Beijing Auto Show 2026: 5 Chinese EVs Canada Should Watch

The World's Largest Auto Show

The 19th Beijing International Automotive Exhibition (Auto China 2026) opens April 24 to May 3, 2026 in a record-breaking format: 380,000 square metres of exhibition space split between the China International Exhibition Center and the Capital International Exhibition Center. Press days are April 24-25.

For Canadians following the Chinese EV market, this show is crucial. It is where automakers unveil the models that will define the next 2-3 years — and several could end up at our dealerships. Here are the five vehicles to watch closely.

1. Smart #2 — The Geely-Mercedes Micro City Car

The Smart #2 is the result of a collaboration between Geely and Mercedes-Benz. This two-door, two-seat small EV rides on Geely's new ECA architecture but wears exterior styling by Mercedes-Benz. The powertrain is Geely-developed.

Why Canada should care: If Smart launches the #2 in North America, it could become the most affordable electric city car on the continent. Its ultra-compact format is perfect for urban driving in Montreal and Toronto. And a Mercedes-Benz badge on a Geely-priced car is a powerful sales argument.

Estimated price: $28,000 - $35,000 CAD Likelihood of Canada arrival: Medium — depends on Smart's North American strategy

2. BYD Han EV Facelift — The Flagship Sedan Refreshed

BYD is expected to present a significant refresh of its flagship Han EV sedan. While the Han is not part of the first Canadian wave, it represents BYD's premium tier and could arrive in Canada in a second or third import wave.

Why Canada should care: The Han EV is a direct Tesla Model S competitor at a fraction of the price. With an 85 kWh Blade battery and an estimated 600+ km WLTP range, it is the electric grand tourer Canada has been waiting for.

Estimated price: $55,000 - $65,000 CAD Likelihood of Canada arrival: High — but not before 2027-2028

3. BMW iX3 Long Wheelbase — The German One Made in China

BMW has confirmed the global launch of the long-wheelbase iX3 at the Beijing show. It is an electric SUV specifically designed for the Chinese market, built in China by BBA (BMW Brilliance Automotive).

Why Canada should care: This BMW illustrates a growing phenomenon — Western automakers building EVs in China. If BMW imports the Chinese iX3 to Canada, it would face the same 100% surtax as BYD. That forces traditional automakers to choose: build in China at low cost or in Europe/North America at higher prices.

Estimated price: N/A (unlikely in Canada in this configuration) Likelihood of Canada arrival: Low — BMW will likely opt for a European-built version

4. Chery iCAR V23 — The Affordable Off-Road EV

The Chery iCAR V23 is a small off-road electric SUV with Jeep Wrangler-inspired styling. With a Chinese price of approximately $15,000 CAD, it is ridiculously affordable. Even with the surtax and import fees, it could sell under $30,000 in Canada.

Why Canada should care: The V23 targets an untapped niche — the affordable off-road EV. For Canadians who want an electric recreational vehicle for the cottage or trails, there is nothing like it. And Chery is already preparing its Canadian entry with Omoda and Jaecoo.

Estimated price: $25,000 - $32,000 CAD Likelihood of Canada arrival: Medium-high — depends on Chery's third wave

5. Zeekr Mix — The Minivan That Doesn't Look Like One

The Zeekr Mix is an electric family vehicle in an atypical format — a cross between a minivan and a compact SUV. With sliding doors and a modular cabin, it targets families who want space without the traditional minivan look.

Why Canada should care: The electric minivan segment is empty in Canada. The Zeekr Mix could be the first to offer a true electric family vehicle with the space of a Chrysler Pacifica and the technology of a Tesla. And Zeekr, a Geely subsidiary, could leverage Volvo's network for Canadian distribution.

Estimated price: $48,000 - $58,000 CAD Likelihood of Canada arrival: Medium — Zeekr is prioritizing Europe first

What Beijing Tells Us About the Future

The Beijing Auto Show 2026 confirms a trend: China is no longer producing only cheap EVs. Chinese automakers are moving upmarket rapidly, with technologies (800V, solid-state batteries, L3 autonomous driving) that rival the best Western manufacturers.

For Canada, the question is no longer "if" Chinese EVs arrive, but "how many" and "at what price." The Beijing show gives a preview of the answer.

To track which Chinese EVs are coming to Canada, see our real-time tracker. To understand the Zeekr-Volvo connection, read our Geely strategy analysis.

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