Electric G-Class, latest Cupra hot hatch and Chinese cat: the most important new cars and concepts of the Munich Motor Show 2021
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The EQG Concept introduces the upcoming all-electric version of the iconic G-Class SUV from Mercedes-Benz.
Car dealerships may be a distant memory in Australia, but they are still popular in the rest of the world. The Munich Motor Show this week gave automakers the opportunity to showcase next-generation vehicles with the usual array of new stock cars and wild concepts.
But not all concepts are created with the same purpose. Some, like the Audi Grandsphere, are envisioning a future production model (the next A8), but with a wild, over-the-top look to make it stand out. In addition, there are others, such as the BMW Vision Circular, which do not predict anything for the showroom in the future.
So, with that in mind, we bring you a brief overview of the most important new models and concepts from Munich.
Mercedes-Benz Concept EQG
It took Mercedes 39 years to introduce an all-new G-Class, but now - just three years later - the German giant is set to move quickly towards an electric future. Although officially known as the "Concept" EQG, it is a lightly disguised production car.
What really matters is that the EQG is mounted on a ladder frame chassis and has four individually controlled electric motors that should help keep the current model's ability to "go anywhere".
It also retains the same boxy look that made the G-Wagen so famous, which should help it remain one of the brand's most popular models, especially in the crucial US market.
Mercedes-AMG EQS53
Daimler recently announced that it plans to convert all Mercedes-Benz models to electric power, and AMG has been included in this. We took a look at the short and long term future of AMG in Munich with the hybrid GT 63 SE Performance 4 Door Coupe and the all-electric EQS53.
The new GT 63 S combines a 4.0-litre twin-turbocharged V8 engine with a rear-mounted 620 kW/1400 Nm electric motor. But that will only help bridge the gap before more all-electric AMGs like the EQS53 arrive.
The EQS53 is equipped with a dual motor (one for each axle for 484WD) that has two setting states. The entry-level model delivers 950kW/560Nm, but if that's not enough, you can purchase the AMG Dynamic Plus package which boosts those numbers to 1200kW/XNUMXNm.
Copper UrbanRebel
Cupra Urban Rebel Concept
This is a classic example of a wild-looking, attention-grabbing concept that has a more modest production future. While Cupra has focused on its performance and shaped an outrageous, rally-inspired hot hatchback, it's what lies under the surface that really matters - the Volkswagen Group's new platform for small electric vehicles.
Known as MEB Entry, this new architecture will form the basis of the next generation of Volkswagen Group urban models. Volkswagen itself has provided a more production-ready take on what that would mean in the form of the ID.Life concept, which is expected to become the ID.2 in a few years.
Urban electric vehicle versions of Audi and Skoda are also planned outside of the MEB Entry platform.
Hyundai Vision FC
The South Korean brand has made no secret of its interest in building a hydrogen-powered sports car, and the Vision FK concept is the most compelling evidence. But what he says about Hyundai Motor Group's broader commitment to hydrogen is what makes him so important.
Hydrogen fuel cell vehicles (FCEVs) have lost ground to battery electric vehicles (BEVs) in recent years, but Hyundai, Kia and Genesis will start rolling out FCEVs as part of the Group's "Hydrogen Wave" plan.
By 2028, the Hyundai Group wants all of its commercial vehicles to have an FCEV variant, which could be the key to greater use of the gas station network.
Renault Megan Electronic Technology
The end of the hatchback as we know it is near. The French brand has removed the covers from its Megane hatchback replacement and it's no longer a hatchback.
Instead, it has evolved into a crossover that will compete directly with the Hyundai Kona and Mazda MX-30 rather than the Hyundai i30 and Mazda3.
While the switch from petrol to electric is important, it's the body shape that really makes the statement. This is the clearest sign that the once-dominant hatchback segment has an uncertain future ahead of it.
Ora Cat
Is Ora the next Chinese brand to challenge Australia? It certainly looks like the new Ora Cat small hatchback unveiled in Munich and is expected to be offered in right hand drive for the UK market and eventually Australia.
As we previously reported, Ora is a subsidiary of Great Wall Motors (GWM) and is an all-electric brand aimed at a youth audience. He's also considering the Ora Cherry Cat compact SUV, so adding a Cat hatch could make the initial Australian lineup.
