What's the news?
The Chinese market is a hugely important sector for many brands, and this year's Auto Shanghai show will see over 1,100 different exhibitors strut their stuff between April 21st to 28th.
BMW is showing off a host of models, with a long-wheelbase 5 Series leading the charge. Don't get too excited though, as it's a Chinese-only model, capitalising on that market's appetite for stretched saloons. The car is 133mm longer than the regular model but is a significant 130kg lighter than its predecessor, and will be built at BMW Brilliance Automotive Ltd.'s Shenyang plant.
Elsewhere, the refreshed 4 Series range and the Concept X2 get their Asian debuts, while a Chinese market-oriented version of BMW Connected will be shown. This features market-specific apps and customer support, and can even supply users with information on traffic offences. Visitors to the stand will also be treated to a special version of the i8 sports car, the Protonic Frozen Yellow Edition. As the name suggests, it's very yellow (but thankfully isn't actually frozen), and features newly-designed 20-inch alloy wheels and special interior treatment.
Anything else?
BMW Motorrad will display several bikes on the stand, and has promised something special for the press conference, mentioning 'the world premiere of one of the most exclusive motorcycles ever developed.' The brand is performing strongly both in China and worldwide, and plans to introduce 14 new or redesigned motorbikes throughout this year.
Lastly, MINI is giving its new John Cooper Works Countryman its world premiere at the show. The hot version of the biggest MINI ever will get the ALL4 all-wheel drive system and the brand's most powerful engine offering, along with a suite of suspension and aerodynamic upgrades in the typical John Cooper Works mould.