From “Paris Motor Show 2026: The Coolest New Cars Revealed!” by Electrifying Electrifying
Paris Motor Show 2026: the standout concept cars
The motor show is not dead, and Paris proves it.
Key points
- Many European brands at the show are reviving their back catalogues, including the Citroën 2CV, Renault Espace, Renault 8 Gordini, Alpine A310, Peugeot 205 T16, Peugeot RCZ and Fiat Multipla, which the video links to competition from Chines 1:07
- The Peugeot E-308 T16 concept is the most powerful Peugeot ever at 816 horsepower, using a tri-motor layout with two motors at the back and one at the front, an 85 kWh battery and a claimed range of 248 miles. 6:56
- The Peugeot RCZ concept uses a solid-state battery, claims 10% to 80% charging in under 10 minutes, a claimed range of 373 miles and 500 horsepower, and is built on the STLA1 platform that the video says will underpin many Stellantis cars f 8:25
- The production smart #2 is a true two-seater with a claimed range of 185 miles and a launch price of just under 20,000 next year, positioned against the Renault Twingo and BYD Surf, though the presenter is unsure whether that price is a lot 10:05
- The video's own caveat is that concept cars are promises rather than finished products, and the hard part is turning them into production cars; Alpine says it has no word yet on whether the A310 will reach production. 5:03
What the review decides, for you
- + Citroën 2CV van concept — design: “It's adorable. So, this is the 2CB Funganet.” 0:54
- ± Smart #2 — price: “Now, I'm not sure whether that actually seems a lot for a car that is, after all, a two-seater.” 10:30
- + Peugeot E-308 T16 — design: “A real surprise. I didn't know that car was going to be coming to the show.” 17:59
The review, part by part
- Setting the show challenge — The hosts dispute the claim that the motor show is dead and plan to film as many surprising cars as possible. They open with the Citroën 2CV Fourgonnette concept. 0:02
- Citroën 2CV-inspired van concept — The Fourgonnette concept keeps the affordable, practical spirit of the original van, with a boxy cargo area and a fuel-can-shaped charging port. The presenter urges Citroën to build it. 0:54
- Renault Espace and 8 Gordini — Renault revives the Espace name as an all-electric concept with a boxy, train-like front. The Renault 8 Gordini concept, with 270 horsepower and a striking interior, wins the presenter over. 2:59
- Alpine A310 design study — The A310 concept celebrates the 55-year-old original and the 50th anniversary of the V6 version, with a low, 4.65 m body. Alpine has not said whether it will reach production. 4:53
- Peugeot E-308 T16 tri-motor concept — The concept reinterprets the 205 T16 with 816 horsepower, three motors and a claimed 248-mile range. The presenter is dying for it to reach production. 6:31
- Peugeot RCZ solid-state concept — The RCZ concept revives a forgotten coupe on the STLA1 platform, with a solid-state battery, fast charging and a claimed 373-mile range. The presenter sees it as a sporty Peugeot signal. 7:53
- Smart #2 production version — The production smart #2 is a compact two-seater with a claimed 185-mile range and a launch price of just under 20,000 next year. The presenter could not get a view of the interior because of the crowd. 9:57
- Fiat, DS, Renault and Opel concepts — Fiat's Multipla concept, DS3 Fever, Renault E-Traffic van and Opel/Vauxhall STX concept are introduced, each linked to a brand's heritage or efficiency goals. The presenters argue European brands must draw on their history to compete with Chinese rivals. 11:23
- Wrap-up of the concept cars — The presenters restate the view that European brands are right to lean on heritage and that concepts must be turned into production cars to matter. Their favourites are the returning Multipla-style van and the surprising Peugeot E-T16. 15:08