5 New Models From Auto Shanghai We’d (Probably) Like to Have Here
A week after New York, the city of Shanghai held its own international auto show in late April, and while the vast majority of the new products unveiled there are designed exclusively or primarily for the Chinese market, a few will end up on our shores.
One of them is the 2026 Lexus ES, the eighth generation of the Japanese midsize luxury sedan marking another evolution of the Lexus design language. It will go on sale in Canada early next year with a selection of hybrid and electric models—a first.
Among those not slated to come our way, here are five from Auto Shanghai that we sort of wish we could have here.
Nissan Frontier Pro
The Frontier Pro plug-in hybrid is Nissan’s first electrified pickup, combining a turbocharged 1.5-litre engine with an electric motor for 402 hp and 590 lb-ft of torque. It’s said to be able to drive up to 135 km without burning any fuel, but that’s according to the very optimistic Chinese standard.
This vehicle is scheduled to launch in China in 2027. Don’t worry: our own Frontier will get a similar treatment when the next generation arrives around 2028. In the meantime, the only hybrid midsize pickup in Canada is the Tacoma i-Force Max. We’re still waiting to see the Gladiator 4xe that Jeep has promised for 2025.
Toyota bZ7
As you know, Toyota’s big focus is hybrids, at least in North America and Europe. Nevertheless, the Japanese giant plans to launch around ten new electric vehicles over the next three years.
In China, the lineup will soon include five models with the addition of this large sedan, which was developed in partnership with GAC as an alternative to the Tesla Model S. Specs are not yet available, but we sure love the design. A smaller car such as the bZ3 would surely enjoy more success in Canada, mind you.
Buick Electra-GS
Buick is quite popular in China, and its new Electra-GS concept introduced at Auto Shanghai is an electric sedan supposedly inspired by the centaur of Greek mythology. Production has yet to be confirmed. Just imagine this car in Buick’s North American portfolio, which no longer has one. It would definitely be a sexy and sporty addition next to SUVs like the Enclave or the Chinese-built Envision, don’t you think?
By the way, Buick remains the only General Motors brand that has yet to launch a battery-powered vehicle here.
Dongfeng Honda GT and GAC Honda GT
Together with local partners, Honda unveiled in Shanghai a pair of sleek production models based on the GT concept for the Chinese market. Each one sports unique headlights, but the rest is nearly identical. Alas, the company failed to provide specs. Inside, you’ll find as many as six different screens.
Many will say the cars look much sportier and more attractive than the Honda 0 sedan concept, which is due to enter production and go on sale in North America in late 2026 or early 2027. If you don’t know what we’re talking about, check this out.
Mazda EZ-60
This handsome electric crossover is a follow-up to the EZ-6 sedan that was unveiled at the Beijing Motor Show in 2024 (sold under the name 6e in Europe). Designed for China in partnership with Changan Automobile, it’s yet another illustration of Mazda’s design expertise. There will be electric and plug-in hybrid variants of the EZ-60.
Another next-generation EV, manufactured in Japan for various global markets, is scheduled for 2027. In Canada, this one will easily make us forget about the recently discontinued MX-30.
