Discover the highlights of the Paris Motor Show 2024

Renault in full force

Renault opened the round of new products with the presentation of the long-awaited R5 and, above all, the new electric Renault 4, inspired by the legendary 4L.

The R4 is a small SUV (4.14 metres) that sits between the Clio (4.05 metres) and the Captur (4.23 metres) and is more imposing than the R5. The R4 was designed by Gilles Vidal, Renault’s design director. It is modern but retains some of the features of its predecessor, of which eight million units were sold between 1961 and 1992. The R4 remains faithful to its characteristic elements such as the emblematic headlights and the fabric roof. The manufacturer has designed the model to be very practical – with a low loading sill, a long wheelbase and great flexibility in the interior. There are two battery sizes, similar to those of the Renault 5, offering a range of up to 400 kilometres. The manufacturer has used sustainable materials from the circular economy.

The new R4 and R5 are produced in France and symbolise the “Renaulution” strategy. This comprehensive plan, which began in 2021, aims to equip Renault’s models with electric drive while making them younger and more attractive.

In addition to the R4 and the R5, the brand with the rhombus also presented the contours of its future all-electric Twingo, which will be available in 2026, as well as a model called “Emblème”. This concept car offers a glimpse into Renault’s premium class of the coming years. True to the nostalgic spirit dear to the heart of Renault CEO Luca de Meo, the French carmaker also exhibited a concept car inspired by the R17, an iconic coupé from the 1970s.

The SUV segment continues to grow

Skoda has unveiled its future compact SUV, the Elroq. As the electric counterpart to the Karoq, this new model complements the Czech manufacturer’s electric product range. There is no stylistic revolution, but there are some changes characterised by a new light signature and improved aerodynamics. The Elroq is shorter than the Enyaq, but still seems to offer a spacious interior, especially for rear passengers. With a range of over 500 kilometres for the version with an 82 kWh battery and around 350 kilometres for the version with a 55 kWh battery, it is positioning itself as a future bestseller. The base price in Germany is 33,900 euros and delivery is planned for spring 2025.

The new Bigster caused quite a stir on the Dacia showroom floor. Not only is it robust and spacious, it is also the first Dacia model with 19-inch tyres and a roof that can be opened. In terms of motorisation, Dacia is swapping the diesel for a hybrid drive with a 155 hp engine that combines a 1.8-litre four-cylinder petrol engine with two electric motors and a 1.2 kWh battery.

Stellantis with many world premieres

Citroën was the first company in the Stellantis Group to present a completely renewed model range at the 2024 Paris Motor Show, with a focus on electromobility and comfort. The flagship model is the new Citroën ë-C3, an electric city car designed to be affordable and offer
a range of 320 kilometres. It was also the first public appearance of the new C3 Aircross, a compact multi-energy SUV with space for up to seven people. It has been completely redeveloped, with a new technical platform and a more robust and confident appearance.

Citroën also presented the new C4 X as a world premiere. Its simple and coherent silhouette is impressive. The car manufacturer also unveiled the C5 Aircross Concept, demonstrating how powerful and full of character the car manufacturer sees the future of the SUV. Another exclusive at the Paris Motor Show: the small Ami in a new design and in a buggy version.

Within the Stellantis Group, which currently manufactures twelve electric vehicles in five assembly plants in France, Peugeot and Alfa Romeo also unveiled new electric vehicles.
The world premiere of the Peugeot E-408, which extends the range of BEVs (battery electric vehicles) to twelve models, did not go unnoticed. It was accompanied by the long-range SUVs, the Peugeot E-3008 (700 km) and the Peugeot E-5008 (668 km).

Alfa Romeo presented the world premiere of the sporty compact car Junior Ibrida with 136 hp. With the Elettrica, which is available in two power levels (156 hp and Veloce with 280 hp), the brand is further expanding its electric range.

The Alfa Romeo 33 Stradale should not go unmentioned. Only 33 of these cars were produced. It is available as a combustion engine or with electric drive. It reaches one hundred kilometres per hour in 3 seconds (combustion engine) or 2.5 seconds (electric). In both versions, the top speed is over 300 kilometres per hour.

The Cadillac offensive

Cadillac, for the first time at the Paris Motor Show, presented its new electric SUV for the European market. Following the launch of the Lyriq, Cadillac expects the Optiq to conquer the luxury SUV segment. With high-quality materials and a range of 530 kilometres, the American brand is reaffirming its commitment to electric vehicles with four electric models: the Lyriq, Optiq and Escalade IQ SUVs and the Celestiq saloon.

Chinese manufacturers on the rise

BYD, Hongqi, Xpeng, Leapmotor and Skyworth competed with European and American brands in terms of new products. BYD unveiled the new Sealion 7, its sixth all-electric vehicle to be launched on the European market, characterised by its 230 kW fast-charging technology. Alongside this model, BYD presented its bestsellers: the Seal, the Seal U, the Dolphin and the Yangwang U8, which can float on water for 30 minutes.

Leapmotor unveiled the B10, a promising 4.50 metre long SUV. In future, the Chinese manufacturer will rely on a partnership with Stellantis to increase its visibility in Europe. The B10 is to be built in a European plant from 2026 at the latest.

Alpine: sportiness in honour

Alpine caused a stir with the Alpenglow concept car with a V6 hydrogen engine. On paper, the model delivers 740 hp and reaches a speed of 330 kilometres per hour. Alpine also presented the A290, derived from the Renault 5, and the A390_β, a 100% electric fastback. Finally, the A110 R Ultime, an ultra-sporty limited series, was unveiled in an exclusive edition of 110 units.

The Paris Motor Show also features areas dedicated to the vehicles that have shaped the history of the automobile. Throughout the week, conferences will be held to discuss the future challenges facing the sector. These will include innovative topics such as sustainable mobility, artificial intelligence and the way technology is redefining the car of tomorrow. The events make it possible to better understand the development of the automotive industry and its adaptation to future environmental and technological challenges.

By Jérémy Zabatta