New models and concepts from Mercedes, BMW and VW were the top debuts at the show, while Chinese brands BYD and Avatr also made a splash.

Chinese EV makers are a generation ahead of European brands, who will need to fight hard to catch up, Renault CEO Luca de Meo said.

Take a tour of the Porsche, Audi, VW, BYD and Mercedes IAA Mobility stands in downtown Munich.

Models from BYD, Leapmotor, MG and others had their European show debuts, as China's automakers increasingly target the ultracompetitive market.

VW described the ID GTI concept as a "sports car for the electric age” and said it will have enhancements such as a front-axle differential lock that better helps the wheels put down power to the road.

The new EV concept is based on the Neue Klasse platform that the automaker says is the “biggest investment in the company’s history.”

Europe's most important auto show is providing insights into the future of the region's automotive landscape,