Ah, the humble hatchback. While this body style has fallen out of favor in many parts of the world and been replaced by compact yet high-riding crossovers, China’s Skywell has unveiled an intriguing new electric hatchback at the Paris Auto Show. It makes us wish more cars like this existed instead of the new cookie-cutter crossovers we see unveiled every other week.

The new model, known simply as the Skywell Q, will be available with two battery packs, although their capacities haven’t been announced. What we do know is that the flagship battery will give the hatch a touch over 300 miles (482 km) of range on a charge. All Skywell Q models come standard with a single electric motor driving the front wheels and producing 201 hp or 150 kW.

Read: Skyhome Electric Sedan Is A Private Jet On Wheels With A Fridge, Huge TV And Reclining Seats

Remarkably, Skywell says the Q needs just 3.9 seconds to hit 62 mph (100 km/h). For an EV that likely weighs quite a lot, has ‘just’ 201 hp, and is front-wheel drive, that time is a little hard to believe. We’ll have to wait until deliveries begin to see if the Q is as brisk as Skywell claims it is.

The Chinese brand has equipped the car with DC fast charging and says the flagship model needs just 20 minutes for its battery to be topped up from 10% to 80%.

Visually, the Q looks quite cute. It’s 4,297 mm (169.1 inches) long, 1,836 mm (72.2 inches) wide, and stands 1,536 mm (60.4 inches) tall, and comes standard with an aggressive front fascia that includes an LED light bar and a blacked-out lower grille. The side profile of the hatch is particularly bold, with dramatic creases on the doors and small vertical slits directly behind the front wheel arches, similar to the slits found on the Porsche Taycan.

Other intriguing design elements of the car presented in Paris include side skirts and a rear diffuser that looks to be made from faux forged carbon fiber. The Q also has aero covers on the wheels to improve efficiency and an LED light bar out back.

The interior is quite minimal but appears well-equipped. There’s a large panoramic glass roof, configurable ambient lighting, bright orange accents, and a large 15.6-inch infotainment display. Skywell has also added an eight-speaker Metz audio system and a small touchscreen for rear-seat passengers.

The company has yet to confirm all of the markets it plans to sell the Q. We do know the UK will be one of them, and they will start to receive the first examples in the third quarter of 2025. It will be sold with a 7-year, 100,000-mile warranty and an 8-year, 155,000-mile warranty for the battery.

BYD’s rapid expansion in European markets continues with the Sealion 7, a fully electric SUV and a rival to the Tesla Model Y. Already available in China, the Sealion 7 made its European debut at the 2024 Paris Auto Show, with deliveries starting this month.

This marks the eighth NEV (New Energy Vehicle) in BYD’s European lineup, joining the likes of the Dolphin, Seal, and Seal U in the automaker’s “Ocean Series.” But while BYD is gaining attention with its rapid growth, the question remains: does the Sealion 7 have enough bite to truly challenge Tesla’s dominance?

More: Nio Drops Onvo L60 Price To Obliterate Tesla’s Model Y, Starts At $21K

First revealed in China last November, the Sealion 7 sticks to BYD’s established design language. The front end shares the Seal U’s headlight styling, but pairs it with sportier bumper intakes, while the rear flaunts a sloping roofline that flows into full-width LED taillights—a nod to the Seal sedan. It’s modern, sure, but there’s nothing groundbreaking here, and if you squint, you might mistake it for a handful of other electric SUVs on the market.

The BYD Sealion 7 rides on the e-Platform 3.0 Evo, which is compatible with single and dual electric motor setups. In Europe, the company will initially offer the high-performance derivative with dual electric motors.

According to BYD, the EV can accelerate from 0-100km/h in 4.5 seconds and supports rapid charging of up to 230kW. The carmaker didn’t announce any power figures for the Euro-market Sealion but the Chinese-spec dual-motor version offers a combined output of 523 hp (390 kW / 530 PS) and a CTLC range of 550 km (342 miles) from an 82.56 kWh BYD Blade battery.

“Our customers have shown a lot of interest in high-performance SUVs,” said BYD’s European Managing Director Michael Shu at the Paris unveiling. “So today, the Sealion 7 comes to Europe.” The SUV is part of BYD’s larger European offensive, with six new models slated to land over the next 14 months.

According to Autocar, UK deliveries of the Sealion 7 will begin by the end of October, with prices starting around £45,000 ($58,807). That puts it head-to-head with the Tesla Model Y, which is priced between £44,990 and £59,990 ($58,806–$78,413) in the UK. Competitive? Perhaps. But the real test will come once the rubber hits the road.

In the future, production of the European BYD Sealion 7 could move to the company’s new facility in Hungary. This would help the automaker sidestep the EU tariffs imposed on Chinese imports. The facility is expected to be up and running by the end of 2025, potentially becoming the production hub for most of BYD’s European offerings.

BYD

Microlino introduced the Spiaggina concept at the 2022 Paris Motor Show and now they’ve returned to the 2024 event to unveil the production model. It’s being billed as an exclusive summer car that draws inspiration from the Citroen Mehari and Fiat 600 Jolly.

Designed for the beach, the Spiaggina follows in the footsteps of the regular model but adopts an open air design that lacks side and rear windows. The car also sports a fabric roof that can be rolled back or completely removed in a “few simple steps.”

Paris Auto Show 2024: A-Z Roundup Of All The Debuts

The compact EV will be launched in First Edition guise, which features a two-tone exterior in White and Portofino Blue or Black and Sardinia Sage. Buyers will also find a two-tone interior with vegan leather that is “particularly resistant to moisture.”

The two-seater also has a faux wood floor, a digital instrument cluster, and a three-spoke steering wheel. They’re joined by a small trunk that can hold 8.1 cubic feet (230 liters) of luggage.

Power is provided by a 10.5 kWh battery pack, which feeds an electric motor developing 17 hp (12.5 kW / 17 PS). This enables the model to travel up to 110 miles (177 km) on a single charge and hit speeds of up to 56 mph (90 km/h).

Pricing for the Microlino Spiaggina First Edition starts at €24,990 (about $27,300 at current exchange rates) and the first deliveries are slated for the spring of 2025. While the model is aimed at Europeans, the company hinted at U.S. availability in the future.

The Citroen Ami has been doing its quirky little thing since 2020, winning over 65,000 customers—presumably people who enjoy driving something that looks like a Lego car come to life. Now, this loveable chunk of plastic is getting a mid-lifecycle update for 2025, with a fresh face and a nod to the iconic 2CV’s side gills.

The 2025 Ami made its world premiere at the Paris Motor Show 2024, together with the Ami Buggy Vision concept. The production model gets a nip and tuck with reworked front and rear ends, bigger lighting units, beefier bumpers, and, of course, the shiny new Citroen logo. And then there’s the headlights; they’ve been given a “human” makeover, framed by black trim that looks suspiciously like eyelids.

More: Fiat Topolino Gets A Cute Makeover For A Not-So-Cute $50,000

The profile might seem familiar at first glance, but the devil is in the details. Look closer, and you’ll spot fake gills (aka striations) on the front right fender—a cheeky homage to the 1948 Citroen 2CV. And because the Ami is about as symmetrical as a Rubik’s Cube, those same gills are mirrored on the rear left fender. Furthermore, the new wheel covers have a checkerboard pattern of squares with rounded corners.

As for the mechanicals, the French carmaker didn’t mention a thing about upgrades. Translation: you’re still looking at the same 8 horsepower electric motor and a teensy 5.5 kWh battery, perfect for those epic 2-mile commutes to the bakery and back.

The market launch of the 2025 Citroen Ami is expected in the first half of 2025, with pricing to be announced closer to that date.

Beach-Ready Concept

Now, let’s talk about the Citroen Ami Buggy Vision concept, a beach-inspired fantasy version of the Ami that answers the age-old question: “What if we made the Ami… tough?” The body gets a midnight blue paint job, a contrasting white roof, black decals, and yellow-tinted headlights.

Ditching conventional doors for metal tubes, the Buggy Vision embraces open-air freedom, further enhanced by a canvas sunroof. The concept rides on chunky high-wall tires wrapped around flared fenders, and tops it off with a roof-mounted LED bar and a comical rear spoiler.

Citroen designers got creative with special mounts for a kite surfboard on the tube doors, and a unique luggage compartment that can store the kite sail. Finally, the interior adopts new seat cushions with a quilted look, and features an Infrared shade for the upholstery, originally introduced by the Oli concept.

While the automaker didn’t mention any plans for production, we wouldn’t be surprised if a slightly toned-down version of the Citroen My Ami Buggy Vision ended up offered for sale. After all, the previous iteration of the My Ami Buggy proved to be quite successful with buyers, forcing Citroen to expand its limited production numbers.

Beyond these headliners, Citroen also brought out its “Ami Tower” at the Paris show—a display featuring the My Ami for All, My Ami Rose Festival, and My Ami Pep special editions. And remember, the Ami isn’t alone in the heavy quadricycle game. It shares the limelight with its Stellantis siblings, the closely-related Fiat Topolino and Opel Rocks Electric.

It feels like every other week there’s a new Chinese automaker rolling into Europe, undeterred by the looming threat of EU tariffs. This time, it’s Leapmotor, with some serious backing from one of Europe’s automotive heavyweights, Stellantis. Debuting at the Paris Motor Show, Leapmotor’s B10 compact SUV is looking to compete against the likes of the Kia EV3, Jeep Avenger, and Hyundai Kona, offering the usual pitch of high-tech features at relatively affordable prices.

This latest world premiere throws a spotlight on Leapmotor’s aggressive expansion in Europe, with over 200 dealers already set up across 13 markets, with ambitions to reach 500 sales points by 2025.

More: All The World Premieres At The 2024 Paris Auto Show

The B10 rides on Leapmotor’s latest LEAP 3.5 platform, packed with the usual tech buzzwords: advanced driver assistance systems, a customizable digital cockpit, and smart connectivity. There’s an all-electric version as well as a range-extended model with a 1.5-liter engine to keep the EV vibes alive without the fear of running out of juice.

However, we’re still waiting on the actual specs, including range, power, or anything that might make the B10 stand out in an already crowded field of electrified sub-compact and compact SUVs.

Familiar Design Cues

On the design front, it’s all about sleek, simplified lines and details like the flush door handles and thin light bars at both ends, all borrowing heavily from its bigger sibling, the C10. It looks good, but it’s hard to shake the feeling we’ve seen this before—there’s even a hint of Cayenne in the profile and rear. Leapmotor kept the interior hidden behind blacked-out windows, but it’s likely to mirror the C10’s minimalist cabin, with large screens dominating an otherwise simple dashboard.

Pricing and Availability

Pricing is still under wraps, but when the B10 arrives in Europe late next year, it’s expected to come in just under €30,000, positioning it right in the thick of an already crowded segment dominated by well-established rivals. With competition this fierce, Leapmotor will need more than buzzwords to truly stand out.

Stellantis Powers Leapmotor’s European Push

Leapmotor’s European push is only happening thanks to Stellantis’ distribution and service network, which means the Chinese brand is leaning heavily on its partner’s resources to make this happen. Tianshu Xin, CEO of Leapmotor International, admitted as much, calling Stellantis’ infrastructure their “unmatched advantage.” In other words, this might be less about Leapmotor breaking into new markets and more about Stellantis adding another brand to its crowded lineup.

With plans to release one new model every year for the next three years, Leapmotor clearly has ambitions. But whether the B10 will stand out or simply fade into the mix remains to be seen. There’s no U.S. release in the cards, so for now, Europe is Leapmotor’s proving ground. Let’s see if Stellantis’ backing can turn this partnership into more than just another checkbox on the EV trend sheet.

The new C5 Aircross Concept might be the highlight of the Citroen booth at the Paris Auto Show 2024, but the French brand hosted another interesting premiere. The Citroen C4 and C4 X benefit from a mid-lifecycle update for 2025, adopting a redesigned exterior, comfier seats and a digital instrument cluster.

The closely-related models wear a redesigned face, with a slimmer and boxier arrangement for the split headlights. The chrome-infused double chevron grille is gone, replaced by Citroen‘s new oval emblem. Finally, the tweaked bumper is more sculpted than before, with less plastic cladding and an aluminum-style skid plate.

More: Citroen C5 Aircross Concept Previews A Family-Focused Compact SUV For 2025

The profile is largely carried over, with new designs for the alloy wheels. The rear end of the C4 looks a lot cleaner than before, thanks to the new LED taillights mounted below the integrated rear spoiler. On the other hand, the longer and more aerodynamic tail of the C4 X remains virtually unchanged, setting aside the updated Citroen branding. This might have to do with the fact that the C4 X debuted in 2022, two years after the C4 .

Interior changes are limited to new Citroen Advanced Comfort seats with thicker foam padding, and a fresh 7-inch digital instrument cluster joining the carry-over 10-inch infotainment touchscreen.

Despite competing in the compact segment, the C4 and the C4 X still ride on the CMP architecture, usually found in subcompact models from Stellantis brands.

The powertrain lineup includes mild-hybrid and fully electric options, with an ICE-only version available in certain markets. The mild-hybrid turbocharged 1.2-liter engine produces 99 hp (74 kW /100 PS) or 134 hp (100 kW / 136 PS), with another  28 hp (21 kW / 29 PS) from the electric motor mounted inside the six-speed automatic gearbox.

The carry-over fully electric powertrains generate 134 hp (136 PS) and 155 hp (115 kW / 156 PS) of power, transmitted to the front wheels. The 50 kWh battery of the former offers 355/360 km (221/224 miles) of WLTP range, while the larger 54 kWh battery of the more potent EV is good for 415/425 km (258/264 miles) of range depending on the bodystyle.

The facelifted Citroen C4 and C4 X will reach European dealerships in early 2025. Pricing will be announced closer to their market launch.

Renault took the wraps off the all-new 4 E-Tech at the Paris Auto Show, exactly two years after the rugged 4EVER concept. The fully electric subcompact SUV serves as a “retro-futuristic reinvention” of the Renault 4 from the ’60s, with a practicality-focused cabin and a budget-friendly nature.

The R4 E-tech shares 68 percent of its components with the R5 E-Tech. However, it is 220 mm (8.7 inches) longer than the hatchback, stretching to 4,140 mm (163 inches) long. The SUV is also wider and taller, with a higher ground clearance and more space between the axles thanks to a 2.62 m (103.1 inches) wheelbase.

More: Renault Embleme Concept Is A Sleek FCEV Crossover With Ultra-Low Emissions

The larger footprint allows more room for passengers and their luggage, making it a fitting option for small European families. The boot has a capacity of 420 lt (14.8 cubic feet), featuring a wide opening, a low sill, an underfloor storage compartment and a power tailgate.

The dashboard borrows the 10.1-inch digital instrument cluster and the standard 10-inch touchscreen from the Renault 5 E-Tech, running on the Google-powered OpenR Link infotainment. Other cool interior features include the steering wheel-mounted gear lever which is shaped after like a lipstick tube, and the available dark blue recycled upholstery inspired by jeans.

The exterior design is faithful to the Renault 4Eever Trophy concept from 2022, albeit without the rugged features. The illuminated single-piece grille is fully covered, and incorporates the round LED headlights, reminiscent of the original R4. The same applies to the greenhouse and the pill-shaped taillights. A heavy dose of plastic cladding around the bodywork, accentuate the crossover stance, together with the roof rails and the large wheels.

The sculpted hood and the roof can be specified in either body-color or black, with optionally available graphics increasing the number of possible combinations to 670. There is also an opening canvas roof for an open-air driving experience similar to the Fiat 500 X Convertible.

More: Paris Auto Show 2024: A-Z Preview Of All Debuts

The Renault 4 E-Tech rides on a stretched version of the AmpR Small architecture. Besides the increased ground clearance, Renault engineers optimised the suspension settings for a more comfortable ride, while the steering has a short ratio resulting in a tight turning circle.

The SUV will be available with two fully electric powertrains, sending power to the front wheels. The base version combines a 120 hp (90 kW / 122 PS) electric motor with a 40 kWh battery, offering 186 miles (300 km) of WLTP range. The other option marries a more potent 148 hp (110 kW / 150 PS) electric motor with a larger 52 kWh battery pack, allowing a range of 250 miles (402 km). The larger battery is compatible with 100 kW DC charging, and the smaller unit with 80 kW DC charging, while both support bi-directional charging.

The Renault 4 E-Tech is expected to arrive in the UK market in mid-2025. Other fully electric options currently available in the subcompact SUV segment include the Mini Aceman, Fiat 600e, Alfa Romeo Junior, Jeep Avenger, Peugeot e-2008, DS3 E-Tense and Opel Mokka Electric.

Besides the production version of the Renault 4 E-Tech, the company introduced the FL4WER POWER concept, inspired by the R4 Safari from the 70s. The concept is painted in matt Dark Green shade with yellow accents, combined with 20-inch wheels, a lifted suspension, and a flower-themed fabric upholstery inside the cabin.

Mini has introduced performance-focused versions of the Electric hatchback and the Aceman subcompact crossover, bearing the JCW moniker. If you’re having a deja vu moment, it’s because the automaker already offers JCW trims based on the SE versions. However, these ones add more power and a sharper chassis setup into the mix, crowning the respective lineups.

The new versions are called John Cooper Works Electric and John Cooper Works Aceman, in an effort to be distinguished by the similar-looking but less powerful JCW counterparts. Under the hood lies a single electric motor producing 255 hp (190 kW / 258 PS) and 350 Nm (258 lb-ft) of torque, transmitted to the front wheels. This represents an increase of 40 hp (30 kW / 40 PS) and 20 Nm (22 lb-ft) compared to the SE derivatives.

More: 2025 Mini John Cooper Works Hot Hatch To Bring Pure ICE Thrills This Fall

Furthermore, the driver has access to an extra 27 hp (20 kW) of power by pressing the boost paddle on the steering wheel. Mini says that the 0-100 km/h (0-62 mph) sprint is completed in 5.9 seconds for the JCW Electric and in 6.4 seconds for the JCW Aceman, while top speed is electronically limited to 200 km/h (124 mph).

Both models are fitted with a 54.2 kWh battery pack, allowing a WLTP range of 371 km (231 miles) for the three-door hatchback and 355 km (221 miles) for the five-door crossover. Predictably, these figures are worse than the range of the less powerful SE versions with the same battery pack.

Visually, the hot versions feature the same bodykit with the JWC trims, including sportier front and rear bumpers, side skirts, rear wings, diffusers, and John Cooper Works badging. However, they ride on exclusive aero-optimised wheels (18-inch for the hatchback and 19-inch for the crossover), shod in standard high-grip tires.

The performance EVs also benefit from stronger brakes with Chili Red brake calipers, and a JCW-specific suspension setup, focusing on delivering a sharper version of Mini’s signature go-kart handling.

Inside, we find a black and red pattern on the knitted dashboard, an illuminated panoramic roof, and synthetic leather upholstery on the seats with knitted fabric inserts.

The Mini JCW Electric and JCW Aceman will be manufactured in China, although starting from 2026, they will also be produced in Oxford, UK. The company has also confirmed there will be a JCW version of the ICE-powered Mini Cooper hatchback, set to be unveiled this fall.

Citroen introduced the C5 Aircross Concept at the Paris Auto Show 2024, previewing the next generation of its compact SUV which is set to debut next year. The C5 Aircross has grown in size and adopts a sharper design language compared to its predecessor, while retaining its focus in comfort and practicality. The new model will ride on the STLA Medium platform, which is compatible with combustion, hybrid, and fully electric powertrains.

Citroen describes the C5 Aircross Concept as a “dense, muscular, and organic block, sculpted for aerodynamics”. Indeed, the exterior is characterized by boxy features, similar to the smaller C3 and C3 Aircross, with a few tricks to improve the aerodynamic efficiency.

Review: Here’s Why I Bought A Citroen C5 Aircross As A Family Hauler

The family-friendly SUV measures 4.65 mm (183 inches) long, which is 150 mm (5.9 inches) longer compared to the outgoing generation. A few details of the concept are expected to be toned-down for production, including the ultra-thin LED taillights that stick out of the bodywork like fins, and the greenhouse.

The automaker didn’t show us the interior, but promised it will be spacious, offering high levels of comfort for five passengers. They also talk about a “wellness area in the spirit of a lounge”, describing it as a “genuine cocoon on wheels”. Equipment will include a host of ADAS, and the latest infotainment and connectivity features.

The 2025 C5 Aircross will swap the aging EMP2 architecture for the new STLA Medium platform, which already underpins the Peugeot 3008 / 5008 and the Opel Grandland. The latter has an identical footprint, making us believe it will be the closest relative to the upcoming C5 Aircross.

Multiple Powertrain Options

The French brand confirmed that the compact SUV will be available with gasoline, hybrid, and fully electric powertrains, without getting into specifics. Chances are that the base option will be the mild-hybrid turbocharged 1.2-liter three-cylinder engine with 134 hp (100 kW / 136 PS), which is widely used within the Stellantis group.

More: Chunky New Citroen C3 Aircross Ups Its Mini-SUV Game With EV And 7-Seat Options

It is not clear if Citroen plans on offering a plug-in hybrid version of the C5 Aircross, mirroring the lineups of the Peugeot 3008 and 5008. As for the first-ever fully electric e-C5 Aircross, this one could offer a choice between a 73 kWh or a 98 kWh battery pack, with a maximum range of 700 km (435 miles). Judging from the mechanically-related SUVs, the EV will likely be offered with single-motor (FWD) and dual-motor (AWD) setups.

With the upcoming demise of the C5 X after the end of its current lifecycle, the new C5 Aircross will eventually become the flagship offering of Citroen. We will learn more details about the production version as we get closer to its launch in 2025.

Audi’s electric vehicle lineup is expanding as the company has introduced the new Q6 Sportback e-tron and SQ6 Sportback e-tron. They’re stylish crossover coupes that will debut at the Paris Motor Show and will arrive in the United States next spring or summer.

The models follow in the footsteps of the Q6 and SQ6 e-tron, but follow a tried and true formula pioneered by the Q4 and Q8 Sportback e-trons. As a result, they have a rakish windscreen that flows into a sportier roof. They’re joined by a compact greenhouse and an angular rear window.

More: Audi Q6 E-Tron Starts Under $64k, Offers Up To 321 Miles Of Range

Besides looking more dynamic, the crossover coupes have a lower drag coefficient of 0.26. This bests the regular model by 0.02 and it enables the Sportback to have a range of up to 408 miles (656 km).

While the crossover coupe shares its length and wheelbase with the regular model, the Sportback variant sits up to 1.5 inches (37 mm) lower.

Q6 Sportback e-tron

Moving inside, there’s a high-tech interior with an 11.9-inch digital instrument cluster and a 14.5-inch infotainment system running Android Automotive OS. Besides the standard displays, customers can get an augmented reality head-up display and a 10.9-inch front passenger display.

If that’s not fancy enough, the voice assistant has been ‘supercharged’ by ChatGPT and this enables it to recognize over 800 commands. Customers can also opt for a 20-speaker Bang & Olufsen premium audio system, which has four-speakers integrated into the front headrests.

Designers focused on sustainability and customers will find an assortment of eco-friendly materials that incorporate recycled elements. The roof lining, pillars, and sun visors are covered in Draft, which is a “fabric made with 100 percent recycled polyester.” Customers can also get other fabrics made from recycled materials such as Elastic Melange.

While Sportback variants aren’t known for their practicality, the latest crossover coupe has a 2.2 cubic foot (64 liter) frunk and a cargo compartment that holds 18 cubic feet (511 liters) of luggage. The latter area can be expanded to 48.5 cubic feet (1,373 liters) by folding the rear seats down.

SQ6 Sportback e-tron

All models ride on the Premium Platform Electric and the entry-level Q6 Sportback e-tron has an 83 kWh battery pack as well as a rear-mounted motor producing up to 288 hp (215 kW / 292 PS). This enables the crossover to accelerate from 0-62 mph (0-100 km/h) in seven seconds flat and travel up to 339 miles (545 km) on a single charge.

Customers seeking more range and power can upgrade to the Q6 Sportback e-tron performance. It has a larger 100 kWh battery and a beefier motor developing up to 322 hp (240 kW / 326 PS). This cuts the dash to 62 mph (100 km/h) to 6.6 seconds, while also increasing the range up to 408 miles (656 km).

If you want all-weather traction, look no further than the 383 hp (285 kW / 388 PS) Q6 Sportback e-tron quattro. This dual-motor variant runs from 0-62 mph (0-100 km/h) in 5.9 seconds and can travel up to 395 miles (636 km) between charging stops.

That brings us to the 510 hp (380 kW / 517 PS) SQ6 Sportback e-tron, which can hit 62 mph (100 km/h) in just 4.3 seconds. The all-wheel drive crossover has a range of 377 miles (607 km) and a top speed of 143 mph (230 km/h), which is 12 mph (20 km/h) faster than the mainstream versions.

When the battery is low, customers can make use of the 225 kW, 260 kW, and 270 kW DC fast charging capability. They enable the battery to go from a 10% to 80% charge in as little as 22 minutes.

German pricing starts at €65,900 while UK customers will need to shell out £62,475. U.S. pricing will be announced closer to launch, but expect a healthy premium over the Q6 e-tron, which begins at $63,800.

Alpine just dropped the A390_β concept car ahead of its official debut at the Paris Auto Show, and it’s a preview of the A390, a fully electric fastback crossover that’ll hit production in 2025. Dual motors? Check. Fancy torque vectoring and active aerodynamics? Naturally. Alpine’s promising the driving experience of a sports car with, you know, the practicality of a family hauler.

But don’t you dare call it a crossover or SUV. Alpine insists on dubbing it a “sport fastback,” and if that sounds like a PR-friendly dodge to avoid the bland crossover label, well, it probably is. The French marque claims the A390 is designed for everyday use but can transform into a “racing beast” when the mood strikes. Alpine’s CEO, Philippe Krief, even describes it as “an A110 with five seats.”

More: Secret Alpine A110 RS Is Faster* Than Cayman GT4 In Nurburgring Test

The A390_β sports a sleek silhouette, dynamic proportions, frameless windows, and wraparound rear glass, making it look more like a raised coupe than a crossover. The only hints of its “crossover” nature are the higher-than-usual ground clearance and discreet plastic cladding around the wheel arches.

The high-tech LED lighting units with illuminated triangles are inspired by the 2022 Alpine Alpenglow concept. On the other hand, the character lines on the heavily sculpted profile are reminiscent of the A110. Alpine chose the Bleu Specular shade for the exterior, paired with black accents.

Aerodynamics were clearly a priority. Up front, there’s a micro-perforated grille, side scoops, and a “flying bridge” on the hood. At the rear, it gets wilder: a shark fin and active aero elements on the diffuser and taillights, which can extend by 80 mm (3 inches) to reduce drag.

Then there are the wheels, measuring 22 inches at the front, 23 at the rear, with designs inspired by snowflakes. Yep, snowflakes. They’re illuminated and transparent to show off the EV’s torque vectoring skills, so people know you’re not just cruising for groceries. You’re dynamic.

While the A390_β might be a show car, Alpine says 85 percent of its design will carry over to the production model. This leaves room for some toned-down features, likely focused on more conventional lighting, bumpers, wheels, and interior touches.

As for the cabin, it looks like something straight out of a sci-fi flick. The driver’s futuristic bucket seat shifts between two positions, the cockpit has a spacecraft vibe, and the floor mimics rock formations. Don’t get too attached though—most of these features will disappear in favor of a more practical five-seater layout with less complex designs for the production version.

As for the technical stuff, Alpine’s keeping it vague. They confirmed the A390 will have dual electric motors for all-wheel drive and an Active Torque Vectoring system, but no word yet on the power figures or range. What we do know is it’ll ride on the AmpR Medium architecture, basically a rebranded version of the CMF-EV platform you’ll find under the Renault Megane E-Tech, Scenic E-Tech, and Nissan Ariya.

The Alpine A390 will be the second of three “Dream Garage” models, joining the A290 hot hatchback. The final act? A fully electric successor to the A110 sports car, so stay tuned for that one.

Enjoy the teaser, and don’t worry—there’s a lot more French sass and electric performance coming your way.

Alpine

Renault killed the Twizy off in September 2023 but it hasn’t given up on its quirky tandem two-seater. The microcar has been reborn as the Mobilize Duo, this time with a much greater emphasis on refinement, as well as the addition of a Bento cargo van spinoff.

Mobilize is a new Renault company that focuses on mobility services like car sharing and subscriptions, and the Duo/Bento models, debuting at this month’s Paris Motor show, are production versions of a pair of Mobilize concepts launched at the same event two years ago.

Related: Mobilize Duo And Bento Are Renault Group’s New Subscription-Based Urban EVs

Looking like a more macho Twizy, the Duo features Lamborghini-style scissor doors with built-in flip-up windows for better weather protection, and there’s a greater emphasis on car-like gadgets this time around. A heated seat, air conditioning, and Bluetooth are part of the package, as is an airbag, something missing from the Duo’s Citroen Ami rival because cars like this are homologated as quadricycles in Europe and exempt from some safety demands.

But all quadricycles are not created equal. Some (L6e) can be driven in certain European countries by 14-year-olds and those not holding a car license but must be limited to 8 hp (8 PS / 6 kW) and 28 mph (45 kmh). Others (L7e) are designed for licensed motorcycle riders and car drivers and allowed to pump out 21 hp (21 PS / 16 kW) and run to 50 mph (80 kmh), so Mobilize is building two different Duos to suit each set of regs.

How much power the motor pinched from the Renault Austral hybrid makes in the punchier Duo hasn’t been confirmed, but Renault says the 10.3 kWh NMC battery is rated at 100 miles (161 km) of range and should still be good for 62 miles (100 km) in cold weather. Topping it up from 20-80 percent takes 3 hr 50 mins via an AC charger and 25 mins less when hooked up to a DC outlet.

The Duo’s tiny 2,430 mm-long (95.7 inches) chassis measures just 1,300 mm (51.2 inches) across and has a turning circle of only 6.8 m (268 inches), making it perfect for carving through and parking in cities. Mobilize says it consists of one-fifth the number of parts that go into a regular car, and that 40 percent of the Duo’s components are recycled.

French prices start at €9,090 ($9,950) for the slowest version, the Duo 45 Neo, or you can drop €2,090 ($2,290) and pay just €29 ($32) per month for 37 months. The speedier Duo 80 Pro is €10,700 ($11,700) and the more luxurious Duo 80 Evo is €11,600 ($12,690).

But sure to be piquing the interest of delivery drivers and small businesses around Europe is the Bento van, which swaps the back seat for a cargo box and costs €10,000 ($10,940), excluding tax. The 649-liter (22.9 cu-ft) box adds 110 mm (4.3 inches) to the length and cuts the range to 93 miles (149 km), but the 60 percent bigger load area and its more conventional placement give it a major advantage over Citroen’s Ami Cargo.

Update 10/13: Our spies have captured another prototype of the Cupra Raval out on the streets, offering us an even closer look at the upcoming EV’s details.Additionally, we’ve gathered fresh information about the Raval’s top-spec performance variant, which could share its powertrain architecture with the VW ID GTI.

Cupra makes some of the best cars in the entire VW Group lineup, cars that are often more luxurious, faster, and more interesting to look at than their VW-badged cousins. And the little Cupra Raval EV, seen here in prototype form for the first time, wants to continue that trend.

The Raval is based on the same MEB Short platform VW will use for its ID.2, and Skoda will also slide under its own small EV. However, it’s Cupra that gets first dibs on the latest tech, with the Raval scheduled for a 2025 market launch, a few months ahead of the VW-badged ID.2, putting it slightly ahead of the curve in the EV race.

More: Here’s What We Know About The 2025 Cupra Raval

Even with this prototype’s busy disguise in place, it’s still possible to make out the arresting shapes we were first introduced to on the motorsport-influenced UrbanRebel concept in 2021. The design was later refined for a more production-ready concept of the same name in 2022, later renamed Raval.

Photos Baldauf

The triangular headlights and similarly-shaped air intakes below them, the large lower grille, and the almost sports car-like slope to the hood are visible here, as is the concave panel on the hatch below the rear window and a small diffuser panel. Not so clear from these pictures, but seen previously in official images, is the way the bodywork twists between the front and rear wheels, giving a pinched-waist effect and making the Raval look far more dynamic than the ID.2.

Powertrain Options

Unlike current MEB-based VW products like the ID.3 and ID.4 whose single-motor variants place their powertrain at the back, the MEB Short cars have a more traditional front-engine, front-wheel drive layout. Cupra talks about a base model having the same 223 hp (166 kW / 226 PS) as VW’s ID.2 concept and being able to rip to 62 mph (100 km/h) in 6.9 seconds. We understand Cupra will serve up 38 and 56 kWh battery options, the bigger one sufficient for a 273-mile (440 km) range.

Cupra is also reportedly working on a hotter, performance-focused version of the Raval, which will likely share its powertrain components with the upcoming VW ID GTI, expected in 2026. In concept form, the GTI showcased a dual-motor setup capable of 340 horsepower (250 kW), with an overboost function pushing it to a wild 435 hp (320 kW), though it’s unlikely the production models will retain such extreme figures.

Instead, the performance Raval could see power hover close to the 300 hp mark, potentially allowing it to sprint from 0 to 62 mph (100 km/h) in closer to 5 seconds. Additionally, this sportier version could come equipped with enhanced suspension tuning and larger brakes, providing the handling and stopping power needed to match its increased performance. This would make the performance Raval not just a stylish urban EV, but also a legitimate competitor among hot hatches in its class.

Pricing and Availability

Expected to be priced at around €25,000 ($28k), the Raval will be manufactured in Spain and marketed primarily in Europe, along with select other regions. However, it won’t be part of Cupra’s expansion into the U.S., as the brand plans to focus on SUVs and crossovers for its American lineup.

Images: SH Proshots