What is worth waiting for. This also applies to the Premium Platform Electric (PPE), which is coming onto the market significantly late. But in 2024 the time has finally come: both the Audi Q6 e-tron and the Porsche Macan E and the Audi A6 e-tron will enter the automotive scene. Better late than never. Sure, but the technology of the PPE architecture is no longer up to date. Nevertheless, the PPE electric vehicles offer some important details, such as the 800 volt battery technology, which promises fast charging times. The new batteries with prismatic cells and a cobalt content that is around 60 percent lower and have a range of around 600 kilometers are also interesting.
Anyone interested in electric crossovers will have a wide selection in 2024 anyway. The Volvo EX90 is based on a new pure e-architecture and scores points with its pleasing design in the interior and exterior. The luxury electric SUV Polestar 3 with a length of 4.90 meters blows a similar horn. The BMW iX2 is a few classes below the Scandinavians in terms of space, but wants to shine with typical BMW attributes such as driving dynamics. The Chinese manufacturer BYD is also not idle and is entering the ring with the Seal U crossover. However, none of these vehicles are special offers. Just like the Mercedes EQG, which, with a two-speed gearbox and four electric motors close to the wheels, is supposed to crawl through the terrain just as tirelessly as has always been expected of a G-Class.
The Citroën ë-C3 takes a different path, which will only cost 23,300 euros and thus significantly undercuts the 25,000 limit, but with a WLTP range of up to 320 kilometers it is not a long-distance king. The new Fiat Panda will probably come to Germany as an electric crossover. The Fiat Concept Centoventi study provides an outlook on the B-segment vehicle. We finally see the Mini Cooper SE, which BMW produces in cooperation with Great Wall Motor, hitting the streets. Speaking of China. Smart works with Geely. Even if the Smart
The Hyundai 5N power car promises a lot of fun with simulated switching points, combustion engine sound and a crisp 448 kW / 609 hp for 74,900 euros, significantly cheaper than a similarly powered Audi e-tron GT. The VW ID.7 comfort glider, which can travel up to 621 kilometers on a single battery charge, fishes in other waters. It will be exciting to see whether the streamlined sedan represents the hoped-for liberation for the Wolfsburg-based car manufacturer. The BMW i5 Touring completes the pair of electric brothers consisting of a sedan and station wagon. After all, the people of Munich don’t want to let the Audi A5 e-tron Avant take the butter out of their bread when it comes to the Audi A5 e-tron Avant.
The new year is not just about electric vehicles. One of the most exciting news is certainly the Alfa Romeo 33 Stradale, which is already sold out. There are two variants to choose from: Behind the driver’s back is a twin-turbocharged six-cylinder with 456 kW / 620 hp. Alternatively, the carbon flounder is electrified with two motors and then has 552 kW / 750 hp. Top speed: 333 km/h. The Mercedes AMG GT is more conventional and is more of a Gran Turismo than a hyper sports car. The top variant GT 63 with the four-liter eight-cylinder and its 430 kW / 585 hp and 800 Newton meters of torque is also not underpowered.
Even if it sounds unusual, Audi has decided that the even product numbers are reserved for the Stromer. So the A4 with a conventional combustion engine will become the A5, which will be available as a coupe-like sedan and Avant. BMW lays down the X3 (G45). The fourth generation of the mid-range SUV will be the last to be equipped with combustion engines, but they will be electrified. Chery continues its desired conquest of Europe with the Omoda 5. The compact SUV comes with a combustion engine and is intended to lure drivers behind the wheel with a price-performance offer. The budget segment is traditionally occupied by the Dacia Duster. The new crossover from the Romanian Renault subsidiary, like the Jogger and the Sandero, uses the CMF-B architecture. However, the compact crossover will no longer be available with a diesel engine. Despite the electric strategy, the VW Tiguan is an important car for the Wolfsburg-based car manufacturer. After all, the crossover has been the highest-volume VW model in China, the USA and Europe since 2018. The third generation is based on the improved MQB modular system and has a significantly improved chassis and electrified drives. The same applies to its technology brother, the new Skoda Kodiaq. The new Mini Countryman offers the choice between a conventional and an electric drivetrain with a range of up to 462 km. Peugeot counters this with the E-3008.
The new Hyundai Santa Fe is available as a seven-seater as an option, appears significantly more angular than before and is 45 millimeters longer at 4.83 meters. The diesel engine has been eliminated, leaving two electrified gasoline engines with a displacement of 1.6 liters and a turbocharger. In the hybrid with a system output of 169 kW / 230 hp, the combustion engine contributes 132 / 179 hp kW, while in the plug-in hybrid it will be 118 kW / 160 hp. The system performance should remain at least at the current level of 195 kW / 265 HP. Renault is daring to attack the D segment with the 4.71 meter long Rafale. Initially, a hybrid drive with a 1.2-liter gasoline engine and a system output of 147 kW / 200 hp is available, followed later by a plug-in hybrid with all-wheel drive and 221 kW / 300 hp.
The G-Class doesn’t just get an E version. The cast-iron fans of the legendary off-road vehicle can look forward to a major facelift with a hydraulic chassis on the G 63 – contrary to the new zeitgeist, the star brand still has an eight-cylinder. In keeping with this, Toyota is celebrating a comeback with the Land Cruiser. Despite the mandatory ladder frame, the GA-F platform ensures road comfort. The Lexus LBX is significantly smaller. The technical brother of the Toyota Yaris Cross is intended to meet the premium brand’s standards in terms of material appearance. With the new C-HR, Toyota is targeting the VW T-Roc and the Cupra Formentor. On request with all-wheel drive and hybrid or plug-in hybrid. Opel is putting the second generation of the Crossland on the Stellantis CMP platform, which will also enable a purely electric version in the future. These are already set for its big brother Grandland, which is based on the new STLA architecture.
Long awaited, the electric brothers Renault R5 and Alpine A290 will finally be available at dealers next year. The Alpine should offer more than just spoiler paneling, namely a touch of Formula 1 both when driving and when operating the steering wheel. The Czech Passat Skoda Superb, which, in contrast to its Wolfsburg counterpart, is also available as a limousine, is clearly state-supporting. Nevertheless, the Passat Variant is likely to be ahead again when it comes to sales figures in Germany. Although the technology is almost identical with many assistance systems and the new, better chassis.
