Best cars at the 2015 New York Motor Show

Stunning new cars were not in short supply at the 2015 New York Motor Show but as always, Auto Express is on hand to sort the automotive wheat from the chaff. 

Our team were swarming all over the New York show this year, bringing you the best images, videos and words on all the new metal, as well as the top breaking news stories and exclusive behind-the-scenes insights. But when the dust settled, one burning question remained. Which were the overall, undisputed best cars of the show?

Below are our top 10 best cars at the New York Motor Show 2015...

McLaren 570S

10

If recent form is anything to go by, then there is good reason to be excited about an all-new McLaren. The 570S is the first model in McLaren’s Sport Series range and becomes the new entry point into McLaren ownership. It uses the same basic 3.8-litre twin-turbo V8 from the more powerful 650S but with 30 per cent of the engine’s internals being changed. A softer and less powerful 540C Coupe will also be introduced at the Shanghai Motor Show, aimed at the Asian markets.   

Jaguar XF

10

Following in the footsteps of the eagerly awaited Jaguar XE, the new BMW 5 Series rivaling XF debuted at the New York Motor Show. It borrows styling cues, engines and the all-aluminium architecture from its baby brother, with Jaguar also giving the XF a completely new cabin layout. Available with the new four-cylinder Ingenium diesel engines, the XF is capable of over 70mpg and will emit only 104g/km in its most efficient form.

Range Rover SVA

"It looks expensive, because it is," is how JLR design boss Gerry McGovern described the new Range Rover SVAutobiography. And he isn’t wrong, costing a whopping £150,000, the latest addition to the Range Rover stable is the most expensive SUV the brand has ever sold. For your money, Range Rover will fit enormous 22-inch alloy wheels, reclining rear seats, airline style rear tables, a champagne cooler and optional picnic style seats which fold out of the boot floor.

Mercedes GLE

Mercedes pulled the wraps off the newly named and new-look GLE at New York. It’s the latest addition to Mercedes’ refreshed SUV lineup taking over from the old ML and combines the softer lines from the S-Class saloon with the rugged stance of an SUV. Mercedes also showcased the performance focused AMG version as well as the super-frugal GLE 500e plug-in hybrid model capable of over 85mpg.

Lexus RX

10

Going toe-to-toe with the GLE is Lexus’ new RX. Now larger and more luxurious than before, the flagship SUV also sticks with the hybrid powertrain which is expected to be the only option offered to UK buyers. Lexus has stretched the body by 120mm and the wheelbase by 50mm meaning more space for those inside.

Subaru STI Performance Concept

It may look like the preview to a faster and more powerful Subaru BRZ, but the STI Performance Concept won’t make it to production.  It may use a 300bhp 2.0-littre turbocharged boxer engine but Subaru immediately dispelled any rumours of a production version, stating the concept merely highlights the ability of the STI performance brand.

Porsche Boxster Spyder

The Boxster Spyder is the lightest and most powerful version of the Boxster ever. Like the recent Cayman GT4, it uses a detuned version of the 3.8-litre six-cylinder engine from the 911 range. It misses out on the sophisticated suspension setup but retains its trademark hand operated fabric roof. Priced at just over £60,000 its also the most expensive version of the Boxster Porsche had produced.  

Kia Optima

Aimed at the Ford Mondeo and VW Passat, the new Kia Optima will launch next year with a svelte estate version to follow in 2018. The familiar tiger-nose grille can be seen crafted onto the front end, with Kia also fitting reshaped front and rear bumpers. The option of diesel, hybrid and plug-in hybrid powertrains will be offered to buyers.   

Alpina B6

10

To mark the company’s half century, Alpina introduced its most powerful and fastest model at New York. The limited-run B6 sticks with its 4.4-litre V8 but sees power rise to 592bhp – 60bhp more than the standard model. The engine is capable of propelling it onto a top speed of 204mph. Alpine will produce 50 Coupe and 50 Saloon versions. 

Mazda MX-5 Club Sport

10

The Club Edition of the Mazda MX-5 is a stiffer and more focused version of the fourth-generation roadster. It gets new shocks and dampers as well as an engine strut brace to increase body rigidity. Bigger brakes and lighter wheel have also been added but the 1.5 and 2.0-litre engine options remain. 

Which New York Motor Show car was your favourite? Let us know in the comments section below...