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Top 10 Vehicles of the 2019 Frankfurt Motor Show

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Daniel Rufiange
Questions arose about the show’s relevance and future during and after media day

Press day, when the companies make their big presentations, came and went in a flurry of activity this year at the 2019 Frankfurt Motor Show, as usual - but there are changes afoot. Long one of the biggest events on the calendar in the automotive domain, the show drew relatively little attention this year.

It’s not hard to figure out why either. Where once it was inconceivable for automakers not to be on site and aggressively pushing their latest and upcoming products, 30 of them didn’t bother to even show up this year. Even BMW was more discreet than usual.

There was much chatter at the show about big changes for Frankfurt in coming years, perhaps as soon as the next edition, scheduled for 2021. There’s even talk of focusing more on sustainable mobility initiatives rather than new vehicles.

There’s also the possibility that the show might even leave Frankfurt. Recall that this European event takes place in rotation with the Paris show. Next year at this time, we’ll be covering the Paris auto show for you.

There will be much discussion about the show and possible changes in the coming months, of course. In the meantime, though, here are the 10 vehicles that most grabbed our attention at the 2019 edition.

1 – Land Rover Defender

Without a doubt, this was the number-one reveal of the 2019 Frankfurt show. The return of the Defender is a big deal for fans of the brand and of off-roading, who have been waiting for this impatiently. The new Defender won’t be dull ride, it appears, with different configurations on offer. At the start, we’ll be getting the 90 and 110 models that come with two and four doors, respectively. A 130 version will eventually be added. Under the hood, the model starts with a 4-cylinder, with a 6-cylinder also available; both are turbocharged engines.

2020 Land Rover Defender
2020 Land Rover Defender
Photo: Land Rover
2020 Land Rover Defender
2020 Land Rover Defender
Photo: Land Rover
Daniel Rufiange
Daniel Rufiange
Automotive expert
  • Over 17 years' experience as an automotive journalist
  • More than 75 test drives in the past year
  • Participation in over 250 new vehicle launches in the presence of the brand's technical specialists