The prestigious Mondial de L’auto returns to the city of lights after a year-long absence. In 2018, the Paris Motor Show celebrates 120 years of history and luxury brands, as they present new luxury car models within the international market.
A Bugatti Chiron made of Legos: photo by/ CAR SPAIN.
The event, which will be held between October 4 and 14 at the Paris Expo Porte de Versailles, has generated various news headlines after it was announced that top of the line car brands will not be participating at this year’s show. Due to operating costs of the car show, companies such as Volkswagen, Lamborghini, Mini and Infinity decided not to attend.
Despite this news, however, the 120th anniversary of the Mondial de L’auto promises to be an unforgettable event thanks to the presentation of new models that will be the undisputed champions of the market in the years to come.
Land Rover displays one of its luxury models: video by/ CAR SPAIN
Below are some of my favorites cars from the 2018 Paris Auto Show:
Audi A1.
The Audi A1 or A1 2019 has been deemed as a newer, more luxurious, technologically advanced and spacious vehicle compared to its predecessor. The first fundamental difference between the two is that the new car will offer passengers five doors. But that’s not all. Its design is more aggressive and modern, with a look very similar to the new Q8. The new range of models will be one hundred percent customizable and will offer the option of combining a variety of colors, upholstery and rims, with styles specially designed for either a male or female audience.
Interior of the Audi A1A: photo by/ CAR SPAIN.
In the past the A1 was positioned as the favorite car among women within the segment of compact luxury cars. Its interior offers a very technological environment, with screens throughout the car and in the central console. The car also offers LED environmental lights of 20 tones and an exquisite surround control option. Since then the perceived quality and feeling of sportsmanship have been significantly improved. As a result, the most powerful version of the model will have a 2.0-liter engine and 197 horsepower, offering a unique weight and amount of power that aims to make the car a great commercial success around the world.
Audi E-Tron.
In addition to the Audi A1, guests attending the Mondial de L’auto will also be able to discover the final version of the luxurious, one hundred percent electric SUV, Audi E-Tron. For the car’s design, Audi decided to respect the aesthetic scheme of the 2019 model family, matching it to the Q5, Q7 and the rest of the brand’s off-road vehicles.
The Audi E-Tron: photo by/ CAR SPAIN.
The E-Tron has two electric motors that together can provide up to 370kW of power, which allows you to accelerate from 0 to 60 m / h in 4.6 seconds. As for its performance, the model is capable of charging from 0 to 80% in 30 minutes and reaches a maximum range of 310 miles between charges.
Mercedes-Benz EQC.
Daimler’s 100% electric luxury SUV is important both for its aesthetic novelties and the strategic change it represents. Mercedes-Benz wants to establish a new philosophy named CASE (which stands for Connected, Autonomous, Shared and Electric Drive). CASE means technology to produce interconnected, self-driving and eco-friendly cars that can also be shared. The German automaker has plans of leasing its cars instead of selling them, a business model that the EQC would help to make possible.
The new Mercedes-Benz EQC: photo by/ CAR SPAIN.
Other relevant presentations are the new Porsche Macan, the Mercedes AMG A35 and BMW’s Z4 and 8 Series. Also noteworthy is Peugeot’ e-Legend, an all-electric concept with a classic design that evokes the 1968 Peugeot 504 Coupe.
The Peugeot e-Legend prototype: photo by/ CAR SPAIN.
Finally, we want to make a special mention to the new edition of the beloved Suzuki Jimny. While it is not a luxury car, it is a model much appreciated by off-road lovers. It’s a compact all-terrain, equipped with a small yet powerful engine and gearbox.
The new Suzuki Jimny: photo by/ CAR SPAIN.
Jimny turns 20 this year and, in celebration, Suzuki updated its capabilities to compete with models like the Jeep Wrangler. A perfect toy, to go out to enjoy on weekends.
Don’t miss this year’s edition of the Mondial de l’Auto. You may find a new jewel for your garage. ■
