North America preview: every premium & sports car – 2019 onwards

The Paris auto show began on Tuesday October 2.

Talking to executives at the event has given us a better idea as to what new cars to expect, and when. We’ve then married up that information with our collection of exclusive renderings of how future cars may look, together with spyshots of all the hottest new cars, when we don’t have pictures of the final cars available.

Take a look at Autocar’s guide to all the best premium and sports cars heading your way in North America over the next five years:

DECEMBER 2018: Rolls-Royce Cullinan

The Cullinan is Rolls-Royce’s first SUV and its first all-wheel drive vehicle. Powered by the 6.75-liter V12 gasoline engine from the Phantom limousine, it challenges the Bentley Bentayga. Unveiled in May, it’s based on a new aluminum architecture which will be shared with future Rolls-Royce models.

Pricing isn’t as yet confirmed - we forecast figures in the region of $350,000 (US) and C$450,000 (Canada), with first deliveries in December – perhaps an early Christmas present for some lucky people? We’re driving it for the first time in the next few weeks. PICTURE: Actual car

DECEMBER 2018: Range Rover SV Coupé

For the first 11 years of its life the Range Rover only came as a two-door model, so the SV Coupé is very much back to the future for the storied British luxury SUV. Unveiled at the Geneva auto show in March 2018, just 999 will be made. It will be the fastest full-size Range Rover ever made, achieving 0-62mph in 5.3sec and a top speed of 165mph, powered by a 5.0-liter supercharged V8 with 557hp.

The price to join this exclusive club will be around $295,000 (US) and $380,000 (Canada), and should reach showrooms by the end of 2018. PICTURE: Actual car

EARLY 2019: Audi Q3

Recently unveiled, the all-new Q3 switches to the VW MQB platform and features an upgraded interior. We’ve just driven it, and the news is good, with a much improved interior, and more space too.

The most popular power unit will be a 230hp, 2.0-liter turbocharged gasoline four-cylinder, with a seven-speed automatic transmission. Expect it at dealerships in early 2019. PICTURE: Actual car

EARLY 2019: Audi E-tron

Audi’s first electric-only production car, the E-tron SUV, was unveiled recently. With 193in of length, it’s bigger than Audi’s Q5 but smaller than its Q7. The EPA hasn’t yet given its official range estimate, but Audi is currently claiming 160 miles from just 30 minutes of high-speed 150 kW DC charging. US E-tron owners will get a year of free public charging after purchase. Claimed maximum towing capacity is 4000 lb.

A cheaper version with a smaller battery and, therefore, less range will follow in the next 12 months. Expect the first E-trons to be at dealerships in early 2019. Starting price in the US will be $74,800; Canada pricing is unknown at this time. PICTURE: Actual car

EARLY 2019: BMW Z4

2019 sees a bunch of new BMWs. First up is the new Z4. Recently unveiled at Pebble Beach, the new model shares its platform with the upcoming Toyota Supra. Engines will be 181hp and 248hp 2.0-liter turbos, badged sDrive20i and sDrive30i, and the M40i model: this is powered by a turbocharged 335hp 3.0-liter unit, which zips it from 0-62mph in 4.8sec. The gearbox will be an eight-speed automatic; sadly it seems America won’t get the manual option available in other markets.

An even faster Z4 M model that uses the 425hp twin-turbo 3.0-liter unit from the M3 could follow later, although this has yet to be confirmed by BMW. The BMW Z4 comes with a soft top, and BMW switchgear and infotainment, and you can expect it at North American dealerships in early 2019; prices unknown at this time. PICTURE: Actual car

EARLY 2019: BMW X7

BMW will target the Range Rover with its largest SUV, the X7. Scheduled to be unveiled at the 2018 Los Angeles auto show, it will get technologies and luxury from the current 7 Series saloon. Six-cylinder and eight-cylinder gasoline engines will be offered when the car goes on sale in early 2019.

The rumor mill suggests a starting price in the region of $70,000 (US) and C$90,000 (Canada). PICTURE: Autocar spyshot

EARLY 2019: BMW X5

The BMW CLAR platform first seen on the 2015 7 Series and 2017 5 Series arrives on the fourth-generation X5, with the new X5 being unveiled at the 2018 Paris auto show. First deliveries are expected early in 2019. We anticipate later a 600hp X5M version, and hybrid variants.

We recently drove it for the first time in the US – and we’re giving it the thumbs up: "A comprehensive rework of the X5 has produced a more capable, convenient, refined and classy SUV." US starting price will be $60,700, plus $995 destination charge, for the xDrive40i model. That model features a 3.0-liter straight-six with 335hp and 330 lb-ft of torque. PICTURE: Actual car

EARLY 2019: BMW 3 Series Saloon (G20)

The new 3 Series has just been unveiled at the 2018 Paris auto show, with examples in dealerships in early 2019. A longer wheelbase and softer suspension is in the offing, along with a new M performance model with a six-cylinder engine, the 360hp, 370 lb-ft of torque M340i. The first model to arrive will be a 2019 model for the 330i, with a 255hp 2.0-liter turbocharged engine; the first M340is will be 2020 models and appear later in 2019. Four-wheel-drive versions will also follow later.

There will also be two gasoline-electric plug-in models. The model is targeted squarely at the current Mercedes C-Class, which sold 77,446 units in the US in 2017, against 59,449 for the 3 Series. It’s a little too early for pricing for the new 3 Series; as a reasonable guide, the current model starts at US$34,445, including destination charge. The signs so far are that North America will also get the new wagon version too when that’s launched towards the end of 2019. PICTURE: Actual car

EARLY 2019: BMW 8 Series

The 8 Series is back. Unveiled at the 2018 Le Mans 24 hours race with a US debut at Pebble Beach in August, it’s a competitor to the Mercedes S-Class Coupe and the Porsche Panamera. The car will be offered as a two-door coupe and cabriolet and a four-door Gran Coupe, and there will be an M8 high-performance variant later. Launch model is the four-wheel drive coupe M850i xDrive (pictured), whose 523hp twin-turbo 4.4-liter V8 gets the car to 60mph from rest in a blistering 3.6sec.

It will get a lot of equipment and technologies from the 7 Series saloon. It should be at dealers in early 2019. Price of the M850i xDrive is US$111,900, plus $995 destination charge. PICTURE: Actual car 

EARLY 2019: Range Rover Evoque

The current Evoque has been a smash hit for Land Rover, with annual global sales never dropping below 100,000 units, even six years from launch. The peak US sales year for the Evoque was 2015, with 14,583 cars sold.

The new car will be produced on an adapted version of the current car’s architecture, and its primary production location will continue to be at Liverpool in England. We expect to see it for the first time at the 2018 Los Angeles auto show, with first deliveries starting in early 2019. PICTURE: Autocar Artist impression

EARLY 2019: Audi SQ8

The Q8 is only just arriving in showrooms, but Audi is readying a high-performance version of its large coupe-SUV. In a break with tradition, the model will have different engines to suit different markets. North America will get a 3.0-liter V6 gasoline unit delivering 470hp; the European SQ8 in contrast will get a 429hp V8 diesel engine.

We expect US pricing in the region of $90,000, and to see it in dealerships early in 2019. PICTURE: Autocar spyshot

EARLY 2019: Lamborghini Aventador SVJ

The V12 SVJ Aventador sees a power hike to 759hp (from 740hp in the Aventador S), while its 531lb-ft of torque arrives later at 6750rpm. Improved aerodynamics sees 40% more downforce than the Aventador S. It’s just clocked a circuit of the Nürburgring in 6min 44.97sec. Production is limited to 900 cars. Its starting price is $517,770 (US).

Deliveries start in most markets in January 2019. We’ve just driven it; our verdict?

“The speed, the drama, the capability and the sound are like you simply won’t find elsewhere.” PICTURE: Actual car

MID 2019: Audi TTQ

The TTQ will become an offroad version of the TT coupe and should get all-wheel drive. The SUV is essentially the Q4, but Audi can’t use the name Q4 since Alfa Romeo owns the nameplate. PICTURE: Autocar Artist impression

MID 2019: Audi TT Sportback

Shown as a concept at the 2014 Paris auto show, the sportback takes design inspiration from the coupe. The five-door liftback concept had a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder gasoline engine producing 395hp. PICTURE: Autocar Artist impression

MID 2019: Bentley Continental GTC

This is the convertible version of the new Bentley Continental GT which was first unveiled in 2017. Sharing its platform with the Porsche Panamera, it will come with V8 and W12 gasoline engines, and, possibly, a hybrid powertrain. Too early to estimate pricing – the current model has a US starting price of $236,100. PICTURE: Autocar Artist impression

MID 2019: Toyota Supra

The famous Supra name finally returns. Seen first as a concept car at the 2014 Detroit auto show, the production model will be formally unveiled, again at Detroit, in January 2019. It will share its platform with the previously mentioned new BMW Z4, and will feature switchgear and infotainment from BMW.

We recently drove a prototype model (pictured). Our early judgment? “A few years ago, a Cayman was regarded as unbeatable. Now everybody wants a crack at it. On this showing, Toyota is getting as close as anyone.”

MID 2019: Land Rover Range Rover Velar SVR

We spied this car testing at the Nürburgring recently. We hope to see it on the roads in the middle of 2019 (together with its Jaguar F-Pace SVR sister car); it will feature the same 5.0-liter V8 as the Range Rover Sport SVR, with 524hp and an estimated 0-62mph time of around 4.2sec.

We expect pricing around 10% cheaper than its Sport big brother, which means in the region of $100,000 (US). PICTURE: Autocar spyshot

MID 2019: Mercedes-Benz GLE

The second-generation Mercedes-Benz GLE introduces two important new technologies to the Mercedes brand: an advanced suspension system, surpassing even that found on the flagship S-Class.

The second is a plug-in hybrid variant with a “particularly long range”, thought to offer over 50 miles of electric-only travel. This GLE450 4Matic version will produce 362hp and 369 lb-ft, with a further 21hp and 184 lb-ft available for short periods via EQ Boost, which uses the 48V system. Deliveries start in most major markets in spring 2019. PICTURE: Actual car

MID 2019: Cadillac XT6

We’ve heard rumors about Cadillac’s answer to the Audi Q7 since 2011. They will finally materialize in early 2019 when the firm pulls the sheet off the XT6. Peeking through the camouflage reveals an angular design that borrows styling cues from both the CT6 and the smaller XT5. The sheet metal will hide a brand-specific evolution of the platform found under the Chevrolet Traverse and the Buick Enclave, among other models.

The Cadillac XT6 will reach American showrooms halfway through 2019. The rumor-mill suggests starting prices in the region of US$46,000. PICTURE: Autocar spyshot

MID 2019: Jeep Scrambler

Fans asked, Jeep listened. Jeep will introduce a pickup variant of the fourth-generation Wrangler inspired by the CJ-8 Scrambler from the 1980s. It will be a lifestyle-oriented truck made for the great outdoors rather than a heavy-duty one that’s at home on a construction site. Insiders suggest it could wear the Scrambler nameplate when it arrives in showrooms in 2019.

The Jeep Scrambler will likely make its debut at the 2019 Detroit auto show. Our exclusive rendering shows what it could look like. Production will start in April 2019.  PICTURE: Autocar Artist impression

LATE 2019: Audi RS Q8

Caught on camera recently, the RS Q8 will inherit the twin-turbocharged V8 gasoline engine and accompanying electric motor of the Panamera Turbo S E-Hybrid from Volkswagen Group stablemate Porsche. In the super-saloon, the V8, which is force-fed air by a pair of twin scroll blowers, produces 542hp and 568 lb-ft of torque, while the electric motor injects a further 134hp and 295 lb-ft of torque through an eight-speed twin-clutch automatic gearbox.

In full operation, the combined system output peaks at 670hp and 627 lb-ft of torque. With the same level of potency, this would make the RS Q8 Audi’s most powerful model, eclipsing the output of the R8 V10 Plus by 68hp and 214 lb-ft. Expect prices to start well north of US$100,000. PICTURE: Autocar Artist impression

LATE 2019: Audi A3

The fourth-generation of the A3 hatchback will be based on an updated MQB platform, similar to the current A4. It will grow in size slightly and will offer more equipment. Three and four-cylinder turbocharged gasoline engines will be available, as well as a mild hybrid system.

Later on there will definitely be a high performance S3 model, as we’ve already spotted it out testing (pictured).

LATE 2019: Bentley Continental Flying Spur

Following the launch of the new generation Continental GT two-door, the four-door Continental gets the same treatment. Expect V8 and W12 engines, and a plug-in hybrid V6 option, the latter vital for the Chinese market with its current focus on reducing emissions.

It will be the last major Bentley launch before the company remodels its range for the electrified-era. PICTURE: Autocar Artist impression

LATE 2019: Land Rover Defender

The iconic Defender will be back in 2019 with an all-new model. Land Rover wants to equip the off-roader with all the latest technologies to make it the most capable off-roader in the world. Civilised and hardcore versions will be offered, and it will be coming to North America.

We’ve recently published a spyshot of the new car on the road, and we reckon this is a pretty faithful rendition of how it will look.  

LATE 2019: Mercedes-Benz EQC

EQ is all set to become a sub-brand of Mercedes alongside AMG and Maybach, and will deliver electric cars. The EQC was unveiled recently and will go into production in 2019 to rival the likes of the Tesla Model X. Two electric motors deliver a combined 402hp and 564 lb-ft to move the substantial EQC’s 5335 lb curb weight. 

The EPA hasn’t tested it yet regarding its range on a single charge – but some reports estimate the official number will come in around 220 miles. PICTURE: Actual car

LATE 2019: Mercedes-Maybach SUV

This upcoming as yet unnamed Maybach will be the most expensive and luxurious SUV from Mercedes. Based on the next generation GLS-Class, the SUV will compete with top-spec Range Rovers, Bentley Bentayga and Rolls-Royce Cullinan and will have performance and features equivalent to the Maybach S-Class. Expect prices from $170,000 (US), and $220,000 (Canada).

We expect to see it debut at the 2018 Los Angeles auto show in November. PICTURE: Autocar Artist impression

LATE 2019: Aston Martin DBX

The DBX will be Aston Martin’s first crossover. It will get turbocharged V12 & twin-turbo V8 engines from the DB11 and, later, an all-electric system, and should arrive in late 2019. It will be built at a new factory at St Athan in Wales. It's too early to estimate pricing.

We believe it may be called the Aston Martin Varekai. PICTURE: Autocar Artist impression

LATE 2019: Alfa Romeo Giulia Coupe

A sportier coupe version of the Giulia sedan is in the works. We expect a new F1-style energy recovery system (ERS), including one based on the 276hp 2.0-liter turbo gasoline engine used in the Giulia Veloce saloon. The other uses the 2.9-liter turbo gasoline V6 of the Giulia Quadrifoglio.

A convertible version of the Giulia is also in the pipeline. We'd expect both to be available in the US, where Alfa Romeo sales hit 12,031 units in 2017, an all-time record. PICTURE: Autocar Artist impression

LATE 2019: Mercedes-Benz GLA

The next generation of the GLA will come out in 2019 and will continue to be the smallest and cheapest SUV offered by Mercedes. It will be based on the next generation of the A-Class. A new range of engines set to debut in the A-Class will make it to the GLA and more equipment is also expected. PICTURE: Autocar spyshot

LATE 2019: Maserati Granturismo

Now 11 years old, the Granturismo is overdue for a replacement. The current V8 could be replaced by a V6 gasoline engine. The car will retain its 2+2 layout, but it might become more compact. PICTURE: Preview concept

LATE 2019: Mercedes-Benz GLB

The GLB SUV will slot in between the GLA and the GLC. With styling cues taken from the new G-Class, expect a tough design with a modern slant. Four-cylinder gasoline engines will be offered along with an AMG variant.

A plug-in gasoline-electric hybrid is also planned, and there will be a seven-seat option. Expect pricing to start in the region of US$36,000. PICTURE: Autocar spyshot

LATE 2019: Volkswagen XL3

This new Toyota Prius rival from Volkswagen will be a hybrid with an electric motor and a 1.4-liter turbocharged gasoline engine. It will be based on VW’s MEB platform for electric and hybrid cars and will have an efficiency of 94mpg. Whether America will get the car is not certain, however. PICTURE: Preview concept

LATE 2019: Alfa Romeo Giulia Estate

Once the new Giulia coupe is out of the way, we’re then expecting a wagon to add to the successful new Giulia line-up. Expect a 276hp 2.0-liter turbo engine, and if we’re really lucky, the 2.9-liter turbo V6 from the Giulia Quadrifoglio.

Yes, we know America isn’t exactly in love with wagons right now, but we think everyone will like this one. PICTURE: Autocar Artist impression

LATE 2019: Polestar 1

Volvo’s high-performance division gets stand-alone badging and a new model all to itself. It has plenty of carbon fiber, with 592hp coming from hybrid power. Only 500 cars-per-year will be built when production starts in mid-2019; it got its North American debut at Pebble Beach in August. 200 US customers have already signed up to get one.

The car’s powered by two electric motors that drive the rear wheels, producing a combined 215hp with the support of an integrated starter/generator. The car will have a range of around 93 miles in pure-electric, rear-wheel-drive mode. That system will be twinned with a 2.0-liter gasoline engine, which sends 377hp to the front wheels. When combined in Power model, the hybrid system can produce 737 lb-ft of torque. Pricing is estimated to start at US$155,000. PICTURE: Actual car

LATE 2019: Volvo XC20

Fresh from its launch of the XC40, Volvo will go a size down with a new city-SUV to challenge the likes of the Audi Q2 in this very fast-growing product segment; Volvo also has an all-new range of 1.5-liter three-cylinder gasoline engines to power it.

It’s too early to estimate pricing; it may also be that the model will be deemed too small to sell in the US market. However, Ford is on course to sell around 60,000 similarly-sized EcoSports in 2018, so a case may be made to bring the XC20 to America. PICTURE: Autocar Artist impression

LATE 2019: Porsche 911 (992)

The next generation of the 911, including the GT3, will get a range of turbocharged six-cylinder engines, with a slight bump up in power. For the first time, a hybrid variant is also expected in the 911 range. Designated the 992, it will get improved aerodynamics and changes to the interior.

We expect the new model to debut at the 2018 Los Angeles auto show in November. PICTURE: Autocar spyshot

LATE 2019: McLaren BP23

This new hypercar will be McLaren’s three-seat homage to the legendary F1. It will have hybrid power – and lots of it: 903hp is suggested. Production will be limited to 106 cars – the same as the F1’s total output – and if you want one, you can’t: all have already been sold to hand-picked McLaren fans. PICTURE: Autocar Artist impression

LATE 2019: Aston Martin Rapide E

Aston Martin will begin delivering its first production electric car, the Rapide E, in the fourth quarter of 2019. The sedan will ditch the Rapide’s V12 engine in favor of two electric motors that zap the four wheels with 602hp and 700 lb-ft of torque. Electrifying a gasoline-powered model is easier said than done so the 65kWh battery pack will occupy the space originally carved out for the 12-cylinder, the transmission and the fuel tank. Aston Martin promises up to 200 miles of range.

Get in line if you want one. The firm’s plant in Wales will build just 155 examples of the Rapide E. PICTURE: preview image from Aston Martin

2020: Alfa Romeo large SUV

Alfa Romeo will launch another SUV to sit above the Stelvio. The as-yet-unnamed five-seater will be based on the Maserati Levante. It will rival the BMW X5 and the Audi Q7. This will be a dead cert for the American market. PICTURE: Autocar Artist impression

2020: Jeep Grand Wagoneer

First announced by the late Fiat-Chrysler boss Sergio Marchionne back in 2011, Jeep will finally be bringing back the Grand Wagoneer as a premium offering to rival the Range Rover, based on the Dodge Durango.

It’s also expected to boast strong performance and off-road capabilities. PICTURE: Autocar Artist impression

2020: Genesis GV80

Genesis’ first SUV, the GV80, will go on sale before the end of 2019. It’s shaping up to be an immensely important model for Hyundai’s luxury division because it will compete in a quickly-expanding segment of the market.

Details about the model remain murky but it’s safe to assume it will borrow styling cues from the GV80 concept (pictured) unveiled at the New York auto show in 2017.

2020: Chevrolet Corvette C8

We’re madly excited for the next generation Corvette, now mid-engined for the first time. Sources believe a turbocharged V6 engine will feature to boost efficiency and lower CO2 emissions. A flat-plane crank V8 engine could be offered as a range-topping model. The current model will continue to be sold alongside the new car for a period.

It will also use more aluminum in its construction to save weight. It may debut at the 2019 Detroit auto show before the first cars arrive on the road later in the year or 2020. Expect starting prices of around $60,000 (US) and $80,000 (Canada). PICTURE: Autocar Artist impression

2020: Tesla Model Y

This new electric-only SUV will be the smaller brother of the Model X, and based on the Model 3’s platform. We expect to see it debut in March 2019, with production starting in 2020. The rumor mill suggests a starting price of $40,000 (US). PICTURE: Autocar Artist impression

2020: Audi A9

Audi will take on the Tesla Model S with the A9 e-tron. It will be a four-wheel drive all-electric saloon positioned above the Audi A8. Range has been estimated at 311 miles. PICTURE: Autocar Artist impression

2020: Ford Mustang hybrid

Purists look away now: the iconic pony car will get a hybrid variant in 2020. Ford promises the same horsepower as the V8 engined car, with more low-end torque, from a smaller Ecoboost engine. PICTURE: Current car

2020: Maserati Alfieri

After being delayed, the Alfieri sports car will go on sale in 2020 with either a V6 or V8 gasoline engine. It will then be followed by an electric version of the sports car. PICTURE: Preview concept

2020: Porsche Taycan

Previewed as the Mission E concept at the 2015 Frankfurt auto show, the Taycan will go into production as an all-electric four-door car that will sit below the Porsche Panamera. Built on a bespoke chassis, it is expected to get two electric motors with a range of more than 310 miles.  Expect to see it unveiled in 2019, and hitting the road in 2020.

There will also be a wagon version based on the Mission E Cross Turismo concept seen at the Geneva auto show in March 2018. This version is expected to arrive on the road in 2021. PICTURE: Autocar Artist impression

2020: Ford Mustang GT500

Ford aims to topple the Dodge Challenger Hellcat with the 2020 Shelby Mustang GT500. Expected to break cover in 2019, the GT500 will build on the track-honed GT350 with a supercharged, 5.2-liter V8 engine rated at over 700hp. Visually, the GT500 will signal its intent with a purposefully aggressive design characterized by functional heat extractors in the hood, a front splitter and a fixed rear wing (not shown on the prototype pictured).

There’s one last twist in the plot: The Cobra emblem worn by some pre-production cars spotted around Ford’s headquarters led some to speculate the firm will bring back the GT500KR nameplate it last used in 1968 on a high-performance variant billed, as the initials clearly state, as the King of the Road. PICTURE: Autocar spyshot

2020: Volkswagen Phaeton

Volkswagen will bring back its flagship saloon - but this time as an electric vehicle to compete with the Tesla Model S. We expect it to resemble the ID Vizzion concept car unveiled at the 2018 Geneva auto show. PICTURE: VW Vizzion Concept

2020: Volkswagen ID

​The ID will be Volkswagen’s first mass market all-electric car. The rear-wheel drive five-door hatchback is expected to have a 168hp electric motor and a reported range of over 300 miles. PICTURE: Autocar Artist impression

2020: Tesla pickup

Tesla has confirmed that the as yet unnamed electric-only pickup will go on sale. Pickups are a huge market so this move is probably inevitable. Expect to see this in the first half of 2019, though given Tesla’s well-publicised production delays, we’d be surprised to see it on the road before 2020. PICTURE: Autocar Artist impression

2020: Road Rover

Land Rover heads to new horizons with a more car-like model. A vehicle we dub the ‘Road Rover’ will probably wear a Range Rover badge in production. It will also be the firm’s first purely battery electric vehicle.

It will have an allroad-style estate body and deliver a capable, rather than outstanding, off-road performance. Its sister car will be the next Jaguar XJ, that brand’s first electric limousine – talking of which… PICTURE: Autocar Artist impression

2020: Jaguar XJ-E

If you’re not winning the game, change the rules. That’s the thinking behind why Jaguar will steal a march on its rivals and make its top-line model electric-only for its next generation. While the likes of Audi, BMW and Mercedes add piecemeal hybrid options to its conventionally-powered limousines, Jaguar will take advantage of the market mood-change marked by Tesla’s success with the Model S.

As more and more big cities clamp down on pollution, Jaguar could find plenty of buyers in the chauffeur segment too. Sharing its platform with the ‘Road Rover’ should save on costs into the bargain. PICTURE: Autocar Artist impression

2020: Mercedes-Benz EQS

The current S-Class may be continuing as it is for a while, but that doesn’t mean Jaguar is going to be left alone in the electric limousine market. The EQS aims to bring S-Class levels of comfort and refinement to an all-electric vehicle, and we recently spotted it out testing.

Based on a new platform called MEA2, it makes heavy use of aluminium. Similar in size to the current CLS, it will have a fully flat floor. Together with a shorter hood, these factors will contribute to “a whole new dimension in interior packaging,” Mercedes insiders assured us recently. PICTURE: Autocar Artist impression

2021: Infiniti Q80

Showcased as the Infiniti Q80 Inspiration concept at the 2014 Paris auto show, the Q80 is a four-door fastback looking to take on the Porsche Panamera. It’s likely to get a hybrid powertrain. PICTURE: Preview concept

2021: Cadillac CT8

Cadillac has an ambitious plan to launch a true rival to the Mercedes-Benz S-Class. Based on GM’s Omega platform, expect extensive use of aluminum to keep the weight down and the drive sprightly. Power will come from V6 and V8 engines, both with twin-turbos, and a plug-in hybrid option.

We anticipate a design heavily influenced by the 2016 Escala concept (pictured). Expect pricing from $90,000 (US).

2021: BMW i5

The i5 will be the next all-new launch from BMW’s i brand. The car i5 will be an all-electric ‘notchback’. We expect it to be heavily influenced by the BMW i Vision Dynamics concept car, as shown at the 2017 Frankfurt auto show (pictured).

2021: Ferrari SUV

Shortly before he died in July 2018, FCA and Ferrari chief Sergio Marchionne confirmed that a Ferrari SUV would appear. He said that Ferrari would “reinvent the concept of a vehicle that has some utilitarian features… but it will happen Ferrari style.”

Auto analyst Max Warburton suggests that although four-door, the rear doors ‘won’t be visible.’ The SUV market is clearly too hot for even Ferrari to ignore, and Warburton estimates sales of 2,000-3,000 per year. We estimate pricing of around $300,000 (US), with key competitors including the likes of the forthcoming Aston Martin DBX. PICTURE: Autocar Artist impression

2021: Aston Martin Project 003

Aston Martin has officially confirmed this ‘Son of Valkyrie’ hypercar. It’s a joint development with Red Bull Advanced Technologies. We believe it will be powered by a turbocharged hybrid engine and feature active aerodynamics. Aston is already claiming an “exceptional breadth of performance.”

But we may see this car as early as the 2020 Le Mans 24 hours race; rule changes may allow for hypercars to compete at the top level of endurance racing, which could see this car compete against the likes of the McLaren Senna and Mercedes-AMG One. Now that’s a race we would like to see… PICTURE: Autocar Artist impression

2021: Ferrari ‘488 Hybrid’

Ferrari is moving to embrace hybrid engines across its model range by 2022, including on the replacement for the 488 mid-engined V8, cornerstone of the current range, as imagined here. PICTURE: Autocar Artist impression

2021: Range Rover Mk 5

The next-generation Range Rover is intended to eclipse a new era of luxury rivals which have launched in its segment since the luxury SUV’s last major model change in 2012. It will use a new architecture, delivering major weight saving, though its size will be similar. An evolutionary design is expected, but don’t expect an electric version at launch.

Instead, we’ll see a plug-in hybrid, as available on the current car, and we can expect extra power to come from a 48 Volt mild-hybrid system, which we recently spotted out testing. We expect the model will also feature Level 4 autonomous capability during its lifetime. PICTURE: Autocar Artist impression

2022: Aston Martin V8

Newly listed on the London stock market with a valuation of around £4 billion (US$5.2 billion), Aston Martin plans on one major launch every year for the next five years. In 2022 Aston will depart its GT comfort zone and go squarely into battle against the Ferrari V8 models.

For all the excitement about electrification and hybrids, this car will feature a reassuringly familiar mid-mounted V8 gasoline engine. PICTURE: Autocar Artist impression

2022: Small Jeep

A new small Jeep model to sit below the Renegade has recently been confirmed by the company. The compact Jeep will launch by 2022 and will become the entry point into the Jeep range. PICTURE: Autocar Artist impression

2022: Lotus SUV

Even the famed British maker of lightweight sports cars can’t ignore the SUV trend. Luckily Lotus has a new owner, China's Geely, which can reasonably easily make it happen. We expect the car will be based on the SPA platform as used on the XC60 and XC90 models from sister company Volvo, and to have a hybrid option.

This could well be a profitable way to reacquaint American buyers with the Lotus brand. PICTURE: Autocar Artist impression