Cars This Year: What To Expect

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There’s plenty of discussion about how the new car market has been won over by SUVs. While there are lots of new SUVs entering the market, there are plenty of new cars and minivans too. We’ve rounded up the all-new models set to arrive in showrooms over the next year and beyond.

2021 Audi e-tron GT

The battery-electric e-tron GT is a stylish coupe-like sedan that shares its architecture with the Porsche Taycan sports car. An electric motor is placed on each axle of the e-tron GT concept car, delivering a total of 582 horsepower and 612 pound-feet of torque. According to Audi, the all-wheel-drive sports sedan can go from 0 to 60 mph in 3.5 seconds. Using the European testing cycle, the concept’s range is measured at 248.5+ miles. Its range will possibly be much less using the EPA’s method. Audi has used recycled materials to equip the opulent, tech-laden cabin of the e-tron GT concept. Its carpet is made of Econyl thread, which comes from recycled fishing nets.

2021 BMW i4

A new BMW is on the way and rumor has it that it might be the fastest BMW sedan on the market. The i4 shares the same platform as the redesigned 2021 BMW 4 Series, but uses electricity for propulsion. It will feature a “Gran Coupe” body style, which means that it won’t be a coupe but a sleek, low-roofed four-door sedan. According to BMW, the new i4’s electric drivetrain will produce around 530 horsepower. That is more than the twin-turbocharged V8 used in some models. BMW is predicting a four-second sprint from 0 to 62 mph. Designed to compete with the Tesla Model 3, it’s still unknown whether it will arrive this year or next.

2021 Kia K5

Kia is replacing the Optima sedan with the 2021 Kia K5 this year. It is lower, larger, and longer than the Optima and rides on an all-new platform. The K5 is one of few midsize sedans to offer an all-wheel drive. K5’s upscale cabin features either an 8- or 10.25-inch Kia UVO touch-screen infotainment system. Cars fitted with the smaller screen support wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. Even for the bigger screen, you’ll still need to connect cables. The car’s Bluetooth interface allows two phones to connect simultaneously. Automatic emergency braking, driver attention monitoring, and lane-centering assistance will be standard on all K5 models. There are a host of other technologies available including safety and driver-assistance.

2021 Lucid Air

Never heard of Lucid Motors?! That may change if you’re looking for an electric car. With the 2021 Lucid Air premium sedan, the firm just smashed the 500-mile threshold for range on a single charge. Using the EPA testing cycle, its range estimate is 517 miles. The car features an exquisitely sculpted four-door sedan with a sweeping glass roofline. Its sleek interior is fitted with few buttons, multiple screens, and top-notch materials. A proof of Lucid’s remarkable performance is that the car can go from 0 to 60 mph in 2.5 seconds and a 200-mph top speed. The best part: three years of quick charging from the Electrify America charging network will be included with all new Lucid Airs.

2021 Tesla Roadster

According to Tesla, the new all-wheel-drive Roadster will sprint from 0 to 60 mph in less than two seconds. Its maximum speed is estimated to reach 250 mph. On a single charge, it is predicted to have a range of 620 miles. First introduced in 2017, the electric supercar’s launch has been postponed until Tesla releases more commercial products and expands its production facilities. You can reserve the base $200,000 Roadster, by paying $50,000. If you don’t mind spending a little extra, you can book the Founder’s Series model.

Also, watch out for:

2021 Electra Meccanica Solo: A unique single-seat three-wheeled electric vehicle.

Nissan Ariya: An electric compact crossover, set to debut in late 2021.

2021 Polestar 2: A battery-electric luxury four-door fastback.