Preview: Manufacturers push the pace ahead of Paris

Shortly before the start of the Paris Motor Show, manufacturers are stepping on the gas once again, or rather pressing hard on the accelerator pedal for the electric motor: we will be presenting six new products in more detail next week. In addition, one or two other premieres are likely to be announced for the trade fair in the French capital.

The successor to the VW Tiguan Allspace is called Tayron, can again be equipped with seven seats and is now set to assert itself as an independent model between the Touareg and Tiguan. So far, so familiar. What exactly it will look like and what specifications and special features it will have will be revealed by VW at the world premiere on October 10. Frank Wald was allowed to take a look under the hood beforehand.

The Inster is also not yet available for a first drive. However, Walther Wuttke has already taken a seat in the small electric car from Hyundai, which aims to take on Dacia Spring, Citroën e-C3 and co. from the end of the year. Renault also wants to have a say - but in a higher class: with slight references to the legendary model, a new all-electric R 5 is coming.

The Ford Explorer is doubly irritating: it bears a traditional name, but is powered solely by the latest electric technology. This in turn comes from competitor Volkswagen and is based on its modular electric toolkit. Frank Wald checked out the extent to which it can still set itself apart from the VW ID 4, Skoda Enyaq or Audi Q4 e-Tron at the national presentation. The new Opel Grandland, which promises ranges of up to 700 kilometers, is also available in battery-electric form. Guido Reinking knows what else to expect.

Leapmotor is another Chinese manufacturer coming to Europe. It is a joint venture in which Stelantis holds a 51 percent stake. With the C10, the company is launching an all-electric SUV on the market, which can be ordered from 40 dealers in Germany

Our author Hans-Robert Richarz was on the road with a Mercedes EQS 450+ SUV on one of the most beautiful themed roads in Germany. He drove from the Königsee to Lake Constance via the German Alpine Road to Lindau. He was not only impressed by the car, but also by the magnificent route. His recommendation: do it in "Golden October", regardless of the make of car.

Land Rover has launched a particularly exclusive edition of its Range Rover luxury SUV. Designed by the in-house refinement department SV Bespoke, the Riviera Edition is strictly limited to just ten units. We were present at its German debut at Range Rover House in Hamburg.

And we also take a look at the EU. On the one hand, Brussels is calling for a switch to e-mobility, but wants to impose tariffs on cheap electric cars from China. What should be done instead is shown by France as a car country.

As usual, we will also keep you up to date with the latest news about cars and motorcycles as well as other developments in the world of mobility. (aum)