Lincoln Navigator
Shanghai Auto Show 2025: Luxury Fuel SUVs Defy EV Trends with Bold Upgrades

Shanghai Auto Show 2025: Luxury Fuel SUVs Defy EV Trends with Bold Upgrades

Despite fierce competition from electric vehicles, legacy automakers showcased refreshed flagship SUVs at Shanghai Auto Show, proving fuel models still dominate premium segments in emerging markets.

Key Highlights

  • Audi Q5L debuts Huawei Qiankun infotainment with 5th-gen EA888 engine
  • Infiniti QX80 challenges Lincoln Navigator with 456HP twin-turbo V6
  • Lincoln's 48-inch wraparound screen sets new luxury benchmark

Model Breakdown

1. All-New Audi Q5L

The German marque's best-seller receives its most radical redesign yet. Built on the PPC platform, it features:

  • Sharper exterior lines with aggressive front fascia
  • Huawei Qiankun smart cockpit system (first in Audi)
  • Upgraded 2.0T EA888 engine (5th generation) paired with 7-speed DCT
  • Quattro all-wheel drive as standard

2. Infiniti QX80 Flagship

Japan's answer to American full-size SUVs brings:

  • 3.5L twin-turbo V6 producing 456HP - most in class
  • 9-speed automatic transmission
  • Monumental dimensions: 5,365mm length x 2,030mm width
  • Premium Klipsch audio and dual 14.3-inch screens

3. Lincoln Navigator Refresh

The American luxury icon counters with:

  • Standard 415HP 3.5L twin-turbo V6 + 10-speed auto
  • Industry-first 48-inch panoramic display
  • Two wheelbase options (5.3m/5.6m)
  • Signature hexagonal grille with full-width lighting

Competitive Landscape

Model Key Specs Target Markets
Audi Q5L 2.0T+7DCT, Huawei tech Middle East, South America
Infiniti QX80 456HP V6, 9AT GCC countries, Africa
Lincoln Navigator 48" screen, 415HP North America, Oil-rich regions

Market Challenges

While these models demonstrate impressive upgrades, analysts note three critical hurdles:

  1. EV adoption squeezing traditional luxury margins
  2. Younger buyers preferring tech over displacement
  3. Emerging markets' tightening emission norms

"The true test will be whether these ICE models can maintain premium pricing against Chinese EVs offering similar tech at 30% lower cost," commented TopUsedCars.com journalist Jun Li during the show.

Why This Matters

For first-time buyers importing from China:

  • TopUsedCars.com provides complete export solutions including homologation
  • All models meet Euro 6/Middle East GCC standards
  • 5-year international warranty available