The year is off to a speedy start!
If your in the market for a new car this year, you should be excited! Our core brands have already released new models with improved body styles, technology and better engines that have never been seen before.
As electric vehicles become even more readily available, our core brands are all entering 2019 with a bang. Check out what a few of our core brands are doing and what we can expect to see in 2019.
Audi
Entering 2019 all Audi models have had a facelift with all new pricing. A new Q4, a special edition Audi TT and Audi release their first electric vehicle (EV).
The e-tron makes its debut as Audi’s first electric vehicle. The entry-level A3 lookalike electric vehicle is set to be 1 of 12 fully electric Audi’s, all launched by 2025. In the creation, Audi focused on what was important to consumers – with a maximum range of 270 miles, Audi has created a futuristic car that people will still recognise, understand, and most importantly want to drive.
We also look forward to the release of a brand-new Audi model – a Q4 set to be released in the latter part of 2019. The Q4 SUV Coupe will have a sportier grille and the company’s latest 9.2-inch infotainment system. The 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster is also expected to feature, as is a host of safety technology including active lane assist, adaptive cruise control and blind spot monitoring.
As it has been 20 years since Audi TT’s first release, a special edition Audi TT is to be released, only 150 of which are coming to the UK. With Moccasin brown Nappa Leather interior, available in both a coupe and roadster, with standard 19-inch alloy wheels, an updated front bumper, new exhaust tips and Matrix LED headlights.
Volkswagen
All models have had a facelift. For the die-hard Volkswagen fans new models of the Touareg, Polo, T-Roc, Tiguan, Arteon, Tiguan, you will be spoilt for choice for 2019. There is also a new model, the T-Cross set to enter the market also.
With over 40,000 sold in the first half of 2018 alone, there’s no wonder Volkswagen's Herbert Diess, the chairman of the VW Group said the priority has been set for the Golf as in the next generation it will be our main core product, and that’s where the focus goes. Public attention, press and our communications have been a lot on the electric cars because we believe in it. But I’m convinced it [the Golf] will remain our core product in the next generation.”
In being said the latest release – the Mk8 – is the most impressive yet, with a total digital interior, permanently connected to the internet, live information, strongest radio signal and updates of fuel prices from local stations. The first production will be in June. The launch of the Mk8 has been marked in terms of importance on par with the introduction of the company’s range of I.D electric cars.”
The coming years are going to be super exciting as VW announces there Electric charging stations taking only 17 minutes to recharge.
Mercedes
Mercedes Benz is not falling behind in the slightest against there opposing car giants. As we expect the first release from the long-awaited electric range - EQ – later this year. There is to be 10- all-electric models by 2022.
The first big reveal for 2019 from Mercedes is the CLA – a more stylish four-door for the A-Class segment. A new shape, longer slightly wider, giving passengers a bit more leg room. The ‘baby CLS’ will have voice-controlled assistant and favourites settings being able to be stored for both the driver and passengers. The sportiest of driving characteristics is set to be released from June onwards in both Sport and AMG Line.
The all-new GLE set for deliveries in Spring 2018 will have four engine options, with 20 inch AMG alloy wheels as standard, a pair of 12.3-inch display screens borrowed from the latest A-Class (one for the gauge cluster and one for the infotainment system), air suspension, active parking assist, automatic four-zone climate control and electrically adjustable and heated front seats. There will be an option for 7 seats. The GLE has also been added to the hybrid line up to come by 2020.
The Mercedes Benz B-Class has also been remodelled which will strengthen one of the weaker models, it is no longer a full on people carrier, still as practical but a little more stylish model with a taller roofline and steeper rear hatchback.
BMW
A 7 Series with a grille of ‘epic proportions,’ the Z4 coming back and a one-off M850i Night Sky Special Edition being released. BMW started 2019 with a bang.
If you are into the extraterrestrial you are going to need this car – the BMW 850i is filled with real meteoritic rock, in the centre console and lights embedded into the centre armrest to emulate starts. Callipers aside, the Night Sky is mechanically identical to the regular M850i. That means power comes from a twin-turbocharged 4.4-litre V8 with 523bhp and 750Nm of torque. The price is yet to be confirmed for the M850i xDrive Night Sky, but given the unique design, expect it to be astronomical.
With the Z4 coming back, faster than an M2, longer, wider and taller, only available in the convertible, soft top only creates an extra 100 litres of boot space, a lower centre of gravity and a better NVH. Three trims will be offered in the UK: Sport, M Sport and M Performance, although M Performance will be available on the M40i only.
Mini
The classic mini is remaining strong in the marketplace. Drip feeding information on the new electric mini, a decade ago at the LA Auto Show in 2008 an electric Mini was unveiled. But finally it has been confirmed the fully-electric version is set to be released on Mini’s 60th anniversary! We suspect the design will be based on the 3 door mini, with no major design changes, and hopefully the added additions like the Union Jack lights.
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Land Rover
Land Rover continues to go above and beyond, releasing and testing the market place. The release of the Range Rover Evoque towards the end of the last year, Land Rover introduce the new Discovery Sport and now confirmed a new Land Rover Defender will be revealed later this year.
The British brand’s top seller – the Discovery Sport - has sold over 300,000 since the model was released in 2015. A new model is set to be released towards the end of 2019. The Discovery Sport won’t change much in profile or design. We expect only minor changes such as new headlights, taillights and a new front grille inspired by the newer, larger Discovery.
Deliveries for the Range Rover Evoque are expected in the Spring, the popular small SUV has a cleaner look, mild hybrid technology and sophistication with more leg room for a comfier ride. All but the most basic of Evoques will be four-wheel drive.
That's enough from us for now, our core brands are continually testing the market place and introducing new models/concepts so we will be sure to keep you posted.
If you are interested in any of these brands and are looking at leasing a new vehicle this year - get in touch with us and we can help you.
