Frankfurt Motor Show 2017: news round-up
Here’s everything you need to know about the cars and the car news at the 2017 Frankfurt Motor Show in one place.
Phew! The Frankfurt Motor Show 2017 opened its doors, sucked us in and spat us out. After two frenetic press preview days we were left to take stock of the impressive collection of new production cars, concept cars and car news that seeped from the show halls.
It was a great show and the Auto Express team brought you all the cars and car news that matters with the best words, pictures and video coverage. The Highlights? Where can we start! Mercedes showed off the astonishing Project One, BMW had a new M5, Renault’s Megane Renaultsport arrived, Kia’s Stonic, Volkswagen’s new Polo, Subaru’s latest Impreza, Bentley’s Continental GT, the list goes on but you’ll find details of all this and more below.
Scroll down for our key cars of the show, the big news headlines and a complete A to Z of all the cars that matter. Our picture gallery at the top of the page contains the best images of the show and videos bring you closer to the big car launches. The entire Frankfurt Motor Show experience is here…
The key cars
Our rundown of the biggest launches and best new cars at the Frankfurt Motor Show...
• Bentley Continental GT - the sportiest Continental yet shows sharp new look• BMW M5 - The latest chapter in the BMW M story boasts 600bhp and four-wheel-drive• Hyundai i30 N - Public debut of Hyundai's new Volkswagen Golf GTI rival and first 'N' car• Jaguar E-Pace - Jaguar follows up the F-Pace with a smaller crossover• Mercedes-AMG Project ONE - Merc's insane 986bhp hypercar promises over 217mph• Kia Stonic - All-new Kia small SUV has the SEAT Arona in its sights• Porsche Cayenne - an all-new version of Porsche's cash cow SUV• Renault Megane RS - the new, four-wheel steer Renaultsport Megane takes on the Civic Type R• Volkswagen Polo - VW's latest supermini boasts a new platform and fresh tech
Frankfurt Motor Show round-up
• Best cars at Frankfurt 2017• Best concept cars at Frankfurt 2017• Best of the rest at the 2017 Frankfurt Motor Show
News headlines
• New Mazda RX sports car on track for production• All-electric Mercedes Project ONE successor to use Formula E tech• New super-luxury BMW X8 SUV could follow X7• 2018 World Car of the Year contenders announced• Honda will offer full-EV or hybrid tech on every model by 2025• VW electric car plans include an SUV and more 'emotional models'• Electric Bentley sports car gets green light• VW I.D. design signed off• New 2020 Volkswagen Golf Mk8: bold interior design details• SEATs to feature Amazon Alexa personal assistant tech• Mercedes EQ range targets 250-mile minimum range
What's at the Frankfurt Motor Show 2017? A-to-Z...
All the key new cars at the Frankfurt Motor Show this year, listed alphabetically by manufacturer....
Alpina
Alpina, who is claiming the D5 S is the fastest diesel production car in the world, displayed the 322bhp DS 5 at Frankfurt. The car is based on BMW's new 5 Series saloon and boasts a 3.0-litre six-cylinder biturbo diesel engine that develops 700Nm of torque.
Aspark
The Aspark Owl may be only a prototype at the moment, but the Japanese firm has big plans. The Owl is an all-electric hypercar that develops 1,000bhp and, according to brand, it will be the fastest accelerating EV in the world.
Audi
• Audi A8• Audi R8 RWS• Audi Aicon • Audi RS4 Avant
It should come as no surprise that Audi has a big debut or two at its home market show, but those after something a little more lively will be drawn to the Audi R8 RWS, a landmark car for the brand as it ditches quattro all-wheel drive in favour of sending power exclusively to the rear wheels.
The Audi Aicon is Audi's vision of future motoring with electric drive and advanced autonomous driving technology, and it's on display along with the Elaine concept. Also on show is the new Audi RS4 Avant. It has the same 444bhp 2.9-litre V6 as the RS5 Coupe, but with all the added practicality of the estate body.
Bentley
• Bentley Continental GT• Electric Bentley sports car gets green light
Bentley is eyeing up even more success following that of the Bentayga SUV. The third-generation Bentley Continental GT is being marketed as the sportiest of the sports tourers produced by the firm to date.
With the headline engine, a revised 6.0-litre W12, pumping out 626bhp and a seismic 900Nm of torque, the big Bentley does certainly sound like it has the potential to perform.
BMW
• BMW 6 Series Gran Turismo• BMW i3s
• BMW i Vision Dynamics concept
• BMW M5• BMW M GTE• BMW X7• New super-luxury BMW X8 SUV could follow X7
BMW - another home-market car maker - has plenty on display at Frankfurt this year. The new 6 Series Gran Turismo has made its first public outing, while lovers of luxury SUVs are being catered for by the debut of a concept version of the upcoming seven-seat X7, too.
The Bavarian brand is expanding its range of 'i' electric and hybrid models with a new i5 full-EV saloon previewed in Frankfurt by the i Vision Dynamics concept, and the updated i3 hatch is there too with a more powerful i3s variant. Also, the firm's latest supersaloon, the 592bhp M5, has been revealed in the metal for the first time along with the BMW M8 GTE.
Borgward
Borgward is returning to the European market following a 56-year absence. Currently, the firm only offers SUVs to the Chinese market, but it has revealed a sleek looking coupe concept called the Isabella at Frankfurt.
Chery
Chery came all the way to Frankfurt from China to pull the covers off its Exeed TX SUV that's destined for the Europe. The car on show in Frankfurt is a pre-production glimpse of what customers will be offered when the firm enters the European car market a few years from now, and will kickstart a range of SUVs all sitting on a brand new platform.
Citroen
• Citroen C3 Aircross• Citroen E-Mehari
Peugeot has opted to stay away from Frankfurt, but sister brand Citroen is having a reasonably big show this year. From the World Rally Championship edition of its C3, to the funky-looking new C3 Aircross and on to a 4x4 version of the people carrying Spacetourer, there are a wide range of cars to get excited about.
The C3 Aircross, billed as a Nissan Juke rivalling crossover, is replacing the old C3 Picasso and is to be priced from £13,995 when released this November.
Dacia
Dacia is showing a new Duster SUV. It will replace the current model which has been on sale in Britain since 2012. The new car uses the same platform as the current model and has the same dimensions, but there's a sharp new look, an overhauled cabin and technology upgrades.
Ferrari
Ferrari has revealed the Portofino at Frankfurt this year, its entry-level convertible GT car to replace the California T. The term ‘entry-level’ is a little misleading, however, as underneath the bonnet it has a 3.9-litre turbocharged V8 engine producing 592bhp. The resulting 0-62mph time is 3.5 seconds, and it will keep on galloping all the way to 199mph.
Ford
• Ford EcoSport• Ford Mustang• Ford Ranger Black Edition• Ford Tourneo Custom• Ford B-MAX MPV axed from range
Ford has already revealed the new EcoSport crossover ahead of its Frankfurt debut. The Fiesta-based SUV gains a new look, and overhauled cabin with fresh tech, a new diesel engine and the option of all-wheel drive for the first time. We've also seen the European version of the facelifted Ford Mustang, with its new 10-speed auto box and upgraded V8, at Frankfurt. A Black Edition of the Ranger pick-up and the plush Tourneo Custom minibus round-off proceedings at Ford.
Honda
• Honda Jazz facelift• Honda Civic Diesel• Honda CR-V• Honda Urban EV• Honda to offer electric drive on every new model by 2025
While Honda won't steal all the headlines in Germany, the Japanese firm hasn't turned up empty handed. Starting small, there is a minor update to Jazz which is being shown with a styling refresh, along with a new 128bhp petrol engine.
There is also the new CR-V, due to be launched later this year, which is aiming to follow on from the last model in offering buyers a dependable, practical SUV. However, there is some excitement around the Honda stand thanks to the Urban EV concept. One of the unexpected highlights of the show, this compact, sporty city car has styling that harks back to the golden age of the hot hatchback. Honda followed-up on its cute concept car by announcing a bold plan to offer full-electric or hybrid tech on every model by 2025.
Hyundai
• Hyundai i30 N• Hyundai i30 Fastback • Hyundai Kona
Frankfurt has given us the first public display of Hyundai's hotly-tipped i30 N performance hatch. Our pre-production drive of this SEAT Leon Cupra rival whetted our appetite for the finished car, and we're expecting it to be a big crowd-pleaser this year. Hyundai has also shown the new Kona small SUV and i30 Fastback on the stands for the first time.
Jaguar
• Jaguar E-Pace• Jaguar I-Pace eTrophy
If you want to see the new Jaguar E-Pace SUV in the metal, Frankfurt is your first chance. The baby brother to the F-Pace will go up against the BMW X1, Audi Q3, and JLR's own Range Rover Evoque, and will be available to buy in early 2018. But that's not all the British marque has to offer. The I-Pace eTrophy is an all-electric race car that will compete in a one-make support series to the Formula E single seater championship.
Kia
• Kia Stonic• Kia Picanto X-Line• Kia Proceed concept• Kia Sorento facelift
As well as showcasing Kia's current line-up, including the new Stinger sports saloon, the Korean car maker has used Frankfurt for the public debut of its new Stonic. The bold-looking small SUV is going up against sister brand Hyundai's Kona, plus the forthcoming SEAT Arona and new Nissan Juke.
Kia has also revealed a new Proceed concept at Frankfurt. Kia claims that the new study previews the design language of the next generation of Kia Cee’d, although the racy lines and long roof hint towards the estate version rather than the hatchback. The other significant unveiling at Frankfurt is a revised version of the popular Sorento SUV.
Lamborghini
• Lamborghini Aventador S Roadster
Lamborghini displayed a drop-top version of its faster and sharper Aventador S at Frankfurt. It produces 730bhp and can rocket from 0-62mph in three seconds flat, hitting 217mph. There's a 50kg weight penalty for the roofless car, but the screaming 6.5-litre V12 means you're unlikely to notice.
Lexus
Lexus hasn't been as busy as the Germans at Frankfurt, but an updated version of the CT hybrid hatchback and NX midsized SUV were at the show. Both receive technology upgrades and small styling tweaks, and will go on sale towards the end of the year.
Mercedes
• Mercedes-AMG Project ONE• Mercedes-AMG G 43 Exclusive• Mercedes EQA concept• Mercedes GLC F-CELL• Mercedes S-Class Cabriolet and Coupe• All-electric Mercedes Project ONE successor to use Formula E tech• Mercedes EQ range targets 250-mile minimum range
Arguably the star of the show is Mercedes-AMG's stunning 986bhp Project ONE hypercar. Using a Formula One powertrain it can sprint from 0-124mph in less than six seconds and on to a top speed in excess of 217mph.
The brand is showing an all-electric concept badged under its new EQ sub-brand – an A-Class sized hatchback called the EQA – and the latest facelifted S-Class Coupe and Cabriolet models are also in attendance. The new X-Class pick-up truck completes the Mercedes debuts.
MINI
• MINI Electric Concept• MINI John Cooper Works GP concept
MINI’s latest EV concept has appeared at Frankfurt. Dubbed the ‘Mini Electric Concept’, it's a glimpse into what will become of the brand in the future. While you will have to wait until 2019 to get the production car, the likelihood is it will be based on BMW i3 running gear, suggesting roughly a 190 mile range and a 0-62mph time of 7.5 seconds.
At the other end of the scale is MINI's wild-looking GP concept, celebrating the 50th anniversary of the brand's Monte Carlo win. It's a track-focused prototype that, while unlikely to make production in this from, showcases design and aero tech for a new John Cooper Works GP flagship.
Porsche
• Porsche Cayenne• Porsche Cayenne Turbo• Porsche 911 GT3 Touring
It's Porsche's home show, so it has pulled out some big guns for Frankfurt this year. The headline act is the all-new Porsche Cayenne SUV. The Mk3 model aims to be even sportier than its predecessors, and should continue to help Porsche's finances that allow it to build some of the best sports cars on the planet.
Included in those ranks will be the new 911 GT3 Touring, which has also been revealed in Frankfurt. The new GT3 variant is marginally softer than standard, with the big change being the elimination of that car's rear wing.
Renault
• Renault Megane R.S.• Renault Symbioz• Series of Renault autonomous car concepts planned
Renault has come up with the goods for hot hatch fans at this year's show with an all-new Renaultsport tweaked Megane. The car has 276bhp and four-wheel steering, while the sharper Renaultsport Cup chassis option is available.
We've also seen a future-thinking concept car from Renault in the form of the Symbioz, an autonomous electric car that showcases the car maker's idea of intelligent mobility and comes with its own house.
SEAT
• SEAT Arona• SEAT Leon Cupra R• SEAT reveals final 4 names for its SUV• SEATs to feature Amazon Alexa personal assistant tech
We've already seen SEAT's new Arona - a rival for a clutch of new small crossovers such as the Citroen C3 Aircross, Kia Stonic and Hyundai Kona - but Frankfurt is the new small SUV's public debut. It's the second car in what will be a three-strong SUV line-up from the Spanish brand, sitting underneath the Ateca and the as-yet unnamed seven-seater.
A third-generation version of the hottest Leon, the Cupra R, has also been revealed. With 306bhp, front-wheel drive, modified suspension and new aero, it's a more hardcore version of the Cupra targeting the Honda Civic Type R and new Megane RS.
Skoda
The Concept E is a sign Skoda is making strides into the world of EVs. Skoda claims it will have a range of approximately 310 miles and can be charged up to 80 per cent via induction in just 30 minutes.
Smart
Smart's funky Vision EQ ForTwo self-driving electric concept is built to showcase its future city car design, as well as its urban mobility carsharing solutions. It's expected to play a vital role in the brand's Car2Go scheme by 2030.
Subaru
The latest Subaru Impreza was introduced at the New York Motor Show back in 2016, and at the time Subaru bosses were coy regarding the car's chances of making it to Europe. However, 15 months on from its initial debut the firm has revealed the European Impreza in Frankfurt.
Suzuki
Hot hatch fans have the all-new Suzuki Swift Sport to get their blood pumping at the Frankfurt show. With sharp looks and promising the kind of budget thrills that Suzuki's supermini is know for, the new model gets turbo power from a 1.4-litre Boosterjet engine with 138bhp. A sub 900kg kerbweight means that the Swift Sport should be light on its toes, too.
Toyota
• Toyota C-HR Hy-Power• Toyota Land Cruiser facelift• Toyota Hilux Invincible 50
Toyota played its Frankfurt Motor Show cards close to its chest this year and ended up revealing some interesting additions to its SUV range. The C-HR Hy-Power is a performance hybrid version of the striking C-HR crossover that points to a new future direction for fast Toyotas. The long-serving Toyota Land Cruiser also recieved a facelift and tech upgrades at the show, while another SUV stalwart, the Hilux pick-up was displayed in Invincible 50 guise to celebrate its 50th birthday in 2018.
Vauxhall/Opel
• Vauxhall Insignia Country Tourer• Vauxhall Insignia GSi• Vauxhall Vivaro Tourer Weekender
The Insignia GSi stole the show at the Vauxhall/Opel stand. The brand has ditched the VXR name in favour of reviving the GSi badge last used back in 2002, while under the bonnet lies a turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder producing 257hp. The jacked-up Insignia Country Tourer was also revealed, alongside the Weekender version of its Vivaro Tourer minibus, a campervan conversion to challenge the Volkswagen Transporter's hold on that market.
Volkswagen
• Volkswagen Polo• Volkswagen T-ROC• Volkswagen I.D. Crozz II• Volksagen Golf SV facelift• Volkswagen to launch 80 electrified models by 2025• Volkswagen up! in the firing line• Volkswagen electric car plans include an SUV and more 'emotional models'• Volkswagen I.D. design signed off as brand gears up for its electric future• New 2020 Volkswagen Golf Mk8: bold interior design, hybrid tech and latest details
The all-new sixth-generation Volkswagen Polo has been shown to the public for the first time in Frankfurt this year. Sitting on the Volkswagen Group's new MQB A0 platform for small cars, it has grown in size considerably.
Volkswagen has also debuted the all-new T-Roc at Frankfurt. It’s an Audi Q2-based crossover appealing to the expanding pool of small crossover customers. Expect engines similar to those in the Q2, including the 1.0 TSI, 1.4 TSI and 1.6 TDI.
On top of that, a facelifted version of the Golf SV is on the stand, while the car maker has updated its I.D. Crozz electric SUV concept with new tech and refreshed looks.
Wey
• Wey XEV
Wey, the luxury division of Great Wall Motors, uncovered the XEV concept at Frankfurt. The brand has plans to break into the global mainstream, and the plug-in hybrid crossover could be the first model to arrive in Europe.
Frankfurt Motor Show 2017: Twitter feed
Tweets from the Auto Express team at the Frankfurt show in 2017
