The most important innovations: The 2024 automobile year will bring these

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In the age of digitalization, everything needs to move faster and faster. So it’s no surprise that VW boss Thomas Schäfer (53) wants to reduce the development time for new VW models from 50 months to 36 months over the next three years. He wants to save billions of dollars this way. However, time will tell how this will affect the quality of new products in the future.

It’s surprising that, of all companies, VW has set such new sports development standards. It is the brand from Wolfsburg that has recently had to deal with serious software problems with its new launches and has been disturbing its customers. Problems with the newly developed Premium Platform Electric (PPE) are also responsible for the continuous delay of the launch of the new Audi A6 E-Tron, Audi Q6 E-Tron and sister model Porsche Macan E.

Important year for Audi

After all, 2024 has finally arrived and three new models of the Volkswagen Group can be launched on the market. However, due to the delay in the launch, the technology of the PPE architecture is no longer the most advanced, but the new Stromer trio still offers the fastest charging times thanks to its 800-volt battery technology. New batteries with prismatic cells and containing approximately 60 percent less cobalt allow a range of approximately 600 kilometers.

The new year will set a trend at Audi. In addition to the previously mentioned A6 E-Tron and Q6 E-Tron, the new version of the A4 will also launch soon as the A5. Audi has decided to reserve even product numbers for electric vehicles. And so the A4 with conventional and proven combustion engines evolves into the A5, which will be available as a coupé-like sedan and an Avant station wagon. There’s also a plug-in hybrid version available, with significantly more range than its predecessor.

Lots of electric crossovers

Otherwise, the 2024 car year will bring us a striking number of electric crossovers. Three large luxury electric SUVs are being launched with the Volvo EX90, Polestar 3 and Kia EV9. China’s BYD Seal U, Cupra Tavascan, Ford Explorer and the new BMW iX2 are officially a little more compact in the race for buyers’ favor. Speaking of BMW: the Munich-based company is cautiously holding back this year ahead of the big splash with the “New Class” in 2025. Almost every model series already has an electric version. So only the X3 gets a new look. The design of the SUV, which will probably be offered with an internal combustion engine for the last time, is intended to be subtle but more minibus-like.

The new X2 is different; Unlike its predecessor, it looks more visually provocative and appears to be larger. BMW subsidiary Mini is launching two new electric versions of the three-door car with 184 hp and a range of up to 385 kilometers, depending on battery size. Built in China by Great Wall, the electric Mini Aceman will follow on the same platform as Chinese sister brand’s Ora Cat at the end of the year.

The G-Class turns into an electric tank

For many, one of the greatest innovations of this year is the new, all-electric Mercedes G-Class. After six years of development, the electric cult car is now celebrating its premiere. And in terms of off-road capabilities it will be in no way inferior to its combustion counterpart. Mercedes CEO Ola Källenius (54) saw this for himself during his visit to Graz (A), where the G-Class is produced by Magna. “Since each wheel of the G-Class has an electric motor, the vehicle can be turned in place practically like a tank. “It is practical in case a tree suddenly falls into a narrow path,” Källenius says happily in a specially shot video.

The Hyundai Ioniq 5 N electric car also promises plenty of spectacle and entertainment with simulated switching points, combustion engine sound and an impressive 609 hp (448 kW). With a price starting at 79,900 francs, the Korean electric car is non-negotiable, but it is still significantly cheaper than the similarly powered Audi E-Tron Quattro GT (from 117,500 francs).

What’s new in China?

Otherwise, Chinese manufacturers such as Nio, BYD, MG and Great Wall Motors will be busy in Europe this year, primarily with the market launch of the models they introduced. So there’s not much innovation anymore. But with Chery, the next manufacturer from China wants to gain a foothold in Switzerland by the end of 2025 with three brands Omoda, Jaecoo and Exlantix, as well as eight mid-range and upper-range models. The fourth model, the Omoda 5, a 0.40 meter long crossover that will initially be available with a 200 hp gasoline engine and later with fully electric drive and a range of 440 kilometers, launches this spring. The price of Omoda 5 will be between 30,000 francs (gasoline) and 40,000 francs (electricity). The new Smart #3 is also produced in China. The 4.40-metre-long electric car no longer has anything in common with Hayek’s original idea of ​​a compact city car, but the dynamically designed crossover is still an attractive proposition with its low base price from 34,980 francs and extensive standard equipment.

Cheap electricity starts now

But there will also be really cheap electric cars in 2024. For example, the Citroën ë-C3 city car is essentially an electric vehicle with a maximum range of only 320 kilometers, but it costs less than 25,000 francs. The new Fiat Panda will compete in a similar price segment towards the end of the year (the Concept Centoventi study offers the first look) and the new Renault 5 E-Tech, which will celebrate its world premiere at GIMS at the end of February. Geneva Motor Show. The retro-styled little Frenchman is based on the new AmpR Small platform, which provides a range of up to 400 kilometers for small electric cars. With a target price of around 25,000 francs, the R5 E-Tech is likely to be a serious rival to the Stellantis Group’s Fiat 500e, which has been very successful in Europe. Renault is also launching the visually similar but significantly sportier Alpine A290 on the same platform as the R5, and Nissan is planning a successor to its Micra small car. But that probably won’t start this year.

There are also new combustion engines

Despite the electricity boom, there will be some internal combustion engine innovations in 2024. VW is relaunching the best-selling Passat (only as a station wagon) and the Tiguan. The third generation of the best-selling SUV is based on the modernized MQB modular system and features a significantly improved chassis and electric drives. The same goes for its technology brother, the Skoda Kodiaq. For those who are price conscious, there is the new Dacia Duster. Like Dacia Jogger and Sandero, this model is based on the new CMF-B platform. However, the diesel version is no longer offered. Just like the new Hyundai Santa Fe, which is 4.83 meters long and much more angular in appearance, available only with a gasoline engine or a hybrid. The Korean SUV competes with the new Renault Rafale, which is slightly more compact with a length of 4.71 meters and will initially be offered with hybrid drive (200 hp) and later as 4×4 and plug-in hybrid with 300 system hp. As off-road giant Land Cruiser celebrates its return to Toyota, luxury subsidiary Lexus is launching the sleek LBX, a compact SUV based on the Toyota Yaris Cross.

One of the most exciting new products this year is definitely the Alfa Romeo 33 Stradale – which is unfortunately already sold out. It comes in two versions. Either the 620 hp (456 kW) twin-charged six-cylinder engine rumbles behind the driver – or the carbon halibut is also electrified by two electric motors, producing 750 hp and reaching speeds of up to 333 km/h. The new Mercedes AMG GT is more traditional. However, the top model GT 63 with its four-liter eight-cylinder, 585 hp and 800 Nm of torque is not powerful enough either.

This shows that in addition to many decent electric cars, there are also a few crazy combustion cars available for purchase this year. But they are decreasing.

Source: Blick