At Auto Shanghai 2025, automakers' focus shifted from engine power to advanced technologies and passenger comfort, outlining a revolutionary future for mobility.
Chinese brands have engaged in a veritable competition of innovations, exhibiting vehicles packed with screens—some as large as 65 inches—placed in front of passengers, on the doors, and even on the hood. The goal: to attract an ultra-connected clientele. Electronics giants like Huawei and Xiaomi have also entered the automotive market, offering smart solutions for seamless integration between smartphones and vehicles.
Competition isn't just coming from China: Audi unveiled a prototype with a screen spanning the entire dashboard, while autonomous driving systems promise to reduce driver involvement. According to a McKinsey report, cars are becoming "secondary living spaces," thanks to the rise of smart driving technologies.
In terms of interior comfort, visitors were particularly drawn to luxury cars featuring reclining seats and massage systems inspired by Chinese and Thai traditions. Mercedes unveiled its Vision V concept, a refined vehicle equipped with wood, silk, and a cinema-style screen, while other brands highlighted innovative suspensions to enhance on-board comfort.
Aerial innovations were also on the agenda: several companies exhibited models of electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) flying taxis, still in the prototype stage. Hongqi presented a concept flying car with a range of 200 km, and the CATL company announced a massive investment to support the development of this technology.
With China accelerating its innovation in smart cars and flying drones, the future of mobility appears to be moving toward a fusion of ultimate comfort, immersive entertainment, and the ability to take to the skies.
