Dancing and flying cars: China at CES 2025

Every year, the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) transforms Las Vegas into a tech “crystal ball” for the future, where the boldest innovators converge to unveil what's coming next. From January 7 to 11 2025, the exhibition hall was brimming with largely AI-dominated ideas set to shape industries and lives alike, from biometric scanning mirrors to pillows with AI snore detection and adjustment. This year, one storyline loomed larger than ever: the meteoric rise of China in the tech world, particularly in the automotive industry. With Chinese companies making up over 30% of the 4,500 exhibitors, starring powerhouse contingents from its electric vehicle (EV) sector, the message was clear — tariffs are not likely to set China back in its path to global dominance in automotives. Home to the manufacturing of more than half the world’s EVs, China’s auto-innovations round up of the CES is here. 1. Xpeng flying car The stuff of sci-fi movie dreams, Chinese EV disruptor Xpeng has gone viral for its $300,000 flying car which debuted at CES, and has already attracted 3,000 pre-orders according to reports, with production scheduled for 2026. Xpeng Aero HT, the aerospace division of Chinese EV startup Xpeng, revealed the Land Aircraft Carrier: a futuristic vehicle that merges an electric minivan with an “electric vertical-take-off-and-landing” (EVTOL) craft, that can transport and take off for up to six flights — a bold vision for urban mobility. Dubbed the "mothership," the Land Aircraft Carrier boasts an impressive all-electric range exceeding 600 miles. With the Aero HT human-carrying drone and now the Land Aircraft Carrier, Xpeng is making significant strides in advancing urban air mobility and redefining transportation. The buzz around this CES highlight underscores China’s tech-first automotive design expertise, as well as potential to transform how we navigate cities in the very near future. 2. BYD’s hopping mad vehicle At CES 2025, BYD unveiled its Yangwang U9 supercar, a high-performance vehicle featuring an innovative "jumping suspension" system. The suspension allows the car to adjust its height, absorb shocks, and even leap over obstacles, including impressive demonstrations like jumping a 20 foot pothole. This futuristic feature quickly became the talk of the internet — particularly among Indian users, who flooded social media with humorous memes and jibes. Many joked that the "jumping suspension" was tailor-made for India's notorious road infrastructure, known for its potholes and uneven surfaces. The Yangwang U9’s advanced suspension system showcases BYD’s engineering prowess, blending cutting-edge technology with practical utility. Although intended to demonstrate the car’s high-performance capabilities, the playful reactions from Indian netizens highlighted the relevance of such innovations for everyday road challenges in their country. The promo clip, showing the car effortlessly clearing obstacles, further fueled these entertaining online discussions. A recent video circulating on Chinese social media depicts the Yangwang U9 on the street, attracting a sizable crowd as it performs a dance-like movement, swaying back and forth while causing a traffic blockage. A viral hit. 3. Great Wall Motor driving intelligence and Souo At CES 2025, Great Wall Motors (GWM) unveiled its latest innovations in intelligent driving and smart cabin technology. The showcase included the Coffee Pilot Ultra driving-assist system, the Coffee OS 3 smart cockpit, and the Hi4 powertrain architecture, underscoring GWM’s advancements in automotive intelligence and sustainability. Marking a significant milestone, GWM also introduced its motorcycle brand, Souo, to the event for the first time. Priced at $29,870, the luxury touring motorcycle Souo S2000 was launched on October 26, beginning pre-orders on November 1st to be delivered in March 2025. Inspired by aesthetics of the famous Chinese New Year lion dance, the GWM SOUO Station Wagon features a 12.3-inch LCD panel powered by an 8155 chip that offers touch and voice control, while intelligent cruise control and electric windshield adjustment enhance convenience. As well as a plethora of safety features including advanced systems like walking speed mode, rear warning, and blind spot monitoring for real-time traffic awareness. 4. Geely’s “emotionally aware” cars CES 2025 showcased that Geely is redefining the future of mobility by integrating emotional intelligence into its smart vehicles through its groundbreaking “Full-Domain AI for Smart Vehicles” system. This comprehensive platform combines advanced computing power, data, and algorithms to create a seamless ecosystem spanning air, space, and ground. At its core is the AI-native operating system, capable of adapting to user needs across various devices, fostering a warm, empathetic, and continually evolving mobility experience. Features like Geely’s AI called Galaxy Genie serves as an intelligent personal assistant, offering dynamic functionalities such as customizable avatars, computer-generated art, and real-time decision-making based on user behavior. Geely’s commitment to "Autonomous Intelligence for Mobility" emphasizes emotional awareness, turning vehicles into responsive companions. By leveraging the Geely Xingrui Intelligent Data Center’s exascale computing power and AI-driven insights, these vehicles deliver personalized, human-centric interactions, ensuring a deep connection between driver and machine. 5. BMW caters to China At CES 2025, BMW debuted its next-generation immersive intelligent cockpit, featuring the BMW Panoramic iDrive and the innovative BMW Operating System X. Notably, 70 percent of the system's source code was developed with Chinese users in mind, showcasing BMW’s commitment to the local market. According to BMW, its R&D team in China has tripled in size over the past three years and now plays a crucial role in the brand’s global innovation efforts. In collaboration with China’s tech ecosystem, BMW has tailored functions such as AI-based voice assistants, navigation, entertainment, and gaming to suit local preferences. This partnership underscores BMW’s focus on creating a seamless, localized digital experience for its Chinese customers as competition heats up from the mainland’s competitors. 6. Zeekr’s luxurious long journey champion Founded in 2021, Geely’s Zeekr brand presented three models at the CES. The Zeekr 009 Grand made a lasting impression. A four-seat minivan crafted with the rear passenger in mind, it presents an expansive, plush cabin. The seats, designed to recline nearly flat, offer unparalleled relaxation, while a 43-inch screen and fold-out tables enhance the experience. There are so many exquisite details in the cabin, including trim made from real Himalayan marble and even a flower vase, emphasizing the vehicle’s opulence. Sitting in the 009 Grand's backseat provided a peaceful retreat from the CES hustle, offering more luxury and space than traditional American high-end vehicles like the Cadillac Escalade.

Dancing and flying cars: China at CES 2025

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Published January 16, 2025

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Dancing and flying cars: China at CES 2025