2019 Geneva Motor Show recap: Debuts from Audi, Kia, VW and more
Once again, the Geneva Motor Show impresses with an array of supercars, concepts and new production metal.
The Geneva Motor Show is an absolute blowout of an auto show. From pie-in-the-sky concepts to one-off, coach-built creations to mainstream, mass-market offerings, this show has it all.
As you can see in our roundup below, the 2019 show was no exception.
Alpina B7
The BMW 7 Series is the automaker's flagship sedan, but the Alpina B7 takes everything about the standard one and turns the knobs up to 11. The 2020 Alpina B7 promises to absolutely punish the pavement beneath it, with its 4.4-liter twin-turbo V8 putting out 600 horsepower and 590 pound-feet of torque, enough to shove this sedan to 60 miles per hour in just 3.5 seconds. The inside is absolutely loaded with both plush accommodations and tech, making it feel worth the lofty $142,695 price tag.
Alfa Romeo Tonale
Alfa Romeo's next crossover will be called the Tonale. And while it's still only a concept, it shows how the Italian brand will flesh out its product lineup. The compact model has all the design cues we've come to expect of modern Alfas, with rounded shapes, a triangular grille and ultra-skinny lighting elements, as well as a sporty three-spoke steering wheel. A plug-in hybrid powertrain is in the cards, too, though Alfa has no details or specs just yet. Expect more details in the coming months.
Aston Martin AM-RB 003
The AM-RB 003 is a high-performance car aimed at the likes of McLaren, with a new Aston Martin-built turbocharged V6 hybrid powertrain. Wild aerodynamic elements include a so-called FlexFoil, which allows for seamless changes in a wing's design, and a special new Nexcel sealed oil system for the engine. We're looking forward to finding out some performance figures and horsepower numbers later.
Aston Martin Vanquish
Aston is bringing back the Vanquish name, but this time for a midengined supercar. The car, previewed in Geneva as the Vanquish Vision concept, will use a turbocharged V6 engine and bonded-aluminum constructions. It's intended to take on the best Italian high-end supercars, a mission that Aston says will push the company into an arena in which it hasn't yet competed. Production is slated for 2022.
Aston Martin Lagonda All-Terrain
Aston Martin is going electric with the Lagonda All-Terrain concept, an EV crossover with striking styling and an elevated ride height. Though there are no details just yet, we know that Aston will start building electric vehicles at a new plant in Wales by 2022. The Lagonda All-Terrain gives us a good idea of what those EVs might look like.
Audi plug-in hybrids
Audi is bringing an electrified posse to Switzerland. The automaker will introduce plug-in hybrid variants of the A6, A7, A8 and Q5. Using lithium-ion batteries, each is expected to have an all-electric range of 25 miles by European WLTP standards. The electric motor is tucked away in the transmission, while the battery is hidden under the body.
Audi Q4 E-Tron Concept
Audi's E-Tron electric-car lineup will expand with a Q4 model, as shown by this Q4 E-Tron concept. It's based on the Volkswagen Group's MEB modular EV platform and has an 82-kilowatt-hour battery that enables a claimed 280 miles of driving range on a single charge. Show-car touches include aerodynamically designed wheels and a new interior design with a floating center console and a big touchscreen atop the dashboard. A production version of this model is set to debut in 2020 as a 2021 model.
Audi TT RS
The latest iteration of Audi's compact hot hatch packs even sharper looks than before, part of a wide-reaching refresh that covers the whole TT lineup. The RS in particular keeps its 2.5-liter I5, which puts out 394 hp and 354 lb-ft of torque. But now, it has angrier bumpers and some mild changes to the interior.
Bentley Bentayga Speed
Say hello to the fastest SUV ever made. Just as it's done with its sedans in the past, Bentley gave its SUV some more hustle and slapped a Speed badge on there. The Bentayga Speed makes 626 hp and 664 lb-ft of torque, it'll hit 62 mph in 3.9 seconds and it won't stop until it hits 190 mph. Of course, it's also a Bentley, so it's adorned with some of the fanciest kit you'll find anywhere in the industry. And because eventually one may need to stop, Bentley included what it says are the largest production brakes fitted to a vehicle. Yowza.
Bentley Continental GT Number 9
Bentley will only sell 100 examples of its new Continental GT Number 9 edition, a car built as part of the company's centennial celebration. All 100 will have a glass-encapsulated wooden insert from the seat of Sir Henry Ralph Stanley "Tim" Birkin's Le Mans race car, and 18-karat gold-plated organ stops, among other niceties. It's a special car for a special milestone.
BMW 330e
BMW's latest 3 Series is already a compelling sport sedan, but if you're looking for heightened efficiency, you're going to want to focus on a new alphanumeric: 330e. This plug-in hybrid features a 2.0-liter turbo four backed by an 83-kW electric motor integrated into the 8-speed transmission housing. A 12-kWh lithium-ion pack under the seats provides enough juice for around 37 miles of all-electric running on the European test cycle. Our man Jake Holmes has already had an early go in the production car, and you can read about it here.
BMW X3 xDrive30e
BMW's X3 compact crossover SUV is among the brand's most important models, so it should come as no surprise that the Bavarians have imbued it with their latest plug-in hybrid tech. The new 2019 BMW X3 xDrive30e shares its powertrain with the new 330e sedan, meaning a 2.0-liter turbo four is found under hood, along with an 8-speed automatic that integrates a small electric motor. With 252 total horsepower, the X3 xDrive30e will hit 62 mph in 6.5 seconds, and it offers around 28 to 31 miles of electric-only range on Europe's less strenuous test cycle. Our road tester says the new model drives well, feeling more like a six-cylinder than a four.
BMW X5 xDrive45e
In contrast to its horribly convoluted alphanumeric name, the 2019 BMW xDrive45e is a model of smoothness. This plug-in hybrid crossover SUV borrows most of its powertrain from the 745e sedan, including its 3.0-liter inline six-cylinder and an electric motor for a total system output of 394 hp and 443 pound-feet of torque. A 24-kWh lithium-ion pack provides up to 50 miles of emissions-free electric running (admittedly on Europe's more lenient test cycle). 0-62 mph happens in just 5.6 seconds, and top speed is limited to 146 mph. Best of all, according to our editor, who just drove it, the xDrive45e doesn't trade away the new X5's intrinsic family-minded goodness in exchange for its added efficiency.
BMW X3 M and X4 M
BMW has finally seen fit to give its smaller crossovers the full M treatment. The X3 M and X4 M, in base trim, sport a 3.0-liter turbocharged I6 good for 473 hp and 442 lb-ft of torque. That said, folks can opt for a 503-hp output, if 473 isn't enough for whatever reason. They look cool, they sound cool and they'll probably hustle like no other.
Bugatti La Voiture Noire
Bugatti unveiled La Voiture Noire (the black car, translated from French), a one-of-one creation that is meant to incorporate the idea of grand touring into a car with immense amounts of power and equal amounts of luxury. It also costs an immense amount of money, with the final price tag from Bugatti coming in at a cool 11 million euros ($12.4 million) -- before tax. That's how you make an appearance at the 2019 Geneva Motor Show.
Ferrari F8 Tributo
The 488 GTB is dead and gone, and in its place is this -- the F8 Tributo. Borrowing its hardcore aero-focused looks from the 812 Superfast and other new Ferraris, the F8 packs a 710-hp V8 engine just behind the driver, which is good for a 2.9-second sprint to 62 mph. It's more aerodynamically efficient, but it's also some 88 pounds lighter than before.
GFG Style Kangaroo
Italian company GFG Style calls this thing a "hyper SUV," and it's kind of a weird take on a high-riding supercar. Motivation comes from two electric motors, both rated at 241 horsepower. Rear-wheel steering helps the car handle better, and a 90-kilowatt-hour battery pack is said to give the car a driving range of more than 280 miles on a single charge. Oh, and did we mention it's called the Kangaroo? Weird.
Ginetta Akula
Ginetta's new supercar, the Akula, is a pretty crazy machine. I mean, just look at its spec sheet -- its 6.0-liter V8 puts out 600 hp and 516 lb-ft of torque, which is enough to shove the thing to a 200-mph top speed. The thing looks like it was conceived, designed and built in a wind tunnel with all that aerodynamic trickery going on. It's wild.
Hispano Suiza Carmen
You can be forgiven for not being familiar with the name Hispano Suiza, as the long-dormant Spanish automaker has a lengthy and somewhat tortured history. That chronology will get an appropriately convoluted new chapter at the show, when not one, but two Hispano Suiza-badged models debut in Geneva. The convoluted part? They're being presented by two different manufacturers both claiming they have the right to exhume the long-dead marque. This company's Carmen electric supercar is arguably the more ambitious of the two. The product of the founder's great-grandson, it's an all-electric, carbon-fiber-chassis'd grand tourer promising 1,006 hp and a sub-3-second sprint to 62 mph. Based on the teaser photo, the $1.7 million coupe also looks like it could be quite a retrofuturistic showstopper.
What, no hat with fruit on it? Oh, wait, wrong Carmen.
Honda E Prototype
The Honda E Prototype is a near-production version of the Urban EV Concept that debuted in Frankfurt in 2017. Built on a dedicated rear-wheel-drive EV platform, the E Prototype promises seating for at least four, screens for at least a dozen and cuteness that cannot be measured. As a kick in the pants, though, this is likely to stay as a Europe-only vehicle when it reaches production.
Italdesign DaVinci Concept
Italdesign's latest concept car, revealed at the Geneva Motor Show, is called the DaVinci. The 51-year-old design studio says the car pays homage to Leonardo da Vinci -- in part because 2019 marks the 500th anniversary of the Renaissance polymath's death.
Jaguar XE
It's finally time for Jaguar 's littlest sedan to get a refresh. The 2020 XE doesn't look too different on the outside, with major changes coming by way of in-car tech. The two-screen InControl Touch Pro Duo infotainment system is now available, as is wireless device charging and a camera-based rearview mirror. The rotary shifter is gone, too, and I don't think anybody's going to miss it.
Kia Imagine Concept
Concept cars often contain Easter Eggs, but seldom do they openly lampoon industry trends. The Kia Imagine EV turns this notion on its head by including no fewer than 21 screens fanned out on the dashboard, a commentary with today's obsession with displays. This new large, C-segment car has a high-riding crossover stance riding atop 22-inch wheels. Kia isn't offering any power train details, other than to say the car is powered by an induction-charged battery pack.
Lamborghini Aventador SVJ Roadster
Lamborghini's newest convertible is the Aventador SVJ Roadster, which follows in the footsteps of the SVJ coupe with a heady 770 horsepower from its 6.5-liter V12, giving a top speed of 217 mph and a 0-62-mph sprint of just 2.9 seconds. Redesigned bodywork gives the SVJ 40 percent more downforce than the previous Aventador SV Roadster, while the adaptive dampers, anti-roll bars and traction control have all been retuned for improved performance. Starting at a whopping $573,966 in the US, the SVJ Roadster will be a rare beast, as just 800 copies will be built.
Lamborghini Huracan Evo Spyder
I doubt anyone was surprised when Lamborghini gave the Evo treatment to the Huracan's drop-top variant. After introducing the Huracan Evo coupe earlier, here's the convertible, offering the same 640-hp experience, but with more wind in your hair. Oh, and it'll hit 202 mph, too. They're expensive, though, starting at $287,400 in the US.
Mazda CX-30
Mazda's new crossover might be called CX-30, but think of it more as a CX-4. That is to say, it slots perfectly between the CX-3 and CX-5, and it'll go on sale in Europe this summer before launching in other global markets.
McLaren 'Grand Tourer'
While it didn't unveil a new car at the Geneva Motor Show on Tuesday, McLaren did use its press conference to announce a new "Grand Tourer" model, showing this heavily camouflaged teaser photo to whet our appetites. This is the fourth car under the company's Track25 business plan, and it's expected to be another in the company's line of high-performance mid-engined sports cars, albeit one designed with a bit more long-distance comfort and space in mind. According to the company, the new "Grand Tourer" model will "share its DNA with the 250-mph McLaren Speedtail."
Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class Shooting Brake
What do you get when you take away the versatility of a hatchback, only to add it back in later on with a different roofline? You get the CLA Shooting Brake. It takes the style of the CLA-Class and gives it a dose of wagon friendliness. Think of it as the stylish choice versus the standard A-Class Hatchback. When it goes on sale in Europe in September, it'll be offered with a variety of gas and diesel engines, with the buyer's choice of front- or all-wheel drive.
Mercedes-AMG GLE53
Mercedes-Benz's venerable GLE-Class finally joins the straight-six club. Its 3.0-liter turbo I6 will put out an ample 429 hp and 384 lb-ft of torque, with a 48-volt mild-hybrid system capable of further boosting those numbers for brief periods of time. It also has some fat fender flares, because who doesn't like fat fender flares?
Mercedes-AMG GT R Roadster
Like what you see with the Mercedes-AMG GT R Coupe? Well, imagine that with no roof above your head, and you've got the Mercedes-AMG GT R Roadster. There's a 4.0-liter, twin-turbocharged V8 underhood producing 577 horsepower, and all the go-fast goodies you could ask for to help put that power to the ground with perfect poise. Better act fast if you want one, though -- only 750 will be sold worldwide.
Mercedes-AMG S65 Final Edition
Mercedes' lovely, twin-turbocharged, 6.0-liter V12 engine isn't long for this world. And to say goodbye in properly badass fashion, Mercedes is giving us the Final Edition of its AMG S65 sedan. It's a big, black Benz with bronze exterior accents, and a fully loaded interior spec. It'll surely be expensive, and will be equally exclusive: Only 130 will be offered globally.
Mercedes-Benz Concept EQV
The Three-Pointed Star has unveiled its first pure-electric people carrier, the Concept EQV. This minivan is a thinly veiled look a production EV which is expected to bow at the Frankfurt Motor Show this fall. Assuming the show car's powertrain details hold true for the series electric V-Class model, expect a front-wheel drive chassis powered by a 201-hp motor backed by a 100-kWh lithium-ion battery. So equipped, the EQV will travel up to 249 miles per charge, and it's capable of driving up to 99 mph.
Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class
Mercedes-Benz's compact GLC receives a midcycle refresh that updates its look to align with other modern Mercs like the GLE. The GLC300's I4 gas engine is more powerful than before, while the interior gets treated with MBUX, the automaker's latest (and greatest) infotainment system. Expect this to arrive in the US later this year.
Mercedes-Benz SL-Class Grand Edition
The Mercedes-Benz SL-Class soldiers on year after year, and now there's a new special edition to keep this one fresh a little longer. Mercedes-Benz has added a Grand Edition trim to both the SL450 and the SL550. Only offered in gray, the trim level adds chrome and matte-aluminum metals, unique wheels and a whole lot of badges. The interior rocks brown leather and, as expected, more badges.
Mercedes-Benz SLC-Class Final Edition
The Mercedes-Benz SLC roadster is finally disappearing back into the dust of the earth. The Final Edition model will make its debut in Geneva, signaling the end of this two-door compact sports car's run. We won't get them in the US until 2020, so there's plenty of time to lament the loss.
Mitsubishi ASX (Outlander Sport)
It might be called the ASX in Europe, but Mitsubishi has a new Outlander Sport up its sleeve for Geneva. The 2020 ASX debuts a sharper design first seen on the big-boy Outlander, with a bit of Eclipse Cross thrown into the mix for good measure. Inside, there's a new infotainment system that can play videos stored on USB drives while the car is stationary. Expect it to arrive in the US either later in 2019 or early in 2020.
Mitsubishi Engelberg Tourer Concept
Mitsubishi's Engelberg Tourer concept is a rugged-looking, active-lifestyle crossover with a plug-in hybrid powertrain. There aren't a whole lot of details so far, but Mitsubishi says we can expect an all-electric driving range of 43 miles, twin electric motors and a 2.4-liter engine. With three rows of seats, it appears to be a plenty spacious offering, too.
The concept has a plug-in-hybrid powertrain good for 43 miles of all-electric driving.
Nissan IMQ Concept
Nissan's futuristic IMQ Concept signals "what our design direction may be for Nissan's third generation of crossovers in Europe," according to the company's design VP, Alfonso Albaisa. It doesn't necessarily signal a new model, but with an edgy front fascia and lots of tech inside, it certainly gives us a glimpse at what to look for in the coming years.
Peugeot 208
The Peugeot 208 is one of history's great hatches, and there's plenty to love about the new one. Not only is it utterly adorable, it now has an electric variant that can run up to 211 miles on a single charge (by European WLTP measurements). While Peugeot may be coming back to the US, it won't be doing so for a while, so if the 208 comes to the US, it'll likely be the generation after this one.
Piëch Automotive Mark Zero
This startup borrows its family name from former VW chairman Ferdinand Piëch, but this electric car is entirely the creation of this new company. Looking like a mix of an Aston Martin and a Porsche , the Mark Zero promises (according to reports) decent range and a low-ish curb weight. If it does make it to production, it should be a hoot.
The Swiss company shared this teaser image of its forthcoming electric car.
Pininfarina Battista
Italian coachbuilder Pininfarina how has its own production car, and it's the $2 million Battista EV. It produces a staggering 1,900 horsepower and 1,696 pound-feet of torque from a 120-kilowatt-hour lithium-ion battery pack. Pininfarina says the Battista can accelerate to 62 miles per hour in less than 2 seconds, and go on to a top speed of 217 mph. Holy moly. Only 150 will be made, destined for several global markets.
Polestar 2
One of the most hotly anticipated cars of the show is the Polestar 2, the first dedicated EV from Volvo's spun-off performance arm. It promises about 275 miles of range by EPA measurements, a 408-hp electric motor and an interior that (unlike the Tesla Model 3) doesn't appear to be made by Fisher-Price. There's even an optional performance package.
Porsche 911 Carrera S Cabriolet
The 2020 Porsche 911 coupe -- the first of the 992 generation -- has already been unveiled, and we've seen it in person. But Porsche's only shown off the drop-top variant online. The 2020 Porsche 911 Carrera S Cabriolet will make its first appearance in Geneva, sporting a turbocharged flat-six that puts out 443 hp and 390 lb-ft of torque. It'll be available with either rear- or all-wheel drive, the latter of which is a 10th of a second faster to 60 mph, arriving in 3.6 seconds versus the RWD's 3.7.
Puritalia Berlinetta
Random supercars are one of Geneva's staples. The Puritalia Berlinetta might not be a car you've heard of, but it's still pretty impressive -- or it should be. It's said to pack a V8 hybrid powertrain good for 965 hp, wrapped in full carbon-fiber bodywork. Only 150 will be made, so yes, it'll probably be quite expensive.
Our first look at the limited-run, custom-made supercar.
Ruf GT
Ruf Automobile is celebrating its 80th anniversary this year, and at the Geneva show that means the introduction of a new model called the Ruf GT. Based on the outgoing, 991.2-generation Porsche 911, the car's twin-turbo flat-six engine has been cranked up to 515 horsepower and 476 pound-feet of torque, so the 0-62-mph sprint falls to just 3.4 seconds and top speed rises to a healthy 199 mph. Other tweaks include new wheels and exterior aerodynamic parts.
The 991.2-based Ruf GT alongside the Ruf CTR Anniversary.
Seat Minimo Concept
Even though it debuted at the phone show MWC in Barcelona, Seat's Minimo concept will also make an appearance in Geneva. This "quadricycle" promises tight urban handling, while a hot-swappable battery system means downtime is kept to a minimum. This is how Seat envisions the future of urban mobility. What do you think?
Skoda Vision iV Concept
Skoda will use the Volkswagen Group's MEB platform to build its own all-electric models, and the Vision iV is a first glimpse at how those cars might be styled. A coupe-style crossover, the Vision iV concept boasts up to 310 miles of driving range and 306 hp from its twin electric motors. A minimalist interior takes advantage of the fact the MEB platform lacks a transmission tunnel to provide impressive interior space. The outside dispenses with side-view mirrors and door handles, allowing you to unlock the car with your phone and simply touch the door to pop it open.
Smart Forease+ Concept
Building on the Forease concept that debuted last year, the Smart Forease+ concept packs a removable hard fabric roof, adding some versatility to its chopped-top appeal. It's pretty much the same concept as before, otherwise, although it adds a healthy dose of Nappa leather now that there's a roof to keep the rain out. It's fully electric, hinting at Smart's desire to move to battery-electric propulsion alone by 2020.
Subaru E-Boxer mild hybrids
There's always room for hybrids in a lineup. Subaru will prove this with its new E-Boxer lineup, which will feature mild hybrids that offer a bit more efficiency than a gas engine alone. We've already seen the Forester E-Boxer, but we're not sure what other models Subaru will also bring to Geneva.
Sweet badge.
Subaru Viziv Adrenaline Concept
Looking like a Crosstrek from the near future, Subaru unveiled its Viziv Adrenaline Concept in Geneva. Despite looking fairly similar to today's Subarus, the Adrenaline shows off the company's new design language, Bolder. Whatever you call it, it's more aggressive than the current Crosstrek, what with its more prominent matte-black cladding and wheel arches. Sadly, Subaru hasn't detailed any powertrain elements on this latest Viziv-series show car, so for now at least, consider this to be a pure design study.
Toyota Corolla GR Sport and Trek
Toyota has two new variants of the Corolla available in Europe. The GR Sport is an aggressive appearance package that only seeks to zhush up the hatchback and Touring Sports wagon variants of Toyota's best-selling passenger car. The Trek, on the other hand, takes the Touring Sports wagon and adds a little height mixed with a bit of body cladding, a la VW Alltrack, to great effect.
This might be the best iteration of Toyota's new design language yet. It just... works.
Toyota Supra GT4 Concept
The Supra may already have footholds in racing series such as Japan's Super GT and America's NASCAR, but it's considering breaking into privateering with the GT4 Concept. It's not confirmed yet, but if it were, it'd be one of the more affordable ways to take Toyota's latest sports car to the track in an official manner.
VW Cityskater and Streetmate Concepts
Volkswagen is thinking small at the 2019 Geneva auto show, exploring zero-emissions, "micromobility" with a pair of concept scooters. The Volkswagen Streetmate is an fully electric scooter for urban dwellers, while the Cityskater envisions "last mile" transportation for commuters who might carry the three-wheeler on a bus or car. And yeah, they're super weird.
Volkswagen Streetmate, Cityskater concepts scoot into the 2019 Geneva Motor Show
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VW I.D. Buggy Concept
Most of VW's Geneva presence will be rooted in reality, but there's always room for a fun concept. Case in point, VW's electric dune buggy concept, which looks like a modern take on a Meyers Manx. It's further proof that VW's upcoming MEB electric platform will be able to accommodate whatever wild idea VW throws at it. And hey, it might even make it to production someday.
VW Passat
Volkswagen will show off wagon variants of its new Passat in Geneva. It'll pack a new "Travel Assist" semiautomated driving system, in addition to a new infotainment suite and other cool tech that we don't get on US-spec Passat sedans. If forbidden fruit is your favorite, you won't want to miss this one.
More wagons? I don't see a problem.
VW T-Roc R
It's a hot hatch, just taller. The T-Roc R wields a 2.0-liter gas I4 good for 296 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque. It'll hit 62 mph in just 4.9 seconds, and 17-inch brakes should bring it to a stop in a hurry. When it reaches production, it'll be the top variant for the diminutive T-Roc, a small crossover that we don't get in the US.
VW Touareg V8 TDI
Neither TDI engines nor Touaregs exist in VW's US lineup anymore, which is why we came to Geneva to get our fill. The new VW Touareg V8 TDI uses an eight-cylinder oil-burner that produces a monstrous 664 lb-ft of torque. This two-row big boy can hit 62 miles an hour in just 4.9 seconds, which is impressive. It's also loaded with tech, if you can get your mind past that torque output.
Don't worry -- you only have to wait 25 years until they're eligible for import to the US.