IAA Mobility 2023 showcased a plethora of electric innovations, featuring premieres from Audi, Mercedes, Polestar, and more in the heart of Munich’s electric evolution.

Among the highlights, alongside the latest Mini generation and BMW’s Vision Neue Klasse, IAA Mobility 2023 in Munich, one of Europe’s remaining major auto shows, displayed a wide array of new vehicles. Here, we present six emerging stars from the event that captured our attention.

Polestar Synergy Concept

This year’s Polestar Design Contest took a turn back from outer space to unveil the Polestar Synergy, a visionary electric supercar displayed as a fully realized 1:1 scale model. It brought together the exceptional talents of exterior designers Devashish Deshmukh and Swapnil Desai, complemented by the interior expertise of Yingxiang Li. Out of over 600 entries, these three triumphed and subsequently collaborated with Polestar’s design team for six months to craft this sleek, single-seat sports car.

Additionally, the show marked the announcement of an exciting partnership with Mattel’s Hot Wheels brand, set to result in toys and models based on current production cars and future design contest victors. These models will embark on a global tour of Polestar Spaces.

Polestar Design Contest, About.Polestar.com

Audi Q6 e-tron

Audi unveiled the Q6 e-tron, focusing on the electric SUV’s interior. Referred to as “designed from the inside out,” the car represents the next stage in Audi’s renowned interior quality, an arena where the brand was once the unrivaled leader.

In response to changing times and the increasing demand for information, Audi adopted a different approach compared to Mercedes, opting for an instrument binnacle that extends into a central information screen called the ‘Audi MMI panoramic display.’ The Q6 goes a step further by adding another screen, the ‘MMI front passenger display,’ transforming the dashboard into an information-rich landscape, a ‘digital stage,’ albeit with a slightly cluttered appearance. Additionally, an optional augmented reality head-up display projects information onto the surrounding environment. The interior features textured surfaces and materials made from recycled materials, all underpinned by Audi’s new Premium Platform Electric (PPE) platform.

Audi Q6 e-tron, price tbc, available from early 2024, Audi.fr

Mercedes CLA Concept

Mercedes seized the Munich show to unveil the Concept CLA Class, a mid-range four-door coupe housing an efficient EV with an elegant body design that represents a clear progression from the company’s current CLA Coupe.

The full-width MBUX Superscreen has been streamlined, creating a less imposing dashboard compared to the current EQS and EQE models. Neon-style LED lighting and bright chrome grilles add a touch of retro charm. The concept showcased an operating system that powers all the advanced graphics, along with a potential range of over 466 miles, thanks to a focus on low-energy systems and improved aerodynamics.

Mercedes-Benz CLA Concept, concept only, Mercedes-Benz.fr

Renault Scenic E-Tech Electric

Renault revived the Scenic nameplate, now as a compact electric SUV. One hundred percent electric, with an impressive range of up to 379 miles for the 87KwH battery version, the new Scenic E-Tech embodies technological advancements previously seen only in premium vehicles.

It offers features ranging from matte body colors to an electrochromic glass roof, USB-C ports for every seat, and fold-out stands for rear devices. Renault claims that 90 percent of the car’s mass is fully recyclable, and to top it off, Jean-Michel Jarre has been enlisted to create the car’s ‘signature sound sequence.’

Renault Scenic E-Tech Electric, price tbc, available early 2024, Renault.fr

Opel Experimental Concept

The Opel Experimental Concept continues the brand’s streak of innovative designs, previewing the next generation of the Insignia model with its sleek electric crossover exterior.

Sharing a platform with several other cars in the Stellantis group has allowed Opel’s designers to explore a bolder, more substantial crossover body style compared to the previous Insignia. While the concept’s self-driving capabilities and retractable steering wheel remain largely conceptual, some of the space-saving features of the electric platform are expected to carry over into the company’s future products.

Opel Experimental, concept only, Opel.fr

Volkswagen ID.GTI Concept

Volkswagen’s ID.GTI Concept made a surprising appearance at IAA Mobility, cloaking the upcoming ID.2 model in the iconic style of one of Volkswagen’s most legendary petrol models, the Golf GTI. Volkswagen acknowledged that this was the first use of the ’emotive’ GTI label in the electric era, but they stopped short of implying that GTI would no longer be associated with traditional combustion cars. With a production version scheduled for 2027, a couple of years after the conventional ID.2 debuts, this concept could become another cult favorite.

The ID.2 was previewed by the March ID.2all01 concept, where VW promised to bring the price of its entry-level EV to under €25,000. The ID.GTI concept is poised to fill this economic niche, boasting meticulous attention to detail and the promise of spirited performance.

Volkswagen ID.GTI, concept only for now, Volkswagen.fr