BMW Returns

2023 Author: Eric Donovan | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-08-25 09:36

AMI Leipzig celebrates its anniversary. BMW is back for the 20th edition and is even showing one of three world premieres.

At this year's most important motor show in Germany from April 10th to 18th, the German manufacturers rediscovered their hearts for Leipzig. After a year of abstinence, BMW is not only represented with a stand, but is also celebrating a world premiere in the exhibition halls. The 5 Series Touring, the station wagon version of the series, is unveiled in Hall 3. The fourth generation continues to look sporty thanks to the long bonnet and short rear. With a starting price of 42,600 euros, not everyone will necessarily have access. The Ingolstadt-based company will present the modified TT Roadster and TT Coupe to the public. In addition, the mini competitor A1 is celebrating its German premiere in Hall 1, as is the A8 luxury sedan and the Audi RS 5 Coupé. The VW subsidiary is showing a special treat with the e-tron. The electric show car points the way to the automotive future.

A heart for families

VW on the other hand makes family The design of the new Touran has been renewed and the interior has been upgraded. Visitors can also look forward to the new Sharan, which will replace the aging current model. And Mercedes is also showing a family carriage with the refreshed R-Class. Only seven days after the world premiere in New York, the Stuttgart-based company is celebrating the European premiere of the space glider in Leipzig, which has so far traveled the world quite inconspicuously and with the facelift is given the last chance, so to speak, of asserting itself or disappearing in the archives.

In contrast, the new Opel Meriva exudes a completely new atmosphere. As with Rolls Royce, the doors of the mini-van now open in opposite directions and make it easier to get into the rear seats. If the current Meriva was more of a car for the elderly thanks to the high seating position, the new door concept could now be of more interest to families. Especially since the starting price of 15,900 euros will unleash further attractions.

Electric and hybrid models in trend

Hybrid and electric drives will also play a major role at the AMI and AMITEC, after all, manufacturers are vying more and more for customers who - understandably with the ever increasing fuel prices - pay more attention to sales than to design when buying a new car.

The Peugeot iON, which will be sold as the first electric vehicle from a major manufacturer by the end of the year, will drive up completely electrically. VW presents the Touareg Hybrid for the financially potent group of buyers. The identical sister Cayenne Hybrid can be seen at the Porsche stand.

At Dacia it will be Duster

But not only the German manufacturers let the covers fall on the 100,000 square meters of exhibition space. The Romanian Renault subsidiary Dacia is celebrating its entry into the SUV segment in the trade fair city. The Duster is intended to show that off-road vehicles are also cheap. The front-wheel drive fun starts at 11,900 euros.

The Toyota RAV4 was also spruced up for the site. With the Auris, the hybrid pioneer also has a second model on offer that, alongside the Prius, builds on the power of two hearts.

Return of the muscle cars

Subaru and Skoda celebrate other interesting premieres. Both the Impreza XV from the all-wheel drive specialists and Fabia and Roomster have received a new face that is intended to attract the expected 300,000 visitors. These will certainly also cross the Chevrolet stand celebrating the return of muscle cars.

The Camaro will be coming to Germany in the coming year as a coupé and a convertible. The 318 kW / 426 PS of the 6.2 liter eight-cylinder engine are sure to make not a few hearts beat faster. Because even in times of fuel saving, emotions still play a role in cars - also at the anniversary AMI. (AG / TF)