top 100 best future cars
Mercedes-Benz 300SL by Slimane Toubal.
.The Mercedes-Benz 300 SL is one of the most beautiful cars when it comes to automotive design. Since the first generation was produced in 1954, the 300 SL became a dream car for many. After 58 years, the 300 SL is still a legend.
eXtremes by Marianna Merenmies.
Futuristic crossover styling meets space-age materials in Marianna Merenmies’ 3-passenger concept, “eXtremes.” It is an exploration into the use of Aerogel, a material often used in space exploration, as a lightweight, insulating automotive shell. The material, which is 99.8% gas, can be used for insulation against severe temperatures in areas like the Siberian Tundra that are susceptible to extreme weather.
BMW X MPower by Aldo Schurmann.
Futuristic crossover styling meets space-age materials in Marianna Merenmies’ 3-passenger concept, “eXtremes.” It is an exploration into the use of Aerogel, a material often used in space exploration, as a lightweight, insulating automotive shell. The material, which is 99.8% gas, can be used for insulation against severe temperatures in areas like the Siberian Tundra that are susceptible to extreme weather.
Jaguar C-X17 Crossover Concept.
You may not realize it, but Jaguar is the only mainstream automaker that doesn’t offer a crossover or SUV. Well, it was. The British automaker Jaguar has debuted the C-X17 sports crossover concept, their first-ever sports crossover concept that features new, flexible all-aluminum architecture that’ll be used to underpin future Jaguars, the C-X17 is about the size of the Audi Q5 and the BMW X3.
Super Hatchback Concept by Jamie Martin.
This car looks fantastic. SHC aims to look cutting-edge and fast, with a choice of three powertrains, environmentally friendly details, and supercar features in an everyday car. It has the options of ‘AirHybrid’ & ‘Gasoline Compression Ignition (GCI).’ It’s got Front-Engined with lateral orientation, sequential twin-turbocharging with overboost facility, direct injection, stop-start technology, regenerative braking, alternator decoupling system, 6-speed short-shift manual gearbox, and optional 7-speed Ford powershift transmission with Paddleshift.
Taihoo Car Concept 2046 By Hao Huang.
Taihoo Car Concept 2046 by Hao Huang has a design inspired by the Chinese Taihu Stone. Among the features are an interactive, wraparound screen and a versatile interior which includes a flexible meshy bed surface which turns the car into a camping tent.
Ferrari Millenio by Marko Petrovic.
The Ferrari Millenio is a futuristic super-car concept that features a complex combination of materials and technologies that we can hope will become a serious reality before the end of the next millenium. The two-seater includes a buckypaper reinforced body that is stronger than steel and lighter than carbon fiber as well as dual electric engines that can be recharged via solar panels or through an inductive power transfer system.
McLaren JetSet by Marianna Merenmies.
Marianna Merenmies presents a single seater concept, the McLaren JetSet. Its perfect design combines lightness and aerodynamic efficiency. McLaren styling in the front blends with a futuristic backside fit, featuring drag-reducing draped fenders. The ultralight carbon fiber composites in the chassis, body, suspension and wheels lead to the car’s weight minimization.
The Lamborghini Ferruccio by Mark Hostler.
There’s
no better automotive brand to experiment with wild design than Lamborghini. Mark
Hostler of Staffordshire University in England has created a concept car in
tribute to Lamborghini’s 50th anniversary next year. The concept was designed
to use a small 5.0 liter V12 engine with two turbochargers and feature direct
injection technology.
With
concept cars like Lamborghini SUV and some other presented here, the future has
never looked this beautiful. Even though most of us can’t afford such
incredible automobiles, we still appreciate their exquisite design, if they
would be built, we would consider it as being a leap forward in car making.
Here are 10 of the best concept cars of the future. See the photos and read
about some best new future cars, concept cars, and other upcoming vehicles.
Lamborghini SUV By Lamborghini.
This New Lamborghini SUV, with some awesome design, high tech features and amazing performance is a real treat for cars lovers. Lamborghini recently confirms that Lamborghini SUV will be available in Market by 2017.
Mercedes-Benz 300SL by Slimane Toubal.
eXtremes by Marianna Merenmies.
Futuristic crossover styling meets space-age materials in Marianna Merenmies’ 3-passenger concept, “eXtremes.” It’s is an exploration into the use of Aerogel, a material often used in space exploration, as a lightweight, insulating automotive shell. The material, which is 99.8% gas, can be used for insulation against severe temperatures in areas like the Siberian Tundra that are susceptible to extreme weather.
BMW X MPower by Aldo Schurmann.
BMW X MPower concept adopts the same 5.0i v8 twin-turbocharged engine of the X6, but incorporates it into a two-seater roadster for some serious whip. Characterized by elegant bimmer styling at the mouth and a wild, sporty aesthetic at the rear, it’s business in the front and party in the back for this bad boy.
Jaguar C-X17 Crossover Concept.
You may not realize it, but Jaguar is the only mainstream automaker that doesn’t offer a crossover or SUV. Well, it was. The British automaker jaguar has debuted the C-X17 sports crossover concept, their first-ever sports crossover concept that features new, flexible all-aluminum architecture that’ll be used to underpin future Jaguars, the C-X17 is about the size of the Audi Q5 and the BMW X3.
Super Hatchback Concept by Jamie Martin.
This car looks fantastic. SHC aims to look cutting-edge and fast, with a choice of three powertrains, environmentally friendly details, and supercar features in an everyday car. It has the options of ‘AirHybrid’ & ‘Gasoline Compression Ignition (GCI).’ It’s got Front-Engined with lateral orientation, sequential twin-turbocharging with overboost facility, direct injection, stop-start technology, regenerative braking, alternator de-coupling system, 6-speed short-shift manual gearbox, and optional 7-speed Ford powershift transmission with Paddleshift.
Taihoo Car Concept 2046 By Hao Huang.
Taihoo Car Concept 2046 by Hao Huang has a design inspired by the Chinese Taihu Stone. Among the features are an interactive, wraparound screen and a versatile interior which includes a flexible meshy bed surface which turns the car into a camping tent.
Ferrari Millenio by Marko Petrovic.
The Ferrari Millenio is a futuristic supercar concept that features a complex combination of materials and technologies that we can hope will become a serious reality before the end of the next millennium. The two-seater includes a buckypaper reinforced body that is stronger than steel and lighter than carbon fiber as well as dual electric engines that can be recharged via solar panels or through an inductive power transfer system.
McLaren JetSet by Marianna Merenmies.
Marianna Merenmies presents a single seater concept, the McLaren JetSet. Its perfect design combines lightness and aerodynamic efficiency. McLaren styling in the front blends with a futuristic backside fit, featuring drag-reducing draped fenders. The ultralight carbon fiber composites in the chassis, body, suspension and wheels lead to the car’s weight minimization.
The Lamborghini Ferruccio by Mark Hostler.
There’s no better automotive brand to experiment with wild design than Lamborghini. Mark Hostler of Staffordshire University in England has created a concept car in tribute to Lamborghini’s 50th anniversary next year. The concept was designed to use a small 5.0 liter V12 engine with two turbochargers and feature direct injection technology.
Tesla has built a serious reputation for delivering vehicles that just don't follow the rules set by traditional automakers. Want a sleek-looking high-performance EV with room for five that can travel nearly 300 miles on a charge? Only Tesla makes such a vehicle—the Model S. Oh, and by the way Tesla has versions of the car that can hit 60 mph in 3 seconds or less. It's a really an excellent sports sedan that just happens to be electric. The only drawback? It's pricey. The most potent models can easily exceed the six-figure threshold.
Tesla fans have been eagerly anticipating a more affordable model—the Model 3. In fact, its estimated that Tesla has more than 400,000 preorders for the new sedan.
Why We Want It:
The idea of a $35,000 Tesla is intoxicating. Elon musk has said the Model 3, the first of which will arrive late this year (barring any delays) will have a range of more than 215 miles between charge-ups and hit 60 mph in around six seconds. The Model 3 prototype unveiled last spring was slick-looking with room for four, and a massive 15-inch iPad-like screen on the inside replacing all the typical gauges. The future of Tesla is riding on this more affordable sedan. The company needs to draw more customers into the brand in big numbers. If Tesla can deliver this car on time and exceed expectations of its potential owners, the Model 3 could be the most successful vehicle Tesla has ever produced.
The Land Rover Defender was a direct descendant of the 1948 Land Rover Series I, England's version of the Jeep CJ. Although the Series I, II, and III and later Defender models were used around the world, we haven't had one on our shores for 20 years. Land Rover couldn't adapt the rugged, bare bones Defender to meet modern U.S. safety regulations so it had to go. Since its departure, the prices of Defender models, which were sold in the U.S. from 1993-1997, have swelled to six figures and beyond.
So, it's clear, the honest capability of the Defender resonates with today's truck enthusiast. And lucky for us, Land Rover will bring an all-new Defender to our shores in 2018.
Why We Want It:
The new Defender is likely to borrow some classic styling cues from past models but bring the design forward, too, and it will almost certainly look tougher than the weak-kneed DC 100 Concept from 2011 (pictured above). Under that skin will be the same chassis architecture used by the Range Rover, Range Rover Sport, and new Discovery. That means that unlike the Jeep Wrangler, the new Defender won't have solid axles at each end. But hey, this is Land Rover so it should still be very capable.
Land Rover has said it will contain new parts, unrelated to its platform mates to improve capability. Regardless, the new Defender will almost certainly ride and handle far better on paved roads than any that has come before. So, it might end up being the best of all worlds.
The Supra was Toyota's top performance car from the late 1970s until 1998. The Supra was originally a more powerful and more luxurious version of the Celica coupe. But by the second generation, the Supra finally stood alone as a separate model and gained the option of a turbo. But it was the third-generation that gave the Supra its high-performance image. The twin-turbo model launched in 1996 made Corvette power (320 hp) and became the stuff of dreams for an entire generation of import car fans. The durable inline-six-cylinder engine could be modified to safely handle hundreds of extra horsepower, and the Supra became a sensation starring in 2001's The Fast and the Furious. In two short years—the Supra will return.
Why We Want It:
This time, instead of developing this all-new sports car on their own, Toyota will partner with BMW and share parts with the upcoming BMW Z5. This is good news because BMW certainly has the expertise to build a fun-driving sports machine. Many are predicting that under the Supra's hood will be a choice of either a potent twin-turbo V6 or some type of hybrid powertrain. And many, including enthusiast websites, think the new car should carry forward some design themes presented in the radical FT-1 Concept (pictured above). It's been years since Toyota fans have had a real high-performance sports car, and this Supra should be as good to look at is it is to drive.
The original Jeep Wagoneer, one of the very first SUVs, launched way back in 1963. Its lines were penned by legendary industrial designer Brooks Stevens and lasted almost 30 years. In the 1980s, its name became Grand Wagoneer and nearly every one was fitted with wide woodgrain paneling and trimmed in soft leather. It was an American luxury SUV whose only true competitor was the Range Rover. The last Wagoneer rolled off the assembly line in 1991, but today they are cherished amongst fans and command serious money in good condition. Since SUVs (both modern and old school) are booming in popularity Jeep decided the time was right for a remake. So, a new Grand Wagoneer is planned to hit dealerships right around 2019 (though delays have been reported).
Why We Want It:
Judging by the size of the current Grand Cherokee, in order for Jeep to have an even larger, more capable SUV, the company would need to move to a body-on-frame chassis or seriously alter the next-generation Grand Cherokee platform. If Jeep goes the more capable route, it means borrowing a chassis from Ram. As a bonus, both the 1500 and 2500 series Ram pickups already use a comfortable-riding coil sprung rear suspension—perfect for an SUV.
A Ram 1500 pickup-based Grand Wagoneer would hypothetically have the size and luxury to challenge a Cadillac Escalade but mixed with Jeep off-road capability. No vehicle made by an American manufacturer meets those needs. The company's efficient Ecodiesel V6 would make an excellent power plant. We'll take one in Hunter Green with woodgrain paneling, please.
Seven years ago, Jaguar unveiled a plug-in hybrid concept supercar—the C-X75—and it was gorgeous. But as is the case with many concepts, the company decided not to build this slinky two-seater. In fact, Jaguar has yet to offer a hybrid or electric anything, and that means it's well behind other European competitors, like Mercedes-Benz and BMW.
That's about to change. Jaguar could skip right over hybrids and go for full electrification. Last year, Jaguar took the wraps off the I-Pace Concept electric vehicle at the LA Auto Show and immediately said it would be on the road in 2018.
Why We Want It
The I-Pace concept was a real stunner, and Jaguar has an excellent reputation translating the lines of concept vehicles directly to production without messing up the shape. The production I-Pace will use an all-new electric vehicle architecture suitable for sedans, crossovers, and perhaps even a sports car. The concept rides on a wheelbase several inches longer than the F-Pace (Jaguar's current crossover) and is slightly narrower. The I-Pace concept uses a big 90 kWh battery which Jag says will deliver more than 220 miles on a charge—and hit 60 mph in around 4 seconds. Sounds good to us.
Since the early 1970s, Chevrolet has been teasing sports car fans with the promise of a mid-engined Corvette. Every Corvette since the very first in 1953 has had its engine (a V8 since 1955) sitting in the nose of the car. The mid-engine location in sports cars helps centralize the mass in the center of chassis and create more balanced handling. That's why sports car makers like Lamborghini have been using the design since the 1960s.
The mid-engine Corvette idea was one that always seemed to be coming in the next generation of the car, but GM has never pulled the trigger. Now, five decades later, we have confirmation of a mid-engine Corvette in the form of real prototypes. If these tests, and the reports pan out, America will have its first mid-engine Vette in the 2019 model year.
Why We Want It:
The current Corvette is an incredible performer. But a mid-engine Corvette could vault Chevy's sports car into a rarified group a sports machinery that includes Ferraris, Lamborghinis, McLarens, and yes, Ford's shiny-new GT supercar. The facts about the powertrain are largely conjecture at this point, but it's probably safe to assume that a V8 will reside in that middle location. Since this C8-generation Corvette will use a new platform, it seems likely that it will be engineered to handle a hybrid or plug-in powertrain.
Our colleagues at Car and Driver and Road and Track are convinced that the mid-engine Corvette will lose the option of a manual transmission. Yes, developing one transmission (a reported dual clutch) would save money and reduce complexity. But if Chevy does offer a manual, it could be a selling point, as it would be the only supercar available with such a gearbox.
Launched in 1950, VW's microbus was the world's first minivan. The original bus was a breakthrough in transportation and a model of people-moving efficiency. The bus had the seating capacity for the whole family in a tidy package that just happens to be the same length as a new 2017 VW Golf.
Powered by a version of the Beetle's flat-four mounted right over the rear wheels, the bus had excellent traction in all types of weather. I was also a cultural symbol of the "free love" hippie generation of the late 1960s and early 1970s. But today the rarest models can command well north of six figures at auction and has become one of the world's most recognizable automotive icons.
After a decades-long absence and numerous concepts, a modern version of the Microbus could be in the works.
Why We Want it:
VW showed an all-electric bus concept at the 2017 North American International Auto Show in Detroit this past January— the I.D. Buzz (pictured above). The Buzz concept was built upon an all-new electric architecture, one VW has said will underpin a new sedan and SUV. In an interview with Automotive News Europe, one unnamed source within VW says it's been greenlit for 2022. An electric people mover makes sense because the long flat floor would allow room for plenty of batteries and without a drivetrain hump down the middle, there would be incredible seating flexibility. Let's hope this one becomes a reality.
10. Ford Mach-E
And we ignite this firestorm of a list with Ford’s Mach-E, a possible name Dearborn will apply to the Mustang-inspired all-electric crossover it’s currently developing. The vehicle is going to ride atop a dedicated EV platform and will likely feature a large battery pack mounted under the floor. Specifics about it are not known right now, but this jauntily styled EV could go on sale relatively soon, possibly in 2020. At least they decided against calling this thing the Mach 1, which absolutely inflamed the Mustang faithful. How Mach-E-avellian of them…
9. Porsche Taycan
But Ford is far from the only automaker working on a dedicated Tesla Model S slayer. Even Porsche is developing an all-electric four-door. The German luxury brand’s Taycan (pronounced Tie-Kahn) is MOST DEFINITELY a future car worth getting excited about. Basically a production version of the Mission E concept, this handsome sedan should deliver the goods: an estimated driving range of about 300 miles, zero-to-60 in the low-3.0-second range and a base price of around 75,000 U.S. dollars. Three performance potencies should be on the menu, models with 402, 536 or 670 horsepower. The production version of the Taycan should be unveiled relatively soon.
8. Audi e-tron GT
Porsche’s corporate sibling is also deeply involved in the development of a premium electric vehicle. For now, the Audi e-tron GT is just a concept, but the four-ring brand promises a production model will hit the market in roughly a year and a half. A four-seater, it should feature a 90-kWh lithium-ion battery pack and have quattro permanent all-wheel drive with torque vectoring courtesy of front- and rear-mounted motors. Likely with 590 horses on tap, this car should be able to hit 62 miles an hour in just 3.5 seconds. The production version should also feature a mixed-materials body and structure, incorporating high-strength steel, aluminum and even carbon fiber.
7. GM Full-Size SUVs
Alright, that’s enough electric cars, for now at least. Let’s shift gears and focus on some more conventional vehicles.
And it’s hard to get more mainstream these days than full-size SUVs. GM completely overhauled its half-ton and heavy-duty pickup ranges for the latest model years, and now they’re giving some much-needed love to their outdated utility vehicles: the Chevrolet Tahoe and Suburban, GMC Yukon and Yukon XL, plus Cadillac’s Escalade. This passel of heavy-haulers should benefit from the same enhancements made to the corporation’s 1500-series trucks. They should also – and at long last – get an independent rear suspension design, a feature the Ford Expedition and Lincoln Navigator have had for years. This family of SUVs is a BIG deal and a product range worth waiting for, especially the Escalade, which is expected to be offered with a supercharged 6.2-liter V8 delivering a metric s**t-ton of horsepower!
6. Jeep Wagoneer/Grand Wagoneer
The Jeep Wagoneer and Grand Wagoneer duet is yet another CHONKY vehicle range worth whipping yourself into a froth about. Luxury models, these two resurrected nameplates should compete with other high-end SUVs like the BMW X7, Range Rover family, Cadillac Escalade and Lincoln Navigator. Not much is known about the Wagoneer range at this point, but conventional internal-combustion and plug-in hybrid drivetrains are expected. FCA planned to invest $1.5 billion in its Warren Truck Plant, located in suburban Detroit, to build the Jeep Wagoneer and Grand Wagoneer. Production should commence in early 2021, something the automaker confirmed back in June of 2018. We cannot wait to see what these vehicles offer. FCA has been killing it in the interior department lately and it’s likely these vehicles will push the bar even higher.
5. Ram Dakota
Another one of this Italian-American-Netherlands-headquartered automaker’s vehicles that could debut sooner than later is an all-new Dodge Dakota… er, sorry, Ram Dakota. The midsize-pickup segment is scorching-hot these days and FCA almost certainly wants a big ol’ slice of that pie. To date, CEO Mike Manley has confirmed they are indeed focused on building a smaller rig than the current Ram 1500, but it’s unclear exactly what that means. They could base an upcoming midsize pickup off the already-in-production Jeep Gladiator, which is sized right, though it is something of a niche product and one that’s gets VERY EXPENSIVE, they could also develop something entirely new or maybe they’ll federalize a different product currently offered in an overseas market, kind of like Ford did with its reborn Ranger. But we shall see what happens…
SEE ALSO: Top 5 Best BMW 3 Series Alternatives – The Short List
4. Ford Bronco, Baby Bronco
Speaking of that automaker based in Dearborn, have you heard, they’re hard at work on a couple off-roaders?
If you’re reading this, you’re almost certainly familiar with the upcoming Ford Bronco and its smaller, car-based sibling. Let’s call it the Baby Bronco for now, though a swarm of different names has popped up in recent patent filings. These two highly anticipated vehicles have yet to officially debut, but they’ve got to be ready soon.
Bronco should share basic underpinnings with the Ranger midsize pickup. Its smaller sibling will likely be based off the new Escape crossover. Ford has got Jeep in its sights with these two vehicles, both the legendary Wrangler and the brand’s more soft-road offerings. It will be interesting to see what they bring to market with these products.
3. Ferrari Purosangue
The very notion of a Ferrari-built SUV should make you mad, angry enough to immediately lose control of your bowels. Unfortunate messes notwithstanding, this most hallowed of Italian brands is evidently building a sport-utility vehicle. And can you blame them? When Lamborghini, Bentley, Rolls-Royce and even Aston Martin have caved in and cashed out, kowtowing to the unending crossover movement, it’s probably best to just follow suit.
Reportedly, this SUV is being developed under the name Purosangue, which means thoroughbred in Italian. Expect it to brandish MEGA horsepower, possibly from a turbocharged V8 engine and be built atop a new platform that will support future grand-touring cars.
2. Next-Gen Mazda(s)
Mazda already builds some tremendous cars and crossovers. There’s plenty to get excited about with its current product range. But the future holds even more for this small Japanese brand. Based on information found in an investor presentation, the automaker is developing a rear-wheel drive architecture as well as both gasoline and diesel inline six-cylinder engines. This is a hint that Mazda may be trying to ratchet itself even further up market. Perhaps they fancy themselves a luxury brand and want to compete in this profitable end of the automotive market. These are exciting times in Hiroshima. Imagine a rear-drive Mazda6 sedan with a buttery-smooth straight-six? That’s definitely worth getting excited about.
1. Alfa Romeo 8C
Finally, we come to something super-special, a thoroughbred exotic with a freight-train load of heritage backing it up. One car every driving enthusiast should be stoked about is the reborn Alfa Romeo 8C.
SEE ALSO: 12 Alfa Romeo Facts You Should Know – The Short List
The Italian automotive concern announced last year this famed nameplate would be making a comeback. It dates all the way back to the 1930s and was applied to both racing and road-going automobiles. Now, the last time Alfa Romeo offered something with that number and letter combination was in the early-2000s on their stunningly beautiful 8C Competizione.
The upcoming 8C should be something thoroughly exotic, a supercar likely built around a carbon-fiber structure and brandishing more than 700 horsepower courtesy of a hybridized and turbocharged drivetrain. With all that firepower, the dash to 60 miles an hour could take less than three seconds. Expect the new 8C to debut around 2022… maybe.
Vauxhall Mokka-e
Vauxhall has announced the second-gen Mokka, launching an electric version from the off. It will have a 50kW battery and promises over 200 miles of range. There will be 100kWh charging and a refreshed design, showing the new face of Vauxhall. It's an exciting change, slotting right into the competitive crossover space and it's great to see another EV in this space. It will be available from late summer 2020, price to be confirmed.
Audi Artemis project
Audi has setup a special working group, called Artemis, with the aim of creating a highly-efficient electric car. The new group has been designed to work autonomously with plenty of freedom, with a target date of 2024 for a new vehicle. It's being headed up by Alex Hitzinger, formerly working on the Apple car project, and previously with some of the biggest names in motorsports. We're expecting something that pops out of the Audi template here, so watch this space.
MG 5
MG has said that it's bringing an electric estate car to the UK as soon as it can open showrooms again. Currently there are no electric estates so this fills a small gap in the options available, likely to appeal to those needing accessible load space and dog walkers. It looks to be based on the Chinese Roewe Ei5, and we're expecting a 52.5kWh battery and range of 260 miles.
BMW i7
BMW has confirmed that the next-generation of BMW 7 Series will include an all-electric version. It's not going to be exclusively electric as there will be petrol, diesel and hybrid versions too - but there's talk of two versions, the i7 and the i7S. The latter is expect to have a 120kWh battery, 660hp and a range of 320 miles. BMW is serious about electric cars and there's a lot in the pipeline - the BMW i7 will take things to the luxury level.
VW ID.4
The VW ID.4 is going to be VW's electric SUV, coming from the ID.Crozz concept vehicle. It was unveiled at the (cancelled) Geneva Motor Show in 2020, and the only real details know about it is that there will be a configuration that will give you 310 miles of range (500km). Initially the ID.4 will be rear-wheel drive, with all-wheel drive versions available in the future. There's no launch date or price, but we'd expect 2021.
Dacia Spring
The Spring is technically a showcar, but we suspect this will be close to the production model that Dacia produces. The company says that this will be Europe's most affordable EV and that might come down to the limited 125 mile range (200km). This looks like a reworking of the Renault City Z-KE that launched in China in 2019. It will have five doors, four seats and should be hitting the road in 2021.
BMW i4
The BMW i4 is due for launch in 2020 and will sit on the same fifth-gen eDrive system as the BMW i3X and the iNext (also due in 2021). The model is what might expect from a BMW Gran Coupe, but with massive teeth and the details of the eDrive system have already been confirmed.
There will be an 80kWh battery that will charge at 150kW and give a range up to 370 miles. The motors will produce 530bhp, giving a 0-62mph time of 4 seconds and a top speed of 125mph. It looks and sounds exactly what you want your mid-range BMW saloon to produce. It will be on the roads in 2021.
Renault Twingo ZE
Renault has made one of its cutest cars electric in the Twingo ZE. This compact urban car is designed to keep the price down, with a 22kWh battery - good for 250km (143 miles) - and a 60kW motor, that will whisk you from 0-30mph in 4 seconds, perfect for city driving. There's no word on the price, but we've already heard it's not coming to the UK.
Nissan Ariya
Although the Nissan Ariya is a concept, shown off at the 2019 Tokyo Motor Show, there's a fair amount of substance to Nissan's electric SUV. Firstly, it's sitting on Nissan's new e-4ORCE dual motor system that will deilver more power and four-wheel control. That system was shown off at CES 2020, so it's not science fiction, it's a lot more real. The Ariya is suggested for a 2021 production version, which is when we could, finally, see Nissan launch an electric SUV.
Fiat 500
The Fiat 500 has been relaunched as an electric model, getting a redesign over the 2007 model that's been really popular. Now there's a 42kWh battery and 87kW motor, claiming 0-62mph in 9 seconds, but 0-30 in 3.1 seconds. It supports charging up to 85kW and will give you 199 miles of range (WLTP). There's four seats, lots of options (including convertible) and it's available to order from £29,000.
Tesla Cybertruck
If you wanted a vision of the future, then Tesla may have delivered it. Unveiling the Cybertruck, this is Elon Musk's promised pickup truck, with dual cab and then a loading bay at the rear. The Cybertruck is eye-catching with its unusual angular design. On the practical front it will come in three different versions with 250+, 300+ or 500+ miles of range, with the top model, a tri-motor version promising a 0-60mph time of 2.9 seconds. Tesla doesn't do things by half. It's available for pre-order now, deliveries expected from 2021.
Lexus UX 300e
The first electric Lexus is a battery-powered version of its UX SUV. The new UXe is launching in China first, before making its way to other regions in 2021. It promises the luxurious ride you'd associate with Lexus, but has a 54.3kWh battery which is claims will give 250 miles of range. It looks like a great electric car, but will it deliver on range?
Audi e-tron Sportback
Audi's second electric car has been unveiled, with orders opening up in November 2019 for delivery 2019. The Sportback is based on Audi's existing e-tron model, offering two versions, a 55 and a 50 badged model, the former the more powerful and expensive and the latter slightly lower positioned. As expected, the focus of the e-tron Sportback is on the quality of the ride and interior, with Audi looking to offer an experience that parallels ICE Audi models. The 55 will give you 270 miles of range, charge at 150kW and do 0-62mph in 6.6 seconds, dipping to 5.7 seconds in sport mode. It's a big beast, but with more sporty looks and we can see this being popular with the executive set.
BMW iX3
BMW recently took the wraps off its Concept iX3 all-electric SUV, with images revealing what we can expect the final production model to look like when it launches in 2020. The iX3 will get BMW's fifth-generation eDrive technology, which puts the electric motor, transmission and power electronics all into one singular unit.
It also gets a fifth-generation electric motor, specially designed for BMW's Sports Activity Vehicles, which produces 270hp and up to 249 miles on a single charge based on the WLTP cycle. BMW has also said it will support 150kW fast charging, meaning the battery can be fully topped up in just 30 minutes.
The iX3 is a clear sign of BMW reacting to an ever-expanding market, but it's odd that it's taking the company so long to get the must-have SUV-body style with an electric powertrain to market, given that the i3 has been on sale since 2013.
Ford Mustang Mach-E
Ford has now revealed the Mach-E, its Mustang-inspired electric car. Using the Mustang name - and those distinctive bonnet creases and lights - gives the Mach-E a sporty look on what is really a crossover. Some might say it's not a muscle car, but with figures promising 0-62 in under 5 seconds, 280/370 mile range (depending on the version you get) and prices that starts at £40,270, there's a lot to get excited about. Ford has shaken up the interior tech with a huge Tesla-esque central display, and a much cleaner look and feel than previous Ford models. The Ford of the future looks exciting - and pre-orders are already open for late-2020 delivery.
VW ID. Space Vizzion
VW had long said it was going to have a full family of ID electric cars and the Space Vizzion is what you get when you pull together an electric estate or station wagon. It's quite the looker we can't help thinking and while many are focusing on SUV or crossover models, the lower and longer effect that you get from a wagon could do wonders for the performance of this EV, not to mention the boot space. It's a concept for now, but we're expecting this electric Passat (did we say that?) to be available in 2021. VW is saying 300 miles of range which isn't quite the 600 miles you'll get from the diesel, but we don't have to drive that far to walk the dog, so we'll all cope.
Fisker Ocean
Fisker is trying to shake things up with a range of luxury electric cars. The next to get an official reveal will be the Fisker Ocean, scheduled for a 4 January 2020 unveiling - although reservations for the sustainable electric SUV will be opening on 27 November 2019. Reservations will happen via and app, with Fisker saying it's skipping the traditional concept reveal and just showing you the car. It will use recycled and vegan materials, have an 80kWh battery and a range of 250-300 miles.
Electric Range Rover
There's a fully electric Range Rover in the works, going under the name of Road Rover, because it's going to be slightly more road-centric than some of the other Range Rovers. It's supposed to sit between the Velar and the Evoque in terms of size, so it sounds a lot like the Jaguar i-Pace. Not much is currently known about what it might offer or when it might appear.
Volkswagen ID.3
VW took to the stage at IAA 2019 - the Frankfurt motor show - and unveiled the long-anticipated ID.3. It's the first car in a sweeping run of changes for the company, looking to electrify across its portfolio. The ID.3 will be on the roads in 2020 - prices still aren't nailed down but "under €30,000" for the entry-level is the closest wheel get.
It's futuristic inside, connected, comes with three different battery options, offering five doors and sits in a compact hatch positions, close to the size of a VW Golf.
Porsche Taycan
The Taycan is Porsche's pure electric sports car. It comes in a number of versions - the Turbo and Turbo S, Taycan 4S, and finally there's talk of a rear-wheel drive version in the future to bring the price down further.
The Taycan is a four-door sports car, with a glorious digital interior, but sitting on seriously fast underpinnings. There's a 0-62mph time of 2.8 seconds for the Turbo S, with Porsche saying it will do this over and over. A big 93.4kW battery sits in the floor and it can charge at up to 270kWh, also seriously fast. It will cost from £115k for the Turbo S and orders are now.
Volvo XC40 Recharge
The Volvo XC40 Recharge kicks-off Volvo's EV programme. It's based on the same XC40 that's been on the road a couple of years, although runs a new Android Automotive-based infotainment platform. There's a 78kWh battery, a 408hp output delivering a 0-62mph time of 4.9 seconds and it supports 150kW charging.
The actual range should be around 250 miles, but we don't yet know the price - that will soon be revealed as the XC40 Recharge is due on roads in 2020.
Mazda MX-30
The Japanese company's first mass produced EV is called the MX-30. The car features an electric motor running the front wheels, which has been designed so a rotary motor can bolt onto it - which means hybrid models should also be possible for the relevant markets. It's a dynamic platform.
In terms of design, the use of suicide doors to the rear is an interesting choice. But as rear passengers won't be able to exit without the applicable front door being opened, it might be more gimmick than great. Expect to see the MX-30 on European roads come 2020.
Peugeot e-208
Peugeot's hot-selling city car was a big star of the Geneva 2019 show. Riffing off the style of the '80s 205 that's beloved of motoring journalists, Peugeot's put the cat amongst the pigeons by offering a 50kWh electric battery version, from launch.
Seat El-Born
Seat is joining the electric car movement with the E-Born, named after a region of Barcelona. The car sits on VW's MEB platform and is due to arrive in 2020, getting its first appearance at the Geneva International Motorshow in 2019 as a concept. Seat is looking at a 420km range (260 miles), with a 0-62kpm time of 7.5 seconds. There will be 204PS from the 150kW motor and a 62kWh battery.
Polestar 2
Polestar - formerly the performance arm of Volvo - was spun out by owners Geely and has announced its second car, the Polestar 2. This five-door fastback EV will be offering 500km (310 miles) from an 87kWh battery, with 408bhp and all-wheel drive, while showing many hallmarks of Scandinavian design. It's also the first car to launch running Android natively, with a huge 11-inch tablet in the centre to control your navigation from Google Maps and your entertainment.
Reservations are currently open for the car which has a guide starting price of €39,900, although the launch edition (with lots of spec additions) will be available for €59,900. There's no confirmation of UK pricing, but it's going to widely available across Europe and in the US.
Byton M-Byte
Byton originally showed off an SUV EV concept, with broad ambitions for a start-up in the EV segment. That has now matured into the Byton M-Byte, with production getting started and looking to get on the road in mid-2020 - in China at least. The price of €54,000 sounds fairly aggressive, but there's little telling what verison that's for. There are two- or all-wheel drive options, with the latter claiming a 270 mile range. Most of the conversation is about the huge 43-inch display curving across the interior, however.
DS 3 Crossback E-Tense
The E-Tense is DS Automobiles' electric version of the new DS 3 Crossback. This crossover model sits in the middle of a hatch and compact SUV models, offering quirky DS design. The regular versions will launch before the electric hits the road, but it will offer the same trim and options as the combustion models. The 50kWh battery promises 186 miles, but at the moment we don't have a launch date or price for this electric model.
Aston Martin Rapide E
The Aston Martin Rapide E was unveiled at the Shanghai Motor Show in 2019, a new all-electric sports car limited to 155 units, so it's going to be rare. It has a 65kWh battery from which Aston says it will get over 200 miles, a 0-62 time of under 4 seconds and that's repeatable performance.
It uses an 800V system, with 100kW charging able to give you a full battery in less than an hour. The twin motors produce 610PS and drive the back wheels. Drivers will even get a digital display rather than dials. It's available to order now.
Lotus Evija
The Lotus Type 130 or Evija as it is called, is an all-electric hypercar limited to just 130 models, but paving the way for future production cars from Lotus. It has been designed for maximum performance, with 2000PS and a 70kWh battery that aims to give 250 miles of range. However, the car will offer blistering acceleration, and while Lotus hasn't given final figures, it'll hit 186mph in under 9 seconds. This car will cost £2 million pounds and preorders are open, asking for a £250,000 deposit.
Lightyear One
The Lightyear One is a luxury saloon that adds solar panels to the roof and bonnet of the car, aiming to give the owner a boost from the sun all the time - even when driving. While much of the car is conventional for an EV, the additional solar panels will give a 12km range boost per hour (in good light). That might mean free charging while parked at the beach - although in winter you'll have to charge it more. However, the asking price for the limited-run Lightyear One will be €119,000, so going solar comes at a price.
Tesla Model Y
We all know that Tesla wanted to launch another car and the Model Y slips into the space between the Model 3 and the Model X, a compact SUV. The interior leans towards the Model 3, while the range offers 242 miles with a 0-60mph time of 5.9 seconds, on the most affordable model. It will seat seven, come with long-range and performance versions and be hitting the road in 2020.
Audi e-tron GT
Unveiled at the LA Auto Show 2018, the Audi e-tron GT Concept showcases Audi's future electric sportscar. This is a four-seater, powered by the same batteries as the e-tron models above (we suspect) and sharing a lot with the Porsche Taycan. Audi has been quite open about the co-development of the e-tron GT and the Taycan, and we're expecting a lot of technical similarities. Again, it featured on-screen in Avengers Endgame.
The performance stats currently suggest an 800V charging system, 0-62mph in 3.5 seconds and a range of 248 miles. There's a vegan interior on the Concept model, with Audi saying that it wants to push the eco message even further. The Audi e-tron GT Concept will be hitting the roads in 2020.
Rivian R1S
Rivian wants to join the EV movement with this offroader of its own. It's designed to tackle the great outdoors, boasting a wading depth of 3ft and a 0-60mph time of 3 seconds. Why you'd need to go so fast offroad, we'll never know.
Rivian is a newcomer to the EV space, showing off its cars for the first time at the LA Auto Show in 2018 - there's also a truck/pickup version - and is available for pre-order for a $1000 deposit. We'd be tempted to wait until these are actually on the road before parting with any money.
Audi Q4 Concept
The Q4 e-tron does two things. It previews a more "sporty", coupe body style version of the Q3 SUV (in the same way a Q8 relates to a Q7) and shows Audi's big push towards fully electric cars. It was previewed at Geneva 2019 but looks very much like the final thing. Expect a production version to follow, soon.
Porsche Macan
Porsche has announced that the Macan is going to move to be pure electric - meaning that Porsche will have an electric SUV. It will join the luxury ranks of SUV EVs with a performance leaning, using the 800-volt system Porsche is using in the Taycan, and sitting on the PPE platform adapted from Audi.
Not a lot else is being said at the moment, but the shifting of the Macan to electric shows real diversification of the Porsche portfolio. It is expected to go into production in 2020.
BMW iNext Concept
BMW is adamant that the iNext will be launching in 2021. The iNext is concept car in looks - we're not sure the proposed open passenger cabin is realistic - but very serious in terms of technology. The level 3 and beyond the autonomous driving system that this car claims to offer is in development, while the battery technology is too.
Whether we get a car that looks like this remains to be seen - it would sit somewhere between the X7 and X7 in terms of size - but you can expect the iNext Concept to evolve into a car. As BMW says, the technology for autonomous driving will be reading in 2021, regardless of whether the legislation is.
BMW i5
BMW unveiled the i Vision Dynamics concept coupe at the Frankfurt Motor Show in 2017. It previews a mid-sized saloon car, in the BMW i range that's likely to be called i5 when it launches in 2021. It's bigger than the company's 3-Series saloon, but smaller than a 5-Series and designed to sit between the i3 and i8 in the electric BMW i range.
The family-sized car will be capable of reaching 60mph in under 4 seconds, go on to speed over 120mph and be able to last up to 372 miles on a single charge. Let's hope it arrives with the same futuristic design displayed on the concept version.
Faraday Future FF-91
A huge question mark hangs over the striking FF-91. It should have been launched in 2018 - after all, this car debuted at CES in early 2017 and the company opened order books for those wishing to place a deposit. But since then, Faraday has been threatened with bankruptcy, shed plenty of its workforce and work has stopped at its factory. Still, we hope the company makes it.
The FF-91 has a huge 126-inch wheelbase, but that makes for a huge interior. The panoramic sunroof, rear, and side windows use Polymer Dispersed Liquid Crystal Glass, which passengers can tap on to tint the windows and let less light in. Don't expect to get a conventional rear-view mirror inside, as Faraday Future has replaced it with a widescreen monitor instead. It's used to show live footage from a camera on the rear of the car, along with cameras on the sides, so you can see everything around you.
Another thing to be thrown out is key. Instead, you use your phone to unlock the car, or if you don't have it with you, your face becomes your key. The FF-91 can individually recognise each user and will automatically adjust the seat position, climate control, entertainment preferences and driving routes based on your tastes.
The 1,050bhp electric power unit will accelerate to 60mph in 2.39-seconds and will have a driving range between 378 and 435 miles. Faraday Future says the battery can be completely recharged in 1 hour.
Porsche Mission E Cross Turismo
Porsche unveiled its second all-electric car - behind the Taycan - at the Geneva Motor Show 2018. Called the Mission E Cross Turismo, it's a four-seater sports car with the Tesla Model S set firmly in its sights. It can't quite match the Model S's Ludicrous Mode 0-60mph of 2.9 seconds, but at 3.5-seconds, the Porsche won't be left far behind in a drag race.
The Cross Turismo will be a combination of the Taycan (formerly the Mission E) and the Panamera, with higher ride height and tougher wheel arch surrounds.
One of the Mission E Cross Turismo's biggest selling points though is its recharge time. Porsche says you will be able to get 62 miles out of the Mission E Cross Turismo, from just a 4-minute charge, faster than boiling a pot of spaghetti. The total range from a full battery is expected to match the Taycan's 310 miles.
Skoda Vision E
Skoda has an electric SUV of its own in the works. Called the Vision E for now, the concept car is to be one of five new electric cars from Skoda to be on the roads by 2025.
It's based on the same underpinnings as the Volkswagen ID Cross and the Audi e-tron Sportback. It's therefore likely to have a 310-mile driving range and a top speed of 112mph. Skoda hasn't revealed a 0-60mph time just yet, but it will have a 302bhp power unit, with all of those horses being available on demand.
Two motors, one on each axle, work in unison to deliver power where it's needed to provide maximum grip and stability. Clever tech features include being able to automatically find itself a parking space and park, and drive-by itself in traffic jams or on motorways.
Skoda suggests that, when the Vision E arrives in the early 2020s, you won't need to plug it in, as there'll be inductive charging floor panel that can be fitted in your garage, but if you don't have space to put in the floor panel, a quick charge plug-in cable will get it back up to 80 per cent in 30 minutes.
A digital screen will replace the analogue instrument cluster, and a larger touchscreen will be fitted to the centre console to handle all things infotainment. You'll also be able to wirelessly charge your phone with a charger in each door.
