Best new cars coming in 2024
There are some big new models from the likes of BMW, Citroen, Dacia, Ford, MINI, Skoda and more on the way in 2024
We’re into the second half of 2024 and while we’ve seen some eye-catching and important new car reveals so far this year, there are plenty of big new car unveilings still to come in the next few months.
Carmakers are set to continue rolling out electric vehicles at a rapid pace in 2024, which will see the arrival of a curious variety of EVs, ranging from a sub-£15,000 electric city cars to drop-top, two-seat sports cars, plus more than a few SUVs plugging the gaps in between.
Of course, not every brand is ditching combustion engines with new petrol and diesel-powered cars still being launched in the shape of the hugely capable Skoda Kodiaq and Superb and the all-new Dacia Duster.
Whatever area of the new-car market you’re interested in, there’s something for everyone – and this list of 2024’s biggest and best new car launches proves it. Let’s get started!
Best new cars coming in 2024
Below are all the key new model launches scheduled or predicted to land in 2024, we’ve grouped them in alphabetical order…
Abarth 600e
Abarth may be known to most for its souped-up versions of the Fiat 500, but the title of Italian outfit’s most powerful road car ever goes to the new Abarth 600e hot electric SUV. It produces 237bhp with its electric motor and uses a mechanical limited-slip differential that should help minimise torque steer. Abarth claims the package “guarantees excellent driving stability, improved handling, and traction” in the 600e.
The styling changes Abarth has made to the standard Fiat 600e include a blocky front bumper, enormous front splitter and large roof spoiler. The Abarth 600e’s 20-inch rims were needed to accommodate a new brake system, and have been wrapped in a set of high-performance tyres jointly developed by Formula E’s supplier, Hankook.
Alfa Romeo Junior
This car was initially called ‘Milano’ but Alfa Romeo had to change the name of its new small SUV to ‘Junior’ after a disagreement with the Italian government over the car being built in Poland, rather than Milan. The Junior is a small electric SUV that Alfa Romeo says will “offer best-in-class driving dynamics and handling”, and give the Volvo EX30 and new MINI Countryman a run for their money, according to the brand’s top boss. In the UK, the Junior will only be available as an EV.
Available to order now from £33,895, the Junior utilises the same e-CMP platform used by the Jeep Avenger and Peugeot E-2008, but the engineers working on the Junior have aimed to achieve sharp driving dynamics through “direct and extremely precise steering geometry, to guarantee quick cornering with a high level of grip.” The hybrid Junior will use a 134bhp 1.2-litre three-cylinder petrol engine and a 28bhp electric motor integrated into the six-speed automatic gearbox, but a hot Q4 version with four-wheel drive will arrive after.
Alpine A290
Fans of fast French hatchbacks are in for a treat in 2024, as Alpine – which makes the utterly fantastic A110 lightweight sports car – has revealed a go-faster version of the forthcoming all-electric Renault 5 E-Tech. It’s been almost five decades since the sports car brand first worked its magic on a souped-up version of Renault’s original supermini, but this all-new model looks like it’ll roll back the years.
Featuring a 215bhp electric motor that will drive the front wheels, the Alpine A290 will cover 0-62mph in less than 6.4 seconds. The A290 also gets a wider track, with lowered and stiffened suspension for agile handling, while the sporty styling is close to the Alpine A290_ß show car revealed earlier this year. It will also use a set of Michelin tyres developed specifically for the purpose, and sits on a set of 19-inch wheels as standard.
Aston Martin Valhalla
Five years after it revealed the original concept, Aston Martin will soon launch the first series-production mid-engined road car in its 108-year history: the Valhalla.
Just 999 examples will be made, powered by a bespoke 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8 engine with a flat-plane crankshaft and redline of 7,200rpm. It’s joined by a pair of electric motors – one on the front axle and one on the rear – with Aston Martin claiming a total power output of 1,003bhp and maximum torque output of 1,000Nm. Enough to propel the car from 0-62mph in just 2.5 seconds. Gulp.
Aston Martin is targeting a dry weight of less than 1,550kg for the Valhalla, which the chassis constructed from carbon fibre should help with - it’s been designed for maximum stiffness and as low a kerb weight as possible. The Valhalla also features active aerodynamics, inspired by the company’s Valkyrie hypercar, with the two both utilising F1 knowledge and technology.
Audi A5
Audi will turn the A4 compact executive saloon into an all-electric Tesla Model 3 rival and in the process rename the model as A5. Revealed in Sportback and estate guise, the new Audi A5 comes with a selection of a two-litre petrol and a diesel mild-hybrid, with a three-litre V6 petrol with four-wheel drive for the sporty S6 model.
Pricing is expected to start at £42,000 when it goes on sale in November, a pair of PHEVs (295bhp and 362bhp) will be added to the range next year - both getting Audi’s quattro all-wheel drive and potentially over 62 miles of EV range.
Audi A6 e-tron
Audi is charging ahead with its EV future that started with the Q8 e-tron, e-tron GT and Q4 e-tron. It’s range of all-electric models will expand even more in 2024, with the arrival of its next SUV, the Q6 e-tron, followed by the sleek A6 e-tron that’ll be offered as either a coupe-inspired Sportback saloon or good old fashioned Avant family estate car.
The A6 e-tron twins will use the same Premium Platform Electric (PPE) underpinnings as the forthcoming Q6 e-tron, which has been co-developed with Porsche and will share a considerable amount with the new Porsche Macan Electric.
We expect the A6 e-tron to come with the Q6 e-tron’s dual-motor drivetrain for all-wheel drive and draw power from a 100kWh battery pack, which could allow for a range of around 400 miles in the sleeker saloon and wagon. We’ve spotted a hot S6 and even more potent RS 6 e-tron version testing - the latter of which we could see produce more power than the current 621bhp RS 6 Avant.
Audi Q6 e-tron
While details about Audi’s A6 e-tron and A6 Avant e-tron remain firmly under wraps for now, the company hasn’t held back with details of its next electric SUV: the Q6 e-tron. It’s the first Audi to use the PPE architecture and boasts a 381-mile claimed range thanks to its 100kWh battery. It also features a dual-motor setup that produces 396bhp in the regular version and 510bhp in the high-performance SQ6 model.
Starting from £64,200, the Q6 e-tron comes in conventional and swoopy Sportback bodystyles making the Q6 e-tron a family-sized SUV that is, in effect, an all-electric alternative to the combustion-engined Q5.
BMW M5 Touring
The arrival of a new BMW M5 is always a cause for celebration, but we’re particularly giddy about this latest iteration of the legendary performance car because, for only the third time in history, there’s going to be an estate version. That’s right, 2024 will see the return of the BMW M5 Touring, to do battle against the mighty Audi RS 6 Avant.
The last M5 Touring, the E61, went out of production in 2010 and famously featured a 5.0-litre naturally-aspirated V10. However the upcoming third-generation M5 Touring, along with the new M5 supersaloon, will be powered by a more contemporary plug-in hybrid setup, similar to the one found in the BMW XM super-SUV.
That monstrous-looking beast pairs a 4.4-litre twin-turbocharged V8 engine with an electric motor to provide all-wheel drive and a combined power output of 716bhp and 1,000Nm of torque in the ‘regular’ version. But we suspect the M5 twins may even boast a figure much closer to the 738bhp and 1,000Nm you get in the XM ‘Label Red’ variant in future ‘Competition’ versions.
Citroen e-C3
The all-new Citroen e-C3 is being positioned as the all-electric supermini for the masses, starting from around £22,000 in the UK. The e-C3 is built on a flexible ‘smart car’ platform, while its 44kWh LFP (lithium ferro phosphate) battery is fitted underneath the rear seats. This size battery is good for a very reasonable 199-mile range, but Citroen will offer an even cheaper battery option down the road, with around 124 miles of range.
The French will also offer petrol-powered versions of the new C3, for those not ready to make the switch to electric, while the C3 Aircross will become a seven-seater car with pricing expected to start around £20,000 for the petrol-powered model - putting it up against the Dacia Jogger - and £25,000 for the all-electric e-C3 Aircross version.
Thanks to a boxy shape and other styling elements such as a relatively high ride height, black wheelarch cladding and a chunky upright stance, the new e-C3 has a much more crossover-esque look than the out-going supermini. Comfort was clearly a key focus in the e-C3’s development, with Citroen fitting its hydraulic bump-stops across the range – a first in the supermini class – and its trademark pillow-soft Active Comfort seats.
Cupra Tavascan
It took four years for Cupra to take its bold Tavascan concept car from the 2019 Geneva Motor Show, and turn it into an equally striking electric coupe-SUV to go head-to-head with the Kia EV6 and Nissan Ariya. The brand’s sporty ethos has been utilised to help the Tavascan physically stand out from rivals and closely related sister cars, such as the Volkswagen ID.5.
The Tavascan will come with a 77kWh battery, sending power to a 282bhp rear-motor and allowing up to 341 miles of range. The more powerful VZ gets the same battery but with a 335bhp dual-motor set up - reducing range to 321 miles.
The polished black A-pillars have been designed to emulate the look of a racing helmet’s visor, while the heavily sculpted bodywork and athletic silhouette are similar to the original concept. Inside, the Tavascan features a driver-focused design defined by its central spine that separates the driver and front passenger, and serves as a structural piece of the interior. Bucket seats are fitted as standard, while the centrepiece of the cabin is a whopping 15-inch touchscreen.
Dacia Duster
The Dacia Duster has proved to be incredibly popular with both buyers and the Auto Express team, so you can understand why we’re so excited about the arrival of the all-new third-generation model. The new Duster is a fantastic-looking small SUV, with the design heavily inspired by the imposing Dacia Bigster concept from 2021. The interior is equally impressive, with a fresh design that’s just as bold as the exterior, and comes with a revised infotainment system featuring a new 10.1-inch touchscreen. And yet, prices are still expected to start from well under £20,000.
Under the brawny bodywork is the same CMF-B platform used by numerous existing Dacia and Renault models, including the Clio supermini. According to Dacia, switching to this platform had allowed for reductions in “vibration and noise from the road, enhancing driver comfort.” It can accommodate new powertrain options too, including a full-hybrid setup also available in the seven-seat Jogger.
The Duster Hybrid 140 uses a 1.6-litre four-cylinder engine, plus an electric motor and starter-generator. Dacia claims the hybrid Duster can spend up to 80% of the time during city driving using nothing but battery power. However, the cheaper base models will be powered by a simpler three-cylinder, 1.2-litre turbocharged petrol engine, boosted by a 48V mild-hybrid starter-generator. This TCe 130 engine is paired with a six-speed manual transmission as standard, and will be offered with the choice of two-wheel drive and four-wheel drive.
Dacia Spring
The Citroen e-C3 isn’t the only bargain EV headed for our shores in 2024, because after years of deliberation, the Dacia Spring is finally coming to Britain and it starts at £14,995. That makes it the cheapest full-blown electric car on sale in the UK, and the second cheapest EV on four wheels behind the Citroen Ami quadricycle.
In fact, the Dacia Spring competes directly on price with petrol-powered superminis like the Hyundai i10, although it even manages to undercut that by nearly £1,000.
The Spring is a 3.7-metre-long electric city car with an official range of 137 miles, but can cover up to 186 miles on a single charge if you’re just pottering around town. Heavily updated before its UK arrival, the Spring’s new styling and interior are inspired by the incoming Mk3 Duster, with material quality also receiving a boost. First examples are due to arrive here in October.
Ford Capri
Ford clearly isn’t afraid of stirring up emotions among fans of its more iconic models, because after slapping a Mustang badge on an electric SUV and bringing back the Puma name for its now best-selling compact SUV, the Blue Oval has revived Capri nameplate for a zero-emissions coupe-SUV.
The Mustang Mach-E is a pretty rakish EV already, but the Capri is fully embracing the coupe look that’s on trend right now, with a heavily sloping roofline much like those seen on the new Peugeot E-3008 and Cupra Tavascan.
It also uses the same underpinnings as the all-new Ford Explorer, with Ford getting access to the EV architecture thanks to a partnership with Volkswagen. There are three battery options with the 52kWh coming with 168bhp, the 77kWh with 282bhp and the top-spec 79kWh with 335bhp.
As a result, we expect the Explorer and Capri will be offered with the same choice of battery and motor combinations, and their interiors to be identical as well. The Capri kicks off at £48,075 for the rear-wheel drive model with the dual-motor priced at £56,175.
Ford Explorer
The Ford Explorer was unveiled in March 2023 and order books were due to open last autumn, but sales and deliveries have been delayed until summer 2024 because of an incoming UN regulation regarding standardisation of battery safety regulations.
The Explorer is key to the company’s ambitious electrification plans in Europe, and the first Ford to utilise the Volkswagen Group’s MEB electric-car platform – the same one that the Capri will use. The mid-size SUV will be offered with battery sizes ranging from 55kWh to 82kWh, offering up to 335 miles of range in the right form. The majority of Explorers will be rear-wheel drive, however, the range-topping model gets a dual-motor setup and 335bhp on tap.
Standard kit will include a heated steering wheel and massaging seats, climate control, keyless entry, and a 15-inch screen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Behind the Explorer’s tailgate there’s a 450-litre boot – bigger than the Mach-E’s, but around 100 litres down on the ID.4’s, probably due to the shorter rear overhangs on the Explorer.
Ford Mustang
Few last hurrahs will be able to match the one planned for the Ford Mustang, which is due to land in the UK just in time for summer. Likely to be the last combustion-engined version of the famous muscle car, the latest Mustang is offered exclusively with 5.0-litre V8 firepower, producing 439bhp in base form and 446bhp in the high-performance Dark Horse version.
The new model’s exhaust note sounds reassuringly old-school, then, but Ford is trying to bring the rest of the Mustang experience bang up to date. The cabin features a raft of new features for the model, including a 12.4-inch digital instrument panel that blends across into a 13.2-inch central display running the company’s latest SYNC 4 infotainment system.
Starting at £55,725, the car is available with either a six-speed manual gearbox or a 10-speed automatic – and those choosing three pedals will get rev-matching on downshifts as standard, for perfect V8 exhaust blips. Other features include a mechanical limited-slip differential and MagneRide adaptive suspension. The Mustang Dark Horse gets a different six-speed ‘box from Tremec, unique suspension geometry, a Torsen limited-slip diff, extra chassis bracing and Brembo brakes.
Ford Puma Gen-E
The Ford Puma was the best-selling car in the UK in 2023, so it makes perfect sense that Ford would want to capitalise on its success and broaden the appeal of its fantastic small SUV by introducing an all-electric version to go up against the Jeep Avenger, Peugeot E-2008 and Smart #1.
Officially named the Ford Puma Gen-E, it won’t be a bespoke electric car like the brand’s Explorer or Capri. Instead it will use the same B2E architecture used by the petrol-powered Puma and the latest Ford Transit Courier van, which will be available in all-electric guise as the E-Transit Courier. This leads us to expect that the Puma EV will have similar powertrains.
Sadly Ford hasn’t shared range figures or battery sizes for either the E-Transit Courier or Puma EV, only confirming that the van uses a single 134bhp/290Nm electric motor to drive its front wheels. Other than that, so far Ford has confirmed the E-Transit Courier has a 100kW maximum charging speed and one-pedal driving capabilities, both of which we expect to carry over to the Puma EV as well.
Hyundai Ioniq 7
Hyundai made waves with the Ioniq 5, but it’s already showing that it’s not tied to the boxy hatchback’s formula. The swoopy Ioniq 6 saloon went on sale at the end of 2022, and we were so impressed with the new Kona Electric we named it our Car of the Year for 2023. The next addition to the Korean brand’s EV range will be the imposing Ioniq 7 SUV.
The Ioniq 7 will sit on Hyundai-Kia’s E-GMP bespoke EV platform, and is likely to feature the same motor/battery combinations as the closely related Kia EV9. In the UK, the base EV9 uses a single 201bhp electric motor to drive the rear wheel, while all-wheel drive versions get an extra motor on the front axle and a combined power output of 379bhp and 700Nm of torque. Every EV9 sold here is powered by a 99.8kWh battery that allows for a range of up to 349 miles.
Kia EV3
Kia hit the ground running with its first bespoke electric car, the EV6, and the brand is aiming to build upon this success with a range of new models wearing the EV moniker. The seven-seat EV9 launched this year, and following hot on its heels in 2024 will be a fully-electric crossover called the EV3. It’ll be based on a chunky almost production-ready concept car the Korean brand revealed in October, and will more than likely use the Hyundai-Kia Group’s E-GMP architecture.
With a shorter wheelbase than the EV6, the EV3 is closer in size to the Sportage SUV with two batteries offered in sizes of 58.3kWh or 81.4kWh. The larger battery allows for up to 372 miles of range with the smaller battery offering 254 miles of range. The EV6’s E-GMP platform caters to 128kW rapid charging capability, resulting in a 10 to 80% charge taking 30 minutes.
Land Rover Defender Octa
With a 0-62mph time of 3.8 seconds, 626bhp and a price tag of £160,800 in Edition 1 guise, the Octa is undoubtedly the ultimate iteration of the Land Rover Defender. The 4.4-litre twin-turbo V8 is the most powerful engine fitted to a Defender, but Land Rover says the chassis has been extensively reworked to cope with the extra output.
It should still perform off-road too, thanks to improved approach, breakaway and departure angles over the regular Defender 110’s, thanks to redesigned bumpers.
Lotus Emeya
The Tesla Model S, Porsche Taycan and Mercedes EQS should all be very afraid of the new Lotus Emeya hyper-GT – the first four-door saloon from Hethal since the infamous Carlton. It’s also the third EV from the Chinese-owned brand, and is based on the same platform as the remarkable Lotus Eletre SUV.
Like the Eletre, the Emeya features numerous passive and active aerodynamic aides to help with efficiency or generate up to 215kg of downforce depending on what the situation calls for. For instance, the active front grille can open to help cool the car’s battery and motors, or remain closed to reduce drag. Meanwhile the system for the adaptive air suspension is able to read the road ahead up to 1,000 times a second.
Every Emeya uses a 102kWh battery to power two electric motors, which produce 905bhp and 985Nm of torque in the range-topping Emeya R. With all-wheel drive traction and launch control, Lotus claims this particular version can accelerate from 0-62mph in 2.78 seconds. Less potent models offer more range, however, and are capable of 379 miles on a single charge. Prices start from £94,950.
Mercedes G 580 with EQ Technology
Mercedes' iconic 4x4 is getting the EV treatment in 2024, with an all-electric version of the recently facelifted the G-Class. Aside from some aerodynamic tweaks, the design looks identical to the internal-combustion engined G-Class, as well as the Concept EQG that was unveiled at the 2021 Munich Motor Show.
The G 580 with EQ Technology will be an uncompromising off-roader, just like the G-Class. As such, it uses the tough ladder frame chassis from the petrol and diesel-powered models, just with a battery and some electric motors crammed into it, along with independent front suspension and a rigid axle at the rear.
There are four individual electric motors – one for each wheel. This allows the G 580 to perform an amazing party trick called the ‘G-Turn’, when the wheels on the same axle rotate in opposite directions so it can spin on the spot just like a tracked vehicle.
MG Cyberster
Bulging order books and renewed interest from British consumers in the MG badge mean the company is on a roll right now. The firm has ambitious plans to build on this success, with its boldest move being to launch the first, purpose-built, all-electric two-seater sports car, pitting the likes of Porsche, Alpine and Lotus to the punch.
The MG Cyberster is the spiritual successor to the MG TF and is priced from £54,995 for base-level single-motor with dual-motor models costing £59,995. The single motor produces 335bhp while the range-topping dual-motor Cyberster can go from 0-62mph in 3.2 seconds thanks to total power output of 536bhp and 725Nm of torque.
The Cyberster comes with several concept car-like features, including three displays that wrap around the driver and scissor doors, as MG tries to give its offering a hi-tech feel and make it stand apart from the traditional roadsters like the Mazda MX-5 and BMW Z4.
MINI Aceman
By the end of the year, MINI will have a family of three EVs for customers to choose from, including electric versions of the new three-door MINI Cooper hatchback and MINI Countryman with the new Aceman bridging the gap between them.
In terms of its size, the Aceman will measure around four metres long, compared to the new third-generation Countryman which is over 4.4 metres from nose to tail. Underneath its chunky, squared-jawed bodywork, the Aceman will use the same platform as the electric MINI Cooper, and will be powered by a 42.5kWh battery or a 54.2kWh battery that provides up to 252 miles of range. Pricing for the Aceman starts at £31,800 for the Aceman E - the SE with the larger battery starting from £36,300.
Omoda 5
Omoda is the latest carmaker from China hoping to shake up the UK car market, surfing the wake of others like BYD and GWM Ora, not to mention the longer-standing success of MG under ownership of its Chinese parent company SAIC Motor. It’s slated to launch in the UK in March 2024, and will kick things off with a family SUV, the Omoda 5, that hopes to steal sales away from the best-selling Nissan Qashqai.
The base Omoda 5 will feature a 1.6-litre turbo petrol engine with 187bhp and 275Nm, with power going to the front wheels via a seven-speed dual-clutch gearbox. At launch, the Omoda 5 will lack the efficiency-boosting hybrid technology offered by rivals such as the Qashqai, Hyundai Tucson and Kia Sportage. However, unlike any of those key rivals, there will be a fully electric Omoda 5 EV that boasts a respectable 280-mile range and 110kW maximum charging speed, meaning 0-80% top-ups will take half an hour.
Peugeot 3008
The Peugeot 3008 began life as a bland MPV, but was transformed into a stylish family SUV for its second generation, and is evolving once more for the all-new Mk3 3008. The latest 3008 is more coupé-like than ever, sporting a sloping roofline at the rear that gives an athletic look, not unlike the Cupra Tavascan. Some of its standout styling cues include Peugeot’s three-claw LED running light signature at the front and rear, funky wheel designs and sharp body lines across the car.
Despite the almost coupe-SUV look, Peugeot claims that the new 3008 offers the same 520-litre boot space as the out-going model, although the cabin design is all-new. A gently curved 21-inch screen sits atop the dashboard and handles both the vital driving information and media, with Peugeot’s familiar i-Toggle touch panel of shortcut buttons beneath.
The Mk3 3008 is the first car to use the all-new “EV native” STLA M platform from Peugeot’s parent, Stellantis. A plug-in hybrid version will join the range in time, sitting alongside the standard full-hybrid version and the all-electric E-3008, which will be offered with a choice of two battery sizes: 73kWh and a 98kWh. Peugeot claims the smaller unit is good for up to 326 miles of range, but this rises to 435 miles for the 98kWh model. The E-3008 is front-wheel drive as standard, but a dual-motor model with all-wheel drive will be available, too.
Polestar 3
Volvo’s sister brand is gaining confidence and it will be hoping for further gains when the Polestar 3 lands in 2024. Unlike the Polestar 1 and 2, which were derived from projects started by Volvo, the 3 is a ground-up Polestar creation.
Beneath it all there’s a 482bhp and 840Nm twin-motor setup, that packs enough punch for a 0-62mph time of five seconds. The Performance variant will deliver 510bhp and 910Nm of torque to trim a few tenths of a second off that time. Both are powered by a 107kWh (usable) battery pack that allows for a maximum driving range of 379 miles, while the car’s 250kW charging capability means a 10-80% top-up will take just half an hour.
Polestar has utilised an array of advanced chassis technologies to inject some degree of athleticism into the more than 2.5-tonne SUV. For example, the rear electric motor is a torque vectoring dual-clutch unit, and adaptive dampers have been fitted as standard along with dual-chamber air suspension.
The cabin features sustainable materials and the dashboard is dominated by a 14.9-inch, portrait-layout touchscreen system running an evolution of the Android Automotive infotainment system from the Polestar 2. Launch model will also come loaded with luxuries like soft-closing doors, cabin air filtration, heated rear seats and a 25-speaker Bowers & Wilkins stereo. Prices start from just under £80,000.
Polestar 4
Polestar is taking some big swings with the all-new Polestar 4, not least because the brand expects it to be its biggest-selling model going forward. The other more controversial element of the electric coupe-SUV is the fact it doesn’t have a rear windscreen. Instead, the car relies on cameras and side mirrors to provide the driver with a view of what’s behind them. Polestar design director Maximilian Missoni told us “It allows more second-row headroom and a more dramatic rear,” though exactly how customers react remains to be seen.
Like all of Polestar’s models, the 4 features a minimalist interior with very few physical controls, so Google’s voice control is expected to take care of many functions. Behind the steering wheel is a 10.2-inch instrument screen, with a landscape 15.4-inch Google-powered touchscreen in the centre of the dash. The Polestar 4’s interior features a wide variety of materials, including a recycled knitted fabric produced with a textile college in Sweden.
The Polestar 4 gets its name from being the brand’s fourth model, however it sits in between the more saloon-like Polestar 2 and Polestar 3 large SUV in terms of size and price. Prices for the Polestar 4 start from £59,990, with base models also offering a 379-range official range.
Porsche Macan
After 10 years of the original Porsche Macan, and more than 800,000 examples sold in that time, the all-new second-generation model is finally upon us and it’s brought with some big changes. The most seismic is the Porsche Macan now being all-electric, debuting the brand new EV-dedicated PPE platform.
Every Macan features a dual-motor powertrain, with a choice of two variants at launch: the Macan 4 with 402bhp and a 380-mile range, or the high-performance Macan Turbo that’ll do 0-62mph in just 3.3 seconds thanks to the 630bhp and frankly ridiculous 1,130Nm of torque it has on tap. Both versions also get a 100kWh battery, 95kWh of which is usable, and a 270kW maximum charging speed to match the Porsche Taycan’s.
Inside, the new Macan gets a high-tech yet still driver-focused cockpit design that incorporates a familiar three-spoke steering wheel, 12.9-inch curved driver’s display and a 10.9-inch central touchscreen. Other technology onboard includes aerodynamic aides like flaps around the nose and the active rear spoiler, plus rear-wheel steering is available as an optional extra. Prices start from £69,800.
Porsche Panamera
Along with the latest Macan, 2024 will also see the arrival of the new third-generation Porsche Panamera. In typical Porsche fashion, the new Panamera’s design is an evolution of the out-going model. But while both cars are a very similar size, every body panel is new.
The interior has received a similar array of upgrades, the most noticeable being the cleaner cockpit design with fewer buttons and new user interface. Sadly the analogue rev counter has gone in favour of a curved digital driver’s display behind the steering wheel, which is joined by a central 12.3-inch touchscreen, with an additional passenger display available as an optional extra.
The new Panamera uses basically the same platform as the out-going model, but Porsche has added two new suspension setups. The first uses a twin-chamber air suspension system with Porsche’s new dual-valve damper technology, while plug-in hybrid cars gain access to a new fully active suspension setup. However Porsche has axed the Sport Turismo estate version, meaning the Panamera is only available as a hatchback, with prices starting from £79,500. The most powerful Panamera ever was revealed recently in the shape of the new 771bhp Turbo S E-Hybrid.
Range Rover Electric
The Range Rover is the original luxury SUV, and more than a half a century on, it’s still the king of the jungle. The latest fifth-generation model arrived in 2022 and instantly won our Luxury Car of the Year award. It’s an imposing presence on the road, while the interior is beautifully finished, dripping with lavish materials and overflowing with technology.
It’s also one of the most relaxing cars to drive, but as the likes of the Rolls-Royce Spectre and BMW i7 have proved, electric propulsion is the next step in achieving the ultimate luxury car experience. That’s why this iteration of the Range Rover and its MLA platform were designed to be fitted with a zero-emissions powertrain, and 2024 will be the year we finally get to lay our eyes on the first-ever Range Rover EV.
JLR says the Range Rover Electric, which is the car’s official name, will “deliver performance comparable to a flagship V8”, while JLR’s director of product engineering, Thomas Müller, said, “we are on target to create the quietest and most refined Range Rover ever. The magic ingredients that underpin the success of Range Rover remain unchanged – now offered with zero tailpipe emissions.”
Renault 5
One of Renault’s most famous nameplates, the Renault 5 has been reborn as a retro-themed EV that’s ready and raring to give the new MINI Cooper a run for its money. The all-new, all-electric R5 was unveiled at the 2024 Geneva Motor Show, with the styling nearly identical to the heart-warming concept unveiled in 2021, while the interior is inspired by that of the original mid-engined Renault 5 Turbo from the 1980s.
Measuring just 3.92 metres long, the R5 is longer than some city cars such as the Hyundai i10 or Fiat 500, but shorter than the majority of superminis, including Renault’s Clio. The amount of room available inside is respectable given the car’s dimensions, plus every model features dual displays and Renault’s latest infotainment software.
The Renault 5 sits on the new AmpR Small platform, formerly known as CMP-B EV, that’s been designed specifically for compact electric cars, and will underpin numerous other small, affordable EVs including the next Nissan Micra. The R5 is offered with a 52kWh battery pack that’s good for up to 248 miles on a single charge, although a smaller 40kWh battery with a sub-190-mile-range will be fitted to cheaper entry-level models
Renault Symbioz
Sitting in between Renault’s Captur and Austral will be the new Symbioz. It’s a crossover that’ll go up against the Nissan Qashqai and will be equipped with a full-hybrid powertrain. It’s the same E-Tech hybrid 145 setup also found in the Captur and Clio with a 1.6-litre four-cylinder petrol engine that works together with one electric motor to drive the front wheels, while a separate starter-generator motor is powered by a 1.2kWh battery.
Pricing for the Symbioz will start under £30,000 and there will be three trim levels to choose from: Techno, Techno Esprit Alpine and Iconic Esprit Alpine.
Skoda Elroq
We’re huge fans of the Skoda Enyaq, in fact we think it’s one of the best family SUVs on the market right now, so naturally we’re very excited that a follow-up is finally being unveiled next year. The new Skoda Elroq will be a smaller electric SUV to sit below the Enyaq, but will be built on the same MEB platform.
As it’s a bespoke EV architecture, space inside the Elroq should be comparable to its big brother, including lots of room for rear passengers, a completely flat floor and sizable boot. We expect the interior will also feature the customisable ‘Smart Dials’ setup that debuted in the new Kodiaq and Superb. The Elroq will also feature the brand’s new 'Modern Solid' design language previewed on the Skoda Vision 7S concept, so it will have a cleaner and slightly more sophisticated style than the Enyaq.
Skoda Superb
The new fourth-generation Skoda Superb is also arriving this year, and will be available as either a saloon-like hatchback or more practical estate car. The pair are slightly longer and taller than before, boosting interior space as well as luggage capacity. The hatch offers up to 645 litres of boot space now (up 20 litres), while the Superb Estate can haul 690 litres of stuff when full to the brim (up 30 litres).
The styling is a refinement of the previous model’s, and it is not only sharper, but also more slippery to help with the Superb’s efficiency. The cabin design on the other hand has been overhauled, with the touchscreen growing to a sizeable 13 inches on top-spec models, plus there's a 10-inch Virtual Cockpit display in front of the driver. The Kodiaq’s Smart Dials also make an appearance, along with 28 of Skoda’s Simply Clever solutions like a cooling device for the wireless charging pad so your smartphone doesn’t overheat.
On the engine front, the new Superb will be available with three petrol and two diesel motors, plus a plug-in hybrid version. Like the plug-in Kodiaq, the Superb iV combines a 1.5 petrol engine with an electric motor for combined output of 201bhp, while the 25.7kWh battery is good for 60 miles of pure-electric driving.
Subaru Forester
We expect the new Subaru Forester to land in the UK in 2024 but you shouldn’t expect a massive direction change from Subaru’s popular and rugged SUV. The new car looks more like a facelift of the current model but there are improvements right across the board.
The big one is the introduction of hybrid power for the first time but those engines will not be available from launch. Instead, it’ll be Subaru’s familiar 2.0-litre flat-four sending power through the symmetrical all-wheel-drive system that’s now upgraded with a ‘dual-function X-mode’ for even better off-road performance.
Inside, there’s a 11.6-inch touchscreen in portrait format and Subaru’s EyeSight driver assistance tech can now do even more to keep the Forester’s occupants safe.
Toyota Land Cruiser
The Toyota Land Cruiser has been a staple of the 4x4 world for more than 70 years, with this new upcoming model focusing on “its traditional strengths of quality, durability, and reliability to tackle the toughest conditions”. Toyota has also dialled up the retro-charm for the new Land Cruiser as it hopes to steal sales away from the Land Rover Defender and Jeep Wrangler, and worked on improving on-road driving.
The new Land Cruiser isn’t all about turning heads in supermarket car parks, however. Toyota has made sure the front end rear overhangs are as small as possible to improve the approach and departure angles, and the body parts have been designed to be removed more easily if damaged during any off-road excursion. From launch the Land Cruiser will come with a 2.8-litre turbocharged diesel engine with 201bhp and an eight-speed automatic transmission. UK pricing starts at £74,995 for the Invincible with the First Edition costing £79,995.
Toyota Prius
After a brief absence from UK showrooms, the Toyota Prius will return in 2024. The fifth-generation Prius is a much sleeker-looking car than any of its ancestors, borrowing plenty of styling elements from the Toyota bZ4X electric SUV, as does the interior which features a similar cockpit design to the bZ4X and a sizable 12.3-inch central touchscreen.
The new Prius is available exclusively with a plug-in hybrid powertrain that consists of a 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol engine and a single electric motor fed by a 13.6kWh battery. The new Prius boasts a pure-electric driving range of 53 miles and emits as little as 12g/km of CO2, which should result in affordable Benefit-in-Kind tax rates for company car drivers. Prices start from just over £37,000.
Vauxhall Frontera
The Vauxhall Frontera name is being revived for the brand’s all-new mid-size SUV that’s focused on being versatile and affordable. The range will include an all-electric version which will be available from launch and have an “attractive” price tag, so we’re told. The EV will also come with a range of 248 miles.
Vauxhall is also promising a “high level of space and versatility” from the new Frontera, which is a good deal bigger than the ageing Crossland SUV-cum-MPV it will replace, thus allowing it to serve as a rival to the best-selling Nissan Qashqai.
If Vauxhall is targeting a genuinely affordable price tag for the electric Frontera, then we suspect it will use the new ‘Smart Car’ platform from parent company Stellantis that’s serving as the underpinnings for the forthcoming Citroen e-C3 supermini, as well as the next-generation Citroen C3 Aircross. We won’t have to wait long until our first look at the new Vauxhall Frontera as it’s due to be unveiled very soon.
Vauxhall Grandland
As the new Frontera will be Vauxhall’s contender in the mid-size family SUV going forward, the next-generation Vauxhall Grandland is going to be much larger than the current model, making it a closer rival to cars like the Nissan X-Trail and Peugeot 5008. Although the Grandland will not be offered with seven seats.
The new Grandland will sit on the same STLA M platform as the new Peugeot 3008, meaning it should be offered with an assortment of full-hybrid, plug-in hybrid and, for the first time ever, all-electric power.
Volvo EX90
The world has been waiting a long time for a new Volvo flagship SUV, but the successor to the faithful XC90 gets more than a fresh look. The EX90 also crams in oodles of new technology, switches to a new platform and is all-electric.
The car’s look is perhaps more evolutionary than expected; it’s clearly identifiable as a top-of-the-range Volvo SUV, with a new take on the ‘Thor’s hammer’ headlights and a typically bluff profile. The blanked-off grille is a clear pointer to the greener underpinnings, though, and at the top of the windscreen is a LiDAR sensor for the EX90’s advanced driver assistance systems.
Modern Volvos already have fairly minimalist interiors, but the EX90 goes a few steps further by eliminating all physical buttons and switches, except for a single volume dial. Therefore you’ll be using the 14.5-inch central touchscreen to control all the car’s functions, with its new Google-powered infotainment system also getting Google Maps and Google Assistant built-in. The EX90 is still a seven-seater though, just like the XC90.
These step changes don’t exactly come cheap; Volvo has already admitted that the EX90 will arrive in dealers carrying a price tag starting at £96,225, putting the car squarely into Range Rover territory.
Now read more about the best new cars coming in 2025 and beyond...
