China’s October car market splits between price-cut sedans and tech-driven EVs as attention rankings shift
China’s passenger car market in October 2025 exhibited clear structural divergence as the traditional “Golden September, Silver October” period drew to a close. According to data from Autohome, overall online attention remained high; however, product strategies for fuel-powered and new energy models continued to diverge. With policy incentives nearing expiry, automakers maintained a steady pace of model launches, while fuel-vehicle brands relied mainly on pricing strategies and heritage-oriented marketing to stimulate demand. New energy brands accelerated technology-driven upgrades, resulting in a dual trend of higher-end products and more affordable mainstream offerings.
Sedans, SUVs and MPVs all held strong levels of consumer interest, with sedans showing a more than 5 per cent month-on-month increase in attention due to broad price adjustments. Autohome’s October 2025 passenger car attention ranking placed the Audi A6L, Mercedes-Benz E-Class and Audi E5 Sportback in the top three among sedans. The A6L maintained its position through long-term market presence, the E-Class benefited from active price changes, and the recently launched E5 Sportback attracted younger consumers through design and technology updates. Fuel-vehicle brands increased their activity in October with combined product launches and price cuts following months of pressure from new energy competitors.
FAW-Volkswagen marked its 30-million-unit milestone on October 10 by introducing a special edition of the Magotan, priced from 174,900 to 206,900 yuan (24,100–28,500 USD). It features the 380TSI high-power engine and equipment shared with the latest Magotan. SAIC-Volkswagen has prepared the upcoming Lavida Pro for a November launch, introducing new exterior and interior layouts as well as the EA211 1.5T EVO II engine. Among second-tier luxury brands, Cadillac reduced the CT6’s prices by 80,000 yuan and introduced a new white interior option, while Lexus unveiled a special ES200 version featuring matte paint protection. GAC Honda also implemented limited-time price discounts, reducing the Accord’s starting price to 129,800 yuan (17,900 USD).
The Tesla Model Y led the SUV market in attention in October, followed by the Fangchengbao Ti7 and Audi Q5L. The arrival of two new models, the Leapmotor D19 and Denza N8L, intensified competition. Leapmotor unveiled the D19 on October 16 as a six-seat large SUV with pure-electric and range-extended versions. The pure-electric variant utilises a 1000V platform with a 115 kWh pack and a CLTC range of 720 km. The range-extended version provides a 500 km pure-electric range and up to 1,500 km combined range. Denza launched the N8L on October 28, with prices ranging from 299,800 to 329,800 yuan (approximately 41,300–45,500 USD). Its 5.2-meter body and 2+2+2 layout, combined with an all-standard configuration package including the Yun-Nian A air body control system and advanced driver-assistance features, generated significant online traffic during the order period.
The Toyota Sienna, Dongfeng Forthing U-Tour V9 and Buick GL8 led MPV market rankings. Two new MPVs also entered the segment in October. GWM‘s Wey priced the Wey Gaoshan 7 at 285,800 yuan (39,400 USD), offering laser radar as standard and a Hi4 hybrid four-wheel-drive system with 458 hp and 172 km WLTC electric range. GAC Trumpchi launched the Trumpchi M8 Zongshi Edition, priced from 269,900 to 289,900 yuan (37,200–40,000 USD), featuring an updated exterior design, upgraded materials and a 2.0T plug-in hybrid system with a combined range of more than 1,400 km.
In the new energy segment, the Audi E5 Sportback, Tesla Model Y and Fangchengbao Ti7 ranked highest in consumer attention. The 10,000–15,000 yuan price band remained a core market for Chinese brands. BYD’s 2026 Qin L DM-i, priced between 96,800 and 106,800 yuan (13,400–14,700 USD), increased cabin usability with a column-mounted shifter, updated DiLink 6.0 system and a 128 km CLTC electric range. Deepal targeted entry EV buyers by launching the Shenlan S05 520 Lite at 116,900 yuan (16,100 USD), equipped with a 56.12 kWh battery offering 520 km CLTC range and 60 kW fast charging capable of adding 300 km in 15 minutes. The model retains a full-specification infotainment system and higher-end features such as a heat pump and frameless doors.
Retail passenger car sales in October reached 2.242 million, down 0.8 per cent year-on-year, while new energy penetration stood at 57.2 per cent. Despite vigorous product activity, pressure on dealership inventory remained, and price competition intensified in several segments. Fuel-vehicle brands attempted to defend market share through price reductions and special editions. In contrast, new energy brands relied on rapid technological upgrades and continued cost optimisation to maintain growth momentum entering the fourth quarter.
