It’s safe to say the automotive world has undergone huge change this year, with more EVs coming to market than ever as sales for these soar.
And it looks like 2022 is set to be an even more interesting year, as brands get to work to introduce a whole raft of new metal, from exciting electric hatchbacks to large luxury SUVs and pretty much everything inbetween. Here are 10 cars to get excited by in 2022.
Range Rover
Given it’s been almost a decade since the current generation of Range Rover hit the market, there’s a lot riding on the introduction of this new luxury SUV. First shown in October, this new model brings a whole host of technological advancements, including rear-wheel-steering that makes it just as easy manoeuvre as a typical family hatchback.
It also gets a range of new powertrains, including a hybrid that can travel for up to 60 miles on electricity. There’ll be an all-electric model too, though you’ll have to wait until 2024 for that.
Cupra Born
This year has been big for Cupra, not least in the UK where it’s become the UK’s fastest-growing manufacturer, mainly thanks to its striking Formentor SUV. But next year Cupra takes another exciting step by introducing its first EV – the Born.
Based on the Volkswagen ID.3, it’s more stylish to look at and promises to be more exciting to drive too, with Cupra hoping it’s a look at what electric hot hatchbacks of the future might look like. It’s now available to order, with first deliveries expected in March.
Alfa Romeo Tonale
It’s been a slow few years for Alfa Romeo, but the brand takes an exciting step in 2022 with the introduction of its new compact Tonale SUV. It’s been a long time coming – it was first shown in concept form in March 2019 – but it should help to turn this Italian marque’s fortunes around.
Set to offer a stylish design and sporty driving experience, it’s also important because it will be Alfa Romeo’s first electrified model, as customers will be able to choose a plug-in hybrid.
BMW M3 Touring
There has been a vast amount of new cars from BMW this year, with EVs like the iX3 launched alongside some of the brand’s best-loved models like the 4 Series Gran Coupe. This looks set to continue in 2022, but the BMW we’re most looking forward to next year is the M3 Touring.
It will be the first time BMW has officially sold an estate version of its legendary M3, and the first proper M-badged wagon we’ve seen from the marque in more than a decade. If the standard car is anything to go by, it should be an absolute riot to drive.
Volkswagen ID.Buzz
Volkswagen is really ramping up its range of electric ‘ID’ models, and one of the most eagerly-anticipated is the ID.Buzz. It will be the firm’s first official in-house electric commercial vehicle and has been many years in the making.
With funky styling that aims to hark back to the original T1 camper, it’s clear that the styling shouldn’t change from the first concept version we saw back in 2017.
Toyota GR86
These days Toyota’s range is dominated by hybrid models and the brand will take an exciting next step in 2022 with the introduction of its first EV, the bz4x. However, at a similar time the brand will also launch something at the opposite end of the spectrum – its GR86 sports car.
The successor to the GT86, it will be an affordable sports car powered by a new 2.4-litre ‘boxer’ petrol engine, and will use a six-speed manual gearbox too. There’s only so many more years that cars like these will be able to be sold for, which is why there’s so much excitement for the GR86.
Lotus Emira
It’s been a ridiculously long time since we’ve seen a new model from Lotus, but thanks to huge investment from Geely (the company that also owns Volvo), next year we’ll see the introduction of the Emira – its brand new sports car that kickstarts a new era for the Norfolk-based firm.
Available with a choice of petrol engines (no electrified model will be offered), it should move Lotus along significantly, but simultaneously lose none of the firm’s legendary driving DNA.
Renault Megane E-Electric
Renault has labelled its next phase as a ‘Renaultution’ and kicking off this wave of new models is the brand’s Megane E-Tech Electric. Set to be sold alongside the current Megane hatchback, this new model is the first to be built on the CMF-EV platform, set to be widely used across the brand.
With a new media system and smart new design, it looks to take Renault further upmarket, while an electric range of up to 292 miles and 130kW rapid charging capability are set to make it an appealing option in this increasingly popular class.
Mercedes SL
For almost seven decades the ‘SL’ name has represented Mercedes’ sports models, and in 2022 the moniker will be used again on a completely overhauled model. Set to be a big step forward compared to the outgoing SL, it promises to be far sportier to drive too.
Based on a new structure, it’s also a four-seater once again, while it uses a powerful V8 engine as standard, along with all-wheel-drive.
Tesla Model Y
Buyers in the UK have been waiting a long time to get their hands on the Model Y – Tesla’s more compact and affordable electric SUV – but the wait will be over next year. Based on the Model 3, the Y will share that car’s tech-laden interior and enjoyable driving experience.
It will be available with up to seven seats, something that’s still a bit of a novelty in the EV world, and offer an electric range of up to 315 miles. Tesla will also offer a powerful Performance model that’s able to accelerate from 0-60mph in as little as 3.5 seconds.
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