What to look out for at the 2024 Paris Motor Show
09 October 2024
The 90th edition of the Paris Motor Show is just around the corner. So which models and innovations will be unveiled? Autovista24 editor Tom Geggus and journalist Tom Hooker discuss what to expect in the latest Autovista24 podcast.
Spread across six halls of the Paris Expo Porte de Versailles, this year’s Paris Motor Show will play host a range of carmakers, from local European brands to emerging companies from Asia. New models, concepts and technologies will be on display, so what has the Autovista24 team excited?
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Show notes
Definitive tariffs on BEVs made in China approved in EU vote
Blessing or curse: The impact of EU tariffs on BEVs made in China
Renault goes retro
Renault Group will be present with three of its brands at the 2024 Paris Motor Show. Its namesake brand will host the world premiere of the Renault 4 E-Tech on 14 October.
This electric vehicle (EV) will take design inspiration from the original R4, introduced in 1961. The front grille, rear lights, rear panel quarter window and wide-opening canvas roof are all an homage to the historic model. Renault’s latest addition will also have bi-directional charging, with vehicle-to-load and vehicle-to-grid functionality.
The brand will also display the Renault Emblème, an eco-designed family demo car that aims to tackle the challenge of reducing carbon emissions throughout its lifecycle. The model uses recycled, low-carbon or natural materials and is manufactured with 100% renewable energy.
It features a dual-energy electric powertrain, combining a rechargeable battery for everyday use with a hydrogen fuel cell for longer journeys.
The futuristic model uses a long, sloping bonnet to optimise airflow. Two side cameras integrated into the wheel arches replace the rear-view mirrors to maximise aerodynamic efficiency. The concept also has an active grill, rear spoiler and dynamic rear diffuser.
The R17 restomod will provide French designer Ora Ïto’s reinterpretation of the Renault 17 sports coupé from the 1970s. The concept is powered by a ‘never-before-seen’ 270hp electric motor with a range of 248 miles (399km).
‘We have teleported Renault 17 into the future while respecting its most distinctive elements,’ explained Ïto. Highlights include a rear light strip stretching the entirety of the back end, front LED headlights that resemble the original iodine headlights and side louvers placed on the rear quarter windows.
The interior also takes retro cues, with the interior trim using 1970s-style fabrics and materials. There is even a neo-rectangular-shaped steering wheel.
Dacia expands range
Dacia is exhibiting the world premiere of its new Bigster at the Paris Motor Show. Three mild hybrid powertrains will be available, with one featuring four-wheel drive. A full hybrid option will also be on offer, while customers opting for a higher trim level will be able to select two-tone paint finishes.
Inside, the C-segment SUV will feature a 10.1-inch central touchscreen, a digital instrument panel and a panoramic opening sunroof. The Bigster will be followed by two further Dacia models in the segment.
The carmaker will also be bringing its Sandrider to Paris. Dacia will use the prototype to compete in the Dakar Rally and the World Rally-Raid Championship in 2025.
Alpine’s BEV concept
Alpine will be hosting the world premiere of the A390_β, a precursor of the brand’s future battery-electric vehicle (BEV) fastback sportscar.
The manufacturer is also revealing the Alpenglow Hy6, the latest version of its ‘ultra-sporty prototype’. It will be equipped for the first time with Alpine’s brand-new six-cylinder internal combustion engine (ICE).
VW Group presence
The Volkswagen (VW) Group will be present in Paris with its namesake brand. However, VW’s headquarters will not be participating in the event. Instead, VW France will be running their stand.
According to the French division, the brand will show off the Tayron, a seven-seat SUV, in its public debut. The new model features intelligent matrix headlights and illuminated door handles. It will boast 885 litres of boot space when converted into a five-seater, as well as a gesture-controlled boot lid. The infotainment system will come equipped with a 12.9-inch touchscreen and an IDA voice assistant.
The brand will also be displaying the ID GTI concept. The model is a vision of how the sporty label could look in an electric future, which was presented in March 2023.
Skoda will also be at the Paris Motor Show. The marque unveiled the Elroq earlier this month, which could make an appearance at the event, although there is no official confirmation of this. The model is Skoda’s first BEV model in the compact SUV segment and is smaller than its Enyaq stablemate.
Skoda says the model will start at around €33,000, meaning it ‘achieves price parity with its Karoq internal-combustion engine counterpart in many markets.’ The top-level Elroq powertrain provides up to 210kW, with a range of more than 560km. Recharge speeds from 10% to 80% range from 25 to 28 minutes, depending on the powertrain.
A rear-view camera, remote air-conditioning 13-inch infotainment screen and SmartLink, Skoda’s in-car infotainment system, all come as standard.
Audi has confirmed its presence too. Like VW, the carmaker’s local subsidiary will be running the stand. The New A5, unveiled in July, is expected to be at the show alongside restyled RS3, A6 e-Tron and Q5.
Two Mini premieres
BMW and Mini will represent BMW Group at the event. The latter is hosting two world premieres of all-electric John Cooper Works models, one of which has been teased in a hatchback silhouette. ‘The two models effortlessly transfer motorsport know-how from the racetrack to the road,’ Mini said in a press release.
Meanwhile, BMW’s local subsidiary will be hosting their stand. This means the new M5 Touring is likely to be present, but no new developments are expected.
Stellantis stars
Like Renault Group, Stellantis has made a big effort at their domestic motor show. Citroen, Peugeot and Alfa Romeo will all present be at the event.
Citroën will have two world premieres in the C segment, the C4 and C4X. Both models ‘will appear on the stand with a new stature, adopting a simpler, more coherent design that reflects the brand’s new identity. The C4 is more serene and stylish than ever, while the C4 X is a spacious lounge in a sleek fastback,’ explained Citroën.
The brand will also unveil a ‘highly expressive’ show car, representing the brand’s vision of a future Citroën model in a major segment.
While deliveries are already underway, the Paris Motor Show will mark the first major event for C3. The model is available in both petrol and electric drivetrains. The event will also be the first public appearance for the seven-seater C3 Aircross, which was unveiled in June.
Peugeot will display the new E-408. This C-segment fastback SUV has been raised from the 408 saloon first launched in 2022. With a 210hp motor, the model has a range of up to 281 miles (452km) and provides the option of three trim levels. Orders will open for the E-408 in November.
The carmaker will also display long-range versions of the new Peugeot e-3008 and e-5008 SUV, which recently opened orders.
Alfa Romeo will make the international debut of the Junior Ibrida. This is a sporty yet stylish version of the BEV hatchback which was introduced earlier this year.
The model will be equipped with a twin tailpipe, 18-inch alloy wheels, a sport pack with Sabelt seats and Alcantara upholstery. Meanwhile, the exterior features the new ‘Leggenda’ front grille. The Junior Ibrida will be available with a 136hp or 156hp drivetrain.
New market entrants
Leapmotor International, a joint venture between Stellantis and Leapmotor, will be attending the 2024 Pairs Motor Show. The company will unveil the new B10, a C-segment SUV based on Leapmotor’s fresh B platform. Two other models will also appear on the joint venture’s stand.
One of these will be the C10, a family-oriented D-segment electric SUV. The other will be the Leapmotor T03, a compact A-segment urban EV. Launching its European operations, Leapmotor International will sell its models via 200 Stellantis distribution channels by the end of 2024. This number is then set to climb to 500 by 2026.
BYD will bring a range of models to the Paris Motor Show 2024. The Yangwang U8, its luxury technological demonstrator, will make its first appearance in France. A test drive centre will also provide an opportunity for attendees to experience BYD’s models in person.
BYD confirmed it will display a new vehicle at the Paris Motor Show. However, it has so far remained tight-lipped on the model’s name. Automotive New Europe has reported that this could be the all-electric Sealion 7. With cell-to-body battery integration, the SUV supports charging up to 240kW and the ability to support two plugs at once.
Visitors to Xpeng’s booth will experience its new AI-integrated technology. This includes its next-generation in-car operating system, Tianji XOS 5.4, made for the European market. The carmaker will also show off its smart cockpit, which features advanced customisation options for displays and frequent over-the-air updates.
‘The European automotive market is undergoing a transformation from electrification to smartification,’ said Brian Gu, vice chairman and president at Xpeng. ‘At the Paris Motor Show, we are not only showcasing highlights from our vehicle portfolio, but also new solutions that we will be integrating in our car models.’
A heavy shadow
For these Chinese brands, a heavy shadow hangs over the Paris Motor Show. On 4 October, the European Union approved the implementation of definitive tariffs on BEVs made in China. This means their models could face duties as high as 35.3% on top of standard 10% import rates.
Reuters reports that Brussels rejected a proposal from the Chinese government to place minimum prices of €30,000 on imported BEVs. In turning down this offer, Brussels appears focused not solely on the price of these models, but their subsidisation.
To understand more about the potential impact of the EU’s tariffs on BEVs made in China, register for Autovista Group’s next webinar. Blessing or curse: The impact of EU tariffs on BEVs made in China will take place on 7 November 2024.
