Autocar’s top concepts from the Frankfurt motor show

While not necessarily the most beautiful of Frankfurt show concepts, the Isabella is certainly a striking statement. The German brand certainly needs it, as it hasn’t made a car since 1961. Now revived under Chinese-ownership, this Isabella - named after a Borgward ‘50s coupe - previews a range of ultra-luxurious electric cars, and the production version of this car will be its halo.

Borgward Isabella

Details of engine or range are not available but what Borgward may lack in brand equity it compensates with ambition, aiming to make 800,000 cars a year in Germany by 2020; in comparison, Jaguar Land Rover with two famous and well-regarded brands produced 544,401 cars in 2016.But Tesla after all came out of nearly nowhere. Tesla wasn’t at Frankfurt; it didn’t really need to be. Its influence can be seen one way or another in virtually every concept in this gallery.

Honda Urban EV

Honda has previewed a new electric car that will be its first in Europe. With impish looks distantly reminding us of the Mk1 VW Golf – and none the worse for that – the concept is low and wide, which should accommodate five people if need be when it goes on sale in production form as soon as 2019.

Honda Urban EV

No powertrain or range details were given, but Honda said it would include a high-density lightweight battery pack, integrated heat management and energy transfer functions both to and from the vehicle.

Jaguar I-Pace Racer

We gather that Jaguar was originally going to show its electric I-Pace in production form at the show, but ducked the opportunity due to the fact that it has a full order book for it already and preferred attention going to other new JLR models like the Land Rover Discovery SVX. The new racer reminds us what a clever design the I-Pace is – truly a Crossover that doesn’t look like a Crossover.

Jaguar I-Pace Racer

This car will take place in I-Pace races that will happen in tandem with the weekend Formula E events in order to promote the I-Pace as it goes on sale; truly 'win on Sunday, sell on Monday’ for the digital age.

Kia Procee’d shooting brake concept

The brand trajectory of Kia continues to be fascinating, and with striking cars like this one, its continued upward path seems assured. With the new Kia Stinger arriving soon in the Audi A4 and BMW 3 Series space, conventional wisdom might be that the next car for Kia to take on the Germans should be a premium SUV.

Kia Procee’d shooting brake concept

If Kia does produce a car anything like as good-looking as this in a medium wagon market increasingly ignored by car makers, conventional wisdom may yet be proved wrong.

Mercedes-Benz EQA

We reckon the new Mercedes EQ electric range is shaping up nicely if this svelte compact car is any guide. With a promised 249-mile range, we should see a production version by 2020.

Mercedes-Benz EQA

Perhaps the cleverest aspect is that the car is designed to be built in the same factories as the company’s conventionally-powered models.

Mini John Cooper Works GP Concept

We love the JCW Works range of hot Minis and enjoyed seeing the next one here in extreme concept form.

Mini John Cooper Works GP Concept

Inspired by the Monte Carlo rally winning racing Minis from the ‘60s, we love the general madness and the rear light Union Jack is just the right side of wrong. We should see a production version in 2019.

Mini Electric

This is not the first purely electric Mini; there was one launched in 2008, but just 600 were made. This time, Mini means business, and we appreciate the way the design has been tweaked while remaining every inch a Mini.

Mini Electric

As with the JCW concept, those rear lights rock. And unlike some new Minis, this car will definitely be built in the UK, and should be on sale in 2019. No word on range, while BMW simply says power will come from a “powerful electric motor.” Which is nice.

Renault Reno Symbioz Concept

This car imagines a future where the dividing line between your transport and your home is increasingly blurred. After all, in an autonomous future, a lot of what you do now at home you could carry on doing when you’re being driven.

Renault Reno Symbioz Concept

This concept goes even further; the car connects to your home wirelessly, and can function as an extra room when parked up outside – or indeed inside if you want it (best to ask your landlord first). It can also act as a power supply for your home to smooth energy demand, or help in case of a power-cut. Is this the most radical concept of the Frankfurt show? We think so.

Smart Vision EQ

As the world increasingly urbanises, Smart in theory is perfectly positioned to provide efficient, economical transport to allow everyone to get around. The EQ delivers on that vision, promising electric power and full Level 5 autonomy, with ‘swarm intelligence’ which will integrate the car with large fleets of similar cars to predict - and presumably avoid - traffic problems.

Smart Vision EQ

It features a 30kWh motor with a range of ‘well over 300km (186 miles).’ When you don’t need it any more, it will go off and find a place to top-up. It will play a key role in Mercedes’ Car2Go car-sharing system that it hopes to have operating during the next decade. And it still looks Smart.

Toyota C-HR Hy-Power

Who said a green family car need be dull? The C-HR is Toyota’s most interesting-looking car in years, and this concept previews how a warmer version could look.

Toyota C-HR Hy-Power

No word on what that warmth might actually feel like in terms of power, but the 120bhp of the current hybrid model shouldn’t be too tricky to improve on.

Volkswagen ID Crozz