The Geneva Auto Show, one of the biggest automotive events of the year, has been canceled to mitigate the further spread of the novel coronavirus. To continue unveiling their latest offerings this year, global automakers are now turning to livestreams to launch their new models and concept vehicles.
On Tuesday, BMW, Volkswagen, and Mercedes-Benz, Audi, and Porsche held different unveiling livestreams to showcases their latest models, the same day that the event was supposed to take place. The Geneva Auto Show, which started back in 1924, is considered as the main "battlefield" for European carmakers. Its cancellation has not hampered the fighting spirit of the automakers as they take the battle online.
In an online livestream, BMW unveiled its new i4 concept electric vehicle. The concept car is the company's first fully-electric four-door sports sedan. The company announced during the live video that the new model should begin production in its Munich plant sometime in 2021. The vehicle sports the company's fifth-generation eDrive electric drive powertrain, which uses advanced ultra-thin batteries, giving the vehicle a maximum output of 530 horsepower, a top speed of 200 kilometers per hour, and a range of up to 600 kilometers on one charge.
On the same day, Mercedes-Benz unveiled to online viewers its all-new E-class sedan, available with either 2.0-liter or 3.0-liter engine. The vehicle is equipped with the company's intelligent human-computer interaction system, designed for smarter driving dynamics. The German automaker is betting big on the E-class this year given that it is its best-selling model to date.
Volkswagen also held a similar online event, showcasing a new model in its growing electric lineup. The company unveiled its new Volkswagen ID.4 to online visitors. The vehicle is the company's first fully-electric sport utility vehicle (SUV). Volkswagen stated that the vehicle should become available to the public this year, with units to be produced and sold in Europe, the United States, and China.
The ID.4 is the commercial version of the automaker's ID.CROZZ2 concept. It utilizes the company's MED production platform and its new electric powertrain, which gives the vehicle a range of up to 500 kilometers on one charge.
Both Audi and Porsche also held similar online events to unveil their latest offering to the public. Audi presented its all-new A3 Sportback, which featured a younger design. The vehicle is powered by a 1.5-liter TFSI engine with a maximum output of 147.5 horsepower. The main draw of the vehicle is its mind-blowing fuel efficiency of a claimed 49 mpg. Meanwhile, Porsche unveiled its all-new Porsche 911 Turbo S, which features an output of 650 horsepower.
