Cologne Lots of SUVs and even more electric cars: The automotive year 2022 will also be dominated by the well-known megatrends. A couple of “normal” cars are also there again. An overview of the most important brands.Aiways: Two years after the start of Germany with the U5 electric SUV, the Chinese manufacturer is launching the U6 coupé sister model. It is powered by a 140 kW / 190 PS electric motor with a 63 kWh battery that offers a WLTP range of around 400 kilometers. In addition to the modern body design and the highly digitized interior, the sales model is one of the brand’s special features: instead of the classic car dealership, the vehicles are sold through electronics retailers of the Euronics Group, the service is carried out by the workshop chain ATU
Alfa Romeo: With the Tonale, the Stellantis subsidiary is adding a compact brother to its power SUV Stelvio. This should also score points with its Italian design and decidedly sporty character. For this purpose, the technical basis taken over from Jeep Compass is ironed in the direction of dynamics.
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A plug-in hybrid drive should ensure that this does not turn into excessive consumption. The market launch has already been postponed several times, but it should be so far in early summer.
Audi: The Ingolstadt-based company will be rolling out its third electric SUV series with the Q6 E-Tron towards the end of the year. The mid-range crossover fits into the gap between the compact Q4 E-Tron and the large E-Tron and is the brand’s first model to be based on the PPE e-car platform developed jointly with Porsche. Powerful motors and 800 volt technology included.
The Audi A3 Allroad has to get along without an electric drive. From the autumn, the off-road-style offshoot of the compact five-door will largely rely on what is known from the golf shelf.
BMW 2 Series Active Tourer
The van is entering the next generation and is optically oriented towards the crossover.
BMW: The second generation of the BMW 2 Series Active Tourer will be more dynamic, more powerful and digitally well equipped. The compact van is visually developing more in the direction of crossovers and will initially come as a gasoline and diesel engine at the beginning of 2022, with a plug-in hybrid being submitted in the summer. Prices start at 37,200 euros. One of the van’s close technical relatives is the compact SUV X1, the new generation of which is expected in autumn.
At the other end of the SUV range, a luxury-class SUV with M genes and plug-in hybrid drive will also be launched at the end of the year, which was announced in the current year in the form of the XM study. But there is also something new in the classic passenger car sector when the flagship of the 7 series goes into the next generation towards the end of the year. For the first time, there will also be an electric version called the i7.
Citroën: After a five-year break, Citroën is returning to the mid-range with the C5 X at the turn of the year. The successor to the C5 station wagon relies on a fashionable crossover look, but remains essentially the same as the predecessor in terms of its proportions.
The brand’s new flagship aims to raise its profile with, among other things, the “Advanced Comfort” chassis with hydraulic shock absorber stops, which should ensure comfortable handling. Instead of diesel, there are plug-in hybrids with up to 165 kW / 225 PS.
Cupra: For many, it is the nicer ID.3: At the start of the year, Seat’s offshoot Cupra is also allowed to bring its first e-mobile from the group’s modular system onto the road. The Born is technically largely identical to the North German, but is drawn more dynamically and more crisp. Up to 170 kW / 231 hp and a range of 540 kilometers are possible.
Cupra Born
The electric Spaniard is based on the VW ID.3, but should be sportier.
Dacia: The Romanians are replacing their more prosaic family van Lodgy with the jogger upgraded with crossover elements. The new one also offers space for up to seven occupants for little money (from 14,000 euros), but packs it much more pleasantly than before. In addition to gasoline and LPG engines, there will be a full hybrid for the drive for the first time, but not until 2023.
Fiat: The new group affiliation makes it possible: Fiat will bring back the Ulysse family car at the end of 2021; not as a classic van, but as a minibus. He shares the basis with Peugeot Traveler, Opel Vivaro and Co., the new Stellantis siblings, who probably also contribute their optional electric drive. There will also be a commercial vehicle variant called Scudo.
Ford: For Ford, 2022 will be marked by the commercial vehicle cooperation with VW. In the middle of the year, the Cologne-based company will initially take over the high-roof combination Caddy from the Wolfsburg-based company and offer it with a slightly modified appearance as Tourneo Connect. A short time later it works the other way round: Ford will then bring the new generation of the Ranger pick-up onto the market, which VW in turn will be allowed to use as the basis for the new Amarok.
Visually, the flatbed truck is more closely based than before on the US model F-150, and a V6 diesel is also new for discerning non-commercial customers.
Genesis: After the Korean premium brand, founded in 2015, last expanded its conventional model range, the first all-electric model will be launched in early 2022. The mid-range crossover GV60 uses the technology of the group brothers Hyundai Ioniq 5 and Kia EV6, garnishing them with new high-tech features and a decidedly dynamic design.
Towards the end of the year, the SUV will then have company in the form of the G80 Electrified electric sedan and a large electric SUV.
Genesis GV60
Technically, the Nobel Korean is related to the Hyundai Ioniq 5 and Kia EV6, but looks very unique.
Honda: The Japanese are fully committed to the hybrid in Europe. After CR-V and Jazz, the small crossover HR-V is now coming to Germany exclusively with the dual drive that cannot be externally charged. It does its work behind an angular front that characterizes the front of the mini SUV, while the rear is fashionably angled and ensures visual dynamism. The new Civic will follow later in the year, also as a pure hybrid model.
Jeep: Large, luxurious and partially electric: Jeep is bringing the new generation of the Grand Cherokee SUV to Germany at the beginning of the year. The all-wheel drive, which is only available as a five-seater in this country, is powered by a 276 kW / 375 hp plug-in hybrid that can cover around 40 kilometers in purely electric mode.
Jeep Grand Cherokee
The big jeep in Germany will only be electrified.
Kia: After six years of construction, the Koreans are renewing their best-selling SUV. In the new generation, the Sportage appears in a new futurism style on the outside and extensively digitalized on the inside. Unusual extra in this class: remote parking from the outside. In addition to diesel and gasoline engines, there is also a plug-in hybrid with an eligible range of 60 kilometers for the drive. Overall, the power range extends from 85 kW / 116 PS to 195 kW / 265 PS.
Land Rover: With a smooth and refined design, electrified drives and proven off-road capabilities, the luxury off-roader Range Rover will enter its fifth generation at the beginning of 2022. Compared to its predecessor, which has been built since 2013, the new edition has grown by just under a hand’s breadth to 5.05 meters, while the long version that is offered again comes to 5.25 meters.
For the drive, there are initially six and eight-cylinder diesels and gasoline engines with mild hybrid technology and up to 390 kW / 530 hp, as well as two plug-in hybrids on a six-cylinder basis with an electric standard range of 100 kilometers. A fully electric model has also been announced for 2024.
Lexus: With the mid-size SUV NX, Lexus finally wants to move out of the exotic niche in Europe. The first generation presented in 2017 had immediately developed into the brand’s best-selling car on the continent, and the new edition should appeal to even more customers from the end of 2021. Also thanks to the plug-in hybrid drive, available for the first time, with an electric range of around 63 kilometers.
Mazda: The Japanese are expanding their SUV portfolio in Europe above the CX-5. The five-seat CX-60 is initially expected for mid-2022, followed by a seven-seat version called the CX-80 at the turn of the year. Both will be based on a new rear-wheel drive platform from the brand, with plug-in hybrids or a mildly hybridized in-line six-cylinder that will be available as diesel and gasoline engines. In addition, Mazda will be offering the MX-30 with a range extension through a range extender in the coming year.
Kia Sportage
The popular SUV will get a new edition in 2022.
Maserati: With the Levante SUV, Maserati has been driving up its previously sluggish sales figures since 2016. The Stellantis brand is hoping for the same from the one number smaller Grecale, which should actually have started much earlier than in spring 2022. Maserati has already banned diesel from its model range. It is replaced by a two-liter mild hybrid petrol engine in the Grecale. Maserati then serves those who are hungry for performance with a V6 in different configurations, while those who are ecologically conscious can look forward to an electric Grecale – but not yet in 2022.
After a three-year break, the GranTurismo will be reissued in the spring. The sports car, launched as a coupé and GranCabrio, will be the brand’s first fully electric model, but will also be available with a petrol engine. The packed new year of the Italians is rounded off by the convertible version of the MC20 super sports car.
Mercedes: Mercedes put together what is probably the biggest new product package of the year. The start of the premiere series will be the new edition of the iconic SL brand, which was developed for the first time under the direction of Haustuner AMG and which should appear correspondingly dynamic. The roadster with a fabric roof initially delivers up to 430 kW / 585 hp and costs at least around 130,000 euros.
Both values are significantly lower than for the hypercar Mercedes-AMG One, which is finally expected for late summer after a long delay, which comes to 775 kW / 1,054 PS and will cost just under three million euros. A near-series study premiered at the IAA 2017.
Mercedes SL
The iconic roadster is set to celebrate its rebirth in the coming year.
There is also a replenishment of the brand’s electric models. The EQE business limousine shown at the IAA in Munich will be launched in early summer. The EQS’s little brother has a similarly streamlined body with a short bonnet and a large arched passenger compartment, offers a range of around 660 kilometers and at least around 300 hp.
A few months later, the EQT is followed by an electric high-roof station wagon and the EQS SUV, a kind of Stromer cousin of the GLS. Two sizes smaller, Mercedes initially remains conventional and is sending the new mid-size SUV GLC into the race, which is used for drives and infotainment in the recently renewed C-Class. The start is expected in early autumn.
MG: The traditional British brand that is Chinese-owned is already represented in Germany with two electric SUVs. At the beginning of 2022, the MG5 will be followed by an electrically powered compact station wagon. MG promises a trunk that can be expanded from 479 to around 1,400 liters and two battery versions with 50 or 61 kWh for a range of 320 and 400 kilometers, respectively. The electric motor drives the Stromer with 115 kW / 156 PS and 260 Newton meters of torque. The price will be less than 40,000 euros.
Mitsubishi: The Japanese are moving closer to their alliance partners Renault and Nissan in Europe, and in future they will primarily sell their cars under their own label. But they don’t want to drop their own brand classics entirely, so that the mid-range SUV Outlander will find its way from Japan to Europe in the middle of the year. As in the current generation, the 4.71 meter long all-wheel drive will also be available with a plug-in hybrid, but its electric range has increased to a generous 90 kilometers.
Nissan Ariya
The Japanese electric car should build on the success of the Leaf.
Nissan: Electric cars and SUVs – or both – are the focus at Nissan. At the beginning of the year, the Japanese are sending the Townstar high-roof station wagon into the race, a slightly repurposed variant of the Renault Kangoo. Like this, the offshoot will also be available in an electric version (from summer), a diesel is no longer available.
More important for its own Stromer profile, however, is the mid-range SUV Ariya, with which Nissan wants to take the second major step in electrification after the Leaf: the new flagship is to radiate across the entire brand from the summer in a decidedly modern design and technology.
The new X-Trail, which is in a similar market segment but is conventionally powered and aims to be a more spacious alternative to the bestseller Qashqai, looks comparatively unspectacular. The start could take place in autumn.
Nio: The Chinese electric car manufacturer will start its commitment in Germany at the end of 2022 with a range bang. The ET7 business limousine should be able to drive up to 1,000 kilometers per battery charge. The top version with two motors also offers an extremely high drive power of 480 kW / 653 PS. So far, the models of the independent manufacturer are only officially available in Norway in Europe. However, it is not the ET7 that is delivered there, but the SUV ES8.
Opel: The Astra is now one of the five generations of vehicles at the heart of the Opel brand. The new edition, which starts at the beginning of the year, carries Stellantis genes under the sheet metal for the first time, partly the technology with Peugeot 308 and DS 4, among others. Thrust provides.
In addition to diesels and petrol, there are three plug-in hybrids with up to 220 kW / 300 PS and, for the first time, a purely electric version from 2023. When it comes to bodywork, customers have the choice between a classic five-door hatchback and a station wagon.
Opel astra
The once most stubborn golf opponent is now on a PSA platform for the first time with the new generation.
In addition to the Astra, which is doomed to be a success, the Rüsselsheim-based company also has two niche models in its range. At the beginning of the year, the electric Micromobil Opel Rocks-e starts for 8,000 euros as a cube-shaped two-seater for the city – limited to 45 kilometers per hour, but also suitable for 15-year-olds.
The Vivaro Hydrogen, which has a small battery and a fuel cell on board, is also electric. A range of around 400 kilometers should be possible in this way. The target group of the emission-free van are primarily fleet customers.
Ora: In China, the Great Wall subsidiary is primarily targeting young car buyers with its unusual retro styling. In Germany, the brand will be launching the 4.24 meter short five-door Cat 01 in spring, which will offer ranges of up to 400 kilometers from around 30,000 euros.
Peugeot: In January the French send the new generation of the 308 to dealers. The dimensions of the sedan and station wagon have grown significantly and are now mid-range. When it comes to drive, customers can choose between two petrol and one diesel with up to 96 kW / 130 PS and, for the first time, two plug-in hybrids with up to 165 kW / 225 PS and an electric range of up to 60 kilometers. A purely battery-powered model is currently not announced.
Compared to its predecessor, the design is noticeably more muscular and dynamic, the cockpit is very modern and digital, with Peugeot remaining true to the typical layout with a small steering wheel and high instruments. Prices start at 23,200 euros.
Renault Mégane E-Tech
The French compact power company will compete against VW ID.3 and Co.
Renault: With the Mégane E-Tech, the French are targeting the VW ID.3 in spring. The compact, in a gentle crossover style, stands on a completely new electric platform and is supposed to travel up to 470 kilometers per battery charge. As is now common in this segment, different battery sizes and motor power levels are available. Renault also offers several levels of charging technology, from slow to fast. The price should be based on that of the north German competitor (from 32,000 euros) and undercut it by a few euros.
Much less is known about the successor to the Kadjar, which will be launched in the summer based on the Nissan Qashqai. Last but not least, the name of the compact crossover is also unclear.
Skoda: A good year after the E-crossover Enyaq, the Czech VW subsidiary is sending its coupé offshoot onto the road. The most important difference, in addition to an exclusive top version with 195 kW / 265 PS, is probably a generally higher price and the sleeker design, which should not only offer aesthetic advantages, but also get away with wind resistance better. The most efficient version drives 535 kilometers.
Smart: The Daimler subsidiary is outgrowing the subcompact segment and daring to restart as a brand with a city crossover. The e-mobile was developed together with the Chinese Geely Group and is also being built in the Middle Kingdom. The name, design and technical details are still a secret a good year before the product is launched.
Ssangyong: The South Koreans brought their first e-car early in the year, a battery-operated version of the Korando with a range of up to 420 kilometers. The closed radiator grille and a redesigned front apron are the most important visible changes compared to the conventional version of the compact SUV.
Subaru Solterra
The robust SUV is technically based on a Toyota platform and is intended to pave the way for the brand into the electric age.
Subaru: E instead of boxer engine: The Japanese all-wheel drive brand is bringing its first electric car to Europe this summer. The Solterra was developed together with the Toyota bZ4X and is said to come up to 530 kilometers per battery charge. Two engine variants are available for the crossover with a sloping rear end: one with 150 kW / 204 hp and front-wheel drive and one with 160 kW / 218 hp twin-engine all-wheel drive.
Suzuki: Crisp name, more self-confident design and significantly more technology: Suzuki is relaunching its compact SUV S-Cross at the beginning of 2022. The previous suffix “SX4” is no longer applicable, and a full hybrid drive is being added to the engine range for the first time. With hardly any changes in dimensions, the design is developing more in the direction of robust, inside there is new infotainment and modern connectivity. Prices start at 29,300 euros.
Toyota: The Japanese are sharpening their entry-level sports car: In the course of the model change, the coupé will not only be renamed from GT86 to GR86, but will also be stronger (plus 34 hp), stiffer and, in particular, sportier. Driving fun in the traditional sense is the promise that the small two-seater with its 172 kW / 234 hp will deliver in full from spring.
The Aygo X, which will be launched a little later, is less aimed at driving dynamics: the micro-crossover replaces the similarly named small car, offers a robust style, a slightly elevated seating position and a wide range of optional equipment. A 53 kW / 72 PS strong 1.0-liter three-cylinder takes over the drive, the prices start at 15,400 euros.
Toyota Aygo X
Many new small cars are not expected in 2022. The little Japanese is a real exception.
In the summer, the two SUV classes, the larger, the bZ4X, the brand’s first electric car, will follow. The generous ten-year battery guarantee, after which 90 percent of the capacity should still be available, is unusual. The industry standard is eight years and 70 to 80 percent. Prices for the up to 160 kW / 218 PS and optionally available with all-wheel drive compact crossover are not yet known.
Polestar: The electric Volvo offshoot continues to count: after Polestar 1 and 2, the debut of the Polestar 3 is due in 2022, a sporty SUV in the Porsche Macan format. In terms of drive and batteries, the newcomer, built in China, should differentiate itself more than before from Volvo.
Volvo: With the Swedes, the further conversion to a pure electric brand is pending. The next battery-powered vehicle will be the large SUV XC90 towards the end of 2022, which should point towards the future of the brand not only in terms of drive, charging technology and battery, but also in terms of design.
VW: The Wolfsburg-based company has found another gap in their already well-stocked SUV range: From the beginning of the year, the Taigo, imported from South America, will attract customers with its coupé rear end for whom the somewhat smaller T-Cross is designed too conventionally. A one-liter, three-cylinder TSI in the expansion stages with 70 kW / 95 PS and 81 kW / 110 PS and the 1.5-liter TSI with 110 kW / 150 PS are available for the drive. There will be no electrified variant for the Taigo, which is always delivered with front-wheel drive. The prices start at just under 20,000 euros.
At the other end of the product range, the new version of the Amarok pick-up will start at the end of the year. Unlike in the past, VW has decided not to develop it in-house and has bought the technology from its commercial vehicle cooperation partner, Ford. Their rangers will also start at the end of 2022.
VW Taigo
The SUV coupe could become the group’s new bestseller.
(Photo: vw)
When it comes to e-mobility, the North Germans are driving two new models: The ID.5 is a slightly refined coupé offshoot of the compact SUV ID.4, which will offer a crisp design and faster charging technology for just under 47,000 euros from the summer.
The second Stromer premiere could steal the show from the crossover, because the ID.Buzz debut is scheduled for autumn. The electric bus, which is only 4.60 meters long, is to be in the tradition of the Bulli in terms of appearance and likelihood and will also be the brand’s first fully automated model. Depending on the version, a range of up to 550 kilometers should be possible, and prices should start in the range of 40,000 euros.
More: Five winners and five losers in the 2021 car year