Discussing design at the 2024 Paris Motor Show
18 October 2024
This year’s Paris Motor Show had plenty of world premieres and European debuts. But what did carmakers attending the event have to say? In the latest Autovista24 podcast, journalist Tom Hooker speaks with industry leaders about their design languages.
The 90th anniversary of the Paris Motor Show attracted carmakers from across the globe. Speaking with Autovista24, industry experts gave exclusive insights into the design, technology and ambitions behind their newest vehicles.
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Show Notes
Highlights from the 2024 Paris Motor Show
What to look out for at the 2024 Paris Motor Show
French brands fascinate
One brand with a large presence at the event was Renault, as it revealed the new Renault 4. The highly anticipated B-segment battery-electric vehicle (BEV) takes strong design cues from its 1960s predecessor.
The brand also unveiled the Renault Emblème, a concept car aiming to tackle carbon emissions throughout its lifecycle. The model features a dual-energy electric powertrain, combining a rechargeable battery for everyday use with a hydrogen fuel cell for longer journeys.
Renault’s domestic rival, Citroën, had a large presence at the event too. The manufacturer premiered its C5 Aircross Concept. The model showcases a future C-segment SUV, which will be built on the Stellantis STLA Medium platform.
Also on the brand’s stand was the newly revealed C4 and C4 X, with both vehicles due to arrive in dealerships early next year.
Leaping into Europe
After forming a joint venture with Stellantis and recently launching operations in Europe, Leapmotor was also at the event. The carmaker attracted a large crowd during its press conference, which included Stellantis CEO Carlos Tavares.
The brand hosted the global debut of the B10, a C-segment SUV and the first model in its B-series. Other Leapmotor models on display included the C16 mid-size SUV and T03 city car.
Peugeot showcased its new e-408. The C-segment BEV follows the release of a plug-in hybrid version in 2022. The new long-range e-3008 and e-5008 models were also on show, offering an electric range of 435 miles (700km) and 415 miles (668km) respectively.
BYD made headlines with its new Sealion 7. This Tesla Model Y rival is the eighth electric vehicle (EV) to be launched by the manufacturer in Europe. Additionally, BYD said it is still committed to building two local production facilities in Europe as tariff talks continue.
Dacia’s big surprise
Dacia revealed the new Bigster. This is yet another C-segment SUV, with three mild-hybrid powertrains and one full-hybrid option on offer.
Kia used the event to display its EV3, a compact electric B-segment SUV with high-tech features. It has a range of 375 miles (604km) when opting for its bigger battery.
One of its competitors will be the Skoda Elroq. The EV has a 560km range and prices start at around €33,000. It marks the beginning of six BEV Skoda model launches over the coming years.
Meanwhile, the Volkswagen Tayron made its public debut. The model is a seven-seat SUV that sits above the Tiguan. Cadillac also made waves, with its new Lyriq and Optiq electric SUVs.
One stand that drew a lot of attention was Xpeng, with the unveiling of the P7+. The fastback sedan’s advanced driver-assistance systems feature as standard.
More reveals
Mini had two global debuts at the event, the John Cooper Works Electric and the John Cooper Works Aceman. The latter provides a range of 355km while the former can reach 371km on one charge.
Another world premiere was the Audi Q6 Sportback e-Tron. The midsize SUV has a range of 656km and is built on the premium platform electric or PPE.
Alpine also had a sporty reveal for visitors at the show. The A390_β is a precursor to the brand’s future BEV fastback sportscar. BMW showcased its Neue Klasse and Neue Klasse X in Paris. Both provide an outlook on the brand’s future model portfolio, with the former a sporty electric sedan while the Neue Klasse X is an electric SUV.
