All the design headlines from the 2021 IAA Mobility motor show, covering both production and concept cars
Held in Munich for the first time, the IAA Mobility show replaces the Frankfurt Motor Show as Germany’s premier motoring event. And after using various digital platforms to showcase their vehicles for the past two years, European carmakers are at the show in force showcasing production and concept cars.
Below is a list of all the models that come with new or distinctive design details. The Car Design News editorial team will keep this page updated as more models are unveiled.
Production cars
Dacia Jogger
The new Dacia Jogger was unveiled slightly ahead of IAA via a digital event, but more information has been revealed since the Jogger has been on stand. Available as either a five- or seven-seater, the design has been kept simple and functional, with little in the way of notable frills. However, the size and shape of the Jogger is distinctive – it sits somewhere between an MPV, an SUV and a estate. It certainly stands out in the consistent sea of SUV releases.
Kia Sportage
After Kia recently published sketches online, CDN delved into the details of the European version of the Sportage. Its inclusion at IAA Mobility allows press and the public to get up close and personal. It is an important moment for the Korean company, marking first time in the car’s 28-year history that a specific European version has been developed.
Renault Megane E-TECH Electric
The new all-electric Megane has several key differentiators when comparing it to the standard combustion engine variant. Its overall shape has been refined, with a lower roof, edgier body work, and some new air vents dotted about, all of which aim to improve aerodynamics and maximise range. The front end has a new lighting signature, with a thin strip of LEDs running down to meet the lower air vent area. On the inside, the focus is on connectivity and the large dual screen unit that was first seen in the TreZor, Symbioz, and Morphoz concept cars.
Concept cars
Audi Grandsphere and Skysphere concepts
Both unveiled before the IAA Mobility show, the Grandsphere and Skysphere concepts at the heart of the Audi stand. We have already covered both models in detail, but their presence at the Munich event is too significant to ignore. Very different in their size and shape, the two models provide a glimpse as to what will come in Audi’s future line-up.
BMW i Vision Circular
The new i Vision Circular concept from BMW is a study on mobility for the year 2040 that touches mainly on two topics: sustainability and luxury. For instance, aluminium and steel used in the construction will already have been used in other projects. The wedge shape includes a new kidney grille that has been redesigned as a digital surface that extends across the entire front end and merges with the headlights. The inside has no centre console in order to maximise leg room, and the IP includes a large V-shaped middle section that acts as a user interface.
Mercedes-Benz Concept EQG
Described by the German OEM as a “near-production study”, the Mercedes-Benz Concept EQG is simply the electrification of a G-wagon. Many of the traditional traits of the G-Class remain, like its off-roading capabilities and old school iconic shape, but there are a few notable differentiators. The normal grille has been replaced by a black glossy rectangle that stems the width of the front and includes the circular lamps as well as an animated light graphic area. There are no shots of the interior yet, so stay tuned!
Mercedes-Maybach Concept EQS
Mercedes says the Concept EQS on show at IAA is a preview of the first fully electric production model that will soon be released under the Maybach name. The SUV is characterised by its enormous grille area with vertical chrome elements as well as its narrow lighting design at both the front and rear. The inside is dominated by the MBUX Hyperscreen. The floating centre console and plush seats are lit by ambient lighting, while some gold accents act as a break in the white surfaces. Oh and yes, don’t forget the vase and flower, as well as the large storage that Mercedes says can be used to store ”folding tables, a box of champagne goblets or a refrigerated compartment.”
smart Concept #1
Smart says its curvy Concept #1 is near production. A big statement, as when it is made, it will be the first SUV from a marque that is synonymous with its iconic dinky city cars. But smart says the SUV will have “very compact exterior dimensions,” allowing it to keep flying the urban vehicle flag. It will also be more luxurious on the inside, with metallic surfaces and ambient lighting bringing character and colour.
Volkswagen ID. LIFE
A small fully electric car specifically for urban mobility, the VW ID. LIFE concept will become a production car in 2025, according to the German OEM. It has been designed with the idea of keeping costs down, as VW hopes to make EVs “accessible to even more people.” Its boxy exterior seems to take inspiration from the Honda e, but the minimalist cabin does not include any giant screens – perhaps alluding to the digital detox trend that has played a key role in other recent concepts like the Tata Sierra.
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