There's no shortage of interesting and excellent debuts at the 2018 Detroit Auto Show this year, with highlights including a boatload of new trucks and SUVs, several enticing new models from the big Japanese automakers, and even some unexpected all-electrics taking a spot alongside the traditional Motor City muscle cars. Eager to get in on the action for themselves, the big German makes will also attend, with a variety of Teutonic offerings spanning the luxury segment, the sports segment, and the more affordable commuter segment. As such, we've lined up five Germanic debuts not to miss at this year's Detroit Auto Show.
Continue reading to learn more about these upcoming debuts at the 2018 Detroit Auto Show.
2018 BMW X2
Revealed in the metal just last year, the Bavarian's updated coupe-styled compact crossover is looking like it'll head to Detroit to show the goods in public later this month. Under the tweaked exterior styling, the X2 utilizes the same platform as the the X1, and the same engine as well, with a turbodiesel 2.0-liter making 190 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque, as well as gasoline 2.0-liter making 189 horses and 207 pound-feet of torque. FWD will come as standard, while AWD will be an available option.
Read our full speculative review of the 2018 BMW X2.
2019 Mercedes-AMG CLS63
Speaking of coupe-like cuts for otherwise practical body styles, the revamped third-generation Mercedes CLS will also head to the Detroit Auto Show this year. First dropping this past November at the 2017 Los Angeles Auto Show, the new CLS will appear in Motor City in AMG 63 guise bearing a fire-breathing V-8 making well over 500 horsepower. Look for carbon fiber and top-end trim materials in the cabin, as well.
Read our full review of the 2019 Mercedes-AMG CLS63.
2019 BMW i8 Coupe
Truth be told, we weren't terribly impressed by the “new” BMW i8 Coupe when we first saw it at the 2017 Los Angeles Auto Show. Sure, it's got cool futuristic styling and a high-tech hybrid powertrain, but at the end of the day, this updated model isn't really all that, well, updated. Rather, the 2019 model year just brings a few new color choices and a smidgen of extra all-electric range. Still, if you've never seen this thing in person, it's definitely worth a look.
Read our full review of the 2019 BMW i8 Coupe.
2019 Volkswagen Jetta
It doesn't get much more “Volkswagen-y” than the Jetta, does it? With the last sixth generation dropping back in 2010, it's time for a revamped seventh gen to appear, and it's looking like we'll get exactly that in Detroit this year. Previewed in a series of illustrations, the new Jetta looks to pull styling cues from its larger sibling the Passat, with solid, long lines, and handsome proportions front to back. Inside, we think a digital display would look great on the popular four-door, while the new MQB platform and turbocharged engine lineup should make it a joy to drive as well.
Read our full speculative review of the 2019 Volkswagen Jetta.
2019 Mercedes-Benz G-Class
It's been about four decades since the first G-Wagen rolled onto the scene, and now Merc is introducing a fresh generation for the 2019 model year. Previewed by a series of interior images and off-roading specs, the G-Class once again mates top-shelf opulence with superlative skills in the rough stuff, carrying the torch as the three-pointed star's off-roading luxury penthouse. Go anywhere, and feel great while doing so – that's the G-Class philosophy.
Read our full speculative review of the 2019 Mercedes-Benz G-Class.
References
Read more Detroit Auto Show news.