PARIS: Although there is going to be an amplified buzz about electric propulsion, expect battery-powered cars to be present for the most part in purely conceptual form at this year's show, leaving plenty of opportunity for crossovers, coupés and convertibles to generate a current of excitement.
A revolutionary VW
Volkswagen's concept, appearing under the banner "Think New" will not only be of the electric variety, the company is claiming rather boldly that it is "as revolutionary as the Beetle was seven decades ago" and that it has the potential to "make history." In other words, expect an EV car roughly the same size as a VW Golf with a range equal or better than a Tesla Model 3.
Tesla is also the starting point for Mercedes' show car, an electrified SUV that will be able to compete with the recently launched Model X in terms of luxury, technology and range.
Crossovers for all
As exciting as these models promise to be, it will be conventionally powered, real-world production vehicles that will hog the limelight at this year's show. And, as the SUV continues on its journey to becoming the car of choice for all motorists, no matter what their transport needs, it should come as little surprise that most of the new cars on show at this year's event will be of the high-sided variety.
Audi will be showing off the new Q5, BMW will be unveiling the conceptual outline of the X2, a coupé version of its entry-level X1 SUV and Mercedes will be displaying the GLC Coupé AMG 43 4Matic.
There will be more mass-market crossovers on show too, including the Skoda Kodiaq, a long-wheelbase version of the VW Tiguan and the Toyota C-HR.
But the biggest off road-inspired new vehicle will be the Land Rover Discovery. It promises class leading connected technology and benchmark setting all-terrain performance. After all, Land Rover is the world's only mainstream carmaker that deals exclusively in SUV models and it is therefore under the most pressure to raise the bar.
Supercar debuts
Meanwhile, Mercedes will be showing off the AMG GT Roadster, the convertible take on its current flagship sportscar. Taking things up a gear further will be the world debut of the Ferrari GTC4 Lusso T, a V8, turbocharged version of its four-seat shooting brake. There's also a possibility that Ferrari will use this year's show to debut the Apperta, an open top version of its Ferrari LaFerrari hybrid hypercar.
Not to be outdone, Porsche will be showcasing the Panamera, its own family sportscar in petrol and hybrid forms and potentially in shooting brake specification too.
The 2016 Paris Motor Show opens its doors to the press on 28th and 29th September and the public from Oct 1.
