Mostly Green Machines Than Mean Machines : Paris Auto Show 2016

With Tesla showing the world the potential of electric cars for uses both practical and fun, the world’s main manufacturers too are starting to make the move towards better electric cars. This year’s Mondial de l’Automobile Paris, more commonly known as the Paris Auto Show was therefore mainly about efficient cars, hybrids, new-age electric cars and lots of LED lights. For the classic petrol head, there was sadly not much on offer, no giant fuel guzzling monsters that serve no practical purpose were nowhere to be seen.

For the moment, let’s focus on the star electric vehicles that the companies claim will be put into production and are aimed at becoming the standard choice of personal transport.

The Volkswagen I.D.

Volkswagen seems to have a strong game to come back from the diesel emissions scandal with a strong push towards all electric vehicles. They unveiled the I.D. concept which they say is indicative to a line-up of real production vehicles that will be available by 2020. The design seems to take its inspiration from both the Beetle and the Golf, and taking it a decade into the future.

This cool blue hatchback has a new electric platform, designed for all-wheel-drive, high-performance and all sorts of body shells and sizes. The motor and battery lie flat under the floor and chucking out the existing driveline – gearbox, engine, radiator and lots more – leaves a lot of room for people. Once autonomous driving systems become standard, even the steering wheel will be made such that it can retract into the dash, maybe not even have pedals.

Mercedes-Benz Generation EQ

Mercedes have launched the brand EQ under which they will be bringing out their electric vehicles, and they have an ambitious plan to have a range of ten electric vehicles by 2025.

They showcased their first 100% electric car, which is a concept SUV based on the GLC Coupe, dubbed the ‘Generation EQ’. A more realistic production model of this electric SUV will be ready by 2020 says Mercedes. The concept is based on a brand new platform that will be dedicated to the EQ cars and can adapt its dimensions and has a pair of electric motors capable of a 300 kW output. The claimed range of 310 miles places it in Tesla Model S territory.

The interior of the first all-electric SUV Mercedes is a symphony of gadgets, gizmos and touch screens focusing on safety and easy driving experiences.

Panamera 4E-Hybrid

Porsche has treated the world to an updated hybrid of their new generation Panamera. The Panamera 4e-Hybrid gets its life from an all new petrol-electric drivetrain that uses their new twin turbo 2.9-litre V6 petrol engine in combination with an electric motor that is mounted in front of the gearbox. The combustion engine puts out 330 bhp, while the electric motor produces 136 bhp and together the 462 bhp gives this hybrid a claimed top track speed of 172 mph.

Reports suggest that Porsche has tinkered with the programming of the electric motor to be more focused on performance. It even has a new eight-speed dual clutch automatic gearbox paired with an all-wheel-drive system. One of the cool optional extras is the rear-axle steering system for increased maneuverability.

There is plenty more news from the 2016 Paris Auto Show that caught my attention and I will be bringing it to the readers really soon, so stay tuned for the latest updates.