It’s quite uncommon for two motor shows to take place on the same week, but that was the case with this year’s Shanghai and New York shows.
The New York International Auto Show is our focus here, and while the event in the Big Apple is known for being dominated by US models that are unlikely to be sold in Europe and the UK, there are many models that will be on sale on UK shores shortly, or impact future models.
Here’s our highlights of the show.
Mercedes-Benz GLS
We’ve been waiting around for Mercedes-Benz’s new GLS – the largest SUV from the firm – for some time, and New York was chosen as the venue by the manufacturer.
Essentially an S-Class on stilts, the GLS aims to take on newer rivals, such as the BMW X7 and Range Rover, and offers huge practicality and a stunning, luxurious interior that’s dominated by a vast pair of touchscreens.
Hyundai Sonata
The Sonata is a model that likely won’t be making its way over to the UK – it hasn’t been seen in the UK for nearly a decade – but it will have quite a notable impact on its future models.
It features what the South Korean manufacturer calls ‘Hyundai Firsts’, with these including a digital key that allows the car to be unlocked, driven and started all without a physical key – rather just a smartphone. It’s ground-breaking technology, and, if successful, will likely be seen on future models from the firm.
Kia HabaNiro
Everyone loves a weird and wacky concept car, and this is Kia’s latest. The South Korean firm calls it ‘The Everything Car’, which features an all-electric powertrain, all-wheel-drive and level five autonomy.
It’s not going to be seen in showrooms any time soon, but its design, technology and underpinnings could influence future Kias.
Mercedes-AMG GLC 63
It’s barely been five minutes since Mercedes pulled the wraps off the standard GLC, but already we have this – a 4.0-litre twin-turbo powered version of one of the firm’s smaller SUVs.
Capable of hitting 0-60mph in as little as 3.6 seconds, this promises to be one brutish performance SUV.
Nissan anniversary models
This year is an important one for Nissan, as it marks 50 years since the name ‘GT-R’ was first used on the Japanese carmaker’s performance models, as well as 40 years of ‘Z’ models.
To mark the occasion, Nissan revealed anniversary editions of both its GT-R and 370Z. The two cars are inspired by famous past models and come appropriately painted and liveried to celebrate the birthdays.
Ford Escape/Kuga
Ford unveiled its Kuga a few weeks ago at an event in Amsterdam, but for US buyers, they get the model badged as an Escape, with this car being revealed for the first time in New York.
The new Kuga will be Ford’s most electrified model ever, with three hybrid variants set to be offered, and the new plug-in hybrid promising an electric range of 31 miles. It’s also more spacious and lighter than the previous car, too.
Genesis Mint Concept
You’ve probably never heard of Genesis before, in fact the nameplate has only been used once in the UK, but it has importance in the luxury sector.
Genesis is essentially Hyundai’s luxury brand, but has split in order to create its own image and identity. The Mint Concept, unveiled in the Big Apple, aims to be a look at the future of premium travel in cities, although it’s unknown if a similar model will make its way into production.
Mercedes-AMG CLA 35
The number is ‘35’ is how Mercedes is badging its most affordable new AMG models. Following the unveil of the A 35 hatchback, the German manufacturer showed the public the A 35 Saloon and CLA 35 for the first time at the show.
Both use a 302bhp 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol engine, and endeavour to offer a spirited entry-level option into AMG ownership, and, in the case of the CLA, stunning rakish styling.
Nissan GT-R Nismo
The GT-R 50th Anniversary Edition wasn’t the only new GT-R revealed at the spectacle, as Nissan also showed off its 2020 model year GT-R Nismo.
The new model has shaved even more weight off the previous car, and has been lightly tweaked to “improve what was essentially already mechanical perfection” in Nissan’s words.
Mercedes GLC Coupe
You might have guessed it by now, but Mercedes had a huge presence at this year’s event, and another model on public show for the first time was the new GLC Coupe – essentially a more rakishly-styled version of the GLC SUV.
New engines, an improved and techier interior and the inclusion of mild-hybrid fuel saving technology all appear on the latest car.
Jaguar XE
Jaguar’s facelifted XE made its North American debut at this year’s New York International Auto Show. Though the car retains the same basic proportions, it gains tweaked bumpers and headlights to provide a more aggressive look, while the addition of Jaguar’s impressive Touch Pro Duo infotainment system brings it right up to date.
Audi Q3
With Audi's new Q3 now on the market, the firm decided to showcase it again to the world in New York. The model boasts a more aggressive look compared with its predecessor, along with a new 10.1-inch infotainment display playing host to Audi's MMI system.
Pricing for the latest Q3 begins at £30,805, with standard equipment including LED headlights, sat nav and cruise control.
Ford Mustang
Would it be an American car show without Ford bringing along fresh Mustang news? No, and at New York it revealed an updated version of the 2.3-litre EcoBoost variant of the muscle car. It now offers the 'High-Performance Package' — upping the engine's output to an impressive 330bhp, while also dropping weight for improved handling.
Range Rover Velar
Another North American debut this year at New York was the Range Rover Velar SVAutobiography Dynamic Edition. With a powerful supercharger V8 that could scare the best sports car out there, this trim takes the striking SUV to a new level. It also gets reworked suspension and steering to deliver an improved driving experience.