Crystals and butterfly doors: What wowed at Auto Shanghai

AI and other forms of intelligent software were one of the biggest talking points at this year's auto show in Shanghai but there were still plenty of shiny new vehicles on display.

- DANNY LEE LINDA LEW NICHOLAS TAKAHASHI

China's No. 1 selling brand BYD Co predictably had one of the largest footprints, but the European automakers were out in force too, determined not to cede any more share to local companies.

Now that the throngs of influencers have cleared, here's a look at some of the standouts from the vast event:

LOTUS THEORY 1

Lotus’s new hypercar concept, which first broke cover late last year, was on display. The Theory 1, with its pop of golden orange and sharp-edged front end, is geared towards a future powered by automation and autonomous driving features.

HONGQI OFF-ROAD

This is the first off-road concept SUV by Hongqi, and it joins a growing crowd of Chinese automakers making a tilt for the types of vehicles kitted out to explore China's great expanse of land beyond its urban streets. It's also a popular choice for weekend camping trips.

MERCEDES VISION V

In keeping with the free-form shape of the Mercedes EQS, the automaker has transplanted a similar design direction into its concept Vision V vans, which aim to be multi-purpose as well as luxurious. Think of it more like a private lounge on wheels than a vehicle. The van has the distinctive Merc grille, but adds a light bar running around the front in a nod to its electric vision.

BMW SKYTOP