The legendary Batmobile, Knight Rider, Aston Martin from James Bond, Peugeot from Taxi, Taxi or Delorean and its swing-opening doors from Back to the Future. Such cars were also on display at the Paris Motor Show, which takes place every other year. And although participation and the number of premieres have weakened since the coronavirus pandemic, this year’s 90th edition showed a number of innovations in which electromobility reigned supreme.
You can listen to and view information and footage in the introductory video report.
“I am pleased to be able to present a new member of the SUV family in our country – the Volkswagen Tayron – to the public for the first time,” Martin Sander, member of the automaker’s board of directors for marketing and sales, reveals the new product in the video.
“With these two Vision cars from the Neue Klasse, we are showing how we are going to change the look and feel of the BMW brand,” Adrian van Hooydonk, head of design at the German automaker, also states in the montage.
“Check out the new Q6 Sportback E-Tron, one of the highlights of the day as it makes its world premiere here in Paris,” adds Audi France Director Robert Breschkow.
“Our goal is to reach more than 60 markets by the end of 2025 and become the number one among Chinese premium electric car brands in foreign markets,” says Brian Gu, vice president of the Chinese car company XPeng, in the report.
New product from the Mladá Boleslav car company
The Czech visitor was probably most interested in the revealed Škoda Elroq – a new electric compact SUV from the Czech stable. In the basic version, it has a power of 125 kW, a top speed of 160 kilometers per hour and a range of 370 kilometers – at a price of 799,000 crowns. Who would want 210 kW, 180 kilometers per hour and a range of more than 560 kilometers, it would cost just over a million. And the parent concern Volkswagen was not left behind either.
“From this year to 2027, we will introduce 8 new fully electric Volkswagen models, which will be followed by models from the Scalable Systems Platform, abbreviated SSP, including the electric Golf,” revealed Martin Sander from the German automaker.
New models also from Germany
In addition to this announcement, Volkswagen also unveiled its latest SUV for the European market – the Tayron, which it also produces as a hybrid – at the Paris Motor Show. The news comes as the group is considering closing some factories in Germany for the first time in its 87-year history to cut costs and remain competitive.
The Tayron is the second largest SUV from Volkswagen after the Touareg. The basic power is 110 kW, it can travel over 100 kilometers purely on electricity and a total of 850 kilometers. The price starts at 1,109,900 crowns. And the news from German automakers doesn’t end there.
“The changes we will make will highlight every essence of the BMW brand and take it into the future. The BMW Vision Neue Klasse and BMW Vision Neue Klasse X concepts show you what it could look like,” Adrian van Hooydonk, head of the automaker’s design department, announced both news.
At the Paris Motor Show, BMW revealed the shape of the new electric sedan and SUV, which it will launch in 2026 and which will already be conceived in the Neue Klasse design language. The carmaker also announced that it will produce all of its models there – including hybrids and classic internal combustion cars.
Two new electric cars were also presented by the MINI subsidiary, namely the John Cooper Works Electric model with a range of 371 kilometers and a price of 1,101,100 crowns and the John Cooper Works Aceman crossover with a range of 355 kilometers and a price of 1,150,500 crowns. Both cars have a power of 190 kW and a maximum speed of 200 kilometers per hour.
“We are entering a new era of electric mobility, and that, together with the Audi design and the admixture of connectivity elements, makes this car absolutely great,” boasted Robert Breschkow, also the head of the French division of the automaker, at the exhibition.
The sports version of the Audi Q6 Sportback E-Tron also premiered at the Paris Motor Show. The variant of the electric car with a flowing rear measures 4771 mm in length, 1965 mm in width and 1665 mm in height. The coefficient of aerodynamic resistance is 0.26 compared to the classic ratio of 0.28. In the basic version, it has a power of 185 kW, a maximum speed of 230 kilometers per hour and a range of up to 545 kilometers. In Germany, it still has a price tag of 65,900 euros, i.e. about 1.7 million crowns.
Tough Chinese competition
And after 6 years, Tesla returned to the Autosalon in Paris, showing its Model Y for families with seven seats or the CyberTruck. The latest innovation, namely the robot taxi, which Elon Musk announced in October as a planned service for 2026 and later also for purchase for 30 thousand dollars for his own business, but did not show. And so even this car manufacturer was overshadowed by competition from Asia.
“Thanks to our relentless focus on innovation, Xpeng’s features are at least a generation ahead of most electric cars on the market. For example, our Navigation Guided Pilot – NGP for short – offers a nationwide steering compass in any city, on roads and other locations. And by the end of the year, you can expect to reach NPG door-to-door scale,” Xpeng representatives described the news.
Chinese firm Xpeng unveiled its new AI-powered P7+ electric sedan at the French show. And although the technology is already being used by more car companies in the US besides Tesla, the Asian competition is ahead in some respects. Its stated range is from 575 to 702 kilometers in the highest version, and its power is from 180 to 230 kW. The price for it starts at 209,800 yuan, or about $29,500.
The lead that Asia has, even in terms of price, has been contested for a long time and most recently led to a European agreement to increase tariffs on the import of electric cars from China.
“We are now in a relatively unique position where car manufacturers have been mandated and mandated by law to produce electric cars. If you look around this car show, they are full of cars in the drawer and the latest technology that works for a lot of buyers. But governments have not supported this so much with stimulus packages and incentives. So we are at the point where it is no longer about the first models, but mass production and the market. And the way they drive people into these cars begs for incentives. Carmakers say they have already done their part and are now asking governments for their contribution to support these cars, which cost more than their combustion engine counterparts,” adds Mark Tisshaw, editor of Autocar magazine.
Paris Motor Show 2023: Revving into Electromobility
Ah, the Paris Motor Show! A chaotic carnival of chrome, horsepower, and dreams on four wheels. It’s the place where car enthusiasts drool over the Batmobile, while the rest of us might only dream of securing that coveted Mtachete-in-a-stable level of coolness. I mean, really, a DeLorean with swinging doors? Just wait until someone tries to park that in a cramped Parisian street! You practically need a degree in judo to navigate your way into a parking spot around there.
Now, speaking of swinging things, I can’t help but notice the ever-growing presence of electricians in this motoring melee. The theme of electromobility is more prominent than a three-headed puppy at the pet shop. Yes, folks, we’ve got the latest in EV innovation, and it’s not just about bringing back iconic cars for the sake of nostalgia.
The Electric Revolution at Paris Motor Show
This year, the 90th edition of the Paris Motor Show revealed a new member of the SUV family. Volkswagen introduced the Tayron—a name that sounds like something out of a sci-fi novel! Martin Sander from VW describes it like a new playmate, only less likely to steal your lunch money. With a start at around 1,109,900 crowns, it comes with an impressive range of electric miles that’ll have you sneaking out of charging stations like a teenager avoiding curfew.
But wait, there’s more! BMW teased us with its Neue Klasse concepts, promising to transform how we perceive their brand. *Spoiler alert:* It’s no longer just about leather interiors and a dash of arrogance! I mean, who knew car design could actually look futuristic while still being functional? Adrian van Hooydonk couldn’t contain the excitement, announcing that changes would echo every essence of the BMW brand into the future. So, prepare your wallets!
More German Innovations
The competition is heating up, and our trusty German innovators weren’t about to sit idly by with their schnitzels! They’ve rolled out the Škoda Elroq, an electric compact SUV that’s practically shouting, “Look at me! I can go a whopping 370 kilometers on a charge!” And at 799,000 crowns, let me tell you: they’re not going home with any leftovers. Who knew saving the planet could cost this much? But hey, if you’re feeling fancy, the 210 kW version is just over a million. At this rate, you might as well buy the next round of drinks for everyone in the bar for that price!
Now let’s not forget our friends at Audi—the Q6 Sportback E-Tron made its splashy world premiere as if it were walking down the Cannes red carpet. Described with the confidence of a *Frenchman ordering from a Michelin-starred restaurant*, Robert Breschkow boasted about the car’s powerhouse attributes. At a brisk $65,900, it manages to dodge high aerodynamic resistance like I dodge my ex’s calls—gracefully and with purpose!
The Challenging Chinese Rivals
But hold on to your steering wheels—Tesla’s back! After six long years of being MIA, they showcased their Model Y and their future robot taxi, which, let’s face it, is more ambitious than my aunt’s New Year’s resolutions. Meanwhile, Xpeng, the savvy Chinese innovators, took the stage with their impressive P7+. At a price point of roughly $29,500, they seem to be tempting buyers into the electric future while we guiltily ponder our combustion engine cravings. One has to wonder—at what point does “affordable innovation” become “too good to be true”?
Conclusion: The Future is Now
As we whirl through the purring engines of the future, it’s clear the car industry is grappling with a *sharp left turn* towards electric mobility, while simultaneously trying to avoid being mowed down by a herd of competitive innovations from Asia. Carmakers are sounding the alarm, demanding government support for those overpriced electric sedans. Because let’s be honest: while we’re getting accustomed to paying ridiculous sums for fuel, we really don’t want to be left in the dust, especially when that dust is carbon!
So there you have it, folks! The Paris Motor Show may not have revolutionized the world, but it certainly set the wheels in motion for what’s to come. And who knows? Perhaps the next show will leave us with even more exciting automobiles to drool over, or to at least dream about guessing where the heck we’ll find a charging station next.
Among the breathtaking exhibits at this year’s Paris Motor Show, legendary vehicles such as the iconic Batmobile, the high-tech Knight Rider, the sophisticated Aston Martin from James Bond, the speedy Peugeot from Taxi, and the time-traveling DeLorean from Back to the Future captured the audience’s imagination. This distinguished automotive event, celebrated every two years, showcased not only these beloved cars but also marked its 90th edition with a strong emphasis on innovations in the field of electromobility.
For an engaging overview, viewers are encouraged to watch the introductory video report featuring key highlights from the event.
“I am thrilled to unveil the latest addition to our SUV lineup in our country—the Volkswagen Tayron—showcasing it to the public for the first time,” expressed Martin Sander, a member of Volkswagen’s board of directors responsible for marketing and sales, in the video presentation.
“With the introduction of these two Vision models from the Neue Klasse, we aim to redefine both the visual and experiential identity of the BMW brand,” stated Adrian van Hooydonk, BMW’s head of design, in the montage highlighting the new designs.
“Don’t miss the world premiere of the new Q6 Sportback E-Tron, one of the standout moments of the day occurring right here in Paris,” announced Robert Breschkow, the Director of Audi France, emphasizing the significance of the vehicle’s debut.
New product from the Mladá Boleslav car company
The revelation of the Škoda Elroq, a new electric compact SUV, undoubtedly drew considerable interest from attendees, particularly Czech visitors. The base model boasts 125 kW of power, a top speed of 160 kilometers per hour, and an impressive range of 370 kilometers, with a starting price of 799,000 crowns. For those seeking enhanced performance, a higher specification offering 210 kW, a top speed of 180 kilometers per hour, and a remarkable range exceeding 560 kilometers is available for just over a million crowns. Meanwhile, the parent company Volkswagen is equally committed to innovation.
“Between now and 2027, we plan to launch eight entirely new electric models under the Volkswagen name, followed by vehicles leveraging the Scalable Systems Platform, including an electric Golf,” Martin Sander revealed.
New models also from Germany
In addition to the announcements, Volkswagen showcased the new Tayron, a hybrid SUV designed for the European market, underscoring the company’s responsiveness to evolving consumer trends, all while facing the unprecedented challenge of potentially shuttering factories within Germany for the first time in its rich 87-year history due to cost-cutting measures necessary to stay competitive.
The Tayron ranks as Volkswagen’s second-largest SUV following the Touareg, equipped with a base power of 110 kW, capable of traversing over 100 kilometers in electric-only mode and offering a total range of 850 kilometers, starting at a price of 1,109,900 crowns. Innovations from German automakers continued to unfold.
Adrian van Hooydonk announced, “The transformations we are implementing will accentuate the core essence of the BMW brand and propel it into the future. Both the BMW Vision Neue Klasse and the BMW Vision Neue Klasse X concepts provide a glimpse into potential future designs.”
During the Paris Motor Show, BMW unveiled the shapes of a new electric sedan and SUV set to debut in 2026, both designed under the innovative Neue Klasse design language. This includes the commitment to manufacture all its models—hybrids and traditional combustion vehicles—within this forward-thinking framework.
Also making waves were two electric models from MINI: the John Cooper Works Electric, priced at 1,101,100 crowns with a range of 371 kilometers, and the John Cooper Works Aceman crossover, featuring a range of 355 kilometers and priced at 1,150,500 crowns. Both vehicles deliver 190 kW of power and are capable of reaching a maximum speed of 200 kilometers per hour.
“We are entering a new era of electric mobility, and this vehicle, infused with Audi design and enhanced connectivity features, is truly remarkable,” declared Robert Breschkow, head of Audi’s French division, during the exhibition.
The sportier variant of the Audi Q6 Sportback E-Tron captured attention at the Paris Motor Show. Measuring 4771 mm in length, 1965 mm in width, and 1665 mm in height, this electric model boasts an impressive aerodynamic resistance coefficient of 0.26—lower than the conventional 0.28. The base version offers 185 kW of power, reaches a maximum speed of 230 kilometers per hour, and boasts a range of up to 545 kilometers, retailing in Germany for approximately 65,900 euros or roughly 1.7 million crowns.
Tough Chinese competition
After a six-year hiatus, Tesla made its much-anticipated return to the Paris Autosalon, presenting its family-friendly Model Y, which accommodates seven passengers, alongside the futuristic CyberTruck. However, the company did not showcase its latest innovation, the robot taxi—a project announced by Elon Musk in October as a planned service for 2026, intended for purchase at $30,000 for businesses, leaving the audience eager for more information. The company found itself in a fierce competition landscape led by Asian manufacturers.
“Our unwavering commitment to innovation positions Xpeng’s features as generations ahead of most other electric vehicles,” representatives declared, highlighting their advanced Navigation Guided Pilot (NGP) technology that provides comprehensive navigation support in urban environments. They also noted that by year’s end, customers can anticipate NGP expanding to door-to-door capabilities.
Debuting at the Paris show, Xpeng introduced the AI-powered P7+ electric sedan, boasting a range from 575 to 702 kilometers in its highest configuration, alongside power outputs between 180 and 230 kW. The pricing starts at approximately 209,800 yuan, or around $29,500, illustrating the competitive edge the brand holds in the electric vehicle marketplace.
This lead that Asian manufacturers have—both in terms of technology and pricing—has sparked ongoing discussions, leading to a European agreement to impose higher tariffs on imported electric vehicles from China.
“We currently find ourselves in a unique situation where car manufacturers are legally mandated to produce electric vehicles. As seen throughout this car show, the market is flooded with innovative models equipped with cutting-edge technology appealing to a broad audience. However, governmental support through incentives has been lacking. We are at a pivotal moment where electric vehicles are no longer experimental models but are poised for mass production and market entry. The industry’s calls for government support in transitioning to these electric options, which come with higher costs than traditional combustion vehicles, have become increasingly urgent,” remarked Mark Tisshaw, editor of Autocar magazine.
P class=”e_bl”>“Thanks to our relentless focus on innovation, Xpeng’s features are at least a generation ahead of most electric cars on the market. Our Navigation Guided Pilot (NGP) offers a nationwide steering compass across various locations, and we anticipate reaching door-to-door functionality by the end of the year,” stated representatives from Xpeng, showcasing their advancements.
Xpeng debuted its groundbreaking AI-powered P7+ electric sedan at the Paris Auto Show. With a range of 575 to 702 kilometers, depending on the configuration, and power output ranging from 180 to 230 kW, this vehicle competes aggressively with established brands. Pricing starts at approximately 209,800 yuan, or about $29,500, which raises eyebrows amid discussions of affordability in the EV market.
As competition intensifies with aggressive pricing and innovative features, the sweet spot for affordability becomes a topic of concern. This heated situation has even prompted a European agreement aimed at increasing tariffs on electric car imports from China.
“The current scenario positions car manufacturers legally mandated to produce electric vehicles. While the auto show showcases advanced technology and buyer appeal, government stimulus packages remain crucial to support the transition to electric vehicles, which tend to be more expensive than their gasoline counterparts,” explained Mark Tisshaw, editor of Autocar magazine.
the Paris Motor Show marks a pivotal moment for electromobility. As consumers embrace electric vehicles, automakers intensify their competition, innovating while calling for government support to ease the transition and ensure the future of sustainable transportation is accessible to all.
Osalon, presenting a formidable challenge to established car manufacturers. The P7+ boasts an impressive range of 575 to 702 kilometers, depending on the configuration, and offers power outputs ranging from 180 to 230 kW. At a starting price of approximately 209,800 yuan (around $29,500), it clearly positions itself as an attractive option in the electric vehicle marketplace.
As the electric vehicle race continues to intensify, traditional carmakers scramble to innovate, aware that the battle for consumer loyalty is being fought on multiple fronts. This year’s Paris Motor Show showcased a vibrant array of electric models, marking a pivotal moment where style, functionality, and technology converge—with an undeniable nod toward sustainability.
At the heart of discussions were manufacturers like Volkswagen, BMW, Audi, and MINI who unveiled striking new models, capturing the imagination of industry insiders and consumers alike. Volkswagen’s Tayron SUV offers a potential range of 850 kilometers and a base power of 110 kW while pricing starts at 1,109,900 crowns. Meanwhile, BMW’s upcoming Neue Klasse models signify a bold new direction, poised to redefine the brand’s aesthetic and technological prowess.
In the electric car arena, Audi’s Q6 Sportback E-Tron emerged as a standout, marrying performance and aerodynamic capability, while Xpeng’s narrative underscored the competitive edge of Asian manufacturers in terms of technology and pricing. Tesla’s return, however muted, still reflected its ongoing role in shaping the narrative around electric mobility.
As manufacturers push for advancements in electric vehicle technology, they are calling for robust governmental support to facilitate a smoother transition from combustion engines to electric models. Industry experts like Mark Tisshaw of Autocar magazine urge for increased incentives for consumers, reinforcing the idea that while manufacturers are taking significant steps, external support from governments will be critical in paving the way for widespread adoption of electric vehicles.
The electric vehicle revolution is undeniably upon us, and the showcase in Paris has set the stage for what promises to be an exciting—and competitive—era in automotive history. Consumers looking ahead can anticipate a future where electric vehicles not only become more affordable but also more integrated into everyday life, transforming our driving experience for the better.
