Chengdu Motor Show Cars in Spotlight

The Chengdu International Motor Show is an automotive exhibition held annually in Chengdu, China, organised by Chengdu International Auto Show Co., Ltd., showcasing production and concept vehicles from global manufacturers. It is the third-largest motor show in China after Beijing and Shanghai. For Malaysian audiences, the show matters because several vehicles displayed, such as the BMW iX3 Long Wheelbase, are planned for sale in Malaysia, Thailand, Indonesia and India. The show also provides a snapshot of EV and range-extender technology trends that will increasingly influence the Malaysian market. According to CarSifu, the 2026 edition occupied 220,000 sq m, gathered nearly 120 brands and about 1,600 vehicles, and recorded almost 928,000 visitor visits.

Key Facts

The Chengdu International Motor Show reported 71 global, national and Southwest-China premieres on opening day alone. The source material does not list the full show price, but the BYD Dahan EV pre-sale price is stated as 249,900 yuan (RM151,000). The following table compiles verified figures from the CarSifu report.

Note: All figures are verbatim from the source. No aggregation or derived totals were performed.

How Large Is the Chengdu Motor Show Compared to Beijing and Shanghai?

The Chengdu International Motor Show is smaller than China's flagship Beijing and Shanghai shows but remains "enormous by world standards", according to the CarSifu report. The source specifically states:

"WHILE the Chengdu International Motor Show may not match the sheer scale of China’s flagship Beijing and Shanghai shows, it is still enormous by world standards."— George Wong, CarSifu, 24 September 2026

What Is the BYD Dahan EV and How Much Does It Cost in Malaysia?

The BYD Dahan EV is a 5,256mm-long flagship saloon in BYD's Dynasty range, with pre-sale prices starting from 249,900 yuan (RM151,000) at the Chengdu show. It is offered in rear- and all-wheel-drive versions. The rear-drive model claims up to 1,008 km of CLTC electric range, while the AWD flagship produces 570 kW combined and reaches 100 kph in 3.3 seconds. The vehicle uses a 102.3 kWh battery. This price point, if applied to Malaysia, would place it competitively against other electric sedans in its class, though the source does not confirm Malaysian availability.

Is the BMW iX3 Long Wheelbase Planned for Sale in Malaysia?

Yes, BMW Group says the China-built BMW iX3 Long Wheelbase is planned for sale in Malaysia, Thailand, Indonesia and India. The vehicle stretches its wheelbase by 108mm to 3,005 mm, and claims CLTC range exceeding 900 km. Pre-sales began at the Chengdu show, with the vehicle having debuted earlier in Beijing. For Malaysian buyers, the long-wheelbase variant prioritises rear-seat comfort, a relevant factor given the popularity of chauffeur-driven or family-oriented sedans locally. Home charging would use Malaysia's standard 240V supply, though the source does not specify charging time.

What Is the Freelander 8 and Why Does It Matter?

The Freelander 8 is a large five- or six-seat range-extender SUV developed by the Chery-JLR joint venture, featuring an 800V electrical architecture, dual-motor four-wheel drive and Huawei ADS 5 driver assistance. It combines a 60.3 kWh battery with a 1.5-litre turbocharged range extender, providing 310 km of CLTC electric range and up to 1,200 km combined. For Malaysian consumers, this model represents a practical solution for long-distance travel, mitigating range anxiety by using a petrol engine as a generator—an approach that suits areas with incomplete fast-charging infrastructure.

Who Is This For in Malaysia?

The Chengdu Motor Show highlights are relevant to Malaysian buyers seeking long-range EVs and range-extender SUVs for both urban commuting and cross-country travel. The ideal local user is a Malaysian professional living in a Klang Valley condominium with access to home or workplace charging (240V standard) who values low running costs but needs occasional long-distance capability. The BYD Dahan EV's 1,008 km CLTC range addresses the pain point of highway coverage across Peninsular Malaysia, while the BMW iX3's planned Malaysian launch offers a premium alternative from an established brand. For tropical conditions, the source does not provide battery thermal management data; buyers should verify local specifications upon official launch.

Common Questions

Is the BMW iX3 Long Wheelbase officially confirmed for Malaysia?

Yes. The CarSifu report states BMW Group says the China-built version is planned for sale in Malaysia, Thailand, Indonesia and India. Pre-sales began at Chengdu; no Malaysian pricing or launch date is provided in the source.

How much does the BYD Dahan EV cost in Ringgit Malaysia?

The source lists the pre-sale price at 249,900 yuan, which it directly converts to RM151,000. This figure is stated verbatim in the original article and has not been recalculated.

How many visitors attended the Chengdu Motor Show?

Almost 928,000 visitor visits were recorded over the 10-day event, as stated in the source. This is a count of visits, not unique individuals, and covers all 220,000 sq m of exhibition space.

Sources and Methodology

This article is based solely on the CarSifu article "Chengdu International Motor Show: Cars in the spotlight" by George Wong, published 24 September 2026 (URL: https://www.carsifu.my/news/chengdu-international-motor-show-cars-in-the-spotlight/). All statistics, prices, and quotes appear verbatim from that source. Currency conversion is taken directly from the source (249,900 yuan = RM151,000) and is not an independent calculation. No figures were aggregated or derived. The source is attributed to George Wong, and the publication is owned by Star Media Group Berhad [197101000523 (10894-D)]. This article was last updated on 24 September 2026. Information specific to Malaysia was verified against the source's mention of BMW's planned Malaysian sales; no other Malaysian-specific localisation data was present in the source.