The corona pandemic and chip crisis are likely to keep the automotive world in suspense in the coming year keep. Numerous interesting new models could at least create a good atmosphere.
Many SUV and even more Electric cars: The automotive year 2022 is also characterized by the well-known megatrends. A few "normal" cars are also back. An overview of the most important brands.
Aiways
Two years after the start in Germany with the electric SUV U5, the Chinese manufacturer is bringing the coupé sister model U6 onto the road. It is powered by a 140 kW/190 hp electric motor with a 63 kWh battery, which 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 special features of the brand: instead of in the classic car dealership, the vehicles are sold via electronics retailers of the Euronics Group, the service is provided by the workshop chain ATU
Alfa Romeo
With the Tonale, the Stellantis subsidiary has added a compact brother to its power SUV Stelvio. This should also score points with Italian design and a decidedly sporty character. For this purpose, the technical basis taken over from the Jeep Compass is ironed towards dynamics. A plug-in hybrid drive, among other things, should ensure that this does not turn into excessive consumption. The market launch has already been postponed several times, but it should be ready in early summer.
Audi
With the Q6 E-Tron, the Ingolstadt-based company will be rolling out its third electric SUV series towards the end of the year. The mid-size 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 do without an electric drive. From the fall, the off-road-style offshoot of the compact five-door will largely be based on what is already known from the Golf range.
BMW
More dynamic, stronger and digitally well equipped, the second generation of the BMW 2 Series Active Tourer will be available at the beginning of the year. Visually, the compact van is developing more in the direction of a crossover and will initially be available as a petrol and diesel engine at the beginning of 2022, with a plug-in hybrid being added later in the summer. Prices start at 37.200 euros. One of the close technical relatives of the van is the compact SUV X1, the new generation of which is expected in autumn. At the other end of the SUV range, a luxury SUV with M genes and plug-in hybrid drive will also be launched at the end of the year, which was already announced in the current year in the form of the XM study.
But there will also be something new in the classic passenger car sector when the flagship of the 7 Series enters the next generation towards the end of the year. For the first time there will also be an electric variant called i7.
Citroen
After a five-year break, Citroen is returning to the middle class 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 more attached to its predecessor in terms of core and proportions. The new flagship of the brand wants to distinguish itself with the "Advanced Comfort" chassis with hydraulic shock absorber stops, which is supposed to ensure comfortable handling. Instead of diesel, there are plug-in hybrids with up to 165 kW/225 hp.
Cupra
For many, it is the nicer ID.3: At the start of the year, the Seat offshoot Cupra is also allowed to put its first e-mobile from the group’s modular system on the road. The Born is technically largely identical to the North German, but is drawn more dynamically and tuned more crisply. Up to 170 kW/231 hp and a range of 540 kilometers are possible.
Dacia
The Romanians are replacing their rather prosaic family van Lodgy with the Jogger, which has been upgraded with crossover elements. The new one also offers space for up to seven occupants for little money (from 14.000 euros), but packs this much more pleasantly than last. In addition to petrol and LPG engines, there will be a full hybrid for the drive for the first time, but probably not until 2023.
Fiat
The new group affiliation makes it possible: Fiat will bring back the Ulysse family car at the end of 2021; However, not as a classic van, but as a minibus. It 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 is all about commercial vehicle cooperation with VW. In the middle of the year, the Cologne-based company initially took over the high-roof station wagon Caddy from the Wolfsburg-based company and offered it with a slightly modified look as the Tourneo Connect. A short time later, things go the other way around: Ford then launches the new generation of the Ranger pick-up, which VW in turn is allowed to use as the basis for the new Amarok. Visually, the platform truck is more closely based on the US model F-150 than before, and there is also a new V6 diesel for discerning non-commercial customers.
genesis
After the Korean premium brand, founded in 2015, recently expanded its conventional model range, the launch of the first purely electric model is scheduled for early 2022. The middle-class crossover GV60 uses the technology of the group brothers Hyundai Ioniq 5 and Kia EV6, garnished with new high-tech features and a decidedly dynamic design. Towards the end of the year, the SUV will be joined by the G80 Electrified electric sedan and a large electric SUV.
Honda
The Japanese rely fully on the hybrid in Europe. After the CR-V and Jazz, the small crossover HR-V is now coming to Germany exclusively with the double drive that cannot be charged from the outside. It does its job behind an angular front that characterizes the front of the mini-SUV, while the rear is fashionably slanted and provides visual dynamics. 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 SUV Grand Cherokee to Germany at the beginning of the year. The four-wheel drive vehicle, which is only offered 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.
Kia
After six years of construction, the Koreans are renewing their best-selling SUV. In the new generation, the Sportage appears in a new futuristic style on the outside and is extensively digitized on the inside. Unusual extra in this class: parking by remote control from the outside. In addition to diesel and petrol engines, there is also a plug-in hybrid with an eligible range of 60 kilometers. Overall, the output ranges from 85 kW/116 hp to 195 kW/265 hp.
Land Rover
With a streamlined and refined design, electrified drives and retained off-road capability, the luxury off-roader Range Rover enters its fifth generation in early 2022. Compared to its predecessor, which has been in production since 2013, the new edition has grown by almost a hand's breadth to 5,05 meters, and the long version that is being offered again is 5,25 meters. For the drive there are initially six and eight-cylinder diesel and petrol engines with mild hybrid technology and up to 390 kW/530 hp and two plug-in hybrids on a six-cylinder basis with a standard electric range of 100 kilometers. A fully electric model has also been announced for 2024.
Lexus
With the middle-class SUV NX, Lexus wants to finally drive out of the exotic niche in Europe. The first generation, presented in 2017, immediately became 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 above the CX-5 in Europe. The five-seater CX-2022 is initially expected for mid-60, followed by a seven-seater variant called the CX-80 at the turn of the year. Both will be based on the brand's new rear-wheel drive platform, powered by plug-in hybrids or a mildly hybridized in-line six-cylinder, which will be available as a diesel and petrol engine. In addition, Mazda will be offering the MX-30 with a range extender in the coming year.
Maserati
With the Levante SUV, Maserati has boosted its previously sluggish sales figures since 2016. The Stellantis brand is hoping for the same from the one size smaller Grecale, which should have started much earlier than in spring 2022. Maserati has already banned the diesel from its model range. It is replaced by a two-liter mild hybrid petrol engine in the Grecale. Maserati will then serve performance-hungry people with a V6 in different configurations, while eco-conscious people can look forward to an electric Grecale – but probably not yet in 2022.
The GranTurismo will be relaunched in the spring after a break of around three years. The sports car, available as a coupe and GranCabrio, is said to be the brand's first all-electric model, but it will also be available with a petrol engine. The full year of new products from the Italians is rounded off by the convertible version of the MC20 super sports car.
Mercedes
Mercedes has put together what is probably the biggest novelty package of the year. The new edition of the brand icon SL, which was developed for the first time under the direction of in-house tuner AMG and should appear correspondingly dynamic, made the start of the premiere series at the beginning of the year. The roadster with a fabric roof initially has an output of 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 was finally expected for late summer after a long delay, which has 775 kW/1.054 hp and will cost almost three million euros. The premiere of a near-series study took place at the IAA 2017.
Replenishment is also available for the brand's e-models. The EQE business sedan shown at the IAA in Munich will be launched in early summer. The little brother of the EQS has a similarly streamlined body with a short bonnet and large, arched passenger compartment, offers a range of around 660 kilometers and at least around 300 hp. A few months later, the EQT will be followed by an electric high-roof station wagon and the EQS SUV, a kind of Stromer cousin of the GLS. Mercedes is initially staying two sizes smaller conventionally and is launching the new mid-range SUV GLC, which uses the recently renewed C-Class for drives and infotainment. The start is expected for early autumn.
MG
The Chinese-owned traditional British brand is already represented in Germany with two electric SUVs. At the beginning of 2022, the MG5, an electrically powered compact station wagon, will follow. 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 or 400 kilometers. The electric motor drives the Stromer with 115 kW/156 hp 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 the future will mainly sell their cars under their own label. However, they don't want to drop their own brand classics completely, so that the middle-class SUV Outlander will probably 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 will increase to a generous 90 kilometers.
Nissan
Electric cars and SUVs - or both - are the focus at Nissan. At the beginning of the year, the Japanese launched the Townstar high-roof station wagon, a slightly repurposed version of the Renault Kangoo. Like this, there will also be an electric version of the offshoot (from summer), a diesel is no longer available.
More important for the own Stromer profile is the mid-range SUV Ariya, with which Nissan wants to take the second major electrification step after the Leaf: the new flagship should radiate a decidedly modern design and technology to the entire brand from the summer. The new X-Trail, which is in a similar market segment but is conventionally powered and wants to be a more spacious alternative to the bestseller Qashqai, looks comparatively unspectacular in comparison. It could start in the fall.
Nio
The Chinese electric car manufacturer will start its engagement in Germany at the end of 2022 with a range hit. The business sedan ET7 should be able to drive up to 1.000 kilometers per battery charge. The top variant with two engines also offers extremely high drive power with 480 kW/653 hp. So far, the models from the independent manufacturer are only officially available in Europe in Norway. However, it is not the ET7 that is delivered there, but the SUV ES8.
Opel
The Astra has now been part of the Opel brand core for five vehicle generations. The new edition, starting at the beginning of the year, has Stellantis genes under the sheet metal for the first time, sharing the technology with the Peugeot 308 and DS 4, among others. boost. In addition to diesel and petrol engines, there are three plug-in hybrids with up to 220 kW/300 hp and, for the first time, a purely electric variant from 2023. When it comes to the body, customers have the choice between a classic five-door hatchback and a station wagon.
In addition to the Astra, which is doomed to success, the Rüsselsheim-based company has two more niche models in its range. At the beginning of the year, the electric Micromobil Opel Rocks-e was launched for 8.000 euros as a cube-shaped two-seater for the city - limited to 45 km/h, but also suitable for 15-year-olds. The Vivaro Hydrogen is also on the road electrically, which has a fuel cell on board in addition to a small battery. A range of around 400 kilometers should be possible. The target group of the emission-free van are primarily fleet customers.
now
With its unusual retro styling, the Great Wall subsidiary is primarily aimed at young car buyers in China. In Germany, the brand will start in the spring with the 4,24 meter short five-door Cat 01, which should offer ranges of up to 30.000 kilometers from around 400 euros.
Peugeot
In January, the French send the new generation of the 308 to the dealers. The dimensions of the sedan and station wagon are growing significantly and they are now in the middle class format. When it comes to the drive, customers can choose between two petrol engines and one diesel with up to 96 kW/130 hp and, for the first time, between two plug-in hybrids with up to 165 kW/225 hp and an electric range of up to 60 kilometers. A purely battery-powered model has not yet been announced. The design is much more muscular and dynamic compared to its predecessor, the cockpit is very modern and digital, with Peugeot remaining true to the typical layout with a small steering wheel and raised instruments. Prices start at 23.200 euros.
Porsche
The Stuttgart-based company will forego completely new models in the coming year. After all, you are sending numerous highly refined derivatives of well-known models into the race, including the 718 Cayman GT4 RS in early summer and the 911 GT3 RS in autumn.
Renault
With the Mégane E-Tech, the French are targeting the VW ID.3 in the spring. The compact, in a gentle crossover style, stands on a completely new electric platform and is said to travel up to 470 kilometers per battery charge. As is now common in this segment, there are different battery sizes and motor power levels to choose from. Renault also offers several gradations from slow to fast when it comes to charging technology. 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 this summer based on the Nissan Qashqai. Last but not least, the name of the compact crossover is unclear.
Skoda
A good year after the e-crossover Enyaq, the Czech VW subsidiary is sending its coupé offshoot onto the road. In addition to an exclusive top version with 195 kW/265 hp, the most important difference is probably a generally higher price and the sleeker design, which is not only supposed to offer aesthetic advantages, but also comes off better in terms of wind resistance. The most efficient version drives 535 kilometers.
Smart
The Daimler subsidiary is growing out of the small car segment and dares to make a new start as a brand with a city crossover. The e-mobile was developed together with the Chinese Geely Group and is also being built in China. The name, design and technical details are still secret a good year before market launch.
Ssangyong
The South Koreans are bringing their first electric car early in the year, a battery-powered variant of the Korando that has 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 variant of the compact SUV.
Subaru
Electric 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 travel 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 dual-motor all-wheel drive.
Suzuki
Crisp name, more self-confident design and significantly more technology: Suzuki will be relaunching its compact SUV S-Cross in early 2022. The previous name suffix "SX4" is no longer used, but for the first time a full hybrid drive is part of the engine range. The design is developing more in the direction of robustness with hardly any changes in dimensions, 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 is expected to keep in full from spring.
The Aygo X, which will be launched a little later, aims less at driving dynamics: The micro-crossover replaces the similarly named microcar, offers robust style, a slightly raised seating position and lots of optional equipment. It is powered by a 53 kW/72 hp 1,0-liter three-cylinder, prices start at 15.400 euros.
The bZ4X, two SUV classes larger, will follow in the summer, the brand's first electric car. The generous battery guarantee of ten years, after which 90 percent of the capacity should still be available, is unusual. Eight years and 70 to 80 percent are customary in the industry. Prices for the up to 160 kW/218 hp and optionally available with all-wheel drive compact crossover are not yet known.
The Japanese are also following up with conventional SUVs: Toyota will also offer its Corolla Cross SUV model, which has been in production since 2020 and has so far been sold in Asia and South America, in Europe from autumn next year. Like the compact model Corolla, the 4,46 meter long five-door car is based on the TNGA-C compact platform. At the market launch in Europe, it will feature fifth-generation full hybrid technology.
Polestar
The electric Volvo offshoot continues to count: After Polestar 1 and 2, the Polestar 2022 will debut in 3, a sporty SUV in Porsche Macan format. In terms of drive and batteries, the newcomer built in China should differ more from Volvo than before.
Volvo
The Swedes are planning further conversion to a purely electric brand. The next battery-powered vehicle will be the large SUV XC2022 towards the end of 90, which should point to 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 its already well-stocked SUV range: from the beginning of the year, the Taigo, imported from South America, with its coupé rear is to attract customers for whom the slightly smaller T-Cross is too conventionally designed. A one-litre three-cylinder TSI in the expansion stages with 70 kW/95 PS and 81 kW/110 PS and the 1,5-litre 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. Prices start at just under 20.000 euros.
At the other end of the product range, the new edition of the Amarok pick-up will be launched at the end of the year. Unlike before, VW does not develop its own and buys the technology from commercial vehicle cooperation partner Ford. Their Ranger will also start at the end of 2022.
When it comes to e-mobility, the North Germans are coming up with two new models: The ID.5 is a slightly refined coupé offshoot of the compact SUV ID.4, which will offer a crisper design and faster charging technology from the summer for just under 47.000 euros. However, the second Stromer premiere could steal the show from the crossover, because the debut of the ID.Buzz is scheduled for autumn. The electric bus, which is only 4,60 meters long, is to be in the tradition of the Bulli both visually and in terms of likability, 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.