The 2019 LA Auto Show saw a host of new car reveals, from electric cars like the Mustang Mach-E to high-power crossovers like the Audi RS Q8. Around the show we also saw the highly anticipated Tesla Cybertruck reveal, and so much in between. We published several videos to our TFLnow YouTube channel covering the show, so check out our coverage over there as well!
More than 60 new car debuts, including no less than 25 global debuts, were confirmed for the 2019 LA Auto Show. That’s helped in no small part by the Detroit Auto Show’s move to June 2020, meaning LA will be the last major auto show until the Chicago Auto Show in February 2020. Beyond that, we’ll move on to New York, then Detroit in the summer.
Below is a list of new vehicle reveals so you can click and jump to articles and videos covering whichever cars you want to see.
The year of EVs
This year’s notable EV unveils include:
- Audi e-tron Sportback
- Audi A8 (Plug-in Hybrid)
- Bollinger B1 and B2
- Ford Mustang Mach-E
- Hyundai Ioniq EV
- Lincoln Corsair Grand Touring (Plug-in Hybrid)
- Mercedes-Benz EQC
- Mini Cooper SE
- Porsche Taycan 4S
- Toyota Mirai
- Toyota RAV4 Prime (Plug-in Hybrid)
- Volkswagen ID. Space Vizzion (Concept)
New electric models dominated the 2019 LA Auto Show, from the production Mustang Mach-E set to hit U.S. dealers late next year to the Volkswagen ID. Space Vizzion Concept. Ford’s first foray into the electric car world resulted in a contentious decision — to use the Mustang name on an EV crossover. The GT version will arrive in early 2021 with over 600 lb-ft of torque, and a Shelby version is reportedly in development.
The Volkswagen ID. Space Vizzion Concept took the company’s MEB platform to a cool-looking wagon that may go into production in the next couple years. Lincoln adds a new plug-in hybrid model with the Corsair Grand Touring, and Hyundai added a larger battery and more range to the Ioniq EV.
From Germany, both the Mercedes-Benz EQC and Mini Cooper SE came to the LA Auto Show, as did the entry-level Porsche Taycan 4S. Toyota’s hydrogen-powered Mirai saw a much-needed makeover, while the Toyota RAV4 Prime plug-in hybrid is the quickest RAV4 yet, with 302 horsepower. Yes, over 300 horsepower in a Toyota RAV4.
Blizzard of horsepower
It wasn’t all about EVs though. Some serious power machines also grabbed some headlines this year, including:
- Audi RS Q8
- Audi RS5 Panther Edition
- Audi RS6 Avant
- Audi S8
- BMW M2 CS
- BMW M8 Gran Coupe
- Dodge Challenger 50th Edition
- Mercedes-AMG GLE 63 and 63 S
- Mercedes-AMG GLS 63
- Mini John Cooper Works GP
The 2020 Audi RS Q8 stormed the 2019 LA Auto Show earlier this week, as Audi’s most powerful and quickest SUV to date. It laid down a 7:42 lap time on the Nurburgring and packs a substantial 591 horsepower from its 4.0-liter twin-turbocharged V8. But that wasn’t Audi’s only offering at this year’s show. In addition to its electrified e-tron Sportback and A8 plug-in hybrid, it also brought the revised U.S.-bound RS6 Avant wagon and S8 flagship sedan.
For it’s part, BMW also joined in on the horsepower game with the 444 horsepower M2 CS and 617 horsepower M8 Gran Coupe Competition. Mercedes also brought along horsepower monsters, with the 603 horsepower GLS 63 S and GLE 63 S crossovers. Yes, we now live in a world where a massive three-row SUV can hit 60 mph in 4.1 seconds (the GLE will do it in 3.7). Both feature an 48-volt mild-hybrid system that offers up 21 extra horsepower and 184 lb-ft of torque in certain situations.
Dodge included the Challenger 50th Edition to celebrate the model’s half century in existence, having originally gone into production in 1969. Mini introduced the John Cooper Works GP — a $45,000 Mini capable of a 165 mph top speed.
Crossovers galore, and other notable reveals
Important redesigns and everyday car reveals also hit the 2019 LA Auto Show. those include cars like:
- Alfa Romeo Stelvio/Giulia (Facelift)
- BMW 2 Series Gran Coupe
- Buick Encore GX
- Chevrolet Trailblazer
- Fiat 500X Sport
- Genesis G90
- Kia Seltos
- Land Rover Defender
- Lexus LC500 Convertible
- Mazda CX-30
- Toyota Avalon AWD
- Toyota Camry AWD
- Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport
Several mainstream models also saw significant facelifts and redesigns, including the 2020 Alfa Romeo Stelvio and Giulia. New versions of both cars are coming in the next couple years, but this facelift does add thoughtful tech updates and interior changes. The Fiat 500X also sees a new Sport model, adding some aesthetic flair to complement the new 1.3-liter turbocharged engine.
Speaking of small engines, the Buick Encore GX and Chevy Trailblazer are also on display at the 2019 LA Auto Show. Both share the same platform, with either 1.2-liter or 1.3-liter three-cylinder engines and available all-wheel drive. Another small crossover, the Kia Seltos, also arrived in the U.S., as a gap-filler between the entry-level Soul and compact Sportage.
After debuting in Frankfurt, the 2020 Land Rover Defender made its U.S. debut at the 2019 LA Auto Show before it goes on sale in early 2020. The redesigned Genesis G90 also finally arrived in the U.S. All-wheel drive versions of the Toyota Avalon and Camry will go on sale in 2020.
Tesla Cybertruck
It was an independent reveal to the 2019 LA Auto Show, but this Tesla Cybertruck is easily one of the most talked about vehicles of the week. CEO Elon Musk unveiled the vehicle Thursday, and claimed it would have up to 500 miles of range, a 3,500 pound payload capacity, and 14,000 pound towing capacity when it goes into production in late 2021 and 2022.
We have more extensive coverage of Tesla’s long-awaited pickup on TFLtruck.com.
Check out our live show below for some of the best cars of the 2019 LA Auto Show.
