If 2018 is set to be the year of the SUV, it looks as if the best new cars for 2019 and beyond will be all about electrification, as there are a host of new hybrid and full EV models in the pipeline.
All-new electric cars such as the Volkswagen I.D., Porsche Mission E, Mercedes EQA and Mercedes EQC are leading the way as we head towards the end of the decade, and there will even be a hybrid version of the Ford Mustang to get excited about.
However, the popularity of SUVs shows no sign of waning and we'll still see new 4x4s making an appearance on our list of the best new cars for 2019 and beyond, including the iconic Land Rover Defender, plus the Mercedes GLA and GLB.
So, scroll down below to find out what new models we can expect to see in 2019 and beyond...
BMW 8 Series
Price: From £100,000 (est)
On sale: 2019
Where one German car maker goes, the others soon follow, and BMW is preparing a large luxury two-door to take on the Mercedes S-Class Coupe. As our exclusive image shows, the newcomer gets big, bold styling, while the running gear under the skin
is taken straight from the 7 Series limo. That means plenty of carbon fibre in the car’s construction, and while there’s a possibility that a flagship M8 could follow, the 6.6-litre twin-turbo V12 from the M760Li is sure to make an appearance in the range, too.
Ford Mustang Hybrid
Price: From £37,000 (est)
On sale: 2020
With the Mustang now being sold across the globe, the next step for Ford’s legendary muscle car is to introduce hybrid technology, and that’s exactly what is expected to happen in 2020.
Ford has said the non-plug in hybrid will “deliver V8 power”, but whether that means the car will still use a V8 remains to be seen. Packaging issues could ultimately prevent it.
Land Rover Defender
Price: From £35,000 (est)
On sale: 2019
It’s just over a year since the legendary Defender was finally laid to rest, and the next model is still at least a year from being revealed. Development is well under way, though, and engineers are claimed to have given the new model even greater off-road ability than the original.
It’s expected to use aluminium construction, as with the rest of the Land Rover line-up, and our exclusive image shows that the looks will be a mix of traditional Defender styling cues and current Land Rover design touches.
Mercedes EQA
Price: £40,000 (est)
On sale: 2019
Mercedes introduced its EQ electric sub-brand at the 2016 Paris Motor Show, and it has plans to launch EQ-badged EV variants of all its models by 2025.
As the name suggests – and our exclusive image previews – the EQA is an A-Class-sized electric hatch that’s designed to rival the Volkswagen e-Golf. It’s expected to have a range of around 310 miles from a single charge, and although it will only be two-wheel drive, the scalable platform can be configured in a 4WD layout using a second electric drive system.
Mercedes EQC
Price: £50,000 (est)
On sale: 2019
The EQC SUV is the pioneer of Mercedes’ new electric car brand; it will lead a 10-strong range of EVs from the maker.
Mercedes is developing a bespoke EV platform, rather than using existing technology, and this will allow it to offer front, rear or four-wheel drive to suit different models.
• New Mercedes EQ SUV Concept ride review
As well as a offering a new drive system, the firm wants to change the way cars are sold; the EQ range could herald the start of online sales in virtual dealerships. ‘EQ’ names have been patented for all current Mercedes models, so expect the SUV to be followed by the EQE and EQS variants.
Mercedes GLA
Price: From £26,000 (est)
On sale: 2019
When Mercedes introduces the second-generation GLA to dealers in 2019, it will be a very different beast to the current version.
The Mk1 isn’t much more than a high-riding development of the A-Class hatchback, but as our exclusive image reveals, the next GLA will cash in on the current demand for crossovers with a look that more closely resembles the larger GLC and GLE SUVs.
Running gear will still come from the A-Class, though, so most models will be front-wheel drive, with the 4MATIC four-wheel drive saved for higher-spec models, including a rapid Mercedes-AMG variant.
Mercedes GLB
Price: From £30,000 (est)
On sale: 2019
Yet another SUV niche will be filled by Mercedes in 2019 when it launches the chunky new GLB. Our exclusive image previews rugged styling inspired by the classic G-Wagen, with plenty of straight edges and cartoonish lines designed to help the new compact off-roader stand out.
Under the skin, the GLB will be yet another Mercedes to use the next-generation A-Class platform. Its engines, transmissions and electronics will all be shared with the next GLA crossover.
Porsche 911
Price: From £78,000 (est)
On sale: 2019
Porsche’s signature sports car has a history of evolution rather than revolution, but the next 911 should see a step change as important as the switch from air to water cooling in the late nineties.
While petrol power will still be the range’s mainstay, Porsche is expected to add hybrid drive to the 911, based on tech developed from its e-hybrids. At least the looks won’t change much; as our spy shot shows, they will again be a development of the current car’s.
Porsche Mission E
Price: From £100,000 (est)
On sale: 2020
Sports cars are Porsche’s speciality, but it’s also forging ahead with alternative fuels. The Mission E is designed to be a Tesla slayer, using electric drive tech developed from the German brand’s Le Mans 24 Hours-winning sportscar, while still delivering the driving experience for which Porsche is famous.
There’s nearly 600bhp from its two-motor drive system, and a range of 310 miles, while a rapid charging option is on the cards, too.
Volkswagen I.D.
Price: £23,000 (est)
On sale: 2020
While the e-Golf is Volkswagen’s current front-line EV, the I.D. points the way for the firm’s future electric range.
The I.D. hatchback is a bit smaller than the Golf, and it’s based on an all-new EV platform that can accommodate one or two electric motors. That means 4WD is an option, but also makes the drive system compact enough to create a vast cabin.
• Volkswagen I.D. concept review
Bosses estimate that the battery range could be up to 375 miles, while the I.D. will also be a test bed for VW’s autonomous driving technology.
Which new cars are you most looking forward to seeing in the future? Let us know in the comments section below...