As Toyota takes its first big step into the electric arena, Volkswagen is well underway with the third of an ever-expanding range of ID models. Mercedes, on the other hand, has chosen to stick with tried and tested technology for its new SL model. These future cars to watch will be on the road from early 2022.
Mercedes-AMG SL
Old school cool frequently bumps up against the harsh realities of modern motoring, but the new Mercedes-AMG SL is brooking no compromise with the changes that are swiftly transforming the motor industry. The SL (‘Sport-Leicht’, light sports) model has been one of the company’s halo models for well over half a century, representing the archetypal open-topped sports car that’s more attuned to gentle grand touring than out-and-out performance. All that changes for 2022, as responsibility for the new SL is handed over to the Mercedes-AMG performance division.
Luxury convertibles are getting thinner on the ground, so the all-new SL (the seventh generation) is an attempt to offer just about everything in one package, including performance, luxury, and practicality. The combination of 2+2 layout and canvas hood gives the new SL more than a passing physical resemblance to the evergreen Porsche 911 Convertible, although the mechanical packaging is very different. At launch, the SL only comes with a thumping great V8 under its long bonnet – a hybrid is in the works.
Volkswagen ID.5
VW is ramping up its range of pure EVs. After the ID.3 and ID.4 comes, unsurprisingly, the ID.5. Closely related to the ID.4, the company’s newest EV is intended to be slightly sleeker and more sporting, adopting the now familiar ‘fastback SUV’ body style.
The maximum range is pitched at a commendable 323 miles, which should be more than enough to sate any lingering anxiety. There’s also a GTX performance variant in the works, which adds an extra motor for speedier take-offs.
Toyota Bz4x
For a company that did the lion’s share of making hybrids a mainstream technology, Toyota has mysteriously lagged behind in the development of pure electric vehicles. That’s partly due to the company’s ongoing focus on hydrogen-fuelled cars, where it hopes to be a pioneer, just like it was with the Prius. For the time being, battery electric cars look set to dominate the next decade or so, so Toyota is playing catch up.
The Toyota Bz4x is the first model in the company’s new ‘beyond Zero’ sub-brand. With an emphasis on practicality and function, the Bz4x is a mid-size SUV for five, with exterior design that blends chunky plastic elements with the company’s signature fluidity. Inside, it’s rather more sophisticated, with a large flatscreen paired with a compact but conventionally placed instrument panel. Hopefully, Toyota’s famous reliability will be baked in, making this one of the most sensible and enduring EVs to date.
-
The bespoke Jaguar E-Type GTO melds elements from every era of the classic sports carECD Automotive Design’s one-off commission caters to a client who wanted to combine the greatest hits of Jaguar’s E-Type along with modern conveniences and more power
-
Casa Sanlorenzo debuts in Venice as a new hub for contemporary artThe luxury yachting leader unveils a stunning new space in a palazzo restored by Piero Lissoni – where art, innovation, and sustainability come together
-
Once vacant, London's grand department stores are getting a new lease on lifeThanks to imaginative redevelopment, these historic landmarks are being rebonr as residences, offices, gyms and restaurants. Here's what's behind the trend
-
Slate is an ultra-simple EV truck intended as an affordable and customisable workhorseSlate designer Tisha Johnson discusses her role at the US electric truck start-up, a company that wants its customers to have complete freedom of expression
-
We drive the World and UK Car of the Year, the all-electric Kia EV3The new Kia EV3 is an EV for the masses that doesn’t skimp on design detail, features and overall functional elegance
-
The Peugeot E-5008 is an adept but ostentatious take on the all-electric SUVPeugeot has swapped its seductive design language for something shoutier and less discrete as it attempts to conquer the electric SUV segment with the new E-5008
-
The Micra (finally) goes electric as Nissan ramps up its range of EVsThe compact Nissan Micra was once a global bestseller. After getting an early head start on electric mobility, the Japanese giant is looking to a new version of its small car to recharge its status
-
Mika Cars wants to build the Mino, a sporty, ultra-compact electric two-seater for the open roadAn evolution of Mika’s Meon electric beach buggy, the little Mino is an ultra-light EV with big-car aspirations
-
Our pick of the reveals at the 2025 New York Auto Show, from concept SUVs to new EVsInterest in overseas brands remained strong at this year’s NY Auto Show despite the threat of tariffs designed to boost American-owned brands
-
Mercedes-Benz previews its next-gen people mover with an ultra-luxury EV conceptThe Mercedes-Benz Vision V Concept is an art deco picture palace on wheels, designed to immerse passengers in parallel worlds as they travel
-
2025 Seoul Mobility Show report: all that's new and notableOpened at a time of high national drama, the 2025 Seoul Mobility Show has gone on to underscore Korea’s place at the cutting edge of the auto industry. Guy Bird was there
