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The Paris motor show, or Mondial l’Auto, will be held from 4-14 October. The show is one of the most important in the automotive year, rivalling Geneva, Frankfurt, Tokyo and Detroit in importance.
While a series of major brands (inc. VW, Volvo, Ford, Infiniti, Nissan, etc.) will not be in attendance, others will take the opportunity to show a series of all-new and revised (facelifted) models.
Read on to find out which models carmakers are expected to unveil at this year’s expo in Porte de Versailles, Paris. In addition, Motor Trader will be attending the press days on 2-3 October, so look forward to additional information posted from the halls.
Audi A1
Revised version of the premium subcompact hatch based on the existing VW Polo and SEAT Ibiza.
Audi A4
Exterior revisions for the 3-Series, C-Class challenger, launched three years ago. These largely cosmetic changes will carry across the saloon and Avant (estate) versions.
Audi A6 Allroad
A raised ride-height version of the existing A6, with chunky exterior trim and some limited off-road potential.
BMW 3-Series
World-premiere of the latest ‘ultimate driving machine’, always an important launch for the Munich-based company. Expect evolution rather than revolution, although based on the existing car that is no bad thing.
BMW 8-Series
Reveal of the production version of the new flagship Grand Tourer coupe. Two engines will feature, the TwinPower V8 (M850i) and a straight-six TD (840d). In the UK the base version will be in the M-Sport trim; while this is not the full-fat M8, it means the addition of various high-performance parts.
BMW X5
The revised full-size SUV, now with added luxury.
BMW Z4
The third-generation Z-car, which shares underpinnings and engines with the new Toyota Supra. Where the Supra is coupe-only, the new Z4 will replace the previous folding hard top with a material version to reduce weight.
Citroen C5 Aircross
A larger version of the existing C4 Cactus, with looks to match.
DS 3 Crossback
The DS brand will have the world premiere of the new 3 Crossback, a chunky mini-SUV based on the existing DS 3 hatch.
Hyundai i30 Fastback
It has not been confirmed, but it is expected that Hyundai will have the world premiere of the new i30 Fastback in Paris.
Kia Proceed
The sister brand to Hyundai is expected to reveal the Proceed, an estate version of the latest Ceed (no longer C’eed) hatch.
Lexus LC500 Limited Edition (added 06/08/2018)
Special edition of the LC500, featuring either a V8 or hybrid (LC500h) powertrain. Reports indicate that only 10 examples will be brought into the UK.
Mercedes-Benz GLE
The Stuttgart powerhouse will reveal the latest version of its full-size SUV, which replaced the outgoing M-Class.
Mercedes-Benz EQ C
All-new, pure electric SUV, which will have performance to match the Jaguar I-PACE.
Mercedes-Benz B-Class
The less sporting, more practical relative of the A-Class gets a refresh.
Mercedes-AMG A35 (added 06/08/2018)
Warmed-over version of the latest A-Class gives a taste of what the full-on AMG A45 will deliver. With the launch due in early 2019, the AMG A35 will feature a 300bhp, four-cylinder engine and permanent four-wheel drive.
Peugeot 508 SW
A longer, lovelier version (if you like estates) of the new 508 saloon will have its world premiere. Further expect a plug-in hybrid (PHEV) addition to the powertrain line up. While details are light, it’s possible this is a revised version of the electric motor-on-rear-axle set-up seen on previous PSA models, developed by GKN Driveline.
Porsche Macan
Mid-life facelift for the highly-successful, high-performance compact SUV.
Skoda Karoq Scout
Like all Skoda’s Scout models, the new Karoq version will feature additional exterior trim and some new interior equipment. The model will further feature standard four-wheel drive. (Note: New Karoq Sportline is also expected to feature on the Skoda stand).
Skoda Kodiaq vRS
A high-performance version of the existing Kodiaq SUV, a first for the Czech carmaker. The Kodiaq was unveiled at the last Paris motor show in 2016.
Suzuki Jimny
The European premiere of the latest version of the little SUV that could (beat most others in off-road performance).
Toyota Supra
Pending confirmation (which will probably come 30 seconds before the unveil) it’s likely that Toyota will show the new Supra – even if not in production-ready guise.