Chinese and European brands unveil new EVs at Paris Motor Show

· Energy · France · China

The Paris Motor Show became a launchpad for new electric vehicles and European expansion plans. Smart, the Mercedes-Benz and Geely joint venture, unveiled the all-electric Smart #2, reviving the two-seater Fortwo with a 35.8 kWh LFP battery, up to 290 km WLTP range and a starting price of €19,990; a Couture Edition costs 112,999 yuan ($16,790) in China, limited to 999 units each for China and Europe. Huawei-backed AITO confirmed it will start selling cars in Europe in fall 2027, showing the AITO 9, 8, 7 and 6; AITO sold 426,000 vehicles in 2025, more than any other Chinese luxury brand. Xpeng launched the G9L SUV in Europe, including France and Germany, after trial production at Magna's Austrian plant, as monthly overseas sales topped 10,000 for the first time; it also launched the Mona L03 SUV in Australia and New Zealand. Li Auto's i6 made its European debut ahead of a Q1 2027 launch in Norway and the Netherlands.

Why it matters：It shows Chinese EV makers pushing into Europe with luxury and mass-market models while legacy brands defend the small-car segment, intensifying competition in the region's electric market.

Key points

  • Smart #2 revives the Fortwo with a 35.8 kWh LFP battery, up to 290 km WLTP range and a €19,990 starting price.
  • AITO confirmed a fall 2027 European launch after selling 426,000 vehicles in 2025.
  • Xpeng launched the G9L in Europe as monthly overseas sales topped 10,000; Li Auto's i6 debuted ahead of a Q1 2027 Norway and Netherlands launch.

Sources (original reporting)

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