Frankfurt Motor Show 2019: all the cars and all the news
Full round-up of the 2019 Frankfurt Motor Show. All the biggest news with the best pictures and videos
The Frankfurt Motor Show is over for another two years but we’ve gained a remarkable array of new cars and plenty of invaluable insight into where the automotive industry is heading. On this page you’ll find our definitive round-up of the 2019 Frankfurt show with information on all the big car launches, the major news stories and our views on what it all means.
Frankfurt 2019 was a motor show of distinct themes, the overriding one being the rise of electric and electrified cars. The 2019 IAA event wasn’t unusual among the major motor shows of the past few years in that respect but the launch of the Volkswagen Volkswagen ID.3, Porsche’s Taycan, the Honda e, Vauxhall’s Corsa-e and others made this a show packed with influential new electric production cars, rather than far-fetched concepts. These EVs will be in showrooms within the next 6 to 12 months and car buyers are going to have some serious choices to make.
Even Lamborghini bowed to the great particulate filter in the sky giving us its first hybrid - the Sian. At least the 808bhp performance kept the petrolheads happy - As did the 592bhp generated by the mighty new Audi RS 7 Sportback.
We were also treated to two cars from opposite ends of the increasingly diverse SUV spectrum. Land Rover squeezed the hotly anticipated new Defender into its already packed range of large, plush SUVs. The Defender is pitched as a rugged offroader, free of frippery and nonsense, despite question marks over the £45k pricetag for a utility vehicle.
Just scroll down for all our great Frankfurt Motor show content…
Frankfurt Motor Show 2019: key cars
• Volkswagen ID.3 - one of the biggest electric car launches to date.• Land Rover Defender - the all-new Defender seen for the first time.• Porsche Taycan - Porsche's first electric car makes its public debut.• Hyundai i10 - the popular, practical city car in all new form.• Cupra Tavascan - another hot SUV concept from SEAT's performance sub-brand• Lamborghini Sian - Lamborghini goes hybrid with an 808bhp monster
Frankfurt Motor Show 2019: round-up
• Best cars of the 2019 Frankfurt Motor Show• Cars you may have missed
Frankfurt Motor Show 2019: live gallery
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Frankfurt Motor Show 2019: manufacturers A to Z
Alpina
Alpina unveiled a hot version of the new 3 Series estate at Frankfurt, with a unique body kit, a tuned engine and a range of chassis upgrades. It's powered by a tuned version of BMW's twin-turbocharged 3.0-litre straight-six engine, which produces 457bhp and 700Nm of torque – enough for a top speed of "more than 300km/h" (186mph). Other additions include a lowered suspension system, bigger brakes, a quad-exit exhaust system and Alpina's trademark 20-inch multi-spoke alloy wheels.
Audi
• Audi A1 Citycarver• Audi A5• Audi AI:Trail quattro concept• Audi RS 6 Avant• Audi RS 7 Sportback• Audi RS Q3 Sportback
Audi’s latest high-performance RS 7 Sportback and RS 6 Avant estate both made appearances at Frankfurt. Both feature the German brand’s usual range of aggressive RS styling additions, and both are powered by a retuned version of the same Volkswagen Group twin-turbocharged 4.0-litre V8 petrol engine found in the Lamborghini Urus and Bentley Bentayga. Power and torque figures stand at 592bhp and 800Nm respectively.
The fourth 'AI' branded concept from Audi - the all-electric Audi AI:TRAIL quattro - was also revealed, showcasing how future Audi SUVs could look. It's constructed from a mixture of high-tensile steel, aluminium and carbon fibre, and features an all-electric, all-wheel-drive powertrain which produces 429bhp and 1,000Nm of torque.
Audi also unwrapped a new niche-busting performance SUV, called the RS Q3 Sportback. It's powered by the same turbocharged 2.5-litre five-cylinder petrol engine as the Audi RS 3, producing 395bhp and 480Nm of torque. Like the all Audi "RS" models, it also features an aggressive cosmetic overhaul, with new bumpers, huge alloys and the brand’s trademark oval exhausts.
BMW
• BMW Concept 4 • BMW i Hydrogen NEXT• BMW Vision M Next• BMW X6
The next BMW 4 series was previewed at the show with the Concept 4 – and BMW says the production variant will look 85 per cent like the prototype when it arrives in 2020. The German brand also revealed its plans to distance the 3 Series to the 4 Series, to which it currently shares its underpinnings.
BMW’s third-generation X6 coupe-SUV was revealed prior to Frankfurt, but it will made its first public appearance at Frankfurt. Based on the same underpinnings as the new X5, it features a range of petrol and diesel engines with the most potent 4.4-litre twin-turbo V8 producing 524bhp and 750Nm of torque.
The BMW i Hydrogen NEXT was also unwrapped. It's a hydrogen-electric SUV, built using the same body-in-white as the X5, which previews BMW's future eco-conscious line-up. The i Hydrogen NEXT's powertrain, which was developed collaboratively with Toyota, has been undergoing real-world testing since 2015.
BMW also broughht its Vision M NEXT concept hybrid sports car to Frankfurt, which previews the German brand's forthcoming i8 replacement. It’s driven by a supercharged four-cylinder petrol engine and an electrified front axle, which provides a total output of 592bhp, a top speed of 186mph and a 0–62mph time of three seconds.
Byton
Start-up Chinese EV manufacturer, Byton, launched an all-new, all-electric SUV at Frankfurt with a maximum WLTP-verified range of 286 miles. When it goes on sale in Europe in 2021, it’ll be offered with a choice of rear- or four-wheel-drive powertrains, with respective outputs of 268bhp and 402bhp.
The rear-wheel-drive version has a claimed 0–62mph time of 7.5 seconds, while the four-wheel-drive variant manages the same sprint in 5.5 seconds. Top speed for both versions stands at 118bhp. Byton also says that the M-Byte will be offered with 100kW fast-charging as standard, which promises to provide an 80 per cent charge in around 35 minutes. Prices are expected to start from €45,000 (£40,000).
Cupra
• Cupra Tavascan concept• Future of Cupra: boss reveals new plans
Cupra, SEAT’s spin-off performance brand, publicly unveiled an all-electric coupe-SUV concept at Frankfurt, called the Tavascan. It’s based on the most potent version of the Volkswagen Group's MEB platform, set to underpin the range-topping ID.3 hatch. It features a 77kWh battery pack and an electric motor on each axle, which results in a total output of 302bhp, a sub-6.5 second 0–62mph time and a claimed range of 280 miles.
Honda
• Honda e
A production-ready version of Honda’s retro-styled all-electric city car was launched at Frankfurt. Due to go on sale in early 2020, the most potent version will feature a water-cooled 35.5kWh battery pack, a 152bhp electric motor and a WLTP-verified range of 125 miles. Unlike most compact EVs, the Honda e’s motor is mounted on the rear axle and sends its power to the rear wheels, which the Japanese firm claims will provide good manoeuvrability and a perfect 50:50 weight bias.
Hyundai
• Hyundai 45 concept• Hyundai i10• Hyundai i10 N Line • Hyundai i30 N Project C• Hyundai Veloster N ETCR
Hyundai launched the all-electric, retro-looking 45 concept at Frankfurt. Taking inspiration from the Pony Coupe concept from 1974, the 45 adds a modern styling twist that's likely to appear on future models from the brand. Performance details are yet to be revealed, but Hyundai has confirmed it features autonomous technology.
An all-new version of the i10 city car was also launched at Frankfurt, boasting a major technology and safety kit boost. The Korean brand's Volkswagen up! rival features a new eight-inch infotainment system, fresh LED spotlights, forward collision warning and lane-keeping assist. It'll go on sale in early 2020, priced from around £11,000.
Lamborghini
Lamborghini unwrapped its first hybrid model, called the Sian. Based on the Aventador, it features a re-tuned version of Lamborghini’s naturally aspirated 6.5-litre V12 engine and an electric motor, which produce a combined output of 808bhp. The electric motor is powered by a supercapacitor, rather than a conventional battery, which Lamborghini claims is three times more powerful than a lithium-ion battery of the same weight.
Land Rover
Land Rover has pulled the camouflage off its new Defender at Frankfurt. The British brand’s new off-roader has spent the last three years undergoing a gruelling development programme, covering more than 750,000 miles across 11 countries in the last six months alone.
It retains the old Defender’s boxy styling, but updates it with modern light units, fresh technology and rounded panel edges, giving it a far more contemporary contemporary appearance. Its also had a complete mechanical overhaul, with "95 per cent" new monocoque chassis, a fresh four-wheel-drive system, new air suspension and a superior range of petrol and diesel engines.
Mercedes
• Mercedes-AMG GLB 35• Mercedes GLC 300 e• Mercedes GLE 350 de• Mercedes GLE Coupe• Mercedes EQS• Mercedes EQV
Mercedes-AMG revealed a new "35" performance version of the GLB compact seven-seat SUV. It shares the same 302bhp turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol engine as the AMG A 35 hatch, which is mated to an eight-speed automatic gearbox and Mercedes’s 4MATIC all-wheel-drive system. Top speed is an electronically limited 155mph, while 0–62mph takes a claimed 5.2 seconds.
Mercedes’s second all-electric EQ model, the EQV luxury passenger van, also appeared at Frankfurt. Due to go on sale next year, it features a 201bhp electric motor and a 100kWh battery pack, which offers a claimed range of 252 miles. Mercedes also says a charge from 10 to 80 percent will take “under an hour” using a commercial fast charger.
The final big reveal on the Mercedes stand will be the new Vision EQS saloon. It's similar in size to the current S-Class saloon and previews Mercedes's future flagship all-electric model. It's powered by a 100kWh battery pack, which feeds four electric motors producing a combined output of 469bhp and 760Nm of torque. What's more, Mercedes claims it has a maximum all-electric range of 435 miles.
Porsche
• Porsche Macan Turbo• Porsche Taycan
Porsche unwrapped its first all-electric model at Frankfurt, called the Taycan. It promises to give the Tesla Model S a bloody nose, with the most potent variant producing 750bhp and 1,050Nm of torque. Its 0–62mph time stands a 2.8 seconds, 0–124mph takes 9.8 seconds and it'll hit an electronically limited top speed of 161mph.
It'll be offered with a 93.4kWh battery pack, which Porsche says will allow the Taycan to cover 257 miles between charges. The battery is also capable of charging at up to 270kW, which shoild allow a top up charge from five to 80 per cent capacity in just under 23 minutes. The Taycan will go on sale next year, and will initially launched with two model variants – a Turbo and a Turbo S, priced £115,858 and £138,826 respectively
SEAT
The SEAT Tarraco has gained a new plug-in hybrid powertrain. Due to go on sale next year, the Tarraco PHEV combines a 1.4-litre four cylinder petrol unit with an electric motor and a 13kWh lithium-ion battery, which results in 242bhp and 400Nm of torque. It's also able to cover over 30 miles on electric power alone.
Skoda
• Skoda Citigo e iV• Skoda Kamiq Monte Carlo• Skoda Scala Monte Carlo
Skoda unveiled a sporty, range-topping “Monte Carlo” trim level for both the Scala hatchback and the Kamiq compact SUV. Due to reach the UK market in early 2020, they both feature 17-inch alloy wheels, a racy body kit, LED headlights and a panoramic sunroof. Inside, buyers get sports seats, aluminium pedals, a 9.2-inch infotainment system and a 10.25-inch digital gauge cluster.
Joining the Monte Carlo duo on Skoda's Frankfurt stage is the brand's first ever electric car – the Citigo e iV. The supermini shares its underpinnings with the recently revised Volkswagen e-Up! and boasts a range of 165 miles. Prices will likely start from around £18,000 when it reaches the UK in early 2020.
Smart
• Smart EQ ForTwo and EQ ForFour facelift
Mercedes’s spin-off city car brand, Smart, has unveiled facelifted versions of its all-electric EQ ForTwo and EQ ForFour. Revisions include new front and rear lamps, a more aggressive front bumper, a wider honeycomb grille and more interior customisation options. The new models will go on sale this December, priced from around £24,000.
Vauxhall
• Vauxhall Astra• Vauxhall Corsa• Vauxhall Corsa-e• Vauxhall Grandland X Hybrid• Vauxhall VXR badge to return in 2020
Vauxhall had a packed show stand this year. The British brand unveiled its all-new Corsa supermini, a facelifted version of the Astra and its revised Grandland X Hybrid4 PHEV. The new Corsa shares its underpinnings with the latest Peugeot 208, and will be offered with a choice of conventional or electric powertrains, with the latter offering a claimed range of 211 miles.
The updated Astra features only a few cosmetic changes, but a substantial mechanical overhaul with a range of new, more efficient turbocharged three-cylinder petrol and diesel engines. There’s also an updated suspension system and a host of fresh technology, including a new digital front camera and an improved traffic sign recognition system.
Vauxhall’s Grandland X Hybrid4 features a 1.6-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine and a pair of electric motors (one for each axle), which results in a combined system output of 296bhp and 450Nm of torque. Also, thanks to its 13.2kWh battery pack, Vauxhall claims it’ll cover 32 miles on electric power alone. It’s on sale now, priced from £35,590.
Volkswagen
• Volkswagen e-Up!• Volkswagen ID.3 • Volkswagen ID.4 teased• New supermini-sized MEB model due in 2023• VW ID.3 R hot hatch being considered
Volkswagen had an equally busy show stand. The German firm's much-anticipated all-electric ID.3 hatch made its first full, uncamouflaged appearance at Frankfurt, featuring a 201bhp electric motor, support for 100kW fast-charging and a choice of three battery sizes – 45kWh, 58kWh and 77kWh. The flagship model boasts range of up to 342 miles.
A heavily camouflaged version of the brand's forthcoming MEB-based ID.4 SUV was also teased, in a smoked glass display case. The finished product is expected to reach UK showrooms by summer 2021, featuring the same range of batteries and electic motors as the ID.3 hatchback. Maximum range should be between 200 and 300 miles.
Volkswagen also unwrapped an updated version of the all-electric e-Up! supermini, while executives revealed a few tidbits of information on the brand's future product plans. Christine Leuderalbert, Volkswagen’s e-mobility Product Marketing Specialist, hinted that an all-electric ID.3 R hot hatchback is on the cards; while the VW Group Chairman, Dr Herbert Diess, confirmed a supermini-sized MEB-based model is due for launch in 2023.
Frankfurt Motor Show 2019: live feed
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