The Geneva International Motor Show is a unique mix of small niche car designers and high-volume manufacturers. It’s the kind of auto show where anything can happen and automakers, particularly European brands, make their biggest debuts.
Premieres are already beginning, although officially the auto show runs from March 9 to March 19. It’s special not just for its mix of vehicles; this is also Europe’s first major auto show of the year.
We’ll be watching for Lamborghini, which is expected to introduce a variant to the Huracán, Ferrari, McLaren, Infiniti’s Project Black S concept, Volkswagen, Bentley’s Bentayga Mulliner as well as specialty automakers like Italian automaker Pagani and its new Huayra Roadster.
Even Ford will be in Geneva showing off the new Fiesta.
Here are a few more we’ll be watching out for:
Jaguar Land Rover
Jaguar Land Rover have a couple of offerings planned for the Geneva Motor Show. The Jaguar I-PACE Concept, which first debuted at the La Auto Show in November, will be shown in a new color called photon red.
The Velar, the fourth model in the Range Rover family, will also be introduced at the show. The compact luxury SUV, which made its world debut in London earlier this month, is stationed between the Evoque and Range Rover Sport in the automaker’s lineup.
The Range Rover Velar goes on sale this summer.
Mercedes
Mercedes-Benz, and its parent company Daimler, have a lot going on at this year’s show. Among the highlights are the X-Class pick-up truck, several AMG performance models such as the Mercedes-AMG GT concept showcar, the new E Class Cabriolet, and the Mercedes-Maybach G 650 Landaulet SUV.
X-Class pickup truck
This concept was first unveiled last year. Daimler will make investments in the high nine figures (euro) in the new model series by the time of the market launch. It will be launched in late 2017 under the name Mercedes-Benz X-Class. The key markets will be Argentina, Brazil, South Africa, Australia with New Zealand, and Europe.
No word on whether it will come to the United States.
Mercedes-AMG GT Concept Showcar
Mercedes has released a teaser photo and now a video that provides a few details, notably that this concept sedan will be a plug-in hybrid.
Smart
The open-top Smart Brabus two-seater will be available for ordering beginning Tuesday. Prices start a 26,750 euros. This model features silver paintwork and a red soft top. The company will also debut a smartforfour crosstown edition.
McLaren
The specialty automaker will showcase its second-generation McLaren Super Series. We’re excited about the new driver interface in the vehicle, which includes a folding driver display. The company has released a sneak peek teasing the new display.
[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PUHm-rzsbsI]
Opel
GM’s agreement to sell Opel to French automaker PSA for $2.33 billion is the kind of news that will likely loom over the company’s debut. Nevertheless, the company is going to unveil two vehicles, the all-new Insignia Grand Sport and Sports Tourer.
Opel Insignia Grand Sport
Porsche
Porsche will introduce three world premieres at the show this year: the Panamera Sport Turismo, a new body version of the Gran Turismo family, the Panamera Turbo S E-Hybrid, and the 911 GTS.
Panamera Sport Turismo
Volvo
Geneva is an important show for Volvo. The company will showcase its latest XC60 compact SUV, which will feature three new advanced driver assistance features, including automatic steering assistance or support—when required—to help avoid potential collisions.
