What Are the Biggest Reveals at This Year’s Munich Motor Show?
If you’re a car enthusiast or just curious about where the automotive world is headed, this year’s Munich Motor Show is the event to watch. After a few quieter years due to the pandemic, Munich is roaring back—bigger, bolder, and more electric than ever. The show floor is buzzing with new models and concepts from heavyweights like BMW, Volkswagen, Mercedes-Benz, Renault, Polestar, and more. Whether you’re into cutting-edge EVs, radical design experiments, or just want to know what you’ll be driving next, there’s something here for everyone.
Which Electric SUVs Are Turning Heads?
Let’s start with the family favorites: electric SUVs. BMW is making waves with the all-new iX3, the first model built on its Neue Klasse platform. What’s the big deal? For starters, BMW claims a range of up to 497 miles—making it the UK’s longest-range EV. That’s a game-changer for anyone tired of range anxiety. The iX3 isn’t just about numbers, though. It’s a bold leap in design and tech, signaling where BMW’s future is headed.
Not to be outdone, Mercedes-Benz is rolling out the new GLC. This electric SUV promises a major jump in both range and charging speed compared to its predecessor, the EQC. With single- and dual-motor options (the latter boasting up to 482bhp), plus a rumored AMG version packing as much as 600bhp, Mercedes is clearly aiming to cover all bases—from practical family hauler to performance beast.
What’s the Story with Small, Affordable EVs?
One of the hottest trends at Munich is the push for smaller, more affordable electric cars. Volkswagen’s ID 2 is finally stepping into the spotlight in production-ready form. Priced to compete with the likes of the Renault 5 (think around £23,000), the ID 2 is positioned as the electric successor to the Polo. It’s a big move for VW, signaling that EVs are no longer just for the well-heeled early adopters.
But VW isn’t stopping there. The ID 2X, a taller, SUV-inspired sibling, is also making its debut. With a starting price around £25,000, it’s set to be one of the most accessible electric SUVs on the market. Skoda’s Epiq, sharing the same platform, is joining the fray with rugged looks and a sub-£25,000 price tag. These models are proof that the electric revolution is finally reaching the mainstream.
How Are Brands Like Audi and Cupra Redefining Design?
If you’re looking for something a bit more daring, Audi and Cupra have you covered. Audi’s new concept, crafted under the eye of design boss Massimo Frascella, is being teased as a “bold step” for the brand. While details are still under wraps, Audi’s CEO has made it clear: no more concepts for the sake of concepts—everything shown has real production intent. Rumor has it, the iconic TT could be a source of inspiration for this next halo model.
Cupra, meanwhile, is doubling down on its reputation for rebellious design. The new concept car, with its yoke-style steering wheel and racing seats, hints at a future where interiors are just as radical as exteriors. The production-ready Cupra Raval, the brand’s smallest EV yet, is also making its debut—offering a sportier, edgier alternative to its Volkswagen Group siblings.
What About Performance and Track-Ready Cars?
Not everything at Munich is about practicality or eco-friendliness. Mercedes-AMG is flexing its muscles with the Concept AMG GT Track Sport, a V8-powered machine aimed squarely at the Porsche 911 GT3 RS. With roots in the second-generation AMG GT and a likely nod to the monstrous Black Series, this car is all about raw power and track prowess.
Polestar is also making a splash with the Polestar 5, a super-saloon gunning for the Porsche Taycan. With nearly 900bhp and an 800V electrical architecture, it’s a “company-defining project” for the brand. Developed largely in the UK, the Polestar 5 promises supercar-like rigidity and the lightest body in its class—a real statement of intent from the Swedish upstart.
Are Hybrids Still Relevant in an EV World?
Absolutely. Volkswagen’s new T-Roc is proof that hybrids aren’t going anywhere just yet. Debuting at Munich, the T-Roc is VW’s last all-new model with a combustion engine, but it’s no dinosaur. The hybrid system, similar to Toyota’s, allows for pure electric, petrol, or combined driving. This tech is also set to appear in the next Golf and Tiguan, showing that the transition to full electrification will be a gradual one.
Renault is also making moves with the new Clio, which is ditching pure-petrol engines in favor of hybrid-only powertrains. This shift is partly in response to stricter EU emissions targets, but it also reflects changing consumer preferences. The new Clio isn’t just greener—it’s sporting a fresh design, too, with a bold new grille and distinctive rear spoilers.
What’s Next for Iconic Models Like Skoda Octavia?
Skoda is previewing the next-generation Octavia Estate with a new concept at Munich. While it’s a “further step” in design, Skoda’s CEO promises it’ll still be instantly recognizable. The concept is likely built on the Volkswagen Group’s upcoming SSP platform, which is designed for the next wave of EVs. Expect more space, smarter tech, and a continued focus on value—a formula that’s made the Octavia a favorite for years.
How Are Asian Brands Competing in the European Market?
Hyundai isn’t sitting on the sidelines. The Ioniq 2, a compact electric crossover, is expected to debut at Munich. Slotting between the Inster and Kona Electric, the Ioniq 2 is Hyundai’s answer to the Renault 4 and Volvo EX30. It’s also closely related to Kia’s upcoming EV2, highlighting the collaborative push among Korean brands to capture a bigger slice of the European EV market.
What’s the Real Takeaway from Munich This Year?
If there’s one thing that stands out at this year’s Munich Motor Show, it’s the sense of momentum. The industry is moving fast—toward electrification, toward affordability, and toward bold new designs that break the mold. Whether you’re excited about a 500-mile EV, a £23,000 electric hatchback, or a V8 track monster, Munich is delivering on all fronts.
The bottom line? The future of driving is arriving faster than you might think. And if Munich is any indication, it’s going to be a wild, electrifying ride.