Dieter Zetsche with the Mercedes-Benz EQC

Mercedes-Benz got the festivities rolling early in Paris revealing the new GLE the night before press days began. The GLE adds more room, a 48-volt E-ACTIVE BODY CONTROL active suspension and more driver assistance features. The all-electric EQC is making its show premiere following its world premiere in Stockholm in September. The first model under the new EQ brand promises 402-horsepower with an estimated 279-mile range. The world got the first glimpse of the 306-horsepower 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbocharged Mercedes-AMG A 35 4MATIC and the Mercedes-AMG GT 43 4MATIC+ 4-Door Coupé. The crowd in Paris also saw the new Mercedes-Benz B-Class.

Mercedes-Benz GLE

Mercedes-AMG A35

Mercedes-Benz B Class

German rival BMW showed the all-new 2019 BMW 3 Series. Engineers added more horsepower and torque to the seventh generation of the iconic sports sedan. Along with a new transmission and the latest version of the xDrive system, the body is 25% more rigid. The BMW Z4 roadster is making its show premiere. The sleek open-top two-seater gets a new chassis design and stiffer body. Power for the BMW Z4 M40i comes from a 340 hp in-line six.  For even more power and performance, the new BMW 8 Series Coupe claimed the spotlight with a new 530 hp V8. High performance fans were treated to the world premiere the new BMW M5 Competition. Engineers added more horsepower to the V8 bringing output up to 625 hp.

For SUV fans, the Bavarian brand brought the X5 to Paris. The Sports Activity Vehicle grows in every direction, gets upgraded engines and a new two-axle air suspension, which is part of the Off-Road package.

BMW also showed their electric future with the new 2019 i3 and i3s. Both will have an electric range of 153-miles. Those extra miles are generated by increasing capacity of the high voltage battery cell to 120 ampere hours.

BMW 3 Series

BMW 8 Series

BMW Z4

BMW M5 Competition

BMW i3 and i3s

Asian brands were also represented in Paris. This was the European debut of the all-new Kia e-Niro.  It’s the Korean company’s first fully electric utility vehicle. The 64 kWh long-range battery pack can give the e-Niro a zero-emissions driving range of up to 301 miles on a single charge. On the sportier side of driving, Kia revealed the ProCeed. The five-door with a shooting brake design goes on sale exclusively to European drivers the beginning of 2019. Kia also brought performance to Paris introducing new Ceed GT and ProCeed GT models for European customers.

Kia e-Niro

Kia ProCeed

Kia Ceed GT

Kia Ceed GT Line Sportswagon


New Vietnamese car brand, VinFast made a splash at the Paris Motor Show.  They revealed the premium LUX A2.0 sedan and LUX SA2.0 SUV. The two rear wheel drivers will be powered by a 2-liter I4 twin-scroll turbo that can produce 227 horsepower. It’s matched with a ZF 8-speed Automatic Transmission. The SUV will also offer all-wheel drive. Production begins in September 2019.  

VinFast LUX A2.0 Sedan

VinFast LUX SA2.0 SUV

Ferrari is moving forward with a close eye on the past. The Italian sports car brand revealed the Ferrari Monza SP1 and SP2. The super sleek design was inspired by the barchettas seen on the international motor sport circuit during the late 1940’s and 1950's. The 750 Monza and 860 Monza were the inspiration for the name of these new models. The Ferrari Monza SP1 and SP2 come with the most powerful naturally-aspirated V12 ever produced by Ferrari. It’s derived from the 812 Superfast’s 6.5-liter engine… but horsepower is bumped up to 800. An F1 seven-speed dual-clutch handles shifting duties. The Monza SP1 and SP2 are similar. The main difference is the number of seats… one or two.

Ferrari Monza SP1 and SP2

Audi continued the EV theme showing the new e-tron. It’s the four-ring brand's first all-electric SUV. The all-wheel drive midsize SUV has two electric motors positioned on each axle. A 95 kWh lithium-ion battery located in the floor of the passenger compartment contributes to the low center of gravity. The Audi e-tron is expected to arrive in the US during the spring of 2019.

Audi e-tron

Audi Sport customer racing presented the fourth new model in four years… the 2019 Audi R8 LMS GT3. 585 horses charge out of the V10. Customers lucky enough to own one will see them next month.

Audi R8 LMS GT3

Infiniti is pushing the limits of performance and electrification. They showed the latest version of the Project Black S prototype. Based on the Infiniti Q60 sports coupe, it has a dual-hybrid powertrain that generates 563 hp. This prototype is a collaboration between Infiniti and the Renault Sport Formula One Team.

Infiniti Project Black S Prototype

The new Lexus RC took a bow in Paris with the sporty-yet-elegant design language we’ve seen in the LC flagship coupe. Subtle changes have been made to the powertrain and suspension to achieve what the company calls a “sharper and more refined” drive philosophy introduced by the LC.

Lexus RC Coupe


The LC Yellow Edition was also on display on the Lexus stand.

Lexus LC Yellow Edition


The new, seventh generation Lexus ES is making its European auto show debut. The midsize luxury sedan is being introduced to markets in Europe as the company hopes to expand the brand on the continent.  It’s built on the company’s Global Architecture – K platform.

Lexus ES

The new Porsche Macan received its European debut at the Paris Motor Show. The mid-cycle refresh is much more than cosmetic. Changes have been made to the engine’s geometry to increase output, improve efficiency and the reduction of emissions.

Porsche Macan

We’ve learned the Porsche 911 Speedster will go into production. The concept was initially presented in June 8 as a “Heritage” version, but they’ve decided to produce a limited special edition. 1,948 of the open-top two-seaters will be built. Production begins the first half of 2019.

Porsche 911 Speedster

 

Honda brought a production ready all-new CR-V Hybrid to Paris. The company says adding electrification can achieve 53.3 mpg. They also showed a refreshed 2019 Honda HR-V.

Honda CR-V Hybrid

Honda HR-V

Hyundai raised the adrenaline level in Paris with the world premiere of the all-new i30 Fastback N. The five-door fastback design follows the i30 N five-door hatchback as Hyundai’s second high-performance model in Europe. Hyundai also announced the ‘N Option’, which gives drivers 25 different exterior and interior choices to customize their N ride.

Hyundai i30 Fastback N


Smart is celebrating its 20th birthday with a new show car… the new Smart Forease. The all-electric micro car features an open air driving experience with an extroverted design attitude.

Smart Forease

Toyota revealed the Corolla Touring Sports for the European market. The wagon style is meant to offer a distinct difference from the Corolla Hatchback. Along with a gas engine, European customers will have a choice of two hybrid powertrains. 

Toyota Corolla Touring Sports Hybrid