Excellent new cars worth waiting for coming in 2023 and beyond

We’ve rounded up every car coming in the remainder of 2023 and beyond, and whatever you’re after, there’s something here for everyone. We reveal what’s coming when, what’s special about each car, starting with the cars arriving shortly, running through to cars we’re going to have to wait a bit longer for. Cars are illustrated with a combination of spy shots and our own expert renderings (such as this one of the upcoming Audi A8) of what we believe they’ll look like:

The new all-electric Volvo EX30 has been spotted testing on public roads for the first time, ahead of its official unveiling in early June 2023. Sporting a combination of a lightweight disguise and a camouflage livery, enough of the EX30 was on display to showcase the firm’s updated design language. Most prominently, the EX30 prototype showcased Volvo’s new headlight design, which takes a modernised, narrow shape for the first time.

The high-performance electric Hyundai Ioniq 5 N will make its debut at this year's Goodwood Festival of Speed in July 2023. The much anticipated sports EV from the makers of class-leading hot hatches such as the Hyundai i20N and Hyundai i30N has previously been spied testing on public roads near the Nürburgring, where the European arm of the N division is based. The new Hyundai Ioniq 5 N will be the Korean brand's first purely electric N model.

A prototype version of the new Porsche Panamera has been spotted testing, as the German firm prepares to launch the third-generation model for the end of 2023. Its front-end design is similar to the current Panamera, while the rear features new lights and an updated spoiler. The new Mk3 model, which goes by the internal working name 972, looks set to continue the German company’s long tradition for small, evolutionary changes between generations, with an exterior design that subtly progresses the look of the six-year-old second-generation Porsche Panamera.

The next Mercedes-AMG E63 is set to swap its V8 petrol engine for an advanced new straight-six plug-in hybrid drivetrain, providing it with greater power and the capacity for electric-only driving. Set to be unveiled in 2024, the hot saloon/estate will be the first in a series of Mercedes-AMG models to adopt the new electrified drivetrain, which uses a similar ‘P3’ hybrid arrangement to the recently launched Mercedes-AMG GT 63 S E Performance 4-Door Coupé and Mercedes-AMG C63 S E Performance.

The Audi A4 is set to be rebranded to A5 as Audi rethinks its branding for the hybrid era, designating internal-combustion-engined cars with odd numbers. Spotted testing at the Nürburgring ahead of its debut, the new A5’s styling is a clear evolution of the current model's, with more angular headlights and a larger, flatter, front grille.

This high-performance S5 version is marked out from the base car by a slightly more aggressive front bumper – with wider duct openings on each flank – and four tailpipes. An RS5 version will follow.

The new Volkswagen ID.7 has recently been unveiled and it will soon be joined by a new estate sibling. The name of the model is still unclear, but in our picture the prototype is almost undisguised. The side window line is completely free and the sporty proportions are very visible thanks to the wide rear wheel arch and the large wheels. Since most electric models are only available as saloons, the ID.7 estate will certainly be in high demand. However, a premiere of the Volkswagen ID.7 estate is not expected before 2024.

This heavily camouflaged crossover from Renault is a coupé version of the Austral SUV, and will be called Rafale. The front shows a similar daytime running light setup as on the just unveiled Renault Clio facelift and the future Renault Capture facelift. The roofline of the SUV Coupe drops significantly. It’ll be unveiled at the Paris air show in June 2023.

This prototype of the forthcoming WRX wore red Brembo brake calipers and a body-coloured lip spoiler is found on the rear deck, and once again, all badging is covered in tape. All of this suggests a new updated trim level for the WRX for 2024.

BMW is testing a stripped-back, hardcore version of the -generation BMW M2 Coupé, probably to be badged M2 CS. Despite the complete camouflage of this prototype you can see new details like the ducktail of the BMW M2 CS. The rear end on the boot lid is much higher than on the standard one and looks more like that on the BMW M4 CSL. The front is also more aggressive and has an extra spoiler lip at the front.

Since unveiling the Porsche 911 Targa 4S Heritage Design in 2020, Porsche have gone on to add the 911 Sport Classic to the Heritage Design model line-up. The newest model to join the line-up imminently is the 911 ST. Inspired by the 1970s version of the 911 that went racing, the 2023 Porsche 911 ST has been seen testing is a lightweight version Porsche 911 GT3 Touring, released as part of the 911’s 60th birthday celebrations.

Visible differences to the GT3 Touring are the double-bubble roof and the panel that is incorporated into the bodywork behind the front wheels. The rear spoiler also features an extended lip, and the mesh engine cover can be seen wearing the heritage design plaque like on the 911 Sport Classic.

BMW’s M performance car division will give the seventh-generation BMW M5 a new hybrid drivetrain that is set to boost its reserves to “over 700bhp” and offer “limited electric drive compatibility”, a source close to the German car maker has confirmed.

Due on sale in 2024, the new super-saloon is among a series of M models that will switch from a conventional petrol engine to plug-in hybrid power in a move that will provide it with a hike in power and performance.

We recently caught the fourth generation Swift out testing in Southern Europe. A closer look at our spy shots does reveal definite major changes with the new model. The front has a new grille and a completely new front bumper. The bonnet and the headlights also look new. The rear door handles are now placed on a more conventional spot, now sitting on the door.

BMW M’s long-awaited, ultra-limited 50th anniversary model, which will pay homage to the 3.0 CSL ‘Batmobile’ from 1973, has been spotted testing on the road for the first time. Based on the current BMW M4 Coupé, the special edition gains its own bespoke body and design features that appear similar to the BMW 3.0 CSL Hommage R concept, which was revealed in 2015. It will be sold in strictly limited numbers.

Dacia is gearing up to reveal the reinvented, third-generation Duster, which will be one of the most affordable and capable SUVs on sale. Due in 2024, the new Dacia Duster will swap from the ageing B0 platform to the CMF-B architecture used by its crossover cousins, the Renault Captur and Nissan Juke. As well as promising substantial gains in rolling refinement and packaging, the new mechanicals will also accommodate the Duster’s first hybrid powertrain.

PICTURE: Autocar rendering, spyshot inset

The all-new Audi SQ5 is approaching a launch in 2024 as the sportiest variant of the totally overhauled Q5 range. The third-generation version of Audi’s best-selling global model, the Q5, will also be one of the German car maker’s final new ICE cars. Before the German firm starts releasing only EVs from 2026, it will launch a new line of combustion engines compliant with the latest Euro 7 emissions regulations.

The long-awaited Lotus Type 133, the firm’s sleek luxury saloon which is expected to rival the Porsche Taycan, has been pictured testing ahead of its official unveiling later in 2023. A development mule was spotted driving on ice and snow alongside other near-production models from parent firm Geely, sporting a bright yellow, white and black livery which obscured much of the saloon’s styling.

PICTURE: Autocar rendering, spyshot inset

These are the latest and most revealing spy shots of the upcoming next generation Mercedes-Benz E-Class All-Terrain. The all-wheel-drive model is using a special camouflage and reveals more about his wider wheel cases and looks production ready. There is a high chance that this version will be launched at the same time as the new Mercedes-Benz E-Class estate, and this will almost certainly be the closest American buyers will get to an E-class estate.

The current Ferrari Roma is only available with a 3.9-litre V8, but we believe a V12-powered variant may be on the way. The rear window as well as the third braking light has been modified so that this larger engine fits into this car.

We believe this camouflaged BMW 1 Series is the new F70 version, being benchmarked alongside an uncamouflaged current 1 Series. Expect the new car in 2024, with a range of conventional and hybrid engine options.

BMW’s new 7 Series plug-in hybrid offers around 50 miles of electric-only range and up to 563bhp in M760e guise. It uses BMW’s existing 3.9-litre in-line six-cylinder petrol engine, combined with an electric motor mounted to the gearbox. Like its petrol and electric counterparts, it sends power to both axles.

A small electric SUV the size of the Honda Jazz, the E:NY1 will form the “centre of Honda’s future product line-up”, arriving in the middle of the year. Not much is known about the car yet, but Honda has confirmed that it will make use of a bespoke platform that is likely to be used for a slew of new models in the future.

Mercedes’ electric MPV is based on the Renault Kangoo and will spawn a camper variant down the line. It has a 120bhp, 180lb ft electric motor and a 45kWh battery. It will be sold initially in a short-wheelbase layout with five seats, rear sliding doors and a large tailgate.

The incoming 550bhp replacement for the M600, which went on sale in 2009, will have a manual gearbox linked to a 3.5-litre Ford V6 powerplant with more than 600lb ft at its disposal. Now expected to be more of a match for the Porsche 911 Turbo and the Chevrolet Corvette, the car started testing at the beginning of last year.

The Honda ZR-V will make arrive in the second half of 2023, offering a hybrid engine with 181bhp and 232lb ft. It will take the place of the outgoing Honda CR-V in the firm’s European line-up and rival the likes of the Toyota Highlander and Skoda Kodiaq. Pricing has yet to be revealed, but expect it to be around £30,000.

Lamborghini’s dramatic-looking supercar will continue to draw the bulk of its power from a highly strung, large-capacity V12 engine – but with a new hybrid element that, bosses suggest, will make it significantly more powerful than today’s model.

The Czech brand’s first bespoke road car since films were black and white packs a 700bhp Nissan GT-R-derived V6 and an embarrassment of carbonfibre to keep weight below a tonne. Just 10 examples will be built in 2023 and 89 over the next four to five years.

The 500e is the first step into the world of electric cars for Fiat’s performance division and the firm has made some big claims ahead of its launch in the summer, calling it the most engaging, responsive and dynamic model it has ever built. The car draws on a 42kWh battery and its electric motor produces 152bhp and 173lb ft, enabling 0-62mph in 7.0sec.

Abarth has sought to make instant mid-range power more of a priority than outright acceleration. It sounds promising on paper, whizzing from 12-25mph in just one second and from 25mph-35mph in under 1.5sec.

The Pagani Huayra successor comes with an 864bhp Mercedes-AMG-sourced 6.0-litre twin-turbo V12 connected to a seven-speed manual gearbox (yes, really). A lightweight shell means the Utopia tips the scales at just 1280kg.

The seventh generation of the Ford Mustang could be the last, but it won’t go quietly. It remains on the platform of the previous-generation model, so there’s no electrification to be seen. Power comes from either a 2.3-litre Ecoboost or a 5.0-litre V8 petrol engine, with a six-speed manual or 10-speed automatic transmission. Ford has also revealed an even more aggressive 500bhp Dark Horse performance variant, but it’s not confirmed for sale in the UK just yet.

Mercedes-Benz landed a critical first blow by getting the all-electric EQE to market almost a full year before any direct equivalent BMW. In 2023 it follows that with a combustion-flavoured E-Class aimed at the mainstream, offering level three autonomous driving technology and a renewed range of electrified petrol and diesel engines.

A swansong for Mercedes’ MRA platform, the E-Class will be among the final new ICE cars to leave Stuttgart – and bosses will also be hoping it’s one of the best.

Up until now the only form of electrification the Volkswagen Tiguan has been subjected to is a plug-in hybrid, but the next generation model will be fully electric. Noticeably, the upcoming Tiguan features a brand-new grille design as an open grille will no longer be required.

The Tiguan, which is set to arrive in early 2024, will sit among the popular VW ID range and offer an alternative to the ID.4 crossover SUV. Testing is currently underway, and it remains to be seen how the Tiguan will perform in 2024.

PICTURE: Autocar rendering, spyshot inset

The stylish Fisker Ocean made its debut in the UK at last year’s Goodwood Festival of Speed and it is set to take on the BMW iX3 and the Audi Q4 E-tron with an entry-level range of around 275 miles. Prices are said to start from £40,000 rising to £61,000 for the most luxurious, range-topping variant with 440 miles of range; Fisker predicts 60,000 units will exit Magna Steyr’s Austrian factory destined for Europe.

Just as important as the Mini, its BMW Group stablemate – albeit much more exclusive and, ahem, a touch heftier – is the third electric car to enter series production in the UK: the Rolls-Royce Spectre. Tipping the scales at a hair under 3000kg but capable of matching a Porsche 718 Cayman GT4 to 62mph, the 577bhp Spectre promises to be one of the most beguiling and technologically impressive cars of the modern era.

Hardcore variant of the brutish GT gets a power hike to rival the Ferrari 812 Competizione. The brawny two-door coupé has been previewed as the “flagship to surpass them all” with an adapted version of the model’s existing 5.2-litre twin-turbocharged V12 engine, boosting power from 715bhp to 759bhp over the standard model. Just 499 will be built.

Set to launch as a rival to the Hyundai Ioniq 6, the Ora Next Cat will be a stretched, four-door version of the Funky Cat saloon. As well as enhanced practicality, the Next Cat offers four-wheel drive, face-recognition technology and a 435-mile range. A dual motor set-up means performance is rather enticing, with 402bhp, 501lb ft and a 0-62mph sprint of 4.3sec.

The RS6 Avant will get electric successor, continuing a model line that stretches back to the V10-engined C5 generation of 2002. While the current C8-generation RS6 arrived two years after the standard A6, the RS6 E-tron could well be launched at the same time as the standard A6 E-tron late in 2023, following the example set by the E-tron GT and RS E-tron GT. We spotted the saloon RS6 E-tron out winter testing in February.

We saw this new Toyota EV on the road for the first time earlier this year. This prototype in is a pure electric vehicle, but the model will also be available as a plug-in hybrid. In terms of size, the new model is more similar to the Yaris Cross than to the C-HR. The prototype photographed here is more of a city crossover, while the C-HR is likely to be somewhat larger and different in design.

A smaller and more affordable Tesla has been rumoured for years, but recently Elon Musk teased a picture that may be the new ‘Model 2’. The market is crying out for cheaper EVs and we can certainly see this model selling like hot cakes, if and when it arrives. As with everything that Mr Musk does, it’s unlikely to be boring. We like to think this car could be on the road by 2025.

Hyundai has taken the next generation Santa Fe out on the ice and is winter testing its prototypes near the Arctic Circle in Europe. It looks like it will get a major design overhaul, but continue with a seven-seat option and a range of hybrid powertrains. The key design changes have been made to the Santa Fe’s roof and A-pillar, with new lights at the front and rear. We expect it to be unveiled later in 2023 and be on the road in 2024.

These are the latest spy pictures of the future Mercedes-AMG CLE 63 Coupe and Cabrio. The CLE series from Mercedes will also come as a performance variant from AMG. Visually, the convertible is now a little less camouflaged around the roof and with what looks like a production bumper.

Renault will revive the Scenic in 2024 as a bold electric SUV, which it has showcased at the Paris motor show as a concept car featuring a radical hydrogen-electric powertrain.

Taking up the baton from the MPV built from 1991 to 2022, the new Scenic will sit above the Renault MeÃgane E-Tech Electric SUV in Renault’s EV line-up.

We recently spotted the all-new Fiat 600 EV testing in Germany. It will arrive as a fully electric version, but also with an ICE engine.

Our recent spyshots suggest that the new VW Passat seems to be almost finished and will be unveiled to the public soon. It will have a Skoda Superb sister car, and will be offered with conventional power, hybrid, and all-electric versions.

The next-generation Kodiaq gets a fresh exterior look, improved technologies and redesigned interior. It looks to have been extensively reshaped, bearing a more upright silhouette and straighter roofline in the name of practicality. Expect this new SUV to be unveiled in the autumn of 2023.

Fresh from the launch of the Grenadier 4x4 comes a new double-cab pickup variant. We expect it to be very similar mechanically to the 4x4, with engines on offer to include BMW 3.0-litre diesel or petrol engines.

The first all-electric model from Mercedes-Maybach ushers in a new era for the ultra-premium sub-brand as the German car maker pushes forwards with a profit-focused strategy centred on large luxury cars.

A luxurious reimagining of the Mercedes-Benz EQS SUV, the range-topping Maybach EV, badged EQS 680, is hoped to help position the brand at the top of the EV league table by offering a bespoke luxury electric 4x4 that isn't yet offered by main rivals Bentley and Rolls-Royce.

BMW pioneered the SUV coupe design back in 2008 with the X6, and the design has now become recognised across a range of brands throughout recent years. A new X2 has been spotted sharing that same design already worn so well by the current X4 and X6.

The upcoming X2 also looks to be larger than its predecessor, offering more space and practicality. With some spy shots showing a quad-exhaust set-up, BMW seems to be testing the M35i variant for those looking for a bit more power in the small SUV. We expect the X2 to launch in Autumn 2024.

The new Macan is fully electric, blending the staggering performance of Porsche’s Taycan saloon with a relatively compact SUV body. To this end, it’s likely to be powered by the same electric motors as the Taycan, which churn out between 322bhp and 617bhp. Expect an official range of around 300 miles and the ability to rapid charge the battery from 10-80% in around 20 minutes if you specify the optional 800-volt charging functionality. Expect it later in 2023.

The offensive of new models from Korean premium brand Genesis continues with the G90, a rival for the Audi A8, BMW 7 Series, and Mercedes S-Class. It's powered by a 3.5-litre petrol engine producing 375bhp, and features technology such as noise-cancelling interior speakers plus a system that allows it to park itself. Expect it later in 2023.

The rather conventional-looking A8 limousine is set to move in radical new direction in its next generation. In will come electric power, and out will go the conventional three-box design, to be replaced by a slick, wind-cheating silhouette, enabling the all-electric car to offer a claimed 466-mile range. It will also feature some of the most advanced self-driving functions yet found in a car, offering ‘Level 4’ autonomous operation. We expect this car to go on sale in 2024.

The market is crying out for more affordable EVs, and the ID.2 will seek to address it. Based on a shortened platform from the VW ID.3, this chassis test vehicle has a shorter wheelbase and is shortened at the rear door. The Volkswagen ID.2 gets its charging point at the front right below the front -pillar and not at the rear like at the ID.3.

The new Volkswagen ID.2 will be launched in 2025 and will be the brand's future entry-level electric mobility model.
There are rumours that it will adopt the Golf name, and also feature a hot GTi variant, as pictured in our rendering.

Aston Martin unveiled its next-generation grand tourer – an overhauled version of the DB11 that was previously spotted testing on road and track – in May 2023. It brings a technological overhaul, with a totally overhauled infotainment system.

The DB12 takes its power from the latest evolution of partner firm Mercedes-AMG's handbuilt, twin-turbocharged 4.0-litre V8, here tuned to give 671bhp and 590lb ft (34% more torque than the V8 DB11) for a 0-62mph time of just 3.6 seconds and a top speed of 202mph. Expect prices to start at around £185,000.

Whereas Mercedes has split its executive models into the forward-looking, electric EQE and the fossil-fuelled E-Class, BMW’s rival 5 Series will offer petrol, diesel, plug-in hybrid and electric derivatives – all in one bodyshell. The pure-combustion 5 Series models (including the snarling V8-powered M5) will adopt some form of electrical assistance to meet the latest emissions standards.

The electric i5 (pictured) will offer buyers a more conventional alternative to the EQE and the Tesla Model S. It will trade a long range for a smaller, less heavy battery – to bolster its dynamic appeal – and have 210kW rapid-charging capabilities.