German car manufacturers seem to getting their act together for one of Europe’s biggest automotive industry events, even as more automakers from China than ever before are showing new metal in Munich’s IAA mobility event (September 9-14).
With a raft of new cars on their home turf, the Germans aim to show competitors from China and Asia that they can haul in new customers to their dealerships.
Ten years ago, the IAA was firmly in German and European hands, with Chinese manufacturers being viewed as exotic curiosities at best.
That has changed completely.
Now around 100 Chinese companies are attending the show, including 30 car brands. Among them are BYD, MG, Leapmotor and XPeng.
The show was officially opened on Tuesday by German Chancellor Friedrich Merz at a time when an increasing number of German customers are opting for cars made in China because of their favourable prices.
Because announcements alone do not make money and car manufacturers are struggling to boost sales, many of the new German models unveiled at the show will go on sale almost immediately after the IAA.
The most high-profile newcomers are the electric BMW iX3 and the Mercedes GLC. Both brands are pinning their hopes on these cars, which will compete in the same segment for customers.
The models mark a new beginning for their respective manufacturers in the electric car market where sales are still well below what was predicted only a few years ago.
BMW clearly has no intention of going down market and the new iX3 SUV, which launches early next year, is a major reboot costing a stately €68,700 in its home market.
It is also the first production car to feature the new design language with an illuminated interpretation of the trademark kidney grille which is far less «in your face» than the brash versions on current models.
The iX3 will be available with an initial 345 kW/469 hp, 109 kWh battery capacity, 400 kW charging power and a standard range of 805 kilometres. Mercedes is countering with a price tag of around €62,000, 490 hp, 94 kWh, an initial 330 kW and a range of 713 kilometres.
Experts say a lack of affordable models is holding back the electro-mobility transformation and German manufacturers are at last grabbing some of the action.
The VW Group is launching a fleet of small electrics, all of which are set to go on sale soon.
Volkswagen has dropped its bewildering alphanumeric naming strategy for electric vehicles in favour of with traditional model names, starting with the upcoming ID. Polo, which will launch in Europe in 2026.
The ID.Polo will cost upwards of €24,990 and should run for well well over 400 kilometres between charges. Seat subsidiary Cupra will sell a sports super-mini version badged as Raval, expected to have up to 165 kW/225 hp.
Skoda aims to be more practical and has conjured up a small 4.16-metre SUV from the group’s modular system. Known as the Epiq, it will flank the combustion-engine Kamiq and, despite having a range of over 400 kilometres, is not expected to cost much more. If Skoda sticks to this, the entry-level price should be less than €26,000.
Some of the premieres at the IAA are a bit like starters in a restaurant. The makers are whetting appetites, but it will be a while before they serve up the new cars.
This applies to the ID.Cross, on which Wolfsburg is pinning its greatest hopes for next year. As a small electric SUV measuring 4.16 metres with a range of around 400 kilometres, it will sell for around €25,000.
Although the ID.Cross is still officially a concept, chief designer Andreas Mindt promises: «The show car is already more than 80% identical to the production model.»
Not to be outdone, French brand Renault has launched the sixth generation of its best-selling Clio model, alongside the Renault 5 Turbo 3E, which it billed as the first electric «mini supercar.» It retains the existing model’s five-door-only bodystyle, but with a more aggressive front end in contrast to other current Renaults.
The battle between the automotive giants is in full swing but manufacturers are not letting this stop them from dreaming a little and once again there are a few concept studies that have little chance of ever reaching market maturity.
One of them comes from Opel, which is best known for bread-and-butter models. The GSE concept as an electric rocket with 588 kW/800 hp on tap.
The company admits that there is little likelihood of this speedster going into production but maybe a few design details will find their way into more humdrum cars.
Admirers will still be able to drive it soon, albeit virtually, since the concept will be available as a simulation in the popular Gran Turismo console racing game.
