfort models also provides a platform for this vehicle, with its differentiated charging solutions serving as an added advantage for overseas expansion.

NIO ES9: The "New Benchmark" for Luxury Large SUVs

As NIO's new flagship SUV, the ES9 is more like a "charismatic luxury spokesperson," inheriting the latest family design language of the ES8 with high recognition. Its extra-large dimensions of 5365/2029/1870mm (length/width/height) and 3250mm wheelbase provide ample interior space, while the retention of the frunk (front trunk) continues NIO's practical DNA. The raised wheel arch lines add a touch of muscularity, and the through-type taillights enhance the grandeur of the rear design.

Kicking Off 2026 with a Bang!A Flurry of New Car Applications from Chinese Brand Automobiles Unveils

Kicking Off 2026 with a Bang!A Flurry of New Car Applications from Chinese Brand Automobiles Unveils

In terms of power, the front and rear dual motors deliver maximum outputs of 180kW and 340kW respectively, with strong performance matching its flagship positioning. The expected 102kWh battery pack will also ensure sufficient range. In overseas markets, the large luxury SUV segment in North America and Europe has long been dominated by traditional brands. With its luxury design, extra-large space, mature electric drive technology, and NIO's established overseas battery swap network, the ES9 is expected to break the pattern and attract high-end users seeking a luxurious new energy experience.

Kicking Off 2026 with a Bang!A Flurry of New Car Applications from Chinese Brand Automobiles Unveils

AITO V9: The "Disruptor" in the High-End MPV Market

As AITO's first MPV, the V9 is more like a "cross-border player armed with black technology," aiming to reshape the 500,000-yuan class MPV market. The HarmonyOS Intelligent Travel family design gives it high recognition, and the combination of the new-generation DLP projection headlights + dynamic welcome light carpet allows for custom light messages, delivering a full sense of ritual. The through-type taillights at the rear, paired with a spoiler and chrome accents, create a layered look.

Kicking Off 2026 with a Bang!A Flurry of New Car Applications from Chinese Brand Automobiles Unveils

Kicking Off 2026 with a Bang!A Flurry of New Car Applications from Chinese Brand Automobiles Unveils

In terms of space utilization, the second and third rows can be folded flat, and the 180-degree electric rotation of the second-row seats enables flexible interior layouts. The face-to-face mode is highly practical for both business negotiations and family interactions. With dimensions of 5359/2009/1879mm (length/width/height) and a 3250mm wheelbase, it guarantees ample seating space. Configurations such as HUAWEI Kunpeng intelligent driving hardware, the latest HarmonyOS cockpit, and an onboard oxygen generator take intelligence and comfort to the extreme. In terms of power, the 1.5T extended-range generator paired with HUAWEI Snow Owl intelligent extended-range system delivers a combined range of over 1200km, completely resolving range anxiety.

Kicking Off 2026 with a Bang!A Flurry of New Car Applications from Chinese Brand Automobiles Unveils

In overseas markets, there is strong demand for high-end business MPVs in Southeast Asia and the Middle East, and the AITO V9's intelligent configurations, flexible space, and long range can meet the core needs of business users. European families' demand for large MPVs for travel also provides room for expansion. Backed by HUAWEI's technology, it can enhance the trust of overseas users and is expected to become a benchmark for Chinese brand automobiles in the high-end MPV segment going global.

Conclusion: Chinese Brand Automobiles Going Global—Speaking with Hard Power

The wave of new car applications at the start of 2026 clearly demonstrates the technical accumulation and overseas ambitions of Chinese brand automobiles. From the balanced upgrades of the BYD Song Ultra to the technological breakthroughs of the Leapmotor D19; from the comprehensive evolution of the Ledao L90 to the luxury persistence of the NIO ES9 and the cross-border innovation of the AITO V9, these five new cars cover popular segments including mid-size SUVs, mid-to-large SUVs, and MPVs. Focusing on new energy areas such as BEV and EREV, they accurately align with the global trend of automotive electrification.

The common advantage of these new cars lies in their shift from relying solely on price advantages to forming differentiated competitiveness through core technologies, intelligent configurations, space design, and charging innovations. They not only meet the needs of domestic consumers but also specifically adapt to the preferences and pain points of different overseas markets—whether it's Europe's demand for intelligent driving, North America's luxury positioning, or Southeast Asia's charging infrastructure status, corresponding product highlights can be found. As these new cars are launched and enter overseas markets one after another, the right to speak of Chinese brand automobiles in the global automotive market will be further enhanced, and the label of "Created in China" will become more deeply rooted in people's minds.

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