The London Motor Show officially opens its gates on Friday (6 May), with hundreds of exciting models signed up and ready for display in Battersea Park.
The UK has been without its own dedicated automotive showcase since 2008, but organisers of the revamped event have secured backing from 35 different car brands, including Aston Martin, Rolls-Royce, Ford, Nissan, Jaguar, Land Rover and BMW.
Over the three days (6-8 May) at Battersea Evolution Centre, 130 models will be displayed, from superminis to supercars. There will be several UK debuts headlined by MG’s first SUV – the GS – and the £154,000 McLaren 570GT. The Infiniti Q60 will also be on display on these shores for the first time alongside a limited-edition one-off Land Rover Defender designed by Khan.
As well as models being available to test drive – via dealer tie-ups – there will be a display of innovative vehicles showcasing motoring’s exciting future.
Among these will be the Riversimple RASA – the Welsh-built two-seater hydrogen powered car – plus a replica of the 1,000mph Bloodhound SSC.
Away from the cars, there will be a lecture theatre with daily talks from high-profile speakers, such as Sir Stirling Moss, Tiff Needell and Nigel Mansell. There will be book signings, too, plus the chance to sit alongside these motorsport heroes on test drives.
A live demo of autonomous emergency braking is another of the unique events taking place at the London Motor Show. The Stop The Crash zone will offer visitors the chance to experience the benefits of AEB in a controlled real-world scenario and see the effects tyre tread depth can have on braking performance.
Stephen Maitland-Oxley, London Motor Show events director, said: “We’re thrilled to have The London Motor Show in the capital. It’s a hugely exciting time for everyone in the automotive industry and there’s an exciting buzz amongst all the exhibitors.
“For visitors, there’s something for everyone; as well as admiring the latest cars and listening to inspiring guest speakers, there’s a huge range of activities available for children and the whole family to enjoy – making this a must-attend event for all.”
London Motor Show: opening times, dates, tickets and map
How to get to the London Motor Show
The Battersea Evolution Centre is located in the grounds of Battersea Park in south London, just a few miles away from the centre of the capital, with local trains and London Underground tubes servicing the area as well as Transport for London buses. Access is via Chelsea Bridge Gate.
By Train: Victoria (mainline trains/Victoria line) is 1.1 miles away. Sloane Square Tube (District and Circle line) is 0.8 miles away. Battersea Park/Queenstown Road (main line) is 0.8 miles away.
By Bus: To Queenstown Road (Chelsea Gate): 137 (N137), 44 (N44) and 452.
By Car: For those driving and using a sat-nav, the postcode is SW8 4NW. Access is via the Chelsea Gate entrance, on Queenstown Road next to Chelsea Bridge. There’s pay and display car parking in front of the venue as well as in other parts of Battersea Park.
How to buy London Motor Show tickets
Tickets are available on the day, but it’s advised to pre-book via the official website (thelondonmotorshow.co.uk). General admission tickets cost £15.
Auto Express readers can use the code WCOTY2016 to get a 10 per cent discount with a donation from the organisers going to the Marcus Rutherford Foundation/Young Adult Cancer Trust.
To order by phone or for group bookings of 10 or more, call 0844 844 2121. For children under 11, it’s free and two children under this age are allowed for every full paying adult.
London Motor Show opening times
- Friday 6 May - 10am to 6pm
- Saturday 7 May - 10am to 6pm
- Sunday 8 May - 10am to 5pm
For a family of four, it’s estimated that it’ll take just under two hours to make it round the show. If it rains, don’t worry, as 80 per cent of the show is under cover.
What are you most looking forward to at the London Motor Show? Let us know in the comments below...