Last updated on April 8th, 2020 at 08:02 pm
This year's LA Auto Show was filled with all-electric vehicles. Everyone, from large automotive manufacturers to specialist high-performance brands, has been looking to schmooze the Californian crowd. There was one common theme across the entire show floor: every manufacturer wanted to highlight their commitment to the future of e-mobility. As a result, we saw a multitude of electric vehicles on display – many more than in previous years.
WhichEV had the pleasure of sending a contributor along to the show – here are her photos, and WhichEV's Editors' picks of the Los Angeles Auto Show 2019.
Best of LA Auto Show: Audi e-tron Sportback
Audi revealed the e-tron Sportback at the LA Auto Show this year. The crossover SUV took after its sibling, the regular e-tron SUV. The Sportback will be available in two variants: the 50 quattro will have 308hp, a range of up to 216 miles and will house a 71kWh battery pack. While the 55 quattro will have a larger 95kWh battery pack, where its dual-motor design will dispatch 402hp, and have a driving range of 278 miles. To demonstrate how easy it is to charge, the German manufacturer also had a charging stand where consumers were free to plug-in the vehicle. The Audi e-tron Sportback will be available from 2020 for around £65,000.
Best of LA Auto Show: BMW i3s
The BMW i3-line is the manufacturer's only pure EV in production. The vehicle is popular among city-goers, as its short wheelbase and luxurious interior make it idyllic to run errands. Despite already being out in the wild, BMW didn't hold back in exhibiting its latest EV, the i3s. The small sportier variant boasts 182hp, has a 0-62mph time of 6.9s and has a driving range of 153 miles. This EV isn't cheap, however, as prices start from £33,500.
Best of LA Auto Show: BMW Vision M Next
The BMW Vision M Next made its US debut at the show this year. The futuristic-looking sportscar personifies the company's direction – it's looking at electrifying more of its range; and the M Next seems to be the long-awaited successor to the hybrid BMW i8 (and i8 Roadster). The M Next will share a lot of internal similarities to its predecessor: it'll run on a hybrid powertrain that'll dispatch 592hp, achieve 0-62mph in under 3s and have a top speed of a whopping 186mph. Unsurprisingly, the vehicle will have a very limited EV range of 62 miles, so while it might appeal to a gas-guzzling crowd, EV enthusiasts might want to look elsewhere. UK pricing and availability have yet to be announced.
Best of LA Auto Show: Ford Mustang Mach-E
The Ford Mustang Mach-E has gathered a lot of interest from Ford devotees, and rightfully so; the crossover SUV is set to become one of the most sought after vehicles in the world, namely in the US. The vehicle will be available in four configurations, with the top-spec model AWD model offering a 335-mile range, 0-62mph in under 7s and will cost £56,950. The base model starts from £40,270.
Read more: Ford Mustang Mach-E revealed: Everything you need to know on Ford’s new SUV
Best of LA Auto Show: Infiniti Qs Inspiration Concept
Infiniti's all-electric Qs Inspiration Concept is a looker. The concept vehicle has suicide-style doors, a cockpit that reminds us of the Audi RSQ that featured in iRobot, large-sized rims and an elegant, futuristic exterior. There's little information about the car's performance or if it'll ever come to market, but you can keep yourself informed by heading over the manufacturer's website.
Best of LA Auto Show: Karma SC1 Vision Concept
Karma SC1 Vision Concept is an EV hypercar that looks quite like its sibling, the SC2. This ultra low-down vehicle has scissor doors, large stylish rims, an aggressive-looking front and rear end and an ultra-modern interior that's similar-looking to that of a fighter jet. Despite having been showcased at Auto Shanghai in April 2019, the California-based manufacturer wanted to make its presence felt in its home turf.
Best of LA Auto Show: Karma SC2
The Karma SC2 is also another one of the company's hypercars. This vehicle will achieve 0-60mph in under 2s – that's faster than a Formula 1 and E racecar. The 1,100hp monster houses a 120kWh battery pack and was designed by Henrik Fisker, the man responsible for the design of Aston Martin’s DB8 and Vantage cars as well as BMW’s Z8. No information has been divulged on its price, but expect it to cost several millions.
Read more: The Karma SC2 is an EV hypercar that achieves 0-60mph in under 2 seconds
Best of LA Auto Show: Lexus LF-30
The Lexus LF-30 was unveiled at the Tokyo Motor Show in late October 2019, but that didn't stop the Japanese automaker in wanting to showcase its vehicle in Los Angeles. The vehicle is set to come with a 110kWh battery pack and will accept a rapid 150kW charge, too. As for performance, the manufacturer has stated its electric motor will output 536hp, with a 0-62mph time of under 3.8s and a top speed of 124mph. Stay informed about the vehicle's pricing and availability by visiting the manufacturer's website.
Best of LA Auto Show: Mini Electric
The Mini Electric (or Cooper S E) takes all of its inspiration from the gasoline-led variant. This all-electric vehicle will start from £24,400. It'll have a 124 to 144-mile range, have a 181hp motor that'll dispatch 0-62mph in under 7.3s; top speed, however, will be limited to 93mph. Thanks to its 50kW charger, it can also get to 80% in 35 minutes. Not bad. It's great to see a British built vehicle across the pond. You can pre-order the vehicle from Mini's website, here.
Best of LA Auto Show: Porsche Taycan 4S
The Porsche Taycan 4S is the ‘affordable' variant of the Turbo and Turbo S models. The sports car will hit 0-60mph in 3.5s, have a top speed of 155mph and will have a range of up to 239-287 miles depending on the condition and mode it's used in. The car starts from £83,367 and is available to order through Porsche's website. Despite its steep cost, avid Porsche enthusiasts will be sure to appreciate the car's inclusion at the LA Auto Show – it gives people a taste of what to expect from an all-electric sports car that'll come to market in early 2020.
Read more: Porsche extends its all-electric car range with the Taycan 4S
Best of LA Auto Show: Porsche Taycan Turbo S
Taking on from the Taycan 4S, Porsche also had its top-of-the-line Taycan Turbo S on display. This EV managed to hit 0-60mph in just 2.8s and has a top speed of 161mph. Driving range sits at around 241-256 miles. There has been plenty of debate online about the car's performance, namely versus the Tesla Model S P100D. Regardless of what the others might say, there is a well-known fact. It's among the most expensive EVs on the market – prices for the Turbo S start from £138,826. Ouch.
Read more: Porsche Taycan Turbo S beats Tesla Model S P100D in drag race
Best of LA Auto Show: VW ID. Space Vizzion
The estate version of the ID. Vission, the ID. Space Vizzion, was also on display in Los Angeles. Revealed on the eve of the show, the vehicle boasts a driving range of 367 miles, dispatches 0-60mph in 5s and runs on the company's 4Motion system (it's a four-wheel-drive). The futuristic car is no longer a concept and will be coming to market in late 2021. It'll most likely be one of the more wallet-friendly EVs that go on sale, and we're certainly looking forward to its arrival.
Read more: VW ID. Space Vizzion: The seventh member of the ID. family
That concludes our coverage of the LA Auto Show. Of course, who could forget the Tesla Cybertruck that was announced at a private event in Los Angeles (convenient, right?) – you can read all about it on our dedicated article about the pickup truck, here.
Did you manage to make it to the LA Auto Show or want to go to the next one? Let us know in the comments section, below – we'd love to hear your thoughts!