Highlights also include the BMW Vision M NEXT, which leaves no doubt that the focus is on the driver, fully-engaged driving pleasure and sportiness (Photo: BMW)
The 68th International Automobil Ausstellung (IAA), the biggest and most important auto show in the world, is currently underway from September 12 to 22 in Frankfurt. If you happen to be in town, here’s a quick round-up of the cars, all German, you absolutely must feast your eyes on.
MERCEDES-BENZ
This year, the brand with the star held the world premiere of its much-awaited GLE Coupe which featured a sleek, beautiful design for the SUV segment. A plug-in hybrid variant is also available with a remarkable range of up to 100km, making it unique in its segment. Everyone’s also agog over the unveiling of the Mercedes Vision EQS concept car which will embody the essence of the brand’s vision of sustainable modern luxury once it is ready and is already touted as the ultimate, fully-electric saloon of the 21st century.
PORSCHE
Everyone’s talking about the Taycan, of course. The other Stuttgart marque’s first electric sports car is something to be excited about. A four-seater with two electric motors and an all-wheel drive with up to 750 hp and a top speed of 162 mph, it also features multiple touch screens in lieu of buttons.
BMW
The new BMW X6 SUV is back, and bigger and better than ever with larger, wider proportions and roomier. It’s gotten a boost of power with 530 hp and is also designed on closer to ground for better aerodynamics.
AUDI
Although the crowd was buzzing over the world debut of the new AI:Trail concept car, an electric SUV with a glassed-in design and off-road capability, there’s something to be said for the sporty charms of the second-gen RS 7 Sportback which puts out 600 hp and can go from zero to 100km/h in 3.6 seconds.
VOLKSWAGEN
It wasn’t so much the cars at VW that intrigued us so much as its new brand identity which features the stylised logo against a black, instead of blue, background. But since concept cars were all the rage at this year’s IAA, explore the brand’s ID.3, based on the new modular electric drive matrix (MEB).
