Best new cars for 2019
These are the best new cars set to arrive in 2019, featuring a particularly fine crop of EVs, hybrids, SUVs and sports cars...
If 2018 was the year of the SUV, the best new cars for 2019 are all about electrification, as there are a host of new hybrid and full EV models in the pipeline.
All-new groundbreaking electric cars such as the Porsche Taycan and Volkswagen ID.3 are leading the way as we head towards the end of the decade with more and more manufacturers trying to muscle in on the growing EV market.
However, the popularity of SUVs shows no sign of waning and we'll still see new 4x4s making an appearance on our list of the best new cars for 2019, including the new Kia XCeed, the Skoda Kamiq and the Mercedes GLB, plus there will even be the long-awaited return of the Land Rover Defender to look forward to.
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Audi A1 CityCarver
Price: From £20,000 (est)On sale: Winter 2019
Audi is extending its refreshed A1 range with the new Citycarver, an SUV-inspired spin on the small hatchback, which will reach UK dealers late this year. Sitting between Sport and S Line trims, it has a distinctive exterior with black plastic wheelarches, redesigned front bumper and side skirts, plus a unique grille that’s inspired by the firm’s Q models.
Raised suspension increases the Citycarver’s ride height by 40mm, with 16-inch wheels fitted as standard. A choice of 30 TFSI or 35 TFSI petrol engines offers power outputs of 94bhp and 148bhp respectively, and there will be the option of six-speed manual or seven-speed automatic gearboxes.
Audi RS Q8
Price: From £120,000 (est)On sale: Late 2019
Audi is continuing its policy of creating a high-performance RS version of every model in its range, with the next example being the RS Q8. Seen in a partial disguise ahead of its official debut later this year, the RS Q8 is the most aggressive-looking SUV to come from the brand, with slim headlights, a huge front grille and bulging wheelarches.
The RS Q8 sits on the same platform as the Lamborghini Urus, and the new Audi flagship is expected to share its 4.0-litre twin-turbocharged V8 engine, which also appears in the latest RS 6. That should mean the RS Q8 will offer a minimum of 592bhp and 800Nm of torque delivered via an eight-speed automatic transmission through to a quattro four-wheel-drive set-up.
Bentley Continental GT Convertible
Price: From £176,000On sale: Now
Joining the impressive Continental GT coupé in the Bentley range is this Convertible version, providing top-down sensations alongside the traditional mix of luxury and performance. Like its fixed-roof sibling, the Continental GT Convertible sits on the tech-heavy MSB platform shared with the Porsche Panamera, which gives the Continental the flexibility of four-wheel drive and adjustable air suspension.
The Convertible shares the coupé’s 626bhp 6.0-litre W12 engine, giving a top speed of 207mph and a 0-62mph time of 3.7 seconds, despite a kerbweight of 2.4 tonnes. Refinement is close to that of the coupé, thanks to an acoustically optimised roof and double glazing.
Bentley Flying Spur
Price: £200,000 (est)On sale: Late 2019
Bentley is aiming to redefine luxury grand touring when the third-generation Flying Spur arrives this autumn. The clean-sheet design switches to a new platform, using the same MSB architecture as the Continental GT and Porsche Panamera, which helps to save weight despite the longer wheelbase.
Initially a 626bhp 6.0-litre W12 engine will be offered, which drives all four wheels through an eight-speed automatic gearbox to give a top speed of 207mph and 0-62mph in 3.8 seconds. The new four-wheel-drive system can divert up to 100 per cent of the power to the rear wheels, while four-wheel steering is fitted for the first time.
BMW 8 Series Gran Coupe
Price: £80,000On sale: Now
The four-door Gran Coupé is the final car to join BMW’s range of 8 Series models, and it has been designed to rival other large coupés such as the Porsche Panamera and Mercedes-Benz CLS. Sharing similarities with the Coupé and Convertible models front and rear, the Gran Coupé has a different centre section, where 201mm has been added to the wheelbase, giving a considerable 231mm increase in overall length.
The Gran Coupé offers a 4+1 seat configuration, and the centre console runs the full length of the car to provide climate controls for rear-seat passengers. Luggage space has also increased over the standard Coupé, with 440 litres available. Engine options include one diesel and two petrols, with the flagship M850i xDrive using a twin-turbocharged 4.4-litre V8 that develops 523bhp and 750Nm of torque.
BMW X6
Price: From £59,340On sale: Now
BMW’s expanding range of SUVs has been enhanced by this, the third-generation X6, which is already on sale. The latest version is no less eye-catching than previous incarnations, with a sloping, coupé-like roofline, wide rear lights and an illuminated kidney grille, which is a first for a BMW vehicle.
It sits on architecture shared with the current X5, but compared with the previous model, it is 26mm longer, 15mm wider and 6mm lower. Crucially, it also has a wider front track than before for sharper handling. Two petrol and two diesel engines are available, while xDrive four-wheel drive and an eight-speed auto box are standard on all versions.
Citroen C5 Aircross PHEV
Price: From £38,000 (est)On sale: Late 2019
The first plug-in hybrid from Citroen is about to reach showrooms: the C5 Aircross PHEV SUV. Originally previewed at the Paris Motor Show last year, this electrified model shares its EMP2 platform with the Peugeot 508 saloon and DS 7 Crossback, which will also benefit from the same technology.
The car’s hybrid drivetrain delivers a total system output of 222bhp and provides a pure-electric range of around 31 miles, with claimed CO2 emissions of 49g/km. The C5 Aircross PHEV is the first in a wave of models as the firm aims to release an electrified version of every car in its range by 2025. Citroen says the C5’s batteries can be charged from a standard three-pin socket overnight or in a couple of hours using a wallbox. Owners will be able to schedule the charging time through the MyCitroen app.
Ferrari F8 Tributo
Price: £203,476On sale: Now
Ferrari’s 488 GTB is a tough act to follow but this is the supercar that’ll take its place. Using the outgoing model as a starting point, the F8 Tributo gets exterior updates in the shape of revised head and tail-lights, a larger bonnet scoop and a clear engine cover inspired by that of the F40.
The engine itself is the 3.9-litre twin-turbocharged unit from the 488 Pista, with 710bhp and 770Nm of torque giving a 0-62mph time of 2.9 seconds and a top speed of 211mph. Electronic updates include Side Slip Angle Control 6.1 and a revised Ferrari Dynamic Enhancer, which is designed to make the car’s explosive performance more accessible.
Kia XCeed
Price: £20,795On sale: Now
The XCeed crossover gives potential buyers of the Kia Stonic and Sportage SUVs another option. It’s part of the Ceed range, although every panel bar the front doors is new, giving it a more purposeful look. The XCeed’s boot offers an extra 31 litres of space compared to the Ceed hatch, with three trim options and a First Edition model available at launch. There are two petrol and two diesel engines, and mild-hybrid and plug-in hybrid versions are scheduled for next year. The XCeed also has a different suspension set-up to the rest of the Ceed range, with hydraulic bump stops on the front axle to boost ride quality.
