Frankfurt motor show 2017 – our star cars revealed
A new Porsche Cayenne, an all-electric Mini and a hot Hyundai – here's our round-up of the best cars on display at the Frankfurt motor show...
As the basis for a new sports saloon, the BMW 5 Series is an excellent place to start. It is, after all, our Car of the Year for 2017. That means that hopes are high for this new M5 version, which packs a 4.4-litre V8 petrol engine producing 592bhp. It's up against some strong competition, though - mainly from the Mercedes-AMG E63 and Audi RS7.
The BMW X7 (or Concept X7 iPerformance to give the car its full title) previews a new range-topping luxury SUV which go up against rivals including the Audi Q7, Range Rover and Mercedes GLS. It's being shown in plug-in hybrid form, which allows for up to 62 miles of electric-only driving, although conventional petrol and diesel engines will be offered too. The six-seat SUV will go on sale during the second half of next year, with an expected price tag of more than £70,000.
Read our full review of the BMW X5
Dacia Duster
We've only seen exterior pictures of the Duster so far, but it's clear that Dacia has taken an evolutionary approach to the new version of Britain's cheapest new SUV. Engine options are expected to remain unchanged over the current car, as is its sub-£10,000 entry-level price tag.
With just a two-star rating on our road test, it's safe to say that the current Ford Ecosport has not been well received. This updated version, though, is promised to be more suited to European roads than its predecessor. It gets a new 1.5-litre diesel engine, a new ST-Line trim level and an updated chassis to improve its handling. The Ecosport's current price tag of £15,645 is not expected to change.
Read our full Ford Ecosport review
Ford Mustang
Ford has upgraded its Mustang sports car with tweaks to both its 2.3-litre Ecoboost petrol engine and the 5.0-litre V8 petrol options, with the latter receiving more power (now up to 444bhp) but the former being downgraded to 268bhp. Ford says the Ecoboost engine's lower power comes from a need to meet stricter emissions limits. Other changes include a new 12.0in digital instrument cluster on the options list, plus new dampers designed to improve the car's ride. The first UK cars will arrive towards the middle of next year.
Read our full Ford Mustang review
Ferrari Portofino
The Portofino is the most affordable Ferrari model yet. Still, 'affordable' in this instance still equates to around £160,000, so it still packs a V8 petrol engine with 592bhp, giving a 0-62mph sprint time of 3.5sec and top speed that knocks on the door of 200mph.
