
At this year’s Auto Shanghai exhibition, the focus was less on horsepower and more on groundbreaking technology, luxury features, and the future of transportation. As hundreds of car manufacturers and suppliers packed the exhibition hall, attendees marveled at a new generation of vehicles designed to transform the driving experience, with innovations like flying taxis, massive screens, and massage seats taking center stage.
Screens Everywhere: The Future of In-Car Entertainment
One of the most striking trends at Auto Shanghai was the proliferation of screens. With fierce competition from local carmakers, Chinese automakers are pushing the envelope on digital connectivity. Large, curved screens—some as wide as 65 inches—are mounted throughout the interior of vehicles, from the front dashboards to the doors, sun visors, and even the car bonnet. These screens cater to hyperconnected consumers who demand advanced entertainment and functional tech.
Electronics giants like Huawei and Xiaomi are targeting younger customers by integrating smartphones seamlessly with in-car systems, enabling users to effortlessly connect their devices. Volkswagen’s China-focused brand AUDI showcased a dashboard-wide screen in their new model, offering a fully integrated multimedia experience. When parked, the screens provide entertainment options like video streaming or karaoke. On the road, advanced driving systems take over much of the driving experience, allowing drivers to sit back and relax while the car handles the journey—only requiring manual intervention in emergencies.
According to a 2025 report by consultancy McKinsey, these advancements reflect a shift in consumer attitudes. “With the proliferation of intelligent driving, cars will no longer be viewed solely as transportation tools, but will truly become a ‘second living space,’” the report states.
Comfort Is Key: Massage Seats and Luxurious Interiors
While futuristic technology steals the spotlight, comfort remains a top priority for Chinese consumers, with European carmakers noting that the Chinese market places a greater emphasis on interior luxury compared to other regions.
At the show, attendees queued for a chance to sit in high-end minivans that featured reclining rear seats, chrome radiator grilles, and innovative massage chairs. Mercedes unveiled a prototype of its next-generation electric minivan, Vision V, featuring aluminum seats, wood and silk trim, and even a cinema screen that unfolds from the floor. These features, designed for future executives, cater to the growing demand for luxury and comfort.
According to McKinsey, as vehicle prices rise, consumers are increasingly willing to pay extra for features like reclining seats, suspension systems that enhance comfort, and advanced rear-wheel steering. Nio, a Chinese automaker, showcased its vehicles by having passengers test the effectiveness of its advanced suspension systems, which are designed to ensure a smooth ride over bumpy terrain.
Other companies are tapping into traditional techniques for comfort. Forvia, a French equipment manufacturer, unveiled a seat designed to knead, pinch, and even prick its occupant—drawing inspiration from traditional Chinese and Thai massage techniques. This seat is expected to be installed in Chinese vehicles later this year.
The Sky’s the Limit: Flying Cars and Drones
One of the most futuristic sights at the Auto Shanghai exhibition was the presence of flying taxis. These electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) vehicles, still in the prototype phase, offer a glimpse into a future where urban air mobility could become a reality. CATL, the world’s leading battery manufacturer, unveiled its eVTOL concept, showcasing the growing investment in flying car technology, which is being developed in collaboration with Chinese startup AutoFlight.
Even the traditional Hongqi brand, known for supplying limousines to China’s top leadership, joined the futuristic fray by presenting its own flying car concept. The two-passenger eVTOL claims an unproven range of 200 kilometers (124 miles), with further tests slated for later this year.
A Glimpse into Tomorrow’s Transportation
With flying cars on the horizon, cars turning into entertainment hubs, and unprecedented levels of comfort, the Auto Shanghai exhibition offered a glimpse into the future of transportation. As the industry evolves, Chinese carmakers are positioning themselves at the forefront of innovation, driven by a young, tech-savvy, and hyperconnected consumer base. With each new breakthrough, the line between traditional vehicles and futuristic tech continues to blur, promising a world where our cars do much more than just drive.
Sources By Agencies