Paris motor show 2026: Peugeot E-T16 concept packs 827 cv, Zeekr 9X 897 cv

Electric power leads the concept line-up

Peugeot unveiled the E-T16 Concept, an electric prototype that revisits the 205 T16 of the Group B era. The original car won the World Rally Championship in 1985 with Timo Salonen and in 1986 with Juha Kankkunen, and took the Dakar Rally in 1987 with Ari Vatanen and in 1988 with Kankkunen. The new E-T16 runs three electric motors, one at the front and two at the rear, for a combined 827 cv. Peugeot says it reaches 100 km/h in 2.5 seconds and keeps accelerating to 300 km/h. Its 85 kWh battery is rated at 400 km on the WLTP cycle, according to Peugeot, and the company says part of the concept will reach production with some of its technology and body shapes carried over.

Alfa Romeo used the Paris stage to show the Cuorerosso, a 2+2 coupé concept that previews the brand's multi-energy approach. Plug-in, mild and full hybrid powertrains are planned, and a 2.9-litre full hybrid V6 with Q4 all-wheel drive could become the top expression of performance. The concept measures 4,700 mm long, 1,980 mm wide and 1,331 mm high, with a 2,930 mm wheelbase and an announced weight of 1,750 kg. Its drag coefficient is 0.28 Cx, and it uses steer-by-wire, pneumatic suspension and Brembo carbon-ceramic brakes.

Chinese luxury SUVs push the power race

Zeekr made its Paris Motor Show debut with the 9X SUV, which the brand rates at 897 cv on a 900-volt architecture. The model accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in 4.1 seconds and has a top speed of 240 km/h. Its Super Hybrid system offers 179 km of electric range and 737 km combined on WLTP, and fast charging up to 330 kW takes the battery from 10% to 80% in about 9.5 minutes under suitable conditions. Inside are six individual seats, massage functions on the front two rows, a fridge that can heat or cool, and a 32-speaker sound system. Portugal is expected in the first quarter of 2027, with prices from 129,500 euros. Zeekr says its European deliveries grew 200% year on year in 2026, and it is present in 22 European markets with a target of 200 dealer points by the end of the year.

Chinese brands widen their European ranges

Leapmotor launched the B03, a compact urban hatchback on the Compact Electric Platform, rated at 390 km on WLTP and charging from 10% to 80% in 21 minutes. The motor delivers 145 kW, and the cabin has a 14.6-inch floating touchscreen, an 8.8-inch digital instrument panel and 21 driver-assistance sensors. The brand promises an affordable price but has no information yet for Portugal. Leapmotor also unveiled the D19 range-topping SUV, offered with six or seven seats and Super Reev technology. Leapmotor and Stellantis said production of the 100% electric B10 has started at the Zaragoza plant in Spain, for the European market only.

Changan introduced its Nevo range in Europe, presenting it on Monday, 12 October at the show. The first model is the Nevo Q05, a 100% electric SUV for urban and suburban use, rated at up to 450 km on WLTP, with a battery that charges from 30% to 80% in about 15 minutes under suitable conditions. Spain and Italy are expected to receive it in the first quarter of next year, and a second model, the Q06, is already planned. Changan's Deepal brand already sells the S05 and S07 electric models and the S05 plug-in hybrid.

Geely launched the Monjaro EM-i, a segment D hybrid SUV named after Kilimanjaro and built on the GEA-Evo architecture developed for electrified vehicles. It also carries GEEA 3.0 technology for connectivity and the EM-i Super Hybrid system. Geely recently revealed the E2 compact city electric car, the E5 electric SUV and the Starray EM-i plug-in hybrid SUV. Aiden He, the group's CEO for Europe, confirmed the aim of consolidating its international presence, and Salvador Caetano Auto represents Geely in Portugal.

Renault and Honda take different routes

Renault showed the E-Space Concept, a reinterpretation of the 1984 Espace MPV that seats six people and features an OpenR Panorama screen intended for production vehicles and a large glazed roof. No production version has been confirmed. Chief executive Fabrice Cambolive, quoted by Autocar, did not rule out a future Espace MPV but said the Scenic and Rafale renewals come first. Renault's focus next year is the Trafic E-Tech, its first software-defined vehicle and a 100% electric light commercial vehicle.

Honda built the Dream Factory, a 200 square metre interactive space divided into six themed areas. A Honda HR-V has been turned into a ball pool with a children's zone run by staff. A Honda Jazz serves as the base for a collective mural made with the French brand OMY, where visitors add drawings and join a treasure hunt, and prizes include 5,000 exclusive posters and a year's use of a hybrid Jazz reserved for French residents. Two stations let visitors steer a scale replica of the Prelude around a track inspired by Suzuka, and a Civic lets visitors explore more than 50 years of the model's history through artificial intelligence.