Considering the number of major global debuts that took place over the weekend, it looks like China’s major auto shows, the biannual events in Beijing and Shanghai, can be added to the list of the world’s most important international auto shows, a list that currently includes the shows of Detroit, New York, Frankfurt, Geneva, Paris and Tokyo.

And it wasn’t just the international automakers that were making all the buzz, as a number of Chinese designs were impressive this year--something that couldn’t have been as little as 12 months ago.

As your luxury and performance leader, these weren’t the designs we were focused on. Instead, here is a list of our personal top ten debuts from this past weekend’s 2013 Shanghai Auto Show.

And remember, at any time you’ll be able to access all the information from the show via this dedicated show page.

10) Acura SUV-X Concept: Acura’s had some mixed results with its designs of late, but the SUV-X concept on show in Shanghai this week shows that the automaker’s sharp-edged design philosophy has matured enough that it is starting to become somewhat pleasing to the eye. The SUV-X is a preview of a new Acura compact crossover in the works, though so far the only market to be announced for it is China.

9) Citroën DS Wild Rubis Concept: Considering a largish SUV is the last type of vehicle you’d expect from a French automaker (okay, a pickup would be even more odd), Citroën has managed to do a pretty good job with its DS Wild Rubis concept, which previews a new mid-size SUV to  be launched under the French automaker’s premium DS brand. We think it looks good, and it’s advanced hybrid system makes it even better.

8) 2014 Porsche Panamera: With just a few tweaks, Porsche has managed to improve the styling of its Panamera considerably at the rear, and this alone gets the German super sedan on our list. We’re also impressed with the technology introduced with this mere facelift, especially in regards to the new Panamera S E-Hybrid plug-in hybrid model.

2014 Porsche Panamera S E-Hybrid

2014 Porsche Panamera S E-Hybrid

7) BMW Concept X4: We’re still undecided on the BMW X4. Tension and contrast is part of what made the bigger X6 so intriguing and controversial upon its launch, and it looks like the X4 is set to tread the same path. Will it work a second time around for BMW? Only time will tell, although we must admit that the concept version of the X4 unveiled this week in China did manage to draw the crowds.

6) Bugatti Veyron Grand Sport Vitesse World Record Car: The latest Bugatti roadster isn’t exactly a new model, as all of the hardware is already present on the regular Veyron Grand Sport Vitesse. However, the fact that this ‘World Record Car’ edition can drive at 254 mph with the top down is simply an amazing feat of engineering and should be lauded. We’ve given it sixth place on our top ten debuts of the 2013 Shanghai Auto Show list for the effort.

Hit the next page to see what debuts made the final five places in our top ten 2013 Shanghai Auto Show debuts list. And remember, at any time you’ll be able to access all the information from the show via this dedicated show page.

Buick Riviera Concept, 2013 Shanghai Auto Show

Buick Riviera Concept, 2013 Shanghai Auto Show

5) Buick Riviera Concept: The stunning Riviera concept that turned out to be one of the biggest surprises of the show is a positive sign for the future of Buick design. Additionally, rumors of a plug-in Buick hybrid have been making the rounds for a while now--but this Riviera concept brings it to life, conceptually, at least. Let’s hope any production version of the Riviera manages to maintain some of this concept’s elegance and sophisticated touches.

4) Icona Vulcano Concept: Another surprise in Shanghai was the Vulcano concept from Icona. In addition to its gorgeous body, the car packs one of two potential powertrains, both of which develop more than 800 horsepower and feature some form of electrification. The more potent of the two delivers up to 950 horsepower and is said to enable 0-62 mph acceleration in less than 2.0 seconds. That alone guarantees the Vulcano a top five position on our list.

3) Mercedes-Benz Concept GLA: The compact crossover class might just get a little cooler if the production GLA Class looks as good as the concept version showcased in Shanghai over the weekend. The good news is that we don’t have long to wait until its reveal, as the production GLA will be revealed at the 2013 Frankfurt Auto Show in September and, hopefully, will be in showrooms before the year is out.

2) Lamborghini Aventador LP 720-4 50° Anniversario: The Aventador is already an extremely capable machine. Add an extra 20 horsepower, improve the aerodynamic efficiency by 50 percent and fill the interior with semi-aniline leather and other premium touches, and you’re got a recipe for success. It’s definitely hard to ignore the latest Lambo special edition, but it just wasn’t new enough to make the top spot.

1) 2014 Maserati Ghibli: Yes, it’s the Ghibli in the top spot. The car offers the sporty and elegant styling that the previous-generation Quattroporte was renowned for, but packaged in a mid-size sedan body that should translate to sharper performance when the road gets twisty. The fact that the Ghibli comes with gasoline or diesel powerplants, plus the option of all-wheel drive, means it’s a very compelling argument in the mid-size sedan segment.

So that’s our list of the top ten debuts at the 2013 Shanghai Auto Show. Let us know if you  disagree with any of our choices by placing a comment below. And remember, at any time you’ll be able to access all the information from the show via this dedicated show page.

2014 Maserati Ghibli

2014 Maserati Ghibli