Beijing Auto Show 2014 – the 15 cars that really matter

With somewhere around 90 world debuts, the Beijing motor show certainly had the numbers – if not the organization – to live up to its billing as one of the world's most important auto shows.

The back-story to these figures however is that the majority of these unveils were of lightly-revised versions of existing models – from facelifts to localized versions of cars already on sale in other markets.

That's not to say there was nothing of interest to see inside the maze of halls at the China Exhibition Center. Both foreign and local manufacturers had plenty to display, seemingly undeterred by the recent austerity measures implemented by the Chinese government and Chinese car companies sharp fall in profits.

As expected, the foreign (i.e. German) brands were dominant, with the Americans not far behind. And while the Chinese offerings are less significant purely in design terms, those listed below are included on merit, rather than an intention to include them for balance.

The show also played host to no fewer than 20 new crossover models, driving home the fact that these are this season's must-have.

Our full show report and trends analysis will drill down into the show's real takeaways, but here's a run-down of the 15 most important new cars to check out:

Audi TT Offroad concept
A five-door, jacked-up crossover spin-off of Audi's new, third-generation coupe, developed in its Beijing studio

BMW Vision Future Luxury concept
More relevant here than in any other market, BMW's super-premium sedan gives clues to the next-generation 7 Series

Chery Concept Alpha and Concept Beta
An impressive, if largely conventional, pair of show cars that preview the company's sedan (Alpha) and SUV (Beta) offerings. Proof that Chinese design has reached western standards of execution.

Chevrolet Cruze
Interesting to see the US giant choosing China to launch one of its core models. Sadly the car itself is less interesting than the context.

Denza
Following on from the 2012 concept, this Daimler-BYD joint-venture based around the sandwich floor of the previous Mercedes B-Class. The production version stands out as an extremely well-rounded entrant into the EV market.

Ford Escort
Production version of the new global economy car. Important in terms of volumes, 'by-numbers' in all other respects.

Geely Emgrand Cross concept
Perhaps the best-executed Chinese debutant, this crossover acts as a preview of next-year's production car

Haval Coupe concept
The first fruits of former BMW designer Pierre Leclercq's design tenure of Great Wall. Yet another crossover destined for the production line.

JAC EC-9 concept
This enormous crossover (yes, another) featured some intriguing design details from its Italian studio

Land Rover Discovery Vision concept
Already seen in New York, Gerry McGovern's intentions for the brand were on display in this seven-seat SUV

Lexus NX
A toned-down, production version of the controversial LF-NX crossover concept from Frankfurt

Lincoln MKX concept
Ford Edge-based SUV that marks Ford's luxury brand's entry into the Chinese market.

Mercedes-Benz Concept Coupe
Think BMW X6 with a three-pointed star and you're there

Peugeot Exalt concept
Perhaps the star of the show. Fascinating use of materials and the embodiment of PSA's newfound optimism, mixed with a great deal of Chinoiserie to play on the company's new Sino-French parentage

Full show overview, gallery and trends analysis coming soon.

By Owen Ready