2023 Munich Motor Show: What’s Actually Worth Your Time This Year
I’ve done the brisk walk from the U-Bahn to the halls, coffee in one hand, media badge digging into my neck. The 2023 Munich Motor Show opens on September 5, and honest confession: I wasn’t sure the hype would match the hardware. Then I started walking. Germany’s home game feels bigger and more grounded this year—less vaporware, more real cars you’ll actually see in your neighborhood. Electric, yes. But also smarter, safer, and (quietly) more fun.
2023 Munich Motor Show: German Giants Unveil Real-World Innovations
When the hosts bring the party, you pay attention. BMW is headlining with a concept that previews its Neue Klasse electric cars, due in dealers from 2025. Think cleaner surfacing, sustainable materials, and a rethink of the brand’s in-car tech. Alongside that, BMW will roll out new Protection vehicles—armored in the discreet way Munich does best.
Not to be outdone, Mercedes-Benz has a teaser of an entry-level EV wearing C-Class cues. Compact luxury without the lofty price—or so the whisper goes. We’ll see how much of the concept survives the accountants’ scissors.
Show highlights at the 2023 Munich Motor Show
- BMW Neue Klasse concept: a clean-sheet EV philosophy with big battery claims.
- Mercedes entry-level EV study: C-Class size, future-proof interior, frugal aero.
- Renault Scenic returns as an electric family SUV with a conscience.
- BYD doubles down on Europe—more models, wider dealer net.
- Tesla shows up (yes, really) with hints of product updates.
- Tier-one tech—Mobileye, Bosch, Continental, ZF—push software-defined everything.
2023 Munich Motor Show: Global Players With Something to Prove
It’s not just the German pavilion drawing crowds. France’s Renault brings back the Scenic, now fully electric and shaped by wind tunnels rather than nostalgia alone. Chinese powerhouse BYD’s stand is equal parts showroom and strategy session as it maps its European charge. And Tesla’s rare motor-show appearance? Expect subtle but important tweaks to keep it front of mind.
2023 Munich Motor Show: Tech Takes the Spotlight
Beyond the shiny metal, the brains of the industry are out in force. Autonomous-driving specialist Mobileye is talking better vision stacks and redundancy. Bosch, Continental, and ZF are quietly doing the heavy lifting—power electronics, thermal management, steer-by-wire. The shift to software-defined vehicles isn’t a slogan anymore; it’s the plumbing that makes these new EVs feel natural to live with. When I tried a few demo loops on Munich’s patchier streets, the latest active damping quickly earned its keep.
Avatr 11 and 12: The Newcomer Everyone’s Peeking At
One of the buzziest corners belongs to Avatr, a young Chinese brand spun from a Changan–Huawei collaboration. The Avatr 11 SUV and 12 saloon look slick in person—clean lines, tight shutlines, a whiff of coupe without the headroom penalty. The headline number is up to 570 bhp from dual motors, and the vibe at the stand suggests they know the European taste for understated performance. If pricing lands right, this could be a proper curveball.
BMW Neue Klasse: A Real Battery Step, Not Just a Buzzword
Amid the concept fog, the Neue Klasse feels like a lighthouse. BMW is shifting to cylindrical cells that promise about a 30% range boost; the big claim is up to 620 miles on a charge. Charging speeds are said to be quicker, and the packs are lighter—things you notice on a cold, early-morning school run when regen and realism collide. The cabin tech leans toward a cleaner, less-distracting interface. We’ll judge the final UX later, but the direction makes sense.
5 Series: A Plug-In That Doesn’t Feel Like Homework
The eighth-gen 5 Series keeps its grown-up composure and quietly embraces electrons. The 520i pairs a 2.0-liter turbo with mild-hybrid hardware for commuter-friendly efficiency. Step up to the 530e or 550e xDrive plug-ins, and you’re looking at roughly 295–489 hp combined, with meaningful EV-only range for the daily slog. I noticed right away how the powertrain blends torque without the rubber-band sensation you get in some hybrids. BMW’s still good at the “just drive” part.
7 Series Protection: Serenity With a Steel Backbone
If you’re shopping in the “move a dignitary without raising a heartbeat” aisle, BMW has your number. The 7 Series Protection arrives with reinforced bodywork, protective glass, and beefed-up underpinnings. There’s VR9 ballistic resistance and VPAM 10-rated glazing—serious kit, yet the ride stays surprisingly supple. Yes, it’s heavy. No, you won’t care. The whole point is to be quietly invincible.
Renault Scenic EV: Family Car, Rebooted
The Scenic returns as a sleek, efficient, guilt-light family shuttle. Angular, modern proportions meet sustainable materials inside, and it all feels thoughtfully put together—not just a “me too” EV. The flat floor helps the kids stretch out (and yes, it’s quiet enough to hear them arguing about the playlist). If Renault nails pricing and charging curve, this could be the sweet spot for suburban Europe.
Who’s bringing what: A quick Munich cheat sheet
| Brand | Model/Concept | Powertrain | Headline Stat | My Take |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| BMW | Neue Klasse | Next-gen EV | Up to 620 miles claimed | Battery tech you’ll actually feel in daily use |
| Mercedes-Benz | Entry-level EV concept | Compact EV | Aero-first design | Smart gateway drug to the brand’s EV lineup |
| Renault | Scenic | Electric SUV | Family-size space | Pragmatic, modern, not preachy |
| Avatr | 11 (SUV), 12 (saloon) | Dual-motor EV | Up to 570 bhp | Polished newcomer with Euro-friendly manners |
| BYD | EU expansion lineup | Multiple EVs | Wider dealer network | Value and range that bend the market |
| Tesla | Product updates | EV | Refinements | Small tweaks, big attention |
Make It Yours: Elevating Any Car With AutoWin Accessories
Even the best show cars benefit from thoughtful touches in real life. Floor mats might not be glamorous, but they save carpets from winter, sand, and those “I’ll just have one” fries. I’ve been impressed with the fit and finish from AutoWin—sturdy, easy to clean, and they look the part.
Browse the AutoWin E‑Shop
If you’re kitting out your own garage hero, AutoWin’s e‑shop has a curated lineup—precision-fit mats and other useful pieces that don’t scream “aftermarket.” Worth a look if you want to keep that new-car feel long after the showroom scent fades.
2023 Munich Motor Show: Final Thoughts
This year’s 2023 Munich Motor Show is less about chasing headlines and more about nailing the fundamentals: better batteries, smarter software, and cars that fit real lives. From BMW’s Neue Klasse to the rebooted Scenic and a surprisingly polished Avatr duo, the future looks not just electric, but enjoyable. Bring curiosity (and those comfy shoes). You’ll need both.
FAQ: 2023 Munich Motor Show
- When is the 2023 Munich Motor Show? It kicks off September 5, with press and public days following through the week.
- What are the biggest debuts? BMW’s Neue Klasse, the electric Renault Scenic, Avatr 11/12, and a Mercedes entry-level EV concept.
- Is it mostly EVs? Yes, but not exclusively. Expect hybrids and a few efficient ICE models as well.
- Can I see autonomous tech? Absolutely. Mobileye, Bosch, Continental, and ZF showcase the latest driver-assistance and vehicle software.
- Is it worth attending if I’m just shopping for a daily driver? Yes—plenty of production-bound models and practical tech you’ll actually use.
