2019 LA Auto Show: Debuts to See, Tech to Expect
As November hits its stride, so does auto show season with one gathering that never disappoints. This Friday, November 22, the 2019 LA Auto Show opens to the public at the LA Convention Center. Running through Thanksgiving Day (hello, free excuse to escape your family), it wraps up December 1.
Despite what you might think about the life expectancy of the traditional auto show in this brave new automotive world, it’s safe to say LA is dressed to impress. With a 100+ year history, a record-breaking 65 new vehicles with 25 world debuts, and the first-ever LEGO booth—really, this could be the most exciting LA Auto Show yet.
But, enough gushing. We know you’re here for the deets. Below, you’ll find a round-up of some of the most exciting debuts expected at the 2019 show, as well as some other highlights and attractions we think you should check out if you find yourself in downtown LA this weekend.
2019 LA Auto Show Vehicle Debuts
With the Detroit Auto Show moving to June, LA doesn’t have to compete with the Motor City for new vehicle releases, hence the record number this year. Across all segments, expect to see groundbreaking technology, from electric drivetrains and enhanced connectivity to higher-level autonomous integration.
EVs
Why not start with the elephant in the room, eh? As we saw during last year’s auto show season, automakers are rolling out EV concepts like their lives depend on it. And, well, they kind of do. Which is why we’re seeing more fleshed-out electric prototypes and production-ready models this time around.
Ford Mach E
Making a world debut—and big splash already—is Ford’s Mustang-inspired all-electric crossover, the Mach E. Unveiled on Sunday night during a live-streamed event hosted by the ever-cool Idris Elba, the new is-it-or-isn’t-it-actually-a-Mustang marks Ford’s first mass-market EV.
Stylistically, it shares several design elements with its pony car relative (the long hood, front fascia, and signature tri-bar tail lights). It also promises spirited driving worthy of the Mustang name. (The GT Performance Edition boasts 459 hp, 612 lb-ft of torque, and a 0-60 time in the mid-threes). Beyond that, however, you won’t find many similarities.
The roomy interior is very Tesla-esque with an enormous vertical touch screen, as is the optional all-glass roof. Initial reports flowing in seem cautiously optimistic about the model, though, which is both a good sign and kind of expected.
Overall, the Mach E has swagger. But much like when you look at a CGI rendering of a person’s face, there’s something just a little off. Maybe it’s the missing grille or lack of door handles, but staring at this thing head-on feels like a cold finger dragging down my back. My gut tells me this is a symptom of electric vehicle design, and will go away with time. My irrational anxiety tells me it’s just Phase 1 of the robot uprising.
Audi e-tron Sportback
Following the debut of the e-tron electric SUV earlier this year, Audi is set to unveil a coupe-like version dubbed the e-tron Sportback. The second all-electric offering from the German badge will share its drivetrain and battery packs with the OG e-tron, putting out 402-hp, a 0-60 time of 5.5 seconds, and a range of just over 200 miles.
It will still be a few days before the official reveal, but Audi released a new teaser image offering a slightly more complete look of vehicle’s styling.
The e-tron Sportback will debut alongside the new RS version of the Q8 SUV. Sporting a 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8 putting of nearly 600 hp, the RS Q8 also gets a 48-volt mild-hybrid system, capable of recovering 12 kW for the onboard lithium-ion battery.
Volkswagen ID Vizzion Concepts
Not to be outdone, VW is also bringing an electric crossover-ish vehicle, as well, because apparently the Market Researchers have spoken, and this is what the people want. Joining the next-gen ID. VIZZION Concept displayed in Geneva is the ID. SPACE VIZZION Concept. (Yes, that is the official spelling.)
Based on the automaker’s newest design generation—the ID. family—the VIZZION and SPACE VIZZION boast autonomous driving, VR graphics, voice and gesture control, and a hoard of other remarkable technology.
Check out the video below for a peek at VW’s “vizzion” of the future. And if you’re heading to the 2019 LA Auto Show, step into the automaker’s “Building an Electric Future” exhibition. Spread across five rooms, it will display the MEB electric vehicle platform and a bevy of Tomorrowland technology to provide visitors with a glimpse of future transportation.
Despite developers, analysts, and VC firms asserting that self-driving cars won’t be a mainstream occurrence for at least a decade, VW indicates that the SPACE VIZZION is set to reach production by 2021.
Other notable EV debuts to keep an eye for are the Karma Revero GTS, Mini Cooper SE, Bollinger Motors’ pickup and SUV, and the Porsche Taycan 4S.
Sedans
Just because domestic automakers are bowing out of the sedan segment doesn’t mean their international rivals have given up as well. The 2019 LA Auto Show will see a number of new models on display, several of which will be celebrating a U.S. or world debut.
Genesis G90
Updated nearly a year ago for the Korean market, the refreshed Genesis G90 flagship finally makes its way to American shores at the 2019 LA Auto Show.
Building on specs from Canada’s version, the 2020 G90 sees revised front and rear-end styling and a new interior. Under the hood should remain the same 365-hp 3.3-liter twin-turbo V6, with an optional 419-hp 5.0-liter V8.
There were rumors that Genesis would also debut its first SUV in LA as well. However, reports indicate that it’s more likely we’ll see that at the NY Auto Show this spring.
BMW
The German badge has several exciting reveals on the docket. First is the M8 Gran Coupe, a 617-hp four door beast, costing an eye-watering $130,995. Next, on the other end of the spectrum, is the 2 Series Gran Coupe—BMW’s version of an economy car. The compact front-wheel drive sedan will serve as an entry-level model and should start around $30k when it goes on sale early next year. Last, and most exciting, is the BMW M2 CS.
Making its global debut, the M2 CS marks BMW’s smallest performance coupe and proves that big things do come in small packages. Surpassing its M2 Competition sibling, the M2 CS packs a turbocharged S55 inline-six making 444 hp and 406 lb-ft of torque, paired to either a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic or six-speed manual transmission.
Other sedan debuts at the 2019 LA Auto Show to watch for are the new Alfa Romeo Giulia, Mercedes-AMG GLE 53 Coupe and GLS 63, Kia Optima, Nissan Sentra, and Toyota Camry AWD.
Light Trucks
The trend in this segment seems to be applying electric powertrains, hence why most of the debut models can be found above. However, there a few traditional utility vehicles celebrating at the LA Auto Show—even if a number of them are now wearing hybrid tech.
Land Rover Defender
We’ve waited a long time for this one—22 years to be exact—and Land Rover hasn’t disappointed. With a design that pays homage to its roots while listening to modern trends, the new Defender is a striking little off-roader.
Available in both 2-door and 4-door variants, the Defender pulls power from either 296-hp 4-cylinder turbo engine or 395-hp 6-cylinder hybrid. Sporting a new monocoque chassis, air suspension, and 4WD system, the new Rover is also longer with better ground clearance, wearing a hoard of modern tech and a cushy, yet functional interior.
We can’t wait to see what customizers and aftermarket professionals do to this, once it becomes readily available on U.S. soil.
Toyota RAV4 Plug-In Hybrid
While less exciting than, well, almost everything on this list, we just really want to celebrate any kind of advanced hybrid that ISN’T a Prius. With a bigger battery and more powerful electric motor than the current RAV4 hybrid, Toyota says this “will become the most powerful RAV4 yet.”
Honestly, just two thumbs way up for Toyota crafting a hybrid vehicle design that doesn’t make my eyes bleed.
Other light truck debuts at the 2019 LA Auto Show to watch for are the new Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport, Mazda CX-30, Fiat 500X Sport, and a “plug-in hybrid SUV” concept from Hyundai rumored to be a next-gen Tucson.
2019 LA Auto Show Attractions
With fun for the whole family, the LA Auto Show packs a lot of attractions. While Tesla won’t be debuting its new “Cybertruck” at the show (that’s reserved for a private event at the SpaceX facility), the EV automaker will be offering test rides for its lineup of vehicles. Also offering test drives are: Acura, Fiat Chrysler, Honda, Jaguar, Land Rover, Lincoln, Nissan, Subaru, Toyota and Volkswagen.
Those looking for something a little more high-speed can check out the Hyundai Racing Challenge—a virtual racing simulation in 4D. And for those who want no-speed but hands-on, do not miss the LEGO booth. Aside from the life-size LEGO Bugatti Chiron on display, the brand will also reveal the LEGO Top Gear rally car.
The ideal toy for children and nerds everywhere, it functions via a Bluetooth app that turns your smartphone into a remote-control—once all 463 pieces are assembled, that is. Going on sale New Year’s Day for $129.99, it makes a perfect belated Christmas present.
Another exciting debut at the 2019 LA Auto Show is the Smacircle S1 foldable e-Bike. Weighing 19 pounds, the S1 can be folded and placed in a backpack for maximum portability. A clever wheel hub motor system provides power and efficiency, allowing users to travel up to a 13-mile range on a single charge, at speeds up to 12mph.
The 2019 LA Auto Show runs November 22 – December 1 at the LA Convention Center.
