© 2022 New Atlas
Automotive

In photos: Concept cars show the future in Frankfurt

By C.C. Weiss
September 14, 2017
In photos: Concept cars show the future in Frankfurt
Concepts of the 2017 Frankfurt Motor Show
Concepts of the 2017 Frankfurt Motor Show
View 147 Images
The Mercedes-Benz Future Bus with CityPilot helps to draw show goers to Daimler's hall
1/147
The Mercedes-Benz Future Bus with CityPilot helps to draw show goers to Daimler's hall
Mercedes debuted the Future Bus last July in Amsterdam, where it drove autonomously on a 12-mile (20-km) route
2/147
Mercedes debuted the Future Bus last July in Amsterdam, where it drove autonomously on a 12-mile (20-km) route
The Volocopter 2X self-flying taxi serves as another eye catcher outside Daimler's IAA hall
3/147
The Volocopter 2X self-flying taxi serves as another eye catcher outside Daimler's IAA hall
Daimler is among the parties investing millions in Volocopter – even if the flying taxi doesn't pan out, Daimler might just get its money worth in trade fair promotions alone
4/147
Daimler is among the parties investing millions in Volocopter – even if the flying taxi doesn't pan out, Daimler might just get its money worth in trade fair promotions alone
Volocopter plans to use investment funds for developing its electric vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) technology, quickening introduction of the Volocopter taxi and improving its market position within the young flying taxi market
5/147
Volocopter plans to use investment funds for developing its electric vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) technology, quickening introduction of the Volocopter taxi and improving its market position within the young flying taxi market
Daimler shows the Volocopter 2X flying taxi in Frankfurt
6/147
Daimler shows the Volocopter 2X flying taxi in Frankfurt
The two-person self-flying air taxi of the future?
7/147
The two-person self-flying air taxi of the future?
Wey XEV concept
8/147
Wey XEV concept
Mercedes Vision Tokyo concept at IAA 2017
9/147
Mercedes Vision Tokyo concept at IAA 2017
Mercedes first revealed the Vision Tokyo at the 2015 Tokyo Motor Show
10/147
Mercedes first revealed the Vision Tokyo at the 2015 Tokyo Motor Show
The Mercedes-Benz Vision Tokyo concept plays with several technologies, including autonomy and a hydrogen fuel cell electric powertrain
11/147
The Mercedes-Benz Vision Tokyo concept plays with several technologies, including autonomy and a hydrogen fuel cell electric powertrain
In addition to being yet another dramatic concept at the Daimler IAA hall, the VIsion Tokyo ties into the hydrogen fuel cell news Mercedes had at the show
12/147
In addition to being yet another dramatic concept at the Daimler IAA hall, the VIsion Tokyo ties into the hydrogen fuel cell news Mercedes had at the show
Mercedes-Benz Vision Tokyo concept at IAA 2017
13/147
Mercedes-Benz Vision Tokyo concept at IAA 2017
Mercedes-Benz Vision Tokyo concept at IAA 2017
14/147
Mercedes-Benz Vision Tokyo concept at IAA 2017
Toyota premieres the C-HR Hy-Power Concept in Frankfurt
15/147
Toyota premieres the C-HR Hy-Power Concept in Frankfurt
The Hy-Power concept gives the C-HR a more vibrant look to go along with a more potent hybrid powertrain
16/147
The Hy-Power concept gives the C-HR a more vibrant look to go along with a more potent hybrid powertrain
F1 race car for the road: The Project One will feature more prominently in our upcoming "sports cars of Frankfurt" gallery, but since it's technically a "show car," we figured we'd sneak a photo in here, too
17/147
F1 race car for the road: The Project One will feature more prominently in our upcoming "sports cars of Frankfurt" gallery, but since it's technically a "show car," we figured we'd sneak a photo in here, too
Mercedes Concept EQA
18/147
Mercedes Concept EQA
A look into the swirling eyes of the Mercedes Concept EQA
19/147
A look into the swirling eyes of the Mercedes Concept EQA
Mercedes previews a compact electric car with the Concept EQA
20/147
Mercedes previews a compact electric car with the Concept EQA
The Mercedes EQA has a 249-mile-range all-electric powertrain
21/147
The Mercedes EQA has a 249-mile-range all-electric powertrain
Mercedes Concept EQA
22/147
Mercedes Concept EQA
Mercedes Concept EQA
23/147
Mercedes Concept EQA
The Mercedes EQA's taillights have some swirl, too
24/147
The Mercedes EQA's taillights have some swirl, too
Mercedes Generation EQ concept at the 2017 Frankfurt Motor Show
25/147
Mercedes Generation EQ concept at the 2017 Frankfurt Motor Show
Chery explores a sleeker SUV with the Tiggo Coupe Concept
26/147
Chery explores a sleeker SUV with the Tiggo Coupe Concept
Chery Tiggo Coupe Concept
27/147
Chery Tiggo Coupe Concept
Chery Tiggo Coupe Concept
28/147
Chery Tiggo Coupe Concept
Jaguar shows the I-Pace concept
29/147
Jaguar shows the I-Pace concept
Jaguar shows the I-Pace concept
30/147
Jaguar shows the I-Pace concept
Jaguar shows the I-Pace concept
31/147
Jaguar shows the I-Pace concept
Jaguar shows the I-Pace concept
32/147
Jaguar shows the I-Pace concept
Honda's Urban EV Concept blends the past and future
33/147
Honda's Urban EV Concept blends the past and future
We imagine it'll lose the digital front and rear fascias along the way, but the Urban EV Concept will work its way into a production by 2019
34/147
We imagine it'll lose the digital front and rear fascias along the way, but the Urban EV Concept will work its way into a production by 2019
Honda Urban EV Concept
35/147
Honda Urban EV Concept
Honda's Urban EV Concept includes front and rear digital displays
36/147
Honda's Urban EV Concept includes front and rear digital displays
Honda shows the CR-V Hybrid prototype in Frankfurt
37/147
Honda shows the CR-V Hybrid prototype in Frankfurt
Kia makes the estate look extra sexy with its Proceed Concept
38/147
Kia makes the estate look extra sexy with its Proceed Concept
Kia's materials call it the Proceed Concept, but it wears a "Proceed Reborn" badge
39/147
Kia's materials call it the Proceed Concept, but it wears a "Proceed Reborn" badge
The Proceed Concept focuses on "extended hot hatch" styling, and Kia doesn't detail any powertrain specs
40/147
The Proceed Concept focuses on "extended hot hatch" styling, and Kia doesn't detail any powertrain specs
Kia Proceed Concept world premiere at IAA 2017
41/147
Kia Proceed Concept world premiere at IAA 2017
Kia's Frankfurt design team took the lead on the Proceed Concept
42/147
Kia's Frankfurt design team took the lead on the Proceed Concept
Borgward's Isabella Concept was among the most striking of the show
43/147
Borgward's Isabella Concept was among the most striking of the show
The surfaces of the Borgward Isabella Concept exterior and interior dive, twist, tuck and flow
44/147
The surfaces of the Borgward Isabella Concept exterior and interior dive, twist, tuck and flow
Inside the Borgward Isabella Concept
45/147
Inside the Borgward Isabella Concept
Inside the Borgward Isabella Concept
46/147
Inside the Borgward Isabella Concept
Borgward Isabella Concept
47/147
Borgward Isabella Concept
Mini shows its electrified future with the Electric Concept
48/147
Mini shows its electrified future with the Electric Concept
The Mini Electric Concept includes a closed radiator and fiberglass aero components for better performance
49/147
The Mini Electric Concept includes a closed radiator and fiberglass aero components for better performance
The Electric Concept is clearly inspired by the original Mini E, a development prototype that helped pave the way for BMW's current and future electric models
50/147
The Electric Concept is clearly inspired by the original Mini E, a development prototype that helped pave the way for BMW's current and future electric models 
A production electric Mini will be part of BMW's electrification expansion
51/147
A production electric Mini will be part of BMW's electrification expansion
After its California debut last month, the Concept Z4 makes an appearance in BMW's homeland
52/147
After its California debut last month, the Concept Z4 makes an appearance in BMW's homeland 
The Concept Z4 shows BMW's latest design language
53/147
The Concept Z4 shows BMW's latest design language
BMW plays with vertically stacked headlights, a departure from its usual horizontal lights
54/147
BMW plays with vertically stacked headlights, a departure from its usual horizontal lights
The BMW Z4 concept uses colors and equipment to clearly separate driver from passenger
55/147
The BMW Z4 concept uses colors and equipment to clearly separate driver from passenger
BMW Concept Z4 roadster
56/147
BMW Concept Z4 roadster
Not all BMW Frankfurt concepts have four wheels; the Concept Link scooter rides on two
57/147
Not all BMW Frankfurt concepts have four wheels; the Concept Link scooter rides on two
BMW Concept Link
58/147
BMW Concept Link
In creating the Elaine, Audi started with the E-tron Sportback and added some new technologies
59/147
In creating the Elaine, Audi started with the E-tron Sportback and added some new technologies
Audi explores autonomy with the Elaine Concept
60/147
Audi explores autonomy with the Elaine Concept
The Elaine features an advanced self-driving system that can maneuver the car at speeds between 37 and 81 mph (60 and 130 km/h)
61/147
The Elaine features an advanced self-driving system that can maneuver the car at speeds between 37 and 81 mph (60 and 130 km/h)
Volkswagen shows the I.D. Crozz concept
62/147
Volkswagen shows the I.D. Crozz concept 
The I.D. Crozz is VW's vision of a sporty, electric crossover
63/147
The I.D. Crozz is VW's vision of a sporty, electric crossover
A look into the VW I.D. Crozz concept's eye
64/147
A look into the VW I.D. Crozz concept's eye
The VW I.D. Crozz has a motor at each wheel, an electric version of 4Motion all-wheel drive
65/147
The VW I.D. Crozz has a motor at each wheel, an electric version of 4Motion all-wheel drive
Smart's Vision EQ ForTwo from above
66/147
Smart's Vision EQ ForTwo from above
The Smart Vision EQ ForTwo is an all-electric, self-driving, car-sharing city taxi of the future
67/147
The Smart Vision EQ ForTwo is an all-electric, self-driving, car-sharing city taxi of the future
The Vision EQ ForTwo's bubble doors work as digital displays and swing backward to open
68/147
The Vision EQ ForTwo's bubble doors work as digital displays and swing backward to open
The Smart Vision EQ ForTwo features exterior digital displays to communicate with customers and other road users
69/147
The Smart Vision EQ ForTwo features exterior digital displays to communicate with customers and other road users
Identifying the car you ordered gets easier with the Vision EQ ForTwo's digital front display
70/147
Identifying the car you ordered gets easier with the Vision EQ ForTwo's digital front display
The Smart EQ ForTwo's interior keeps things simple and roomy
71/147
The Smart EQ ForTwo's interior keeps things simple and roomy
Interestingly, the Vision EQ ForTwo's digital interior display is not a touchscreen, instead relying on passenger smartphones for control
72/147
Interestingly, the Vision EQ ForTwo's digital interior display is not a touchscreen, instead relying on passenger smartphones for control
The Vision EQ ForTwo's digital display helps single passengers find a mate with whom they can split the ride
73/147
The Vision EQ ForTwo's digital display helps single passengers find a mate with whom they can split the ride
The rear-swinging doors make it easier to get in and out in tight parking and urban spaces
74/147
The rear-swinging doors make it easier to get in and out in tight parking and urban spaces
The all-new Mercedes Concept EQA from above
75/147
The all-new Mercedes Concept EQA from above
Auto startup Thunder Power shows its electric sedan development prototype
76/147
Auto startup Thunder Power shows its electric sedan development prototype
The Thunder Power prototype wears some topographic-like camouflage
77/147
The Thunder Power prototype wears some topographic-like camouflage 
Thunder Power claims an all-electric range (NEDC) up to 404 miles (650 km), but we'll see if that sticks once the car gets to market
78/147
Thunder Power claims an all-electric range (NEDC) up to 404 miles (650 km), but we'll see if that sticks once the car gets to market
Thunder Power plans to launch a sedan and limited edition coupe in 2019 and an SUV in 2020
79/147
Thunder Power plans to launch a sedan and limited edition coupe in 2019 and an SUV in 2020
A look at Thunder Power's heavily digital interior
80/147
A look at Thunder Power's heavily digital interior 
Thunder Power interior
81/147
Thunder Power interior
Thunder Power SUV show car
82/147
Thunder Power SUV show car
Thunder Power SUV show car
83/147
Thunder Power SUV show car
Thunder Power has one of the more interesting all-electric front grille designs out there
84/147
Thunder Power has one of the more interesting all-electric front grille designs out there
Thunder Power SUV show car
85/147
Thunder Power SUV show car
Thunder Power SUV show car
86/147
Thunder Power SUV show car
Thunder Power has designed a modular chassis for use across its vehicle lineup
87/147
Thunder Power has designed a modular chassis for use across its vehicle lineup
Thunder Power's architecture includes front multi-link and rear trapezoidal link suspension
88/147
Thunder Power's architecture includes front multi-link and rear trapezoidal link suspension
More than just a car, Renault's Symbioz vision includes a home that shares energy with the vehicle
89/147
More than just a car, Renault's Symbioz vision includes a home that shares energy with the vehicle
The Symbioz car is designed to double as a useful room at home
90/147
The Symbioz car is designed to double as a useful room at home
The Symbioz has a dual-motor rear-wheel drive
91/147
The Symbioz has a dual-motor rear-wheel drive
Renault plans to launch a Symbioz-related demo vehicle later this year
92/147
Renault plans to launch a Symbioz-related demo vehicle later this year
While an interesting and unique concept, Renault's Symbioz limited structural capacity meant we weren't able to get inside the building and shoot the car from all angles
93/147
While an interesting and unique concept, Renault's Symbioz limited structural capacity meant we weren't able to get inside the building and shoot the car from all angles 
Renault's race car of the future: the R.S. 2027 Vision
94/147
Renault's race car of the future: the R.S. 2027 Vision
Renault looks at a possible future of race cars
95/147
Renault looks at a possible future of race cars
Renault's R.S. 2027 Vision uses a variety of LED lighting
96/147
Renault's R.S. 2027 Vision uses a variety of LED lighting 
The Renault R.S. 2027 Vision includes a polycarbonate cockpit canopy
97/147
The Renault R.S. 2027 Vision includes a polycarbonate cockpit canopy
Renault R.S. Vision 2027
98/147
Renault R.S. Vision 2027
BMW previews the future of sporty electric driving with the i Vision Dynamics
99/147
BMW previews the future of sporty electric driving with the i Vision Dynamics
BMW has been focusing on styling exercises of late, without giving much in the way of powertrain details – it does imagine the i Vision Dynamics having 373 miles of range and 120-mph of speed
100/147
BMW has been focusing on styling exercises of late, without giving much in the way of powertrain details – it does imagine the i Vision Dynamics having 373 miles of range and 120-mph of speed
Those who have been watching BMW's electric growth may recall that the i8 was originally the Vision EfficientDynamics, a clunky name that seems to have helped pave the way for the more succinct i Vision Dynamics
101/147
Those who have been watching BMW's electric growth may recall that the i8 was originally the Vision EfficientDynamics, a clunky name that seems to have helped pave the way for the more succinct i Vision Dynamics
BMW premieres the i Vision Dynamics in Frankfurt
102/147
BMW premieres the i Vision Dynamics in Frankfurt
BMW i Vision Dynamics concept
103/147
BMW i Vision Dynamics concept
BMW i Vision Dynamics concept
104/147
BMW i Vision Dynamics concept
BMW i Vision Dynamics concept
105/147
BMW i Vision Dynamics concept
BMW premieres the X7 Concept iPerformance
106/147
BMW premieres the X7 Concept iPerformance
The X7 Concept iPerformance previews a large BMW SUV
107/147
The X7 Concept iPerformance previews a large BMW SUV
BMW X7 Concept iPerformance
108/147
BMW X7 Concept iPerformance
BMW didn't announce powertrain specs but said that the X7 concept pairs electric drive tech with a BMW TwinPower turbo gas engine
109/147
BMW didn't announce powertrain specs but said that the X7 concept pairs electric drive tech with a BMW TwinPower turbo gas engine
BMW X7 Concept iPerformance
110/147
BMW X7 Concept iPerformance
A peek inside the X7 concept
111/147
A peek inside the X7 concept
BMW shows the Concept 8 Series once again
112/147
BMW shows the Concept 8 Series once again
Another BMW concept without powertrain specs, the Concept 8 Series previews a future production model
113/147
Another BMW concept without powertrain specs, the Concept 8 Series previews a future production model
The new 8 Series will be part of BMW's historic new-model offensive
114/147
The new 8 Series will be part of BMW's historic new-model offensive
BMW Concept 8 Series
115/147
BMW Concept 8 Series
BMW Concept 8 Series
116/147
BMW Concept 8 Series
Inside the BMW Concept 8 Series
117/147
Inside the BMW Concept 8 Series
The Vision Mercedes-Maybach 6 Cabriolet makes the trip over from California
118/147
The Vision Mercedes-Maybach 6 Cabriolet makes the trip over from California
A look inside the gorgeous interior of the Mercedes-Maybach 6 Cabriolet
119/147
A look inside the gorgeous interior of the Mercedes-Maybach 6 Cabriolet
The huge hood of the Vision Mercedes-Maybach 6 Cabriolet
120/147
The huge hood of the Vision Mercedes-Maybach 6 Cabriolet
Vision Mercedes-Maybach 6 Cabriolet
121/147
Vision Mercedes-Maybach 6 Cabriolet
Debuted at the 2017 Geneva Motor Show, the Mercedes-AMG GT Concept makes the trip to Frankfurt
122/147
Debuted at the 2017 Geneva Motor Show, the Mercedes-AMG GT Concept makes the trip to Frankfurt
With an 805-hp hybrid powertrain derived from F1 technology, the GT Concept is a powerful machine
123/147
With an 805-hp hybrid powertrain derived from F1 technology, the GT Concept is a powerful machine
The Rinspeed Oasis concept brings some funk to Frankfurt
124/147
The Rinspeed Oasis concept brings some funk to Frankfurt 
The Rinspeed Oasis adds a little greenery to the automotive world
125/147
The Rinspeed Oasis adds a little greenery to the automotive world
If the buses of the future look anything like Daimler's vision, they won't hold very many people
126/147
If the buses of the future look anything like Daimler's vision, they won't hold very many people
At the wheel of the Mercedes Future Bus
127/147
At the wheel of the Mercedes Future Bus
Mercedes Future Bus with CityPilot concept
128/147
Mercedes Future Bus with CityPilot concept
Skoda Vision E at the 2017 Frankfurt Motor Show
129/147
Skoda Vision E at the 2017 Frankfurt Motor Show
Skoda Vision E at the 2017 Frankfurt Motor Show
130/147
Skoda Vision E at the 2017 Frankfurt Motor Show
A look at the flamboyant aerodynamics of the Mini John Cooper Works GP Concept
131/147
A look at the flamboyant aerodynamics of the Mini John Cooper Works GP Concept
Mini likes to integrate the Union Jack into its concepts
132/147
Mini likes to integrate the Union Jack into its concepts
The new GP Concept is a race-inspired Mini Cooper with serious attitude
133/147
The new GP Concept is a race-inspired Mini Cooper with serious attitude
Mini John Cooper Works GP Concept
134/147
Mini John Cooper Works GP Concept
Mini John Cooper Works GP Concept
135/147
Mini John Cooper Works GP Concept 
Mini John Cooper Works GP Concept
136/147
Mini John Cooper Works GP Concept 
The Mini GP Concept has a widened track, front splitter, large roof spoiler and plenty of other aggressive tweaks
137/147
The Mini GP Concept has a widened track, front splitter, large roof spoiler and plenty of other aggressive tweaks
The track-inspired GP Concept includes a roll cage and driver-focused interior
138/147
The track-inspired GP Concept includes a roll cage and driver-focused interior
Wey explores creases and alternative energy with the XEV concept
139/147
Wey explores creases and alternative energy with the XEV concept 
The Wey XEV's rear is giving us way too much lip
140/147
The Wey XEV's rear is giving us way too much lip