Paris Motor show highlights

The Paris Motor Show is renowned for its significant launches by automobile manufacturers from across the globe. We share highlights from the various launches that have taken place in the luxury automobile space.

Audi Q3

The Audi Q3, now in its second generation made its debut. Internationally, the 2019 Audi Q3 will be offered with four different engine options - three petrol engine and one diesel unit in combination with front-wheel or quattro all-wheel-drive (AWD).

Visually, the new Q3 comes with Audi's signature single-frame octagon grille with chrome elements. The car presents a more sporty and aggressive stance than its predecessor.

The new Audi Q3 comes with a host of features including an 8.8-inch touchscreen display that features Audi smartphone interface links customers' iOS and Android cell phones and places their Apple Car Play or Android Auto environment on the MMI display. It also features a digital cockpit and gets two-zone air conditioning, and a panoramic glass sunroof. The Q3 also comes with sport seats, which are trimmed optionally with a combination of leather/artificial leather and Alcantara.

Audi e-Tron SUV

Audi e-Tron SUV

A glimpse into the future is to be had with the Audi e-Tron. An impressive 400 km range, larger than its competition and mimic’s the Q8 interior. It also lacks a physical rear view mirror, replacing them with cameras or “virtual mirrors” as Audi calls it.

2019 BMW 3 Series

2019 BMW 3 Series

Now in its 7th generation, the all new BMW 3 Series is very significant given it is the brands best selling model. More chiseled lines seem prominent with its increased length and large kidney grille, all apparent as an evolution from its predecessor.

The centre console now integrates the 8.8-inch infotainment display that comes with a host of connectivity options and system settings, while the analog instrument console has given way for a 8.8-inch display

Engine options on the new generation 3 Series include the 2.0-litre twin turbocharged four-cylinder petrol with 255 bhp and 400 Nm of peak torque. There's also the more powerful 3.0-litre turbo in-line six cylinder petrol engine with 382 bhp and 500 Nm of peak torque and will be seen on the 340i xDrive, which will get All-Wheel Drive. Both engines will come paired with the 8-speed Sport Steptronic automatic transmission that has seen improvements for fastest gear shifts. Diesel and plug in hybrid options will also be available in the future.

BMW X5

The new X5 is a large step forward for the brand’s flagship four-wheeler. It’s grown slightly larger, it’s gotten more luxurious, and adds a host of new tech features.

Powertrain options include a 340 horsepower and 332 lb-ft of torque 3.0-liter turbocharged inline-six which is routed through an eight-speed automatic. There is also an xDrive50i trim level which offers 462 hp and 479 lb-ft of torque from a twin-turbo 4.4-liter V8, making it quite special.

2019 BMW Z4

2019 BMW Z4

BMW introduces its 2019 Z4 as a soft top roadster for the first time. Slightly longer in measurement, the car is said to be approximately 50 kg’s lighter as well. The Z4 range is made up of three models: the sDrive20i, sDrive30i and flagship M40i. The entry-level models both use a 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbocharged engine developing 196bhp and 256bhp respectively.

The M40i edition is powered by a 3.0-litre straight-six petrol engine, producing 340bhp - enough to take the new drop-top from 0-62mph in 4.6 seconds. It also features has electronically controlled dampers, upgraded M Sport brakes and an M Sport differential.

All models are rear-wheel drive as standard and use BMW’s eight-speed automatic gearbox. However, the sDrive20i can be optioned with a six-speed manual gearbox.

Ferrari Monza SP1 and SP2

Ferrari Monza SP1 and SP2

The new Ferrari Monza SP1 and SP2 have been unveiled on occasion of the company’s Capital Market’s Day at the factory in Maranello. These limited-edition special-series cars are the first in a new segment called ‘Icona’ and draw inspiration from the most evocative Ferraris of the 1950s and feature the most advanced sports car technology available today.

The Monza SP1 is a single seater and the SP2, a two seater enabling the passenger to experience similar thrills as the driver. Equipped with the most powerful engine Maranello has ever built, a 810 cv V12, they can sprint from 0-100 km/h in 2.9 seconds and 0-200 km/h in 7.9 seconds.

Additionally technical specifications were released for the Ferrari 488 Pista Spider.