The Jackie Chan edition Lamborghini Aventador that will be auctioned for the martial arts star's charity at the 2014 Beijing Auto Show. (Lamborghini)
In preparation for the 2014 Beijing International Automotive Exhibition that begins in a little over a week, luxury automakers across the price spectrum have been revealing previews of their new models set to be unveiled. From the looks of some of the vehicles receiving the most buzz, it's clear that hybrid technology is set to be a major trend this year for both the mass and high-end luxury spectrum. In addition, crossover SUV models are the focus of the mass luxury segment, with both concept and production models ready to be exhibited.
In order to prepare for the event, we’ve rounded up some of the most talked-about luxury models set to be unveiled, which include designs by major competitors Audi, BMW, and Mercedes-Benz, as well as ultra-luxe, one-of-a-kind cars by the likes of Lamborghini and Bugatti.
Jackie Chan Lamborghini Aventador#
If owning just a regular Lamborghini isn’t enough for Chinese luxury car buyers, the Beijing Auto Show will offer the opportunity to bid on a one-of-a-kind Jackie Chan edition Aventador. A typical unit of this model retails at a starting price of US$397,500, but versions can sell for upwards of $1 million in China, so this one isn't likely to come cheap. The proceeds of the sale will benefit the China Film Institute Jackie Chan Fund, but are unlikely to make his movies any better.
Jackie Chan (L) poses with his special-edition Lamborghini model. (Lamborghini)
Bentley Hybrid Concept#
The luxury automaker is going green for Beijing, with a new plug-in hybrid concept slated to be revealed at the upcoming auto show. The car is expected to be based on Bentley’s Mulsanne model, with up to 25 percent more power and a 70 percent reduction in carbon emissions. According to Bentley’s press release, the automobile can go for up to 31 miles with purely electric power.
BMW 9 Series Concept#
BMW will be heading into the higher end of the luxury segment with its new 9 series flagship sedan concept model to be unveiled in Beijing, which will compete with models like the Rolls-Royce Ghost and Mercedes S600 Maybach. With a long wheelbase, the model is intended for moneyed Chinese buyers with chauffers, a practice which is more common among China’s wealthy than in other countries. There are no photos yet, but the model is rumored to be similar to BMW's Pininfarina Gran Luso Coupe concept that was unveiled at the 2013 Villa d'Este Concours d'Elegance.
BMW's Pininfarina Gran Luso Coupe. (BMW)
Audi Hybrid Concept and A6 L e-tron#
Another luxury automaker racing ahead with hybrid technology is Audi, which will be revealing a hybrid concept car as well as its new A6 L e-tron hybrid model in Beijing. The e-tron plug-in hybrid sedan concept was first unveiled at the 2012 Beijing Auto Show, and will now begin production in China with partner FAW group. Looking ahead to the future of hybrid power, the luxury automaker also recently revealed a rendering of a crossover model styled like the 2016 Audi TT sports car that will be unveiled in Beijing. Following a trend of crossovers being revealed this year, the model will compete with the Range Rover Evoque and the BMW X4.
A rendering of the new Audi hybrid concept that will be revealed at the 2014 Beijing Auto Show. (Audi)
Audi's new A6 L e-tron model, which was unveiled in Beijing as a concept in 2012 and is ready to begin production. (Audi)
Mercedes-Benz Concept Coupé SUV#
Another luxury brand unveiling a crossover model, Mercedes-Benz is set to take aim at the BMW X6 with its new MLC. The model is said to be based on the third-generation M-class with a uniquely styled body. The company hopes that the model will open up new market customers for Mercedes-Benz, and it should be in the company’s showrooms by 2015.
Bugatti Special-Edition Veyron#
On the ultra-luxe side, the fifth of a set of six different one-of-a-kind Bugatti Veyron models is slated to be unveiled at the upcoming show. Each special-edition car is named after legendary figures in the brand's history, and the name of the model to be unveiled in Beijing is being kept under wraps until the auto show.
Bugatti's Rembrandt special-edition Veyron model. (Bugatti)
Lexus NX Crossover#
Yet another luxury crossover model, the Lexus NX is ready for production and will makes its China debut at the Beijing show. Lexus has released sparse details on the model, stating that it is based on the LF-NX concept models unveiled earlier in Tokyo and Frankfurt.
The new Lexus NX, which will be revealed in Beijing next week. (Lexus)