2019 Los Angeles motor show highlights
Here are our top picks from this year’s West Coast show
This year’s final motor show is upon us, running until December 1st at the LA Convention Centre in Los Angeles. Unlike America’s New York and Detroit shows, the West Coast convention is host to plenty of European metal, making it one to watch for those ‘over the pond’.
This year, Audi, BMW, Ford and Mini are all displaying new production and concept machines, alongside a host of other brands from around the globe. Here are the standout cars at this year’s LA motor show.
The highlights
Audi
Audi’s all-electric E-tron SUV has been around for some time now, and so it was only a matter of time before it spawned a ‘coupe’ variant. Following a camouflaged appearance at the Geneva motor show in March, Audi has uncovered the production version of its E-tron Sportback. Also making its debut is the new RS Q8, boasting a 591bhp V8 to top its SUV range.
> New 591bhp Audi RS Q8 arrives to swell the fast SUV ranks
BMW
There’s no new metal from BMW, but its four-door 2-series and M8 Gran Coupes have made their first public appearances alongside the V8-powered X5 and X6 M SUVs, and new M2 CS.
> BMW M2 CS revealed to rival Porsche Cayman GT4
Ford
Following a handful of teasers and spy images, Ford has finally shown its all-electric Mustang SUV at LA, boasting an impressive 370-mile WLTP range and design cues from the iconic muscle car. Order books will open next year.
> Ford Mustang Mach-E uncovered as all-electric SUV
Lexus
As a much-needed break from the barrage of new SUVs at the show, the drop-top LC500 is making its debut, sporting the same 5.0-litre naturally-aspirated V8 as its coupe sibling.
> Lexus LC500 Convertible takes GT formula open-air
Mini
Perhaps the biggest launch of the event is the all-new Mini GP, a hardcore, track-focused model designed to take on the Renault Mégane RS Trophy-R with its aggressive aero and 302bhp turbocharged four-cylinder. Production is be limited to 3000 units, with prices starting from £34,995. Order books are set to open in 2020.
> 2020 Mini JCW GP revealed – 302bhp and bespoke styling for the hottest Mini yet
Porsche
The latest model in Porsche’s Taycan line-up, the 4S also stars at the event. Sitting below the Turbo and Turbo S, and above upcoming lesser models, it boasts a 252-mile WLTP range, 522bhp overboost power figure, 155mph top speed, and a claimed 4.0sec 0-62mph sprint. Prices start from £83,367.
