The Paris Motor Show 2026 is set to be an important European showcase for Chinese automakers. The event runs from October 12 to 18, and around 20 Chinese brands are expected to participate, including BYD, Geely, Changan, Chery, Denza, Leapmotor, Li Auto, Xpeng and Zeekr.
For car buyers, the interesting part is not simply the number of brands. Several of the vehicles coming to Paris use different powertrain approaches, including battery-electric vehicles, plug-in hybrids and range-extender EVs.
Geely Monjaro EM-i Targets Long-Distance Drivers
One of the notable debuts will be the Geely Monjaro EM-i, a plug-in hybrid SUV with dual electric motors and all-wheel drive.
It combines a 1.5-liter turbocharged engine with two electric motors for a claimed 409 hp. Geely says it can travel up to 130 km on electric power and has a combined range of up to 1,100 km under the stated test conditions.
That combination could make the Monjaro EM-i relevant to drivers who want electric driving for shorter trips without depending entirely on charging for longer journeys.
Another upcoming electric SUV to watch is the Mitsubishi ASX VR-e, which is heading to Australia with up to 459 hp and a dual-motor all-wheel-drive setup. Read more about the 2026 Mitsubishi ASX VR-e.
Li Auto i6 Makes Its European Debut
Li Auto will introduce the i6, a five-seat electric crossover, to European audiences in Paris.
The model is available with rear-wheel drive or all-wheel drive. The RWD version is rated at 325 hp, while the AWD model produces up to 536 hp. Its 87.3-kWh LFP battery is claimed to provide up to 590 km of WLTP range in the RWD version.
For European buyers, the key question will be how the i6 is priced and when it will actually become available in individual markets.
Xpeng G9L Offers EV and Range-Extender Options
Xpeng is also preparing the G9L, a large crossover that will be available as both a fully electric vehicle and an extended-range model.
The electric version can offer up to 619 km of WLTP range with the larger battery. The range-extender version combines electric motors with a gasoline engine that works as a generator, with a claimed total range of up to 1,602 km under CLTC testing.
This gives buyers another option if charging availability is a concern during longer journeys.
Zeekr 9X Brings Serious Power
The Zeekr 9X is another major Chinese model heading to Paris. The large plug-in hybrid SUV combines a 2.0-liter engine with electric motors.
Its standard powertrain is rated at up to 885 hp, while a tri-motor version can reach a claimed 1,381 hp. Battery options provide different electric-driving ranges depending on configuration.
The 9X shows how Chinese automakers are increasingly targeting the premium and high-performance SUV segment rather than focusing only on affordable EVs.
What Buyers Should Watch at Paris 2026
The biggest takeaway from the Chinese presence at Paris is the variety of technologies being offered.
Some models focus on pure electric driving, while others combine electric motors with gasoline engines to reduce concerns about charging on long trips. The challenge for European buyers will be separating impressive specifications from what is actually available locally.
Pricing, European homologation, charging support, warranty coverage and service networks will ultimately matter just as much as horsepower or claimed range.
With the Paris Motor Show beginning on October 12, more information about European specifications, pricing and launch plans should become available during the event.
Pingback: New Citroën 2CV EV Teased Ahead of Paris Motor Show Debut
Pingback: 2027 Cadillac Escalade IQ Gets Native NACS and Faster Home Charging