These are the 10 most important car innovations in 2023

The pandemic was just the beginning. Along with this came the idle production lines. Covered supply chains. Falling sales figures. Disappointed customers. Early last year, hopes of an early recovery ended when Russia’s dictator Vladimir Putin (70) threw large chunks into the gears of the global auto industry with his megalomaniacal attack on Ukraine. Even without the current mega-crises, this situation faces far-reaching structural change: the time of internal combustion engines seems to be a thing of the past, automakers are increasingly turning to software companies rather than hardware.

But not everything manufacturers have put on the asphalt this year is digital and not electrified. In addition to promising SUVs in all shapes and variants, the era of coupés, limousines and super sports cars is not yet over, as our compilation of the top ten automotive highlights of 2023 shows.

Contrary to the SUV boom, BMW is expanding its station wagon range with the first M3 Touring at the beginning of 2023. At the end of the year, a new edition of the 5 Series will arrive as sedan and station wagon – our digital design sketch shows the direction the optics are going. Rather than an evolution from the outside, there will be no stone unturned inside with the introduction of the iDrive 9 infotainment system and the layout will be based on the newly introduced 7 Series. While a powerful M5 is unlikely to arrive until 2024, the new version of the new 5 Series will also feature an all-electric i5 for the first time.

After declining sales, Seat’s promising sports subsidiary Cupra will be on the move again in 2023 and will launch the cutting-edge SUV coupé Tavascan at the end of the year. There is not much information about it yet. One thing is for sure: the Tavascan will largely inherit the technology of the VW ID.5 and will make over 300 hp in its top 4×4 version. Electric range must be over 450 kilometers. In terms of prices, the four-seater Tavascan should start at just under 50,000 francs (also interesting: these affordable SUVs are coming in 2023).

Ferrari has long resisted entering the lucrative SUV business. But on its 75th birthday, the traditional brand unveiled its first crossover last year, which will boost summer sales figures significantly. Driving the Purosangue (English: thoroughbred), the Italians reflect their original qualities: the four-seater with doors opening in opposite directions, powered by a generous 725 hp classic V12 naturally aspirated engine. possibly expensive and remote at CHF 350,000, the Super SUV has a top speed of over 300 km/h and accelerates to 100 km/h in 3.3 seconds.

The new version of the off-road classic Ford Bronco also promises to be fun. The coolly designed rival of the Jeep Wrangler has been roaming the US for two years – by the end of 2023 it will be there too! The first test in December shows that the Bronco offers everything an off-road heart desires. Thanks to its thick all-terrain tires, short overhangs and almost 30 centimeters of ground clearance, the mighty Ford climbs over hills and valleys with ease. Whatever prices the four-door over five meters long with a four-cylinder turbo petrol engine with more than 300 hp is offered, Ford is still open.

At South Korean automaker Hyundai, the new edition of the compact SUV Kona is already on the agenda for the summer. The futuristic-style second generation reaches 4.36 meters in length with an impressive growth of 15 centimeters and comes with internal combustion engines, both in a hybrid and pure electric version. A sporty N-Line version is also planned. Inside, the new Kona builds on the design of the Ioniq 5, namely: an all-digital speedometer and a central infotainment display measuring 12.3 inches each. Prices should start at around 30,000 francs.

The future of electricity does not stop with off-road vehicles either. Jeep wants to bring four new pure Stromers to Europe over the next two years. After the launch of the ultra-compact Avenger in the spring, the electric twin of the iconic Wrangler will arrive in 2023. The vehicle, called Recon, is based on the same technology as the premium all-terrain vehicle Wagoneer S, which will also be launched in 2023, and can be driven without a roof or doors with maximum fresh air supply. It’s not yet known how expensive the off-road fun will be – but it could be in the six figures compared to the part-time Wrangler (add-on, 380 hp, from CHF 95,900).

Last fall, Lamborghini retired the now legendary Aventador super sports car after twelve years at full throttle (also interesting: the last Aventador goes to Switzerland). But its successor is already on the starting line – and fans are cheering: According to the latest information, the upcoming super sports car will also feature a V12 internal combustion engine, which combined with a hybrid drive will likely power the giant slippers with over 800 hp. . At the end of March, CEO Stephan Winkelmann unveiled the supercar, said to be called the “Tormenta” (English: storm).

Is Maserati all-electric? Not yet. But that will change with the second generation GranTurismo, which will be introduced in 2022. The 4.96-metre-long coupé will be the first Stromer with a trident and will later be called the Folgore, like the SUV Grecale and the sports car MC20. And under the sharp sheet is a shrewd old man: two electric motors transmit a maximum of 760 hp and insane 1350 Nm to the four drive wheels and accelerate the extreme electric vehicle to 100 km/h in 2.7 seconds Range? up to 450 kilometers. The new GranTurismo will launch in mid-2023, but will initially be offered as a 490 or 550 hp V6 petrol engine.

It took a while: with the electric SUV EX90, Volvo finally unveiled its new group flagship last November. Beneath the body in a plain Scandinavian design lies the electrical technology of the Polestar 3, which was also introduced last fall: the 5.04-metre-long 4×4 is said to have between 408 and 517 hp (300-380 kW), depending on the version. and thanks to its mega battery (107 kWh), it travels more than 600 kilometers on all electricity. The price of the new Volvo SUV will also be high when it launches at the end of 2023. We estimate at least 100,000 francs.

The Tiguan has long since replaced the Golf as VW’s best seller in Switzerland, surpassed only by the Tesla Model Y in sales statistics for 2022. Toward the end of the year, VW is fully re-launching the compact SUV. Almost no information has been leaked yet; As our digitally generated design sketch shows, it is clear that the Tiguan design should be based on the ID.4 electric SUV. In addition, the Tiguan will continue to be available with petrol and diesel engines, as well as as a plug-in variant. Prices should start at just over 40,000 francs.