Paris Motor Show 2026: A Dynamic Return with Key Brands and Major Innovations
Paris, August 10, 2026 – The Paris Motor Show is set to make a dynamic return this year, with its 91st edition scheduled from Tuesday, October 13, to Sunday, October 18, 2026, at the Porte de Versailles exhibition center in the 15th arrondissement. Following a successful 2024 event that saw 47 manufacturers and 500,000 visitors, the 2026 show is expected to further solidify its resurgence, building on the momentum from pre-Covid years.
This year’s exhibition will feature the return of several prominent brands, including Hyundai, Kia, Mercedes, and Fiat. Notably, Volvo will also be present, marking its first appearance since 2014. These additions underscore the show’s renewed appeal and its importance as a platform for automotive manufacturers.
Anticipated Absences and Surprising Returns
Despite the strong lineup, some notable absences have been confirmed. Toyota Europe and its luxury division Lexus will not be participating, nor will the Chinese manufacturer MG. Furthermore, BMW, after initially planning to attend, announced on July 22 its decision not to exhibit in Paris.
Spotlight on Key Brands and Their Innovations
Abarth: A Return to Thermal Power and New Models
Facing challenges in the electric vehicle market, Abarth is reportedly considering a return to thermal engines. While not for the 500, a boosted 600 model is in the works, alongside a project for a Grande Panda Abarth.
Alfa Romeo: Reorienting Strategy with Compact Models
Alfa Romeo is shifting its focus to its core compact segment. The brand plans to introduce a new C-segment SUV, sharing its technical base with the future DS N°4, and a new sedan that will replace the Giulietta, utilizing the underpinnings of future Peugeot 308 and Opel Astra models.
Alpine: Electric A110 Teased
The year 2026 will see the replacement of the Alpine A110 with a new, all-electric generation. While the production version won’t be fully revealed, a concept car, likely a mule retaining much of the current A110’s bodywork with restyled ends, will be showcased. This electric berlinette previously made a masked appearance at the Goodwood Festival of Speed from July 9-12.
Audi: Expanding the Electric and SUV Lineup
Audi, which returned to the Motor Show in 2024, will present its new electric entry-level model, the Audi A2 e-tron, based on the Volkswagen ID.3 platform. Also making their debut will be a new generation of the Q7 and the imposing, new Q9 SUV, measuring 5.31 meters long, which will become the largest Audi in the current catalog. The Audi A3 will also receive a new facelift, celebrating its 30th anniversary.
Chery: European Debut for Hybrid SUVs
Making its first appearance at the Paris Motor Show, Chery will exhibit its hybrid and plug-in hybrid SUVs: the Tiggo 4, Tiggo 7, and Tiggo 8, marking its offensive in France. The manufacturer has also promised several European premieres.
Citroën: A Glimpse of the Electric 2CV Successor
Citroën will offer a preview of its 2028 plans by showcasing a concept car that prefigures its future electric E-Car, priced at under 15,000 euros. This model will subtly pay homage to the iconic 2CV, undoubtedly drawing crowds.
Cupra: The Production-Ready Raval
The highly anticipated production version of the Cupra Raval, first previewed as a concept car in September 2021, is now ready for its public debut in Paris. This electric hot hatch, a technical twin of the Volkswagen ID.Polo, aims to compete with the Alpine A290.
Dacia: New Family Estate and Electric Models
Dacia, a consistent presence at the Motor Show, will unveil the Dacia Striker, a family estate with an adventurer look, measuring 4.60 meters long, designed to complement the Dacia Bigster SUV. The 155 hp hybrid version of the restyled Dacia Sandero will also be exhibited, alongside the second generation of the Dacia Spring (project code Evader), which will share the technical base of the new Renault Twingo.
DS: New Family SUV and Concept Car
The French premium brand DS Automobiles will present its new family SUV, the DS N°7, for the first time to the public. It shares technical and stylistic elements with the DS N°8 and the Lancia Gamma SUV. A concept car will also preview the future DS N°3, expected in 2028.
Fiat: Return to Paris with New Models and a ‘Multiplina’
Fiat will make its comeback, exhibiting a trunk variant of the Grande Panda, named the Fiat Grizzly Fastback, targeting the Dacia Logan and Citroën C4 X. Also on display will be the 7-seater compact SUV, the Fiat Grizzly, a technical twin of the Citroën C3 Aircross and Opel Frontera. A concept car for the future Fiat Panda ‘2030’, an electric E-Car, will be presented. A unique 4-seater version of the Topolino, the Fiat Multiplina, inspired by the original 1956 Fiat Multipla, will also be showcased to commemorate its 70th anniversary.
Genesis: French Market Launch with Electric SUVs and Sedan
Genesis, Hyundai’s premium brand, will launch in the French market next spring with three all-electric models: the SUVs Genesis GV60 and GV70, and the large sedan Genesis G80.
Honda: The Return of the Prelude
The Japanese brand Honda will take advantage of the Parisian event to exhibit its Prelude coupé.
Hyundai: New Tucson and Electric Ioniq 3
Hyundai will also return to the Motor Show, presenting the 5th generation of the Tucson SUV in Europe, along with the electric compact sports coupé Ioniq 3, which aims to compete with the Renault Mégane E-Tech.
Jaecoo: Expanding Presence with SUVs
Jaecoo will highlight its first two models, the SUVs 5 and 7, at the Motor Show. With a focus on family SUVs and electrified powertrains, the brand aims to further establish itself in the French market.
Kia: Electric EV2 and New K4
Kia will confirm its presence by showcasing its electric entry-level model, the Kia EV2, which targets the Renault 4 E-Tech. The successor to the Ceed, the Kia K4, already available in some European countries, will arrive in France as a hybrid sedan, with a station wagon expected later.
Lancia: The Gamma SUV’s Debut
The Lancia Gamma SUV, the second model in the Italian brand’s revival, will make its debut in Paris. This model leverages Stellantis group synergies, particularly sharing the technical base of the DS N°7 SUV.
Lynk&Co: First Participation with Existing Models and European Premiere
Lynk&Co will participate for the first time, exhibiting its 01, 02, and 08 models, and announcing a European premiere.
Mercedes-Benz: Celebrating 140 Years with Luxury and Electric Models
Mercedes-Benz will conclude its 140th-anniversary celebration at the Paris Motor Show. The restyled version of its S-Class limousine will be present, alongside the redesigned electric van successor to the EQV, now named VLE. Restyled versions of the GLE, GLE Coupé, and GLS will also be on display. The electric supercar Mercedes AMG GT 4-door, derived from the Mercedes-AMG GT XX concept, will be showcased, as will the electric Mercedes C-Class and the new GLA. A mysterious concept car is also anticipated.
Omoda: Urban and Technological SUVs
Omoda, positioned as more urban and technological than Jaecoo, will exhibit its SUVs 7 and 9 as it continues its deployment in France.
Opel: Electric Corsa GSE
Opel will present the Corsa GSE, an electric hot hatch with 280 hp, which will be the technical twin of the Peugeot E-208 GTI and Lancia Ypsilon HF. The brand may opt to present the technical cousin of the E-Car, Citroën 2CV, and Fiat Panda ‘2030’ at the IAA Mobility show in Munich in September 2027 instead of the Paris Motor Show.
Peugeot: Restyled 408 and E-208 GTI
After its debut at the Brussels Motor Show, the restyled Peugeot 408 crossover-look sedan will be exhibited for the first time at a French show. The main attraction will be a concept car previewing the future Peugeot 208. The Peugeot E-208 GTI, previously shown at the 24 Hours of Le Mans and Retromobile, will also be a major draw, especially as it will be available for sale.
Renault: Twingo E-Tech and Restyled Mégane
Renault’s stand will feature the new Twingo E-Tech, with sales starting this spring. The restyled Mégane E-Tech, unveiled on June 22, will also be present, along with the R4 Plein Sud, characterized by its soft canvas sunroof, ahead of the 4×4 version.
Skoda: Electric Epiq and Peaq SUVs
Skoda will showcase its electric SUV range, from the small Skoda Epiq, a rival to the Renault 4 E-Tech, to the imposing 7-seater SUV, the Skoda Peaq, derived from the Skoda Vision 7S concept car.
Smart: The New Smart #2
The fourth generation of the Smart Fortwo, now named Smart #2, will make its public appearance. While Smart has not yet made an official presentation, images from the Chinese Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT) have already revealed its production form.
Volkswagen: Electric ID.Polo, ID.Cross, and Restyled ID.4
Volkswagen’s electric offensive will include two B-segment models: the ID.Polo, competing with the Renault 5, and its SUV counterpart, the ID.Cross, targeting the Renault 4. The ID.3 Neo will make its debut, and the electric SUV ID.4 will undergo a significant restyling and be renamed ID.Tiguan.
Volvo: Return with the EX60
Volvo, returning to the Motor Show after 2014, will present the EX60, offering an all-electric alternative to its best-selling XC60.
XPeng: Expanding SUV Lineup
The Chinese brand XPeng, specializing in premium electric vehicles, will introduce three new SUVs to complement its existing G6, G9, and P7+ models. These include the compact XPeng L03 SUV, measuring 4.65 meters long.
The Paris Motor Show 2026 promises to be a pivotal event, showcasing the latest innovations and strategic shifts in the automotive industry, particularly in the electric vehicle segment.
Source: automobile-magazine.fr
