The future cars worth waiting for: 2026-2030

Everything we know about the next Alfa Romeo Giulia

Alfa Romeo GTV successor

Alfa design boss Alejandro Mesonero-Romanos has confirmed that design work on a new coupé, inspired by the famed SZ, continues behind the scenes. He hinted that it could make production if the brand’s fortunes continue to improve under Stellantis stewardship and that it would likely be a variant of the Giulia (above). 

Everything we know about Alfa Romeo's SZ-inspired coupé

Alfa Romeo large electric saloon

Alfa will launch a BMW 5 Series rival around 2027, aiming it primarily at the Chinese and North American markets. It will be based on parent company Stellantis’s new STLA Large platform, which allows for body lengths between 4.76m (about as long as a Mercedes-Benz C-Class) and 5.13m (the old Jaguar XJ) and ride heights from 140mm to 287mm. It can also offer huge performance, with 0-62mph times as low as 2.0sec and ranges of up to 500 miles.

Everything we know about Alfa Romeo's new large saloon

Alfa Romeo Stelvio 

A new version of the Italian marque's long-standing SUV was due to arrive next year alongside the second-generation saloon, but it has now been pushed back to 2027. Alfa originally planned to launch the Stelvio as a pure-electric rival to the Porsche Macan, but the slow uptake of electric premium SUVs has meant Alfa will keep the current Stelvio on sale for another year. It is understood that the inbound Stelvio will ditch the current Giorgio platform and move to the STLA Large from parent firm Stellantis. It can accommodate both electric powertrains as well as combustion engines.

Everything we know about the new Alfa Romeo Stelvio

Alpine A110 EV

The electric follow-up to one of the past decade’s most celebrated sports cars will use a bespoke platform, Renault Group CEO Luca de Meo confirmed after Alpine and Lotus ended talks to co-develop an electric sports car. The Alpine É-ternite concept provides a first look at what we can expect from the electric A110, offering a single 239bhp motor and enough battery power to drive 261 miles between charges. It’s 258kg heavier than the current A110, at 1378kg in total.

Everything we know about the electric Alpine A110

Alpine A310

The rakish Alpine A310 of the '70s will be reborn in electric GT form as part of the French brand’s expansion to a seven-car line-up. It will be based on the same Alpine Performance Platform (APP) as the next A110, due in 2027, but offer more practical 2+2 seating – loosely mirroring the relationship between the Porsche 718 Cayman and the Porsche 911.

Everything we know about the new Alpine A310

Alpine A110

The electric follow-up to one of the past decade’s most celebrated sports cars will use the bespoke Alpine Performance Platform, confirmed Renault Group CEO Luca de Meo after Alpine and Lotus ended talks to co-develop an electric sports car. The Alpine É-ternite concept provides a first look at what we can expect from the electric A110, offering a single 239bhp motor and enough battery power to drive 261 miles between charges. It’s 258kg heavier than the current A110, at 1378kg in total.

Alpine A310/A110 Convertible

Alpine will launch two new convertible models by 2030, with the next-generation A110 and all-new A310 GT set to gain drop-top variants. The French brand is currently building a line-up of seven pure-electric models, all of which will all arrive by 2030. Both new models are set to be underpinned by the firm’s new Alpine Performance Platform (APP). 

Everything we know about the Alpine A310 convertible

Ariel Hipercar

The Ariel Hipercar certainly lives up to its name, packing four electric motors which combine for a mammoth 1180bhp output. The Hipercar further justifies its jet-fighter looks with a gas-turbine range-extender that helps to keep its 62kWh battery topped up.

Ariel Hipercar review

Ariel E-Nomad

Ariel says this electric car is "already on the way". It will offer similar performance levels to the Ariel Nomad 2 but is likely to cost around £10,000 more. Its 281bhp and 360lb ft will be sent to the rear wheels, and Ariel is confident of a 0-60mph time of 3.5sec.

Everything we know about the electric Ariel Nomad

Aston Martin electric SUV

Aston Martin’s first electric car will be a rapid SUV powered by battery and motor technologies sourced from Lucid. The nascent American EV brand claims its current-generation drive motors are capable of outputting up to 670bhp while weighing slightly less than 74kg apiece.

Everything we know about Aston Martin's first electric car

Aston Martin ‘Project Rambo’

Aston Martin is considering building a rugged 4x4 to rival the Mercedes-Benz G-Class, with design proposals currently being evaluated. It’s said to be dubbed ‘Project Rambo’ internally, in reference to the infamous Lamborghini LM002. 

Everything we know about Aston Martin’s super-4x4

Audi A2

Audi will replace the A1 supermini and Q2 compact SUV with an A2-inspired electric hatchback-cum-crossover. The as yet unnamed small EV won’t serve as a replacement for a specific model, hence a resurrection of the A2 name is possible. It is set to ride on the Volkswagen Group’s MEB platform and rival the BMW iX1 and Mercedes-Benz GLA EV. 

Everything we know about the Audi electric hatchback

Audi A3 successor

The current Audi A3 will be replaced by an all-new model based on the Volkswagen Group’s MEB platform later this decade. It may be sold in parallel with a heavily updated ICE model similar to the A4, A6 and Q5.

Everything we know about the electric Audi A3

Audi A4 E-tron

In 2028 Audi will launch the all-electric A4 E-tron, which will have its sights trained on the new electric BMW 3 Series and Mercedes-Benz C-Class. The next-generation Audi A4 will adopt the brand’s ‘Radical Next’ design language, as showcased by the Audi Concept C, and be built upon the Volkswagen Group’s new Scalable Systems Platform (SSP). Audi is shifting its focus to electric software-defined vehicles, and the next-gen A4 E-tron will play a crucial role in the brand’s new strategy. The A4 E-tron will likely be one of the first Volkswagen Group models to use software co-developed with Californian EV maker Rivian. 

Everything we know about the Audi A4 E-tron

Audi electric 4x4

Audi bosses are plotting a new go-anywhere 4x4 to rival the Land Rover Defender and Mercedes-Benz G-Class. It could borrow its underpinnings from new sibling brand Scout’s upcoming SUV and pick-up truck, offering steep departure angles and the ground clearance needed to traverse tricky terrain. Audi is currently mulling the idea of building a future 4x4 in the US as a result of new import tariffs. 

Everything we know about Audi's electric 4x4

Audi R8 successor

Audi is set to underpin the follow-up to the R8 with a bespoke EV platform it's co-developing with Porsche. Work is said to be well under way on the new supercar, which is tipped to offer a greater power output than any other car in Audi’s line-up.

Everything we know about the electric Audi R8 successor 

Audi Concept C

The Audi Concept C previews a two-seat sports car that is set to go on sale in 2027 and which takes inspiration from the 1930s Auto Union Type C racer, Audi TT coupé and R8 supercar. While the Concept C is still a one-off, the compact electric two-seater marks a return to the sports car segment having dropped both the TT and R8 a few years ago. The Concept C also introduces a whole new design language, overseen by new design boss Massimo Frascella. He the concept was a “very close preview” of the car that will be unveiled in two years' time. 

Everything we know about the next Audi TT

Bentley Luxury Urban SUV

Bentley’s new ‘Luxury Urban SUV’ will launch as Crewe's first electric offering. It will slot into the brand’s line-up beneath the Bentayga and take design inspiration from the EXP 15 concept. The sub-five-metre EV will make its debut next year before first deliveries in 2027. It will use a version of the Premium Platform Electric (PPE) architecture that was co-developed by Audi and Porsche, and Bentley claims it will be one of the fastest-charging EVs when it goes on sale. Charging speeds could be up to 350kW, with Bentley claiming that 100 miles can be added to the battery in as little as 6.5 minutes. 

Everythhing we know about Bentley's first EV

BMW i3

BMW will reveal its long-awaited electric 3 Series saloon next year, with the new i3 arriving as the firm's second model in its Neue Klasse range of EVs. Inheriting the name from the discontinued electric hatchback, the i3 will be underpinned by the same 800V Gen6 electric platform as the recently launched BMW iX3 and is expected to offer a range of more than 500 miles. It will likely get the same dual-motor set-up as the iX3, which makes 464bhp and 479lb ft. 

Everything we know about the BMW i3

BMW M3 Neue Klasse

The Neue Klasse 3 Series is also set to spawn the first electric M3, premiering a “crazy” new ‘Heart of Joy’ chassis control computer. This is said to enable dynamic performance superlative to that of today’s petrol-engined model.

Everything we know about the electric BMW M3

Caterham Project V

Caterham stunned crowds at the 2023 Goodwood Festival of Speed with its vision of an electric sports car: three seats, 1190kg, 249 miles of range and a price tag of less than £80,000. It could hit production as soon as 2026, at a rate of around 2000 cars per year.

Everything we know about the Caterham Project V

Citroën 2CV

Three decades after the Citroën 2CV went out of production, the French brand is bringing it back into the fray as a compact, retro city car. According to an exclusive Autocar source, design for the new 2CV is under way at a very early stage. We will endeavour to wait patiently…

Everything you need to know about the new Citroën 2CV

Cupra Tindaya

The Cupra Tindaya is the largest model the brand has built, and while it was unveiled as a concept, it is likely to make production in a toned-down form and could serve as a successor to the Formentor. The Tindaya, which measures 4270mm long, is powered by a radical new range-extender (REx) drivetrain, which Cupra says will enable it to go farther and faster than amy model in its current line-up of EVs.

Everything we know about the Cupra Tindaya 

Dacia city car

Dacia has begun development of a new electric city car for Europe. It will be built in Europe - unlike the Dacia Spring - and will be closely related to the upcoming Renault Twingo. The new model is planned to be priced from less than €18,000 (£15,000).

Everything we know about the Dacia electric city car

Dacia estate

The Romanian budget brand will expand its line-up next year with the launch of a rugged estate model that will go toe to toe with the Skoda Octavia. The petrol-powered, off-road-ish estate will support Dacia’s growth ambitions in the C-segment following the launch of the Bigster SUV. Codenamed C-Neo, the new estate is in effect a stretched and lifted version of the Sandero and will likely arrive as a high-riding estate car. It is set to go on sale from around £25,000. 

Everything we know about the Dacia estate

Fiat Multipla

Fiat is readying a large SUV in the spirit of the cult-classic Multipla MPV, and it is slated for a 2027 arrival to compete with the Dacia Bigster. It's one of two cars the Italian brand will launch over the next two years, the other being a raised hatchback. Little is known about the new Multipla at present, but it will measure around 4.5m long and will feature a design inspired by the new Grande Panda. 

Everything we know about the new Fiat Multipla 

Fiat Panda Fastback

Fiat plans to expand the Panda line-up with a production version of the 2024 Fastback concept. Set to be called the Panda Fastback, the new model will become the Italian brand’s largest model to date and use the same Smart Car underpinnings as the smaller Grande Panda. It will likely go on sale with the option of petrol, hybrid or electric power.

Ferrari Elettrica

Maranello’s first all-electric model, codenamed Elettrica, will make its hotly anticipated debut in 2026, and it is set to launch as a 1000bhp four-door, four-seat GT. Serving as an indirect successor to the old FF and GTC4 Lusso, the inbound electric Ferrari will be powered by four in-house-developed motors for an all-wheel drive layout. Power is drawn from a 122kWh battery, which should offer an estimated range of around 330 miles. Technical specifications are yet to be determined, but the Electtrica should be able to sprint from 0-62mph in 2.5sec. 

Everything we know about Ferrari's first electric car

Ferrari 849 Testarossa

The storied Testarossa name has been reprised for Ferrari’s new flagship supercar. Called the 849 Testarossa, the 1035bhp plug-in hybrid makes 49bhp more than its predecessor and can sprint from 0-62mph in a mere 2.35sec. Deliveries of the 205mph supercar are set to begin in spring 2026.

Everything we know about the Ferrari 849 Testarossa

Ford Crossover

A new mid-sized crossover will join Ford’s ranks in 2027, when it will fill the gap left by the soon to be axed Focus hatchback. Technical details remain unknown, but it is likely that the new model will arrive with a diverse powertrain offering, including a pure-electric option. It could also be offered with a range-extender (REx) powertrain given that Ford is currently developing REx technology for its SUVs and pick-ups. 

Everything we know about Ford's future crossover

Ford Mustang 4dr

Remember the Ford Falcon? It’s set to return in the coming years, but this time wearing the full-blooded Mustang badge. Ford CEO Jim Farley seeks to expand the muscle car into a brand in its own right by launching an expanded range of variants. These will comprise both affordable, accessible models for traditional buyers, as well as limited-run models that take it further upmarket – broadly mirroring the approach taken by Porsche for the 911. 

Everything we know about the four-door Ford Mustang

Genesis Neolun

Genesis previewed a striking new flagship earlier this year with the Neolun concept, said to be inspired by traditional Korean moon jars. The concept previews a large luxury SUV that’s set to be closely related to the Kia EV9 and the Hyundai Ioniq 7, employing the same E-GMP architecture and possibly the same range of powertrains. 

Everything we know about the Genesis Neolun

GMA T33

The second supercar from Gordon Murray Automotive is pitched as a “more practical” alternative to the three-seat T50. It drops the T50’s fan-assisted aerodynamics in favour of a more simple passive set-up. Its 3.9-litre Cosworth V12 has also been adapted to improve low-speed torque, with a reduced rev limit of 11,100rpm (down from 12,000rpm). “If you can have only one supercar,” said GMA founder and boss Gordon Murray, “the T33 is designed to be the one.”

Everything we know about the GMA T33 and T33 Spider

Honda 0 Series saloon and SUV

Honda’s 0 Series represents a radical shift in the brand’s approach to EV development, prioritising efficiency, engagement and spaciousness. The first 0 model will arrive in 2026.

Everything we know about the Honda 0 Series

Honda Civic and Jazz EVs

The 0 Series will also usher in electric replacements for the Civic and Jazz hatchbacks, which are likely to appear towards the end of the decade. Honda CEO Toshihiro Mibe has highlighted their importance, telling Autocar: “To increase volumes, we need more affordable EVs.” The firm hinted at its vision for a small, affordable EV with the Sustaina-C concept that took inspiration from 1981’s original Honda City, which was known as the Jazz in Europe.

Everything we know about the Honda Civic and Jazz EVs

Honda NSX EV

Alongside the affordable Hondas, the NSX is also set to receive a total overhaul. Honda already has an electric sports car at its R&D centre, and it is said by CEO Mibe to be “steadily proceeding” with its development, which will likely conclude near the end of the decade. Mibe added that it will “have a completely different taste” from any performance car that the Japanese company has launched previously. 

Everything we know about the electric Honda NSX successor

Honda’s Tesla Model 3 rival

Honda has confirmed it is developing a new mass-market saloon as one of seven radical new electric cars it’s bringing to market by 2030. As a competitor for the Tesla Model 3, it will stand out for “the joy of driving”, according to Honda, having been developed with an emphasis on minimising weight and complexity.

Everything we know about Honda’s Tesla Model 3 rival

Hyundai Ioniq 6 N

The follow-up to the acclaimed Hyundai Ioniq 5 N will be a hot version of the brand’s executive saloon. It’s expected to share the 5 N's 641bhp dual-motor powertrain and have a similarly aggressive aerodynamics package, inspired by that fitted to 2022’s RN22e concept.

Everything we know about the Hyundai Ioniq 6 N

Hyundai Concept Three

Hyundai’s radical looking Concept Three will spawn a five-door electric hatchback that's set to enter production in 2026. The concept, first shown at the Munich motor show, is expected to be called the Ioniq 3 and will be similar in size to the Volkswagen Golf. Hyundai says most of the concept's design will be carried over to the production model, adding that its rakish roof and sculpted rear spoiler helps to create what it calls an ‘aero hatch’. 

Everything we know about the Hyundai Concept Three

Jaecoo 8

The Skoda Kodiaq will gain a new rival next year in the form of the Jaecoo 8, the Chinese brand’s new flagship SUV that will sit above the 5 and 7 in its line-up. UK specifications are unknown, but in Australia (another right-hand drive market) the 8 is powered by a 245bhp turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine. 

Everything we know about the Jaecoo 8

Jaguar electric GT

Jaguar's electric GT - pictured in prototype form above – is due in 2026. It's expected to rival the Porsche Taycan and next Mercedes-AMG GT 4-Door Coupé with more than 575bhp, a range of more than 430 miles and a price in excess of £100,000.

Everything we know about the electric Jaguar GT

Jaguar electric SUV and limousine

Autocar understands that the Jaguar GT will be followed by a Bentley Bentayga-sized electric luxury SUV and a similarly positioned electric saloon, with the latter set to serve as a spiritual successor to the XJ. 

Everything we know about the Jaguar 'limo' 

Jeep Wrangler EV

The iconic Wrangler will receive a radical overhaul in 2028, swapping traditional petrol engines for electric and range-extender powertrains. Unlike the smaller Recon, it will use a traditional body-on-frame chassis to maximise its off-road potential. 

Everything we know about the electric Jeep Wrangler

Kia EV2

Kia will launch a Europe-focused small crossover in 2026, trading the long range and rapid charging speed of its stablemates for a more affordable price tag of around £25,000. 

Everything we know about the Kia EV2

Lamborghini Lanzador

The four-seat Lanzador concept initially gave us our first look at Lamborghini’s debut electric car, but the slow uptake of EVs has led the bosses at Sant'Agata to rethink their plans. Lamborghini CEO Stephan Winkelmann recently told Autocar that the firm could launch the Lanzador with a plug-in hybrid powertrain instead. 

Everything we know about the Lamborghini Lanzador

Land Rover Discovery

JLR will reinvent the ailing Discovery brand for its sixth generation by repositioning it further away from its Defender sibling.

The Discovery has been losing out on sales to the Defender, so this next model is intended to restore the natural order by making the Discovery more family focused. It may even adopt some design elements from MPVs.

Everything we know about the new Land Rover Discovery

Land Rover Defender Sport

As part of its reorganisation into a ‘House of Brands’, JLR (formerly Jaguar Land Rover) is set to drastically expand its model offering within each of its sub-brands. Defender is expected to launch an entry-level model as a twin to the next-generation Range Rover Evoque, Range Rover Velar and Land Rover Discovery Sport.

Everything we know about the Land Rover Defender Sport

Lexus LF-ZC and LF-ZL

Lexus unveiled its future at the Tokyo motor show with the LF-ZC and LF-ZL concepts, a pair of electric flagships that served to premier a new modular architecture. The production version of each car is set to offer a major increase in electric range – up to 621 miles, in the case of the LF-ZC.

Everything we know about the Lexus LF-ZC and LF-ZL

Lexus LFA successor

Lexus last year confirmed that the electric follow-up to the legendary V10-engined LFA supercar will use a GT3 racing-specification chassis, new electronic steering and even a manual gearbox to boost driver engagement. 

Everything we know about the electric Lexus LFA successor 

LEVC L380

The maker of London’s black cab is expanding its offereing to sell practical electric cars to the general public, starting with the L380 MPV. Named after the Airbus A380 airliner, it will offer highly flexible seating for eight. UK sales are slated to begin in 2026.

Everything we know about the LEVC L380

Lotus Type 134

Lotus’s rival to the Porsche Macan is expected to use a variant of the EPA architecture that underpins the Eletre and Emeya, also sharing technologies with those two models. 

Everything we know about the Lotus Type 134

Lotus Type 135

Despite its split from Alpine, Lotus continues to work on the electric follow-up to the legendary Elise. It will be built around the all-new Lightweight Electric Vehicle Architecture (LEVA) and have mid-mounted batteries, aping the weight distribution of classical mid-engined sports cars. Lotus has changed its strategy recently and is expected to roll out a numder of plug-in hybrid models before the Type 135. 

Everything we know about the Lotus Type 135

Lucid compact saloon

American EV firm Lucid will look to increase its volumes with a smaller, more affordable sibling to its Air saloon. It will pitched as a rival to the Tesla Model 3 and will major on efficiency, featuring advanced battery and motor technologies. It’s expected to arrive around 2027.

Everything we know about Lucid’s Tesla Model 3 rival

Lucid Earth

American EV maker Lucid will add the Earth electric SUV to its line-up in 2027 before the model makes its way to the UK in right-hand-drive form before the end of 2028. It is set to be the first model built on Lucid’s new modular platform and will join the Air saloon and Gravity SUV that were launched towards the beginning of the decade. It is set to launch with a choice of both rear- and dual-motor powertrains and serve as a rival to the Tesla Model Y. 

Maserati Quattroporte

Maserati’s rival for the Porsche Taycan was originally scheduled to launch in 2026, but it has been pushed back to 2028 to allow more time to develop its business case. The new Quattroporte is expected to use Stellantis’s STLA Large platform, suggesting power outputs of more than 1000bhp could be on the cards. 

Everything we know about the Maserati Quattroporte

Mazda MX-5

The centrepiece of Mazda’s Tokyo motor show stand in 2023 provided a vision of the future for the MX-5, with a concept featuring a rotary-electric powertrain capable of delivering 370bhp. It’s expected to influence a production car arriving after 2026.

Everything we know about the electric Mazda MX-5 successor

Mercedes-Benz ‘Little G’

The expansion of the G-Class range will bring a new ‘Little G’ in 2026. The urban-focused model will be offered solely with electric power and sit on a bespoke platform that takes learnings from both the entry-level MMA architecture and that used by the full-size G-Class. 

Everything we know about Mercedes-Benz’s ‘Little G’

Mercedes-Benz A-Class successor

A new entry-level hatchback that will indirectly replace the A-Class is due to arrive in 2028 with a choice of both internal combustion and electric powertrains. The new five-door model will be based on Mercedes’ MMA platform and rival the Audi A3 and BMW 1 Series.

Everything we know about the A-Class successor

Mercedes-Benz C-Class EV

An all-electric version of the C-Class will break cover next year as a direct rival to the forthcoming BMW 3 Series EV, and it will be the second model to use the same MB.EA platform as the GLC SUV. The C-Class EQ will adopt new design hallmark, such as the Iconic Grille, and travel up to 497 miles on a charge. 

Everything we know about the C-Class EV

Mercedes-Benz E-Class EV

The seventh-generation E-Class will replace the EQE and arrive in 2027 with a 500-mile electric range. Underpinned by the same MB.EA electric platform as the GLC, the next E-Class will likely use a 94kWh battery, while 800V architecture will allow for charging speeds of up to 350kW. The new E-Class is set to inherit the same Iconic Grille as the GLC, and it will be produced exclusively as a saloon. 

Mercedes-Benz Vision Iconic (S-Class)

This swooping luxury coupé concept gives us a first glimpse at what a future Mercedes S-Class could look like. The striking Vision Iconic hints at the return of a two-door coupé and showcases the brand’s most advanced future technologies, including eyes-off autonomous systems and steer by wire. A new S-Class isn’t due until 2028, but when it appeats it will likely use the same platform and battery technology as the inbound GLC SUV. 

Everything we know about the Vision Iconic

MG 2

MG has confirmed it is working on an electric city car with a target price of around £20,000. It could be named the MG 2 and is expected to go on sale in early 2026.

Everything we know about MG’s plans for a £20k EV

Nissan GT-R

Nissan's next GTR is set to be electric only - and it could be the first production car to make use of solid-state batteries. It's set to deliver 1341bhp through all four wheels when it goes on sale around 2028.

Everything we know about the Nissan GT-R's electric future

Nissan Juke and Qashqai

Nissan has confirmed that the replacements to today’s Juke and Qashqai crossovers will be electric and that they will continue to be built in Sunderland – welcome news for the UK’s ailing car industry. 

Polestar 2 successor

The Polestar 2 will be replaced directly towards the end of the decade. The successor will ensure the brand retains a five-tiered line-up, consisting of the 2 liftback, 3 large SUV, 4 saloon, 5 performance coupé, 6 sports car and 7 mid-sized SUV. 

Everything we know about the Polestar 2 successor 

Polestar 6

The Polestar 6 was initially a dramatic concept car dubbed the O2, but an “overwhelming” positive reception has encouraged the firm to put it into production. It will use the same bonded aluminium platform as the Polestar 5 and is likely to share its 874bhp dual-motor powertrain. It’s set to arrive in 2026.

Everything we know about the Polestar 6

Polestar 7

The Polestar 7 will be a mid-sized SUV to rival the Range Rover Evoque. It will also be the first Polestar model built in Europe, and the brand hopes it will dominate the "biggest and fastest-growing" segment in the electric car market. 

Porsche Mission X

The Porsche Mission X is a hypercar concept that previews a potential electric successor to the Carrera GT and 918 Spyder, with a possible power output of around 1500bhp. Described by Porsche boss Oliver Blume as a “technology beacon”, it aims to capture the Nürburgring lap record for a road-legal car.

Everything we know about the Porsche Mission X

Porsche Boxster/Cayman

Range-topping versions of the next-generation 718 Boxster and Cayman will be fitted with combustion engines as part of the German brand’s major shift away from its electric strategy. While the standard models are set to gain electric power for the first time, Porsche recently revealed that ‘top’ derivatives would be fitted with an ICE powertrain. This could mean that hardcore variants like the GT4 and GT4 RS could be continued. 

Everything we know about the Boxster and Cayman

Porsche K1 SUV

The K1 was originally touted as a new large electric SUV to sit above the Cayenne, but it will now be launched with combustion-engine and plug-in hybrid power as Porsche rethinks its electric strategy. 

Everything we know about the K1 SUV

Porsche M1 SUV

Porsche’s replacement for the piston-powered Macan will launch in 2028 as the manufacturer's first production car with its drive biased towards the front wheels. Like the K1, the M1 will be offered with combustion and plug-in hybrid powertrains and will be technically related to the third-generation Audi Q5. 

Everything we know about the M1 SUV

Porsche Panamera facelift

The firm’s enduring luxury performance saloon is set to gain a facelift in 2028, but question marks remain over an electric version of the Panamera. In the meantime, Porsche is readying a more hardcore version, which could wear the Turbo GT badge. 

Porsche 911 GT2 RS 

The next GT2 RS is likely to be the most extreme road-going version of the 911 and will be powered by a new hybrid powertrain derived from Porsche Le Mans racing cars. Porsche is hoping to reclaim the lap record for production cars with the new GT2 RS, which is expected to produce more than 750bhp. 

Everything we know about the 911 GT2 RS

Renault Clio

The new, sixth-generation Renault Clio will arrive in two years' time with a striking new design that takes inspiration from the Embleme concept. Two petrol engines will be available from launch: the entry-level 1.2-litre turbocharged three-cylinder engine makes 113bhp and 140lb ft, while the hybrid version pairs a 1.8-litre four-cylinder engine with a small electric motor and 1.4kWh battery. It’s expected to go on sale for around £20,000. 

Everything we know about the new Renault Clio

Renault Megane E-Tech facelift

Renautl will roll out a range-topping performance version of the Megane E-Tech next year that will reposition the EV as a hot hatchback. The new Megane is set to gain a major styling overhaul, and it could borrow its powertrain from the Alpine A390. 

Everything we know about the Renault Megane E-Tech

Skoda Epiq Concept

While it was shown in concept form at the Munich motor show, the Skoda Epiq gives us a clear idea of what the firm's new baby electric SUV will look like ahead of its launch in 2026. The new Skoda will be proportionally similar to the Volkswagen ID Cross and Cupra Raval, and it will share its platform, powertrain and production line with them. It’s expected to go on sale for less than £30,000 and offer a range of up to 264 miles on charge. 

Everything we know about the Skoda Epiq Concept

Skoda 7S

Skoda will launch a large, seven-seat electric SUV, heavily inspired by the Vision 7S concept, in 2026. The so-called ‘Space’ model will be underpinned by the Volkswagen Group’s MEB architecture and feature a new 86kWh battery, which should deliver a range of around 300 miles.

We drive the Skoda Vision 7S concept

Smart #2

Smart will reincarnate the Fortwo city car with the #2 two-seat baby EV, which will slot in (slightly confusingly) below the #1 electric crossover. The #2 will be designed by Mercedes-Benz but built in China. 

Everything we know about the Smart #2

Smart #4

The Mercedes-owned EV brand will launch a successor to the Forfour city car before the end of the decade as a new model to sit above the inbound #2 city car. The new ForFour will likely use the #4 nameplate, and it is set to be designed and engineered in Europe. A design is yet to be sketched, but Smart’s European CEO Dirk Alderman said the car would need to draw inspiration from the old ForFour. 

Everything we know about the Smart #4

Smart #6

Smart’s sleek #6 flagship will be the brand’s quickest and most advanced model to date, packing reserves of more than 630bhp in its most potent form. The saloon, which is twinned with the Zeekr 007, is due to hit UK showrooms in early 2026.

Everything we know about the Smart #6

Toyota Celica

Toyota chairman Akio Toyoda has expressed his desire for the Celica to return, and it’s possible that this revival could take place as the petrol GR86 is phased out. Such a model would likely use Toyota’s new modular architecture, which underpins the new MR2-style FT-Se concept, and feature a more traditional ‘front-engine’ coupé bodystyle.

Everything we know about the return of the Toyota Celica

Toyota FT-3e

The Toyota FT-3e introduces a new architecture and software platform that are set to transform the brand’s electric cars. The software, dubbed Arene, will allow for conventional Toyotas to emulate the dynamic feel of some of the brand's most divergent vehicles, such as simulating the power delivery of the old Lexus LFA’s naturally aspirated V10.

Everything we know about the Toyota FT-3e

Toyota FT-Se

The FT-Se concept is our first look at the future of Toyota’s Gazoo Racing sub-division. It’s an MR2-style electric sports car similar in proportion to today’s GR Supra, and it will feature the same Arene operating software as the FT-3e so its dynamic character will be able to evolve with updates. It may also offer Toyota’s simulated manual gearbox to improve driver engagement. 

Everything we know about the Toyota FT-Se

Toyota Hilux EV

The world’s best-selling pick-up will be available with electric power for the first time next year. It will be powered by a 59.2kWh battery which offers a range of up to 150 miles, and it is expected to cost from around £60,000. Toyota also plans to introduce a hydrogen fuel cell version of the Hilux by 2028. 

Everything we know about the Toyota Hilux EV

Volkswagen ID 1

Volkswagen’s new ID 1 will launch in 2027 as a small electric city car priced from around £17,000, and it will serve as the entry-point to the brand’s ID electric models. The A-segment city car is in effect an electric successor to the Volkswagen Up and will use a front-wheel drive MEB platform that has been developed for the ID 2, ID 2X, Cupra Raval and Skoda Epiq. 

Everything we know about the Volkswagen ID 1

Volkswagen ID Polo

This could be one of the most important electric cars arriving in the coming years. Previously called the ID 2all, the ID Polo is an electric supermini with interior space to match that of the Golf, thanks to the new MEB Entry platform. It’s promised to go on sale at less than £22,000, thanks in large part to its use of a 38kWh lithium-iron-phosphate battery. 

Everything we know about the Volkswagen ID Polo

Volkswagen ID Cross

This chunky Volkswagen concept previews a future supermini-sized electric crossover that is set to launch in 2026 with a price of around £25,000. Pitched as an battery-powered alternative to the T-Cross, the new model is a raised version of the inbound ID Polo hatch, and it will use the MEB Entry electric platform. Measuring 4161mm long, 1839mm wide and 1588mm tall, the ID Cross is proportionally similar to the ICE-powered T-Cross, and it is set to rival the Ford Puma Gen-E. 

Everything we know about the Volkswagen ID Cross

Volkswagen ID GTI

The hot version of the ID Polo is set to go into production in 2026, when it will be Volkswagen's first electric GTI model. Bosses say the car prioritises fun handling over outright power and performance.

Everything we know about the Volkswagen ID Polo GTI

Volkswagen Golf R

To mark 25 years of the Golf R, Volkswagen is priming a hardcore version of its range-topping hot hatch, which is set to use the same turbocharged 2.5-litre five cylinder petrol engine as the Audi RS3. 

Everything we know about the Volkswagen Golf R

Volkswagen Scirocco EV

Volkswagen’s sporty compact coupé could return as a twin of the next Audi TT and Porsche Boxster/Cayman, as well as being a sibling to the Cupra Darkrebel concept, a high-ranking insider has told Autocar. It would sit above a future electric Golf in the brand’s line-up from around 2028.