New Cars This Week: All-New Mercedes-Benz S-Class Debuts Globally, BJ40 Refreshed for the Year, VW-Xpeng Joint Model Rolls Off Line

Multiple new vehicles made their debut this week. On January 29, the updated Mercedes-Benz S-Class had its global premiere. Although it is a mid-cycle refresh, over half of its components are either new or upgraded, earning it the label of a "highly extensive mid-cycle update." Exterior details have been refined, while the interior now features a horizontally oriented MBUX widescreen display, runs on the latest MB.OS architecture, and comes standard across all trims with a 48V mild-hybrid system. The model will be introduced in China later this year. On the same day, the XPeng-Volkswagen co-developed all-electric midsize sedan, the Vento 07, rolled off the production line at Volkswagen Anhui. Built on a jointly developed E/E architecture, it offers a CLTC-rated range of 558 km; its market performance will largely depend on its pricing and intelligent driving experience. Earlier, on January 27, Beijing Off-Road launched the 2026 BJ40 family. The extended-range Chitu variant enhances factory-installed off-road equipment, while the gasoline-powered Jumu version upgrades to dual 15.6-inch displays. Additionally, Genesis unveiled the production version of its high-performance GV60 Magma, featuring dual motors producing 650 horsepower and accelerating from 0 to 100 km/h in just 3.4 seconds. It is expected to launch overseas in 2026.