Jump directly to the content
VA VA VOOM

From BMW’s latest 3 Series to Renault’s self-driving limo concept – here’s all the best cars from the Paris Motor Show

Car makers and enthusiasts have flocked to the French capital to celebrate the exhibition's 120th anniversary

PETROLHEADS, and indeed electric car fans alike, have enjoyed a spectrum of newly launched motors and concepts at this year's Paris Motor Show.

Held every two years, the French capital hosts one of the most hotly-anticipated exhibitions in the industry, and is celebrating it's 120th anniversary this time around.

 The latest BMW 3 Series is lighter than its predecessor despite being larger and safer
10
The latest BMW 3 Series is lighter than its predecessor despite being larger and saferCredit: Reuters

These are the 10 standout cars from the show so far.

1. BMW 3 Series

The ever-popular 3 Series has been updated with a larger and safer chassis - despite being lighter than its predecessor.

It will be on sale in the UK from March next year, starting at £33,610 on-the-road.

BMW's new Intelligent Personal Assistant will feature for the first time, which turns the 3 Series into a speaking car almost like Knight Rider's KITT.

2. Mercedes-Benz B-Class

 Look familiar? The B-Class is based on the new A-Class
10
Look familiar? The B-Class is based on the new A-ClassCredit: AFP or licensors

Another executive motor to drive your family car in is Mercedes' compact B-Class.

It shares the same platform as the new A-Class, except it's slightly taller and has a more boxy shape.

Sales will start in December this year from around £23,000.

3. Peugeot e-Legend Concept

 The e-Legend's chassis is based on Peugeot's classic 504 Coupe
10
The e-Legend's chassis is based on Peugeot's classic 504 CoupeCredit: EPA

Sun Motors previously unveiled the full details of the retro-tastic e-Legend, but it has definitely run away with the spotlight at the Paris Motor Show.

The French manufacturer based the concept car on its 504 Coupe, with the addition of velvet sofas in the driverless electric motor.

Despite a nod to the past, the e-Legend is full of new-age technology, including steering controls attached to the driver's arm rest.

4. Peugeot 508 SW First Edition

 The First Edition is a high-end version of next year's 508 SW
10
The First Edition is a high-end version of next year's 508 SWCredit: Peugeot

Peugeot also debuted its limited edition 508 estate at the show, which has already gone on sale with two colours for UK buyers, Twilight Blue and Amazonite Grey.

Meanwhile, the production version will go on sale early next year for around £26,000.

It is expected to be smaller than the last generation 508, but full of tech - including Peugeot's iCockpit with piano keys-styled buttons on the centre console.

5. Ferrari Monza SP1 and SP2

 All 500 SP1 and SP2 models have already been sold, despite their £1m price tag
10
All 500 SP1 and SP2 models have already been sold, despite their £1m price tagCredit: Ferrari

These £1million sisters were certainly eye-catching in Paris, especially given that they were some of the only supercars at the show.

The topless models are based on 1940s and 1950s Ferrari race cars, and are the most powerful road-going motors made by the Prancing Horse.

Less than 500 SP1 and SP2 cars were made, and reportedly all have already been pre-sold.

6. Renault EZ-Ultimo Concept

 Renault's EZ-Ultimo is a self-driving uber-luxury limo
10
Renault's EZ-Ultimo is a self-driving uber-luxury limoCredit: Renault

French manufacturer Renault pulled out all the stops for its home motor show, most notably with an electric robo-limo.

The EZ-Ultimo concept is akin to a gentlemen's den on wheels - and who needs a chauffeur when the car can drive itself?

Renault says the limo could be hired on an hourly or daily basis, including for tourists or for business people meeting with clients.

7. Mercedes-Benz EQ Silver Arrow

 An automated 'lid' lifts up for the driver to get inside the EQ Silver Arrow
10
An automated 'lid' lifts up for the driver to get inside the EQ Silver ArrowCredit: Getty - Contributor

Another futuristic design of a retro race car, the EQ Silver Arrow now looks more like a spaceship.

The entire bodywork around the cockpit lifts up for the driver to enter the luxurious interior floored with wood.

The F1-styled steering wheel has a screen in the centre of the handles, and Mercedes says that the concept includes augmented reality projecting information straight onto the road.

8. Porsche 911 Speedster

 Porsche will build 1,948 Speedsters - with 1948 being the year the original Porsche was made
10
Porsche will build 1,948 Speedsters - with 1948 being the year the original Porsche was madeCredit: Reuters

Although still showcased as a concept car, Porsche confirmed that it would make the 911 Speedster - a model first previewed in June at its 70th birthday celebrations.

Exactly 1,948 Speedsters will be made - that being the year the very first Porsche rolled out.

9. Bugatti Divo

 The sold-out Bugatti Divo cost £4.5million
10
The sold-out Bugatti Divo cost £4.5millionCredit: Reuters

This is no doubt one of the most expensive cars in history, let alone at the Paris Motor Show.

Bugatti's latest hypercar costs a whopping £4.5million - and all 40 models have already been sold to existing customers who had bought the previous Chiron car.

The Divo has a top speed of 236mph with a 0-62mph time of 2.4 seconds.

10. Renault 5 Classic

 The 1974 electric Renault 5 is powered by 34 lead batteries
10
The 1974 electric Renault 5 is powered by 34 lead batteriesCredit: Renault

And finally, to offset all the new super and hypercars on display at Paris, Renault included a golden oldie on its stand.

This Renault 5 from 1974 is electric - with the back seats entirely taken up by a box of 34 lead batteries.

In partnership with EDF, 90 models were made with a speed of up to 50mph and a range between 68-108 miles.

If anything, it shows how far car technology - and design - has come.

Topics