Currently reading: Beijing motor show 2014 preview

Autocar reveals the star cars to look out for at the Beijing motor show, from Peugeot's new saloon concept, through to Audi's Q4 and Bentley's new hybrid concept

The Beijing motor show is almost here, with plenty of big-name new car reveals expected from the likes of Audi, Bentley, Citroën, Mercedes-Benz and Peugeot. The show opens its doors on 20 April, and Autocar's team of journalists and photographers will be bringing you all the latest action from the show floor.

Models we're particularly excited to see include Bentley's first-ever hybrid model, based on the Mulsanne, and Citroën's WRC-inspired DS 5LS R. Scroll down the list below to find your favourite pre-show star, and see more pictures of models we're expecting in Beijing in the gallery above.

Audi Q4 concept

The newest hybrid SUV concept to emerge from Ingolstadt is a high-riding, five-door off-roader with similar design cues to Audi's Allroad Shooting Brake car from Detroit. With styling heavily influenced by the new TT, the Q4 is powered by a plug-in petrol-electric hybrid powertrain. 

Bentley Hybrid Concept

A new concept car based on the Mulsanne will preview the latest hybrid powertrain destined for use in Bentley's forthcoming SUV, due in 2017. The Hybrid Concept offers a 25 per cent increase in power and a 70 per cent reduction in CO2 emissions compared to a standard Mulsanne. 

Citroën DS 5LS R

A high-performance version of Citroën's existing China-only DS 5LS saloon, the DS 5LS R features more muscular styling and distinctive anodised paintwork. Power comes from a 1.6-litre turbocharged petrol engine with 300bhp and 221lb ft of torque. 

Citroën DS SUV

The French firm's new luxury DS model will be revealed in Beijing, and could represent the final production form of Citroën's long-awaited Wild Rubis SUV. If that's true, the new model is expected to enter production later this year, badged as the Citroën DS X7. It would sit alongside the firm's existing DS models, including the DS4 and DS5.

Hyundai ix25

Hyundai's new compact SUV is based on the current i20, and has only so far been seen winter testing ahead of its Beijing reveal. It's part of a joint venture beween BAIC and Hyundai, and while it's only planned to be sold in China at the moment the global booming compact SUV market could lead to this becoming a new global car. 

Infiniti Q50 Eau Rouge 

The F1-inspired Q50 Eau Rouge concept car has been a regular visitor to recent motor shows, and we now know Infiniti is running a feasability study to see if it could become a production reality. Current F1 champion Sebastian Vettel has been testing the car in the UK in his role as Infiniti's director of performance. Power comes from the same twin-turbocharged 3.8-litre V6 engine as the Nissan GT-R. 

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The Bentley Mulsanne is a luxuriously well appointed limo with a dash of real driver appeal

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Lexus NX

Based on the firm's LF-NX concept car from last year, the NX is Lexus's new crossover, and will be seen in final production-ready form for the first time in Beijing. Power is likely to come from an adapted version of the American market Lexus ES300h saloon's Hybrid Synergy Drive system. That means the NX should have a 156bhp 2.5-litre petrol engine in conjunction with an electric motor.

Mercedes-Benz Concept Coupé SUV

The Concept Coupé SUV previews the new MLC, itself Mercedes' answer to the new BMW X6. Featuring more aggressive styling than the standard car, the five-door MLC is claimed to have "very dynamic handling", with an engine range featuring V6 petrol and diesel engines as well as a new hybrid.

MG SUV

The long-promised MG SUV is expected to be seen in final production-ready form in Beijing, following on from the firm's CS concept at Shanghai last year. The new car is understood to be based on the same platform as the MG 5 hatch’ and the MG 6 notchback, with power coming from MG's new range of modern GDI engines.

MG 5 coupé

We've known for some time that a coupé version of the MG 5 was in development, with sales targetted specifically at the Chinese market. Joining the current hatchback and saloon models, the new coupé would likely take the hatchback's 1.5-litre engine for power, although local reports suggest the MG 6's 1.8-litre turbocharged unit could also be fitted.

Peugeot Exalt concept

The Exalt is Peugeot's vision of a new luxurious saloon, and uses the same bare-metal bodywork as the Onyx concept of 2012. Featuring bare steel, wool fabric and leather, the Exalt uses the same 1.6-litre THP engine as the RCZ R, coupled to an electric motor.

Porsche Cayman/Boxster GTS

Sales of Porsche's two new GTS flagship models get underway next month, with each featuring more power, revised suspension and plenty more kit than standard models. The cars' 3.4-litre flat-six engine now complies with stricter Euro 6 emissions regulations, and has 355bhp in Cayman GTS form, and 325bhp in the Boxster GTS. 

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Volkswagen Golf R Evo

A high-performance Golf test mule spotted recently at the Nürburgring has fuelled rumours that VW will reveal a new, high-performance version of the Golf R in Beijing. The Golf R Evo should have as much as 370bhp, and will also showcase new driveline and lightweight construction technology.

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