Best new cars coming in 2024
There are some big new models from the likes of BMW, Citroen, Dacia, Ford, MINI, Skoda and more on the way in 2024
We’re well into 2024, which means there’s a bumper crop of new cars headed our way in the coming months that we’re buzzing with excitement over.
Carmakers are set to continue rolling out electric vehicles at a rapid pace in 2024, which will see the arrival of a curious variety of EVs, ranging from a sub-£15,000 electric city car to drop-top two-seat sports car, plus more than a few SUVs plugging the gaps in between.
Of course, not every brand is ditching combustion engines, and new petrol and diesel-powered cars are still being unveiled and launched. The next generations of the hugely capable Skoda Kodiaq and Superb are just two examples that we’re impatiently waiting to get our hands on, along with the all-new Dacia Duster.
Whatever area of the new-car market you’re interested in, there’s something for everyone – and this list of 2024’s best cars proves it. Let’s get started!
Best new cars coming in 2024
Below are all the key new model launches scheduled or predicted to land in 2024, we’ve grouped them in alphabetical order…
Abarth 600e
Abarth may be known to most for its souped-up versions of the Fiat 500, but the title of Italian outfit’s most powerful road car ever goes to the new Abarth 600e hot electric SUV. It produces 237bhp, with its electric motor using a mechanical limited-slip differential that should help minimise torque steer, with Abarth claiming it “guarantees excellent driving stability, improved handling, and traction” in the 600e.
Styling changes Abarth has made to the standard Fiat 600e include a blocky front bumper, enormous front splitter and large roof spoiler. The Abarth 600e’s 20-inch rims were needed to accommodate a new brake system, and have been wrapped in a set of high-performance tyres jointly developed by Formula E’s supplier Hankook.
Alfa Romeo Milano
The Alfa Romeo Milano is a small electric SUV that Alfa Romeo says will “offer best-in-class driving dynamics and handling”, and give the Volvo EX30 and new MINI Countryman a run for their money, according to the brand’s top boss. In the UK, the Milano will only be available as an EV, although a mild-hybrid petrol version is waiting in the wings if customer demand is strong enough.
The Milano will utilise the same e-CMP platform used by the Jeep Avenger and Peugeot E-2008, but it’s been confirmed that the EV will only be offered with four-wheel drive at launch, courtesy of a dual-motor setup that’s also being fitted to its more rugged Jeep sister car. The engineers working on the Milano aim to achieve sharp driving dynamics through “direct and extremely precise steering geometry, to guarantee quick cornering with a high level of grip.”
Alpine A290
Fans of fast French hatchbacks are in for a treat in 2024, as Alpine – which makes the utterly fantastic A110 sports car – is gearing up to launch a go-faster version of the forthcoming all-electric Renault 5 E-Tech. It’s been almost five decades since the sports car brand first worked its magic on a souped-up version of Renault’s original supermini, but this all-new model is ready to roll back the years.
Featuring a 215bhp electric motor that will drive the front wheels, the Alpine A290 should cover 0-62mph in less than six seconds. There will also be a wider track, with lowered and stiffened suspension for agile handling, while the styling is expected to bear a very close resemblance to the Alpine A290_ß show car revealed earlier this year. It will also use a set of Michelin tyres developed specifically for the car, and is likely to ride on a set of 19-inch wheels as standard.
Aston Martin Valhalla
Five years after it revealed the original concept, Aston Martin will soon launch the first series-production mid-engined road car in its 108-year history: the Valhalla.
Just 999 examples will be made, powered by a bespoke 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8 engine with a flat-plane crankshaft and redline of 7,200rpm. It’s joined by a pair of electric motors – one on the front axle and one on the rear – with Aston Martin claiming a total power output of 1,003bhp and maximum torque output of 1,000Nm. Enough to propel the car from 0-62mph in just 2.5 seconds. Gulp.
Aston Martin is targeting a dry weight of less than 1,550kg for the Valhalla, which the chassis constructed from carbon fibre should help with - it’s been designed for maximum stiffness and as low a kerb weight as possible. The Valhalla also features active aerodynamics, inspired by the company’s Valkyrie hypercar, with the two both utilising F1 knowledge and technology.
Audi A6 e-tron
Audi is charging ahead with its EV future that started with the Q8 e-tron, e-tron GT and Q4 e-tron. It’s range of all-electric models will expand even more in 2024, with the arrival of its next SUV, the Q6 e-tron, followed by the sleek A6 e-tron that’ll be offered as either a coupe-inspired Sportback saloon or good old fashioned Avant family estate car.
The A6 e-tron twins will use the same Premium Platform Electric (PPE) underpinnings as the forthcoming Q6 e-tron, which has been co-developed with Porsche and will share a considerable amount with the new Porsche Macan EV. It may also feature the Q6 e-tron’s dual-motor drivetrain for all-wheel drive and draw power from a 100kWh battery pack, which could allow for a range of around 400 miles in the sleeker saloon and wagon.
Audi Q6 e-tron
While details about Audi’s A6 e-tron and A6 Avant e-tron remain firmly under wraps for now, the company hasn’t held back with details of its next electric SUV: the Q6 e-tron. It’s the first Audi to use the PPE architecture and should boast a 370-mile claimed range thanks to its 100kWh battery. It’ll also feature a dual-motor setup that produces 396bhp in the regular version and 510bhp in the high-performance SQ6 model.
Set to be offered in conventional and swoopy Sportback bodystyles, the Q6 e-tron is a family-sized SUV that is, in effect, an all-electric alternative to the combustion-engined Q5. But while the overall dimensions will be similar to those of the Q5, the bespoke EV platform should bring benefits in packaging that result in greater cabin space for passengers, along with a family-sized boot.
BMW 5 Series Touring
The new eighth-generation BMW 5 Series saloon arrived last year, but the more practical estate version is on its way to us in 2024 to try and tempt some buyers away from ever-popular SUVs. The BMW 5 Series Touring will be offered in the UK either as a plug-in hybrid or in all-electric i5 Touring form, the high-performance M60 version of which can sprint from 0-62mph in just 3.9 seconds.
The impressive interior design and technology from the latest 5 Series have been carried over of course, while boot space is rated at 570 litres with the rear seats in place and up to 1,700 litres with them folded down. That’s marginally less than its closest rival, the Mercedes E-Class Estate, offers. UK pricing has yet to be announced.
BMW M5 Touring
The arrival of a new BMW M5 is always a cause for celebration, but we’re particularly giddy about this latest iteration of the legendary performance car because, for only the third time in history, there’s going to be an estate version. That’s right, 2024 will see the return of the BMW M5 Touring, to do battle against the mighty Audi RS 6 Avant.
The last M5 Touring, the E61, went out of production in 2010 and famously featured a 5.0-litre naturally-aspirated V10. However the upcoming third-generation M5 Touring, along with the new M5 supersaloon, will be powered by a more contemporary plug-in hybrid setup, similar to the one found in the BMW XM super-SUV.
That monstrous-looking beast pairs a 4.4-litre twin-turbocharged V8 engine with an electric motor to provide all-wheel drive and a combined power output of 644bhp and 800Nm of torque in the ‘regular’ version. But we suspect the M5 twins will boast a figure much closer to the 738bhp and 1,000Nm you get in the BMW XM ‘Label Red’ variant. That extra oomph would allow the M5 saloon and estate to stand apart from the already rapid 601bhp BMW i5 M60 EV.
BMW X2
The original BMW X2 was a slightly sportier-looking counterpart to the contemporary X1 small SUV on which it was based. However, the new second-generation X2 has received the full coupe-SUV treatment, sporting a heavily sloping roofline and aggressive looks like those on BMW’s larger X4 and X6 coupe-SUVs.
The X2 has also grown in size, offers more interior space, and comes with the latest version of BMW’s iDrive infotainment system. It’s available with either a 168bhp mild-hybrid three-cylinder petrol engine as the sDrive20i, or a turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol engine generating 296bhp and 400Nm of torque in the M35i xDrive model. BMW has also launched an all-electric version called the iX2 that offers all-wheel drive thanks to an electric motor on each axle that together produce 309bhp and 494Nm of torque. Prices for the new BMW X2 start from £39,365.
Citroen e-C3
The all-new Citroen e-C3 is being positioned as the all-electric supermini for the masses, as it’ll start from “under £23,000” when it finally goes on sale in the UK. The e-C3 is built on a flexible ‘smart car’ platform, while its 44kWh LFP (lithium ferro phosphate) battery is fitted underneath the rear seats. This size battery is good for a very reasonable 199-mile range, but Citroen will offer an even cheaper battery option down the road, with around 124 miles of range.
The French will also offer petrol-powered versions of the new C3, for those not ready to make the switch to electric, while the C3 Aircross will become a seven-seater car with a strong focus on value-for-money, putting it squarely in the crosshairs of the Dacia Jogger.
Thanks to a boxy shape and other styling elements such as a relatively high ride height, black wheelarch cladding and a chunky upright stance, the new e-C3 has a much more crossover-esque look than the out-going supermini. Comfort was clearly a key focus in the e-C3’s development, with Citroen fitting its hydraulic bump-stops across the range – a first in the supermini class – and its trademark pillow-soft Active Comfort seats.
Cupra Tavascan
It took four years for Cupra to take its bold Tavascan concept car from the 2019 Geneva Motor Show, and turn it into an equally striking electric coupe-SUV to go head-to-head with the Kia EV6 and Nissan Ariya. The brand’s sporty ethos has been utilised to help the Tavascan physically stand out from rivals and closely related sister cars, such as the Volkswagen ID.5.
The polished black A-pillars have been designed to emulate the look of a racing helmet’s visor, while the heavily sculpted bodywork and athletic silhouette are similar to the original concept. Inside, the Tavascan features a driver-focused design defined by its central spine that separates the driver and front passenger, and serves as a structural piece of the interior. Bucket seats are fitted as standard, while the centrepiece of the cabin is a whopping 15-inch touchscreen.
Dacia Duster
The Dacia Duster has proved to be incredibly popular with both buyers and the Auto Express team, so you can understand why we’re so excited about the arrival of the all-new third-generation model. The new Duster is a fantastic-looking small SUV, with the design heavily inspired by the imposing Dacia Bigster concept from 2021. The interior is equally impressive, with a fresh design that’s just as bold as the exterior, and comes with a revised infotainment system featuring a new 10.1-inch touchscreen. And yet, prices are still expected to start from well under £20,000.
Under the brawny bodywork is the same CMF-B platform used by numerous existing Dacia and Renault models, including the Clio supermini. According to Dacia, switching to this platform had allowed for reductions in “vibration and noise from the road, enhancing driver comfort.” It can accommodate new powertrain options too, including a full-hybrid setup also available in the seven-seat Jogger.
The Duster Hybrid 140 uses a 1.6-litre four-cylinder engine, plus an electric motor and starter-generator. Dacia claims the hybrid Duster can spend up to 80% of the time during city driving using nothing but battery power. However, the cheaper base models will be powered by a simpler three-cylinder, 1.2-litre turbocharged petrol engine, boosted by a 48V mild-hybrid starter-generator. This TCe 130 engine is paired with a six-speed manual transmission as standard, and will be offered with the choice of two-wheel drive and four-wheel drive.
Dacia Spring
The Citroen e-C3 isn’t the only bargain EV headed for our shores in 2024, because after years of deliberating, the Dacia Spring is finally coming to Britain and it will start from less than £15,000! That makes it the cheapest electric car on sale in the UK, and the second cheapest EV on four wheels behind the Citroen Ami quadricycle.
In fact, the Dacia Spring competes directly on price with petrol-powered superminis like the Hyundai i10, although it even manages to undercut that by nearly £1,000.
The Spring is a 3.7-metre-long electric city car with an official range of 137 miles, but can cover up to 186 miles on a single charge if you’re just pottering around town. Heavily updated before its UK arrival, the Spring’s new styling and interior are inspired by the incoming Mk3 Duster, with material quality also receiving a boost. First examples are due to arrive here in October.
Ford Capri
Ford clearly isn’t afraid of stirring up emotions among fans of its more iconic models, because after slapping a Mustang badge on an electric SUV and bringing back the Puma name for its now best-selling compact SUV, the Blue Oval is about to revive the iconic Capri nameplate for a zero-emissions coupe-SUV.
The Mustang Mach-E is a pretty rakish EV already, but the Capri is fully embracing the coupe look that’s on trend right now, with a heavily sloping roofline much like those seen on the new Peugeot E-3008 and Cupra Tavascan. Based on our spy shots, the new Capri will have very similar proportions to the Cupra, which comes as no surprise when you consider both cars use the Volkswagen Group’s MEB platform.
It’s also the same underpinnings used by the all-new Ford Explorer that’s headed our way in 2024, with Ford getting access to the EV architecture thanks to a partnership with VW. As a result, we expect the Explorer and Capri will be offered with the same choice of battery and motor combinations, and their interiors to be identical as well. The new Capri is expected to be revealed sometime in 2024.
Ford Explorer
The Ford Explorer was unveiled in March 2023 and order books were due to open last autumn, but sales and deliveries have been delayed until summer 2024 because of an incoming UN regulation regarding standardisation of battery safety regulations.
The Explorer is key to the company’s ambitious electrification plans in Europe, and the first Ford to utilise the Volkswagen Group’s MEB electric-car platform – the same one that the Capri will use. The mid-size SUV will be offered with battery sizes ranging from 55kWh to 82kWh, offering up to 335 miles of range in the right form. The majority of Explorers will be rear-wheel drive, however, the range-topping model gets a dual-motor setup and 335bhp on tap.
Standard kit will include a heated steering wheel and massaging seats, climate control, keyless entry, and a 15-inch screen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Behind the Explorer’s tailgate there’s a 450-litre boot – bigger than the Mach-E’s, but around 100 litres down on the ID.4’s, probably due to the shorter rear overhangs on the Explorer.
Ford Mustang
Few last hurrahs will be able to match the one planned for the Ford Mustang, which is due to land in the UK just in time for summer. Likely to be the last combustion-engined version of the famous muscle car, the latest Mustang is offered exclusively with 5.0-litre V8 firepower, producing 439bhp in base form and 446bhp in the high-performance Dark Horse version.
The new model’s exhaust note is likely to sound reassuringly old-school, then, but Ford is trying to bring the rest of the Mustang experience bang up to date. The cabin will feature a raft of new features for the model, including a 12.4-inch digital instrument panel that blends across into a 13.2-inch central display running the company’s latest SYNC 4 infotainment system.
The car will be available with either a six-speed manual gearbox or a 10-speed automatic – and those choosing three pedals will get rev-matching on downshifts as standard, for perfect V8 exhaust blips. Other features include a mechanical limited-slip differential and MagneRide adaptive suspension. The Mustang Dark Horse gets a different six-speed ‘box from Tremec, unique suspension geometry, Torsen limited-slip diff, extra chassis bracing and Brembo brakes.
Ford Puma Gen-E
The Ford Puma was the best-selling car in the UK in 2023, so it makes perfect sense that Ford would want to capitalise on its success and broaden the appeal of its fantastic small SUV by introducing an all-electric version to go up against the Jeep Avenger, Peugeot E-2008 and Smart #1.
Officially named the Ford Puma Gen-E, it won’t be a bespoke electric car like the brand’s Explorer or Capri. Instead it will use the same B2E architecture used by the petrol-powered Puma and the latest Ford Transit Courier van, which will be available in all-electric guise as the E-Transit Courier. This leads us to expect that the Puma EV will have similar powertrains.
Sadly Ford hasn’t shared range figures or battery sizes for either the E-Transit Courier or Puma EV, only confirming that the van uses a single 134bhp/290Nm electric motor to drive its front wheels. Other than that, so far Ford has confirmed the E-Transit Courier has a 100kW maximum charging speed and one-pedal driving capabilities, both of which we expect to carry over to the Puma EV as well.
Hyundai Ioniq 5 N
In a short space of time, Hyundai’s N performance division has already built quite a reputation for itself with its i20 and i30-based models. But 2024 will be the year when we find out how well the hot-hatch boffins can adapt an EV, in the form of the Ioniq 5 N that’s priced from £65,000 – around £3,000 more than its slightly less powerful Kia EV6 GT sibling.
The faster, more hardcore version of Auto Express’s 2021 New Car Awards winner produces 641bhp and 740Nm of torque from its dual-motor setup and will sprint from 0-62mph in just 3.4 seconds with N Launch Control and boost mode engaged.
But the N engineers haven’t focused all their time on winning drag-strip bragging rights. To help tackle some corners, Hyundai has given the Ioniq 5 N a clever e-LSD (limited-slip differential) in the rear motor, with a torque vectoring system that features 11 different settings. There’s also a ‘Drift Optimiser’ which can help maintain balance in powerslides, and a ‘Torque Kick Drift’ setting that simulates an internal-combustion engined car’s clutch kick to initiate the slide.
One of the Ioniq 5 N’s more novel features is called N e-shift. Essentially, the system adjusts the car’s torque output to deliver a small jolt and give the impression of gear shifts. The driver can take manual control using the steering-wheel mounted paddles or leave the car in automatic mode. Alternatively, with the system off the Ioniq 5 N should deliver power like a regular EV.
Hyundai Ioniq 7
Hyundai made waves with the Ioniq 5, but it’s already showing that it’s not tied to the boxy hatchback’s formula. The swoopy Ioniq 6 saloon went on sale at the end of 2022, and we were so impressed with the new Kona Electric we named it our Car of the Year for 2023. The next addition to the Korean brand’s EV range will be the imposing Ioniq 7 SUV.
The Ioniq 7 will sit on Hyundai-Kia’s E-GMP bespoke EV platform, and is likely to feature the same motor/battery combinations as the closely related Kia EV9. In the UK, the base EV9 uses a single 201bhp electric motor to drive the rear wheel, while all-wheel drive versions get an extra motor on the front axle and a combined power output of 379bhp and 700Nm of torque. Every EV9 sold here is powered by a 99.8kWh battery that allows for a range of up to 349 miles.
Kia EV3
Kia hit the ground running with its first bespoke electric car, the EV6, and the brand is aiming to build upon this success with a range of new models wearing the EV moniker. The seven-seat EV9 launched this year, and following hot on its heels in 2024 will be a fully-electric crossover called the EV3. It’ll be based on a chunky almost production-ready concept car the Korean brand revealed in October, and will more than likely use the Hyundai-Kia Group’s E-GMP architecture.
With a shorter wheelbase than the EV6, the EV3 will be closer in size to the Sportage SUV, and over 300 miles of range could be possible if it used the same 77.4kWh battery as the EV6. Dual-motor powertrains are expected to feature at the top of the range, although cheaper models are likely to use a single motor to drive the rear wheels. Given that the E-GMP platform uses an 800-volt electronic architecture and 350kW rapid charging capability, a 10-80% charge could take less than 20 minutes.
Lotus Emeya
The Tesla Model S, Porsche Taycan and Mercedes EQS should all be very afraid of the new Lotus Emeya hyper-GT – the first four-door saloon from Hethal since the infamous Carlton. It’s also the third EV from the Chinese-owned brand, and is based on the same platform as the remarkable Lotus Eletre SUV.
Like the Eletre, the Emeya features numerous passive and active aerodynamic aides to help with efficiency or generate up to 215kg of downforce depending on what the situation calls for. For instance, the active front grille can open to help cool the car’s battery and motors, or remain closed to reduce drag. Meanwhile the system for the adaptive air suspension is able to read the road ahead up to 1,000 times a second.
Every Emeya uses a 102kWh battery to power two electric motors, which produce 905bhp and 985Nm of torque in the range-topping Emeya R. With all-wheel drive traction and launch control, Lotus claims this particular version can accelerate from 0-62mph in 2.78 seconds. Less potent models offer more range however, capable of 379 miles on a single charge. Prices start from £94,950.
Mercedes EQG
Mercedes' iconic 4x4 is getting the EV treatment in 2024, with an all-electric version of the G-Class dubbed the EQG. Based on the images we’ve seen, the design will remain true to the original G-Class, as well as the Concept EQG that was unveiled at the 2021 Munich Motor Show. The only differences we can spot are a blanked-off grille, aerodynamically optimised wheels and revised bumpers, but the boxy proportions are still present and correct, as is the blunt front end, slab sides and three-point Mercedes car on the nose.
Mercedes has stressed that the EQG will be an uncompromising off-roader, just like the G-Class. As such, it uses the tough ladder frame chassis from the petrol and diesel-powered models, just with a battery and some electric motors crammed into it, along with independent front suspension and a rigid axle at the rear.
The EQG uses four individual electric motors – one for each wheel. This allows the EQG to perform an amazing party trick called the ‘G-Turn’, when the wheels on the same axle rotate in opposite directions so it can spin on the spot just like a tracked vehicle.
MG3
This is the all-new MG3: a full-hybrid supermini that very soon is going to be brawling it out with heavy hitters like the Renault Clio, Toyota Yaris and Vauxhall Corsa.
Its ‘Hybrid Plus’ powertrain uses a 1.5-litre four-cylinder petrol engine and an electric motor to drive the front wheels, and together produce 192bhp and up to 250Nm of torque. MG says it’s the electric motor that handles much of the heavy lifting, including accelerating, resulting in a 0-62mph time of eight seconds exactly and claimed fuel efficiency of 64mpg.
The new MG3 sports a sharp look inspired by the flagship MG Cyberster sports car, while the interior borrows heavily from the larger MG4 electric hatchback. Every model gets a seven-inch digital instrument cluster and a 10.25-inch touchscreen, but some unique touches like the check dash pattern and bright orange contrast stitching for the upholstery. Prices are expected to start from between £18,000 and £20,000. If so, the MG3 would undercut its key rival, the Renault Clio E-Tech, by some margin.
MG Cyberster
Bulging order books and renewed interest from British consumers in the MG badge mean the company is on a roll right now. The firm has ambitious plans to build on this success, with its boldest move being to launch the first, purpose-built, all-electric two-seater sports car, pitting the likes of Porsche, Alpine and Lotus to the punch.
The MG Cyberster is the spiritual successor to the MG TF and will be priced around £50,000 when it goes on sale around summer 2024. Base single-motor models will produce 335bhp, while the range-topping dual-motor Cyberster can go from 0-62mph in 3.2 seconds thanks to total power output of 536bhp and 725Nm of torque. Range figures have yet to be confirmed, but we expect there’ll be around the 300-mile mark.
The Cyberster comes with several concept car-like features, including three displays that wrap around the driver and scissor doors, as MG tries to give its offering a hi-tech feel and make it stand apart from the traditional roadsters like the Mazda MX-5 and BMW Z4.
MINI Aceman
By the end of the year, MINI will have a family of three EVs for customers to choose from, including electric versions of the new three-door MINI Cooper hatchback and MINI Countryman – both of which we’ve profiled below. And bridging the gap between will be the all-new, all-electric MINI Aceman, which is going to be unveiled on 24 April at Auto China, often referred to as the Beijing Motor Show.
In terms of its size, we understand that the Aceman will measure around four metres long, compared to the new third-generation Countryman which is over 4.4 metres from nose to tail. Underneath its chunky, squared-jawed bodywork, the Aceman will use the same platform as the electric MINI Cooper, and will be powered by a 54.2kWh battery that should provide around 250 miles of range.
MINI Cooper
The new fifth-generation MINI Cooper hatchback arrives this year, with a choice of petrol or electric power. Petrol versions start from £22,300, rising to £26,700 for the more potent MINI Cooper S, the latter using a 2.0-litre four-cylinder motor pumping out 201bhp and 300Nm. There’s no manual gearbox option in the MINI Cooper however, every model instead using a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission
Meanwhile the electric MINI Cooper starts from £30,000 and is offered in two forms: Cooper Electric E and Cooper Electric SE. The first features a 40.7kWh battery and a 181bhp electric motor, with MINI claiming a range of up to 190 miles from a charge. The other model increases the battery capacity to 54.2kWh while power rises to 215bhp, as does torque from 290Nm to 330Nm. The bigger battery also boosts the chic EV’s range up to 250 miles.
The new MINI Cooper’s looks are a much cleaner evolution of the last model’s, with the wheels also pushed out towards the extremities of the body, improving packaging and space inside. Speaking of which, the interior has been totally redesigned, with an ultra-slim 9.4-inch circular OLED screen at the heart of the dash. Like a Tesla Model 3, the central display shows your speed, media and other vital data, while the several ‘MINI Experience Modes’ can change the look and feel of the screen, as well as the interior lighting. There’ll be a convertible version in the summer, too.
MINI Countryman
The MINI’s biggest model is about to get even bigger, with the third-generation MINI Countryman growing in size to boost practicality. The popular compact SUV will now be offered with a choice of petrol or, for the first time, all-electric power.
Based on the same platform as the latest BMW X1 and fully-electric iX1, the new Countryman EV offers up to 287 miles and 130kW maximum charging speed, while the petrol-powered range stretches from the base front-drive 167bhp model to a souped-up John Cooper Works (JCW) variant with 296bhp on tap and an ‘ALL4’ four-wheel drive system.
The interior has a lot in common with the new MINI Cooper, including the 9.4-inch OLED display in the centre of dashboard, with driver able to switch between Core, Green, Go-Kart, Personal, Vibrant, Timeless and Balance drive modes, or what MINI calls ‘Experience Modes’. The rear bench can be slid forwards and backwards by as much as 13cm depending on whether you want maximum passenger or luggage space. There’s up to 460 litres of boot space available, or 1,450 litres with the rear seats folded down.
Omoda 5
Omoda is the latest carmaker from China hoping to shake up the UK car market, surfing the wake of others like BYD and GWM Ora, not to mention the longer-standing success of MG under ownership of its Chinese parent company SAIC Motor. It’s slated to launch in the UK in March 2024, and will kick things off with a family SUV, the Omoda 5, that hopes to steal sales away from the best-selling Nissan Qashqai.
The base Omoda 5 will feature a 1.6-litre turbo petrol engine with 187bhp and 275Nm, with power going to the front wheels via a seven-speed dual-clutch gearbox. At launch, the Omoda 5 will lack the efficiency-boosting hybrid technology offered by rivals such as the Qashqai, Hyundai Tucson and Kia Sportage. However, unlike any of those key rivals, there will be a fully electric Omoda 5 EV that boasts a respectable 280-mile range and 110kW maximum charging speed, meaning 0-80% top-ups will take half an hour.
Peugeot 3008
The Peugeot 3008 began life as a bland MPV, but was transformed into a stylish family SUV for its second generation, and is evolving once more for the all-new Mk3 3008. The latest 3008 is more coupé-like than ever, sporting a sloping roofline at the rear that gives an athletic look, not unlike the Cupra Tavascan. Some of its standout styling cues include Peugeot’s three-claw LED running light signature at the front and rear, funky wheel designs and sharp body lines across the car.
Despite the almost coupe-SUV look, Peugeot claims that the new 3008 offers the same 520-litre boot space as the out-going model, although the cabin design is all-new. A gently curved 21-inch screen sits atop the dashboard and handles both the vital driving information and media, with Peugeot’s familiar i-Toggle touch panel of shortcut buttons beneath.
The Mk3 3008 is the first car to use the all-new “EV native” STLA M platform from Peugeot’s parent, Stellantis. A plug-in hybrid version will join the range in time, sitting alongside the standard full-hybrid version and the all-electric E-3008, which will be offered with a choice of two battery sizes: 73kWh and a 98kWh. Peugeot claims the smaller unit is good for up to 326 miles of range, but this rises to 435 miles for the 98kWh model. The E-3008 is front-wheel drive as standard, but a dual-motor model with all-wheel drive will be available, too.
Polestar 3
Volvo’s sister brand is gaining confidence and it will be hoping for further gains when the Polestar 3 lands in 2024. Unlike the Polestar 1 and 2, which were derived from projects started by Volvo, the 3 is a ground-up Polestar creation.
Beneath it all there’s a 482bhp and 840Nm twin-motor setup, that packs enough punch for a 0-62mph time of five seconds. The Performance variant will deliver 510bhp and 910Nm of torque to trim a few tenths of a second off that time. Both are powered by a 107kWh (usable) battery pack that allows for a maximum driving range of 379 miles, while the car’s 250kW charging capability means a 10-80% top-up will take just half an hour.
Polestar has utilised an array of advanced chassis technologies to inject some degree of athleticism into the more than 2.5-tonne SUV. For example, the rear electric motor is a torque vectoring dual-clutch unit, and adaptive dampers have been fitted as standard along with dual-chamber air suspension.
The cabin features sustainable materials and the dashboard is dominated by a 14.9-inch, portrait-layout touchscreen system running an evolution of the Android Automotive infotainment system from the Polestar 2. Launch model will also come loaded with luxuries like soft-closing doors, cabin air filtration, heated rear seats and a 25-speaker Bowers & Wilkins stereo. Prices start from just under £80,000.
Polestar 4
Polestar is taking some big swings with the all-new Polestar 4, not least because the brand expects it to be its biggest-selling model going forward. The other more controversial element of the electric coupe-SUV is the fact it doesn’t have a rear windscreen. Instead, the car relies on cameras and side mirrors to provide the driver with a view of what’s behind them. Polestar design director Maximilian Missoni told us “It allows more second-row headroom and a more dramatic rear,” though exactly how customers react remains to be seen.
Like all of Polestar’s models, the 4 features a minimalist interior with very few physical controls, so Google’s voice control is expected to take care of many functions. Behind the steering wheel is a 10.2-inch instrument screen, with a landscape 15.4-inch Google-powered touchscreen in the centre of the dash. The Polestar 4’s interior features a wide variety of materials, including a recycled knitted fabric produced with a textile college in Sweden.
The Polestar 4 gets its name from being the brand’s fourth model, however it sits in between the more saloon-like Polestar 2 and Polestar 3 large SUV in terms of size and price. Prices for the Polestar 4 start from £59,990, with base models also offering a 379-range official range
Porsche Macan
After 10 years of the original Porsche Macan, and more than 800,000 examples sold in that time, the all-new second-generation model is finally upon us and it’s brought with some big changes. The most seismic is the Porsche Macan now being all-electric, debuting the brand new EV-dedicated PPE platform.
Every Macan features a dual-motor powertrain, with a choice of two variants at launch: the Macan 4 with 402bhp and a 380-mile range, or the high-performance Macan Turbo that’ll do 0-62mph in just 3.3 seconds thanks to the 630bhp and frankly ridiculous 1,130Nm of torque it has on tap. Both versions also get a 100kWh battery, 95kWh of which is usable, and a 270kW maximum charging speed to match the Porsche Taycan’s.
Inside, the new Macan gets a high-tech yet still driver-focused cockpit design that incorporates a familiar three-spoke steering wheel, 12.9-inch curved driver’s display and a 10.9-inch central touchscreen. Other technology onboard includes aerodynamic aides like flaps around the nose and the active rear spoiler, plus rear-wheel steering is available as an optional extra. Prices start from £69,800.
Porsche Panamera
Along with the latest Macan, 2024 will also see the arrival of the new third-generation Porsche Panamera. In typical Porsche fashion, the new Panamera’s design is an evolution of the out-going model. But while both cars are a very similar size, every body panel is new.
The interior has received a similar array of upgrades, the most noticeable being the cleaner cockpit design with fewer buttons and new user interface. Sadly the analogue rev counter has gone in favour of a curved digital driver’s display behind the steering wheel, which is joined by a central 12.3-inch touchscreen, with an additional passenger display available as an optional extra.
The new Panamera uses basically the same platform as the out-going model, but Porsche has added two new suspension setups. The first uses a twin-chamber air suspension system with Porsche’s new dual-valve damper technology, while plug-in hybrid cars gain access to a new fully active suspension setup. However Porsche has axed the Sport Turismo estate version, meaning the Panamera is only available as a hatchback, with prices starting from £79,500.
Range Rover Electric
The Range Rover is the original luxury SUV, and more than a half a century on, it’s still the king of the jungle. The latest fifth-generation model arrived in 2022 and instantly won our Luxury Car of the Year award. It’s an imposing presence on the road, while the interior is beautifully finished, dripping with lavish materials and overflowing with technology.
It’s also one of the most relaxing cars to drive, but as the likes of the Rolls-Royce Spectre and BMW i7 have proved, electric propulsion is the next step in achieving the ultimate luxury car experience. That’s why this iteration of the Range Rover and its MLA platform were designed to be fitted with a zero-emissions powertrain, and 2024 will be the year we finally get to lay our eyes on the first-ever Range Rover EV.
JLR says the Range Rover Electric, which is the car’s official name, will “deliver performance comparable to a flagship V8”, while JLR’s director of product engineering, Thomas Müller, said, “we are on target to create the quietest and most refined Range Rover ever. The magic ingredients that underpin the success of Range Rover remain unchanged – now offered with zero tailpipe emissions.”
Renault 5
One of Renault’s most famous nameplates, the Renault 5 has been reborn as a retro-themed EV that’s ready and raring to give the new MINI Cooper a good spanking. The all-new, all-electric R5 was unveiled at the 2024 Geneva Motor Show, with the styling nearly identical to the heart-warming concept unveiled in 2021, while the interior is inspired by that of the original mid-engined Renault 5 Turbo from the 1980s.
Measuring just 3.92 metres long, the R5 is longer than some city cars such as the Hyundai i10 or Fiat 500, but shorter than the majority of superminis, including Renault’s Clio. The amount of room available inside is respectable given the car’s dimension, plus every model features dual displays and Renault’s latest infotainment software.
The Renault 5 sits on the new AmpR Small platform, formerly known as CMP-B EV, that’s been designed specifically for compact electric cars, and will underpin numerous other small, affordable EVs including the next Nissan Micra. The R5 is offered with a 52kWh battery pack that’s good for up to 248 miles on a single charge, although a smaller 40kWh battery with a sub-190-mile-range will be fitted to cheaper entry-level models.
Renault Scenic
Renault has also reinvented the Scenic as an all-electric SUV to sit above the Megane E-Tech hatchback. The new Scenic E-Tech is based on the brand’s CMF-EV platform, the same bespoke EV architecture the Nissan Ariya uses, helping to maximise space for passengers and luggage. It’s available with either a 60kWh battery and 260-mile range, or an 87kWh battery that ups the range to 379 miles – nearly 50 miles further than any version of the Tesla Model Y Long Range can go on a single charge.
Bold styling helps the Scenic stand apart from the competition, which in the family EV segment includes the Volkswagen ID.4 and Hyundai Ioniq 5. Inside, the Scenic features Renault’s latest infotainment system, with a 12.3-inch digital dash and a 12-inch screen powered by Google. For the tech lovers out there, more than 50 apps are available for the Scenic, including Deezer, Spotify, Amazon Music and Waze.
But of course, this is still meant to be a family car, and Renault hasn’t forgotten that. Its 545-litre boot is bigger than the ID.4 or Ioniq 5’s, while folding down the rear seats unlocks a useful 1,670 litres. There might not be a frunk or ‘froot’ under the bonnet like you get in a Model Y, but Renault claims the Scenic E-Tech offers a total of 38.7 litres of additional storage dotted around the cabin. Prices start from a whisker under £37,500, with the first examples slated to arrive on UK shores in May 2024.
Skoda Elroq
We’re huge fans of the Skoda Enyaq, in fact we think it’s one of the best family SUVs on the market right now, so naturally we’re very excited that a follow-up is finally being unveiled next year. The new Skoda Elroq will be a smaller electric SUV to sit below the Enyaq, but will be built on the same MEB platform.
As it’s a bespoke EV architecture, space inside the Elroq should be comparable to its big brother, including lots of room for rear passengers, a completely flat floor and sizable boot. We expect the interior will also feature the customisable ‘Smart Dials’ setup that debuted in the new Kodiaq and Superb. The Elroq will also feature the brand’s new 'Modern Solid' design language previewed on the Skoda Vision 7S concept, so it will have a cleaner and slightly more sophisticated style than the Enyaq.
Skoda Kodiaq
It’s hard to believe that the Skoda Kodiaq – the two-time winner of our Large SUV of the Year award – was only introduced in 2016. But that means it’s time for a new model that’ll land in UK dealerships in early 2024. The second-generation Kodiaq incorporates elements of the brand’s new ‘Modern Solid’ design language, though even from a distance, it’s still easily recognisable as a Kodiaq.
The Kodiaq has been stretched by 61mm, with the gains in space going to those in the rearmost seats in seven-seater versions, as well as to increase boot capacity. Meanwhile the interior has clearly been influenced by the all-electric Skoda Enyaq, as it features big screens, leather panelling and a curated collection of materials and themes for buyers to choose from. But one addition for the Kodiaq is a set of physical ‘Smart Dials’ on the centre console that can control various functions and settings depending on how you interact with them.
The Mk2 Kodiaq’s engine range includes mild-hybrid petrol and regular diesel options plus, for the first time ever, a plug-in hybrid setup. The Kodiaq PHEV will offer a pure-electric driving range of more than 60 miles, meaning it should fall into the 8% Benefit-in-kind tax band for company-car drivers.
Skoda Superb
The new fourth-generation Skoda Superb is also arriving this year, and will be available as either a saloon-like hatchback or more practical estate car. The pair are slightly longer and taller than before, boosting interior space as well as luggage capacity. The hatch offers up to 645 litres of boot space now (up 20 litres), while the Superb Estate can haul 690 litres of stuff when full to the brim (up 30 litres).
The styling is a refinement of the previous model’s, and it is not only sharper, but also more slippery to help with the Superb’s efficiency. The cabin design on the other hand has been overhauled, with the touchscreen growing to a sizeable 13 inches on top-spec models, plus there's a 10-inch Virtual Cockpit display in front of the driver. The Kodiaq’s Smart Dials also make an appearance, along with 28 of Skoda’s Simply Clever solutions like a cooling device for the wireless charging pad so your smartphone doesn’t overheat.
On the engine front, the new Superb will be available with three petrol and two diesel motors, plus a plug-in hybrid version. Like the plug-in Kodiaq, the Superb iV combines a 1.5 petrol engine with an electric motor for combined output of 201bhp, while the 25.7kWh battery is good for 60 miles of pure-electric driving.
Subaru Forester
We expect the new Subaru Forester to land in the UK in 2024 but you shouldn’t expect a massive direction change from Subaru’s popular and rugged SUV. The new car looks more like a facelift of the current model but there are improvements right across the board.
The big one is the introduction of hybrid power for the first time but those engines will not be available from launch. Instead, it’ll be Subaru’s familiar 2.0-litre flat-four sending power through the symmetrical all-wheel-drive system that’s now upgraded with a ‘dual-function X-mode’ for even better off-road performance.
Inside, there’s a 11.6-inch touchscreen in portrait format and Subaru’s EyeSight driver assistance tech can now do even more to keep the Forester’s occupants safe.
Suzuki Swift
Several brands are hoping to capitalise on the demise of the Ford Fiesta, but while others are giving their existing superminis a simple nip and tuck, Spring 2024 will see the arrival of the new fourth-generation Suzuki Swift. Despite looking very much like the out-going model, this new Swift does have a softer look and new face, though it's still defined by a large distinctive grille.
The bigger changes are inside, with the Swift’s cabin getting a complete overhaul, not to mention a new nine-inch central touchscreen that sits proudly on top of the dashboard. There’s also a brand new 1.2-litre three-cylinder petrol engine with mild-hybrid assistance under the bonnet. The new Suzuki Swift’s starting price is likely to be slightly higher than the current entry-level model’s £17,199 price tag, but we won’t know for sure until sometime in 2024.
Toyota Land Cruiser
The Toyota Land Cruiser has been a staple of the 4x4 world for more than 70 years, with this new upcoming model focusing on “its traditional strengths of quality, durability, and reliability to tackle the toughest conditions”. Toyota has also dialled up the retro-charm for the new Land Cruiser as it hopes to steal sales away from the Land Rover Defender and Jeep Wrangler, and worked on improving on-road driving.
The new Land Cruiser isn’t all about turning heads in supermarket car parks, however. Toyota has made sure the front end rear overhangs are as small as possible to improve the approach and departure angles, and the body parts have been designed to be removed more easily if damaged during any off-road excursion. From launch the Land Cruiser will come with a 2.8-litre turbocharged diesel engine with 201bhp and an eight-speed automatic transmission. UK pricing has yet to be announced, but we expect it’ll start from around £50,000.
Toyota Prius
After a brief absence from UK showrooms, the Toyota Prius will return in 2024. The fifth-generation Prius is a much sleeker-looking car than any of its ancestors, borrowing plenty of styling elements from the Toyota bZ4X electric SUV, as does the interior which features a similar cockpit design to the bZ4X and a sizable 12.3-inch central touchscreen.
The new Prius is available exclusively with a plug-in hybrid powertrain that consists of a 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol engine and a single electric motor fed by a 13.6kWh battery. The new Prius boasts a pure-electric driving range of 53 miles and emits as little as 12g/km of CO2, which should result in affordable Benefit-in-Kind tax rates for company car drivers. Prices start from just over £37,000.
Vauxhall Frontera
The Vauxhall Frontera name is being revived for the brand’s all-new mid-size SUV that’s focused on being versatile and affordable, including the all-electric version which will be available from launch and have an “attractive” price tag, so we’re told.
Vauxhall is also promising “high level of space and versatility” from the new Frontera, which is expected to be a good deal bigger than the ageing Crossland SUV-cum-MPV it will replace, thus allowing it to serve as a rival to the best-selling Nissan Qashqai.
If Vauxhall is targeting a genuinely affordable price tag for the electric Frontera, then we suspect it will use the new ‘Smart Car’ platform from parent company Stellantis that’s serving as the underpinnings for the forthcoming Citroen e-C3 supermini, as well as the next-generation Citroen C3 Aircross. We won’t have to wait long until our first look at the new Vauxhall Frontera as it’s due to be unveiled very soon.
Vauxhall Grandland
As the new Frontera will be Vauxhall’s contender in the mid-size family SUV going forward, the next-generation Vauxhall Grandland is going to be much larger than the current model, making it a closer rival to cars like the Nissan X-Trail and Peugeot 5008. Although, as Auto Express understands, the Grandland will not be offered with seven seats.
The new Grandland will sit on the same STLA M platform as the new Peugeot 3008, meaning it should be offered with an assortment of full-hybrid, plug-in hybrid and, for the first time ever, all-electric power. The key differences between the two models will be their styling and interiors, with our spy shots and exclusive image suggesting Vauxhall has gone with a potentially less polarising approach than the more adventurous Peugeot.
Volkswagen Golf
This might be the only facelifted car on this list, but the updates made to the Volkswagen Golf hatchback and estate are significant enough to warrant a place here. There have been some styling tweaks, but the bigger changes are inside: the central touchscreen is now a 10.4- or 12.9-inch display, the touch-sensitive climate controls are finally illuminated and physical buttons have returned to the steering wheel.
The powertrains have been tweaked for the Golf Mk8.5, too. The plug-in hybrid Golf GTE now pairs a 1.5-litre TSI unit, while the battery has grown in size from 10.6kWh to 19.7kWh resulting in a pure-electric range of up to 62 miles. The Golf GTI continues to use a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine, but power has increased from 242bhp to 261bhp for the updated model. However hot hatch purists will be less pleased by the news that the GTI will only come with a seven-speed DSG automatic gearbox.
Volkswagen Passat
SUVs might be what brings in the big bucks these days but the iconic Volkswagen Passat is going to be with us for a good while yet, flying the flag for traditional family cars. Unlike the closely related Skoda Superb, the new ninth-generation Passat will be available exclusively as an estate car – not that we're complaining – with space and practicality increased for this latest iteration.
We got the chance to see for ourselves when we sat in the rear of the new Passat and can confirm legroom on offer is huge – much more than its predecessor. Meanwhile boot space has grown by 40 litres, with 690 litres on offer with the rear seats in place, or 1,920 litres with them folded down. A big bonus is that there's no compromise in boot space when opting for the newly updated plug-in hybrid powertrain either, with the two PHEV versions boasting 62 miles of pure-electric driving range.
Volvo EX90
The world has been waiting a long time for a new Volvo flagship SUV, but the successor to the faithful XC90 gets more than a fresh look. The EX90 also crams in oodles of new technology, switches to a new platform and is all-electric.
The car’s look is perhaps more evolutionary than expected; it’s clearly identifiable as a top-of-the-range Volvo SUV, with a new take on the ‘Thor’s hammer’ headlights and a typically bluff profile. The blanked-off grille is a clear pointer to the greener underpinnings, though, and at the top of the windscreen is a LiDAR sensor for the EX90’s advanced driver assistance systems.
Modern Volvos already have fairly minimalist interiors, but the EX90 goes a few steps further by eliminating all physical buttons and switches, except for a single volume dial. Therefore you’ll be using the 14.5-inch central touchscreen to control all the car’s functions, with its new Google-powered infotainment system also getting Google Maps and Google Assistant built-in. The EX90 is still a seven-seater though, just like the XC90.
These step changes don’t exactly come cheap; Volvo has already admitted that the EX90 will arrive in dealers carrying a price tag in excess of £100,000, putting the car squarely into Range Rover territory.
Now read more about the best new cars coming in 2025 and beyond...
