As the Year of the Horse ushers in a new journey and fine steeds gallop back with the spring breeze, the 2026 automotive market is like a thrilling horse race where numerous competitors vie for supremacy. There are both the "time-honored fine steeds" of traditional luxury brands that continue to write elegant legends, and the "dark horses chasing the wind" of China's new energy powerhouses that break through strongly. Each car comes with the traits of a horse—either agile, swift, prestigious, or reliable. Today, we bring you a roundup of 8 most anticipated new cars, helping you find your perfect "travel companion" in the Year of the Horse.

All-New BMW iX3

The all-new BMW iX3 Long Wheelbase Version will make its world premiere at the 2026 Beijing Auto Show in April and go on sale in the second half of the year. Equipped with the Momenta Full-Scenario Pilot Driving Assistance tailored for local travel scenarios, it covers both highway and urban road conditions, and also introduces the BMW custom large language model (LLM) technology co-developed with Alibaba. In terms of power, integrating the sixth-generation BMW eDrive electric drive technology, the new car is built on an 800V platform, featuring a 108kWh large cylindrical battery pack and a front asynchronous + rear excited synchronous motor setup. The motor delivers a maximum power of 345kW and a peak torque of 645N·m, with a 0-100km/h acceleration of 4.9 seconds. For range, it boasts a CLTC pure electric range of 900km and an official power consumption of 15.1kWh/100km, and can achieve a charging replenishment of 427km in just 10 minutes.

All-New Mercedes-Benz GLC EV

In mid-February, the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology released the *27th Catalogue of New Energy Vehicle Models Eligible for Vehicle Purchase Tax Reduction and Exemption*. According to the catalogue, the declared range information of the Mercedes-Benz pure electric GLC 350 L was exposed. The vehicle adopts a pure electric powertrain with an 89kWh battery pack, offering a pure electric range of 680km and 703km respectively. It inherits the design of the overseas version, with a front grille featuring 942 lightable pixel dots and its outline embellished with metal chrome plating. In terms of dimensions, its length/width/height are 4949(4933)/1970(1914)/1710(1690)mm, with a wheelbase of 3027mm.

BYD Datang

As the latest flagship model of the Dynasty Series, the BYD Datang adopts the new-generation Dragon Face design, switching from BYD's relatively intricate previous design to a streamlined style. To enhance the sense of luxury, the new car will also offer a two-tone body and be equipped with more elaborately designed rims. According to the official introduction, the Datang has a length of over 5 meters, positioning itself against the luxury Class 9 models in the industry. Condensing decades of technological accumulation of the Dynasty brand, it will be fitted with the latest new energy technologies, the top-tier advanced driver assistance system, and an intelligent cockpit interaction that truly understands users. Its interior deeply integrates traditional Chinese cultural elements such as the Palace Museum and Dunhuang with modern technology.

Zeekr 8X

The Zeekr 8X features softer lines, giving it a more dynamic look. In terms of dimensions, its length/width/height are 5100/1998/1780mm, with a wheelbase of 3069mm. Notably, the high-performance flagship version of the Zeekr 8X has completed its declaration earlier. Adopting an all-black exterior kit with carbon fiber components added to the details, combined with its aggressive front/rear bumpers, air vents, rear diffuser and a large electric spoiler, it boasts an ultra-extreme sporty attribute. In terms of power, the vehicle will be equipped with a 2.0T plug-in hybrid system with a three-motor setup, delivering a maximum horsepower of up to 1400PS and a top speed increased to 230km/h.

Leapmotor D19

Priced at an estimated 250,000 to 300,000 RMB, the Leapmotor D19 is a large SUV under the Leapmotor brand, with dimensions of 5252*1995*1800mm and a wheelbase of 3110mm, offering 6 or 7-seat options. For power, it is available in extended-range and pure electric versions. The extended-range version is equipped with a 1.5T engine as a range extender, with a CLTC pure electric range of 500km. The pure electric version adopts a 1000V voltage platform technology, powered by a 115kWh battery pack with the latest hybrid cells from CATL, delivering a pure electric range of 720km. Relying on the kilovolt platform, the pure electric version can achieve a charging replenishment of over 350km in 15 minutes.

NIO ES9

As the all-new flagship SUV of NIO, the ES9 adopts the latest design language shared with the NIO ES8, boasting a high overall recognition. In terms of dimensions, its length/width/height are 5365/2029/1870mm, with a wheelbase of 3250mm. In terms of power, it will be equipped with front and rear drive motors (model YS198S002/TZ198Y001) produced by NIO Power Technology (Hefei) Co., Ltd., Xinqiao Branch, with a maximum power of 180kW and 340kW respectively. For the battery pack, referring to the current NIO ES8, it is expected to be equipped with a 102kWh battery pack.

Xiaomi YU7 GT

The Xiaomi YU7 GT, an all-new high-performance electric SUV under Xiaomi Auto, has officially completed its declaration in the latest Announcement of Road Motor Vehicle Manufacturers and Products (Batch 404) released by the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology, marking that this highly anticipated model is entering the countdown to mass production. According to multiple sources, the YU7 GT has entered the real-vehicle testing phase and has recently been spotted multiple times at the Nürburgring Nordschleife in Germany for high-intensity tuning. As Xiaomi Auto's latest SUV, the YU7 GT is expected to be equipped with an active hydraulic suspension system, which can automatically lower the vehicle height in track mode to improve handling stability, and also support free adjustment of power distribution to adapt to different driving scenarios.

AITO V9

The AITO V9 aims to "reshape" the pattern of the 500,000 RMB-class MPV market. It will be equipped with the Huawei Snowy Owl Extended Range System, with a CLTC combined range of over 1250km. Inheriting the iconic design language, the AITO V9 will debut the all-new generation DLP projection headlights + dynamic welcome light carpet combination, supporting custom welcome light messages, and will also be equipped with the latest advanced driver assistance hardware of Huawei Kunlun Intelligent Driving. In terms of dimensions, the new car's length/width/height are 5359/2009/1879mm, with a wheelbase of 3250mm. In terms of power, it is equipped with the Huawei Snowy Owl Intelligent Extended Range System consisting of a 1.5T engine, with the range extender delivering a maximum power of 115kW and a maximum CLTC combined range of over 1250km.

These 8 new cars are like 8 fine steeds with their own strengths, ready to race on the 2026 automotive market track. The "fine steeds" of traditional luxury brands continue to embody elegance and prestige, while the "dark horses" of Chinese new energy brands break the market pattern with their strength. Whether you are a business person pursuing a luxurious experience, a middle-class family focusing on family travel, a young person with a limited budget, or a car enthusiast obsessed with performance, you can find your "dream car" here. Choosing a new car in the Year of the Horse, follow this list to avoid pitfalls and find your perfect match, and embark on a more high-quality new travel journey together!