Whether we're talking supercars or concept cars, "cars" is the operative word at this year's Geneva Motor Show, with larger vehicles like trucks and vans playing more of a supporting role at the show. But that doesn't mean they aren't making their presence known. There's a new six-wheeled version of the recently retired Land Rover Defender, a hybridized Volkswagen T6, a cool, little beach buggy called "Bee-Bee," and more.
With all the big car debuts, it's not really surprising that trucks are playing second fiddle at this year's Geneva show. There are no flashy debuts on par with last year's Mercedes G500 4x4 Squared concept, but there are still plenty of cool trucks, SUVs/crossovers and off-roaders to see at Switzerland's annual auto fest.
Kahn Design Defender Pick Up 6x6
The coolest debut in the utility vehicle department, if not the most practical, has to be the Flying Huntsman 110 6X6 Defender Double Cab Pickup from Kahn Design, a pickup-based follow-up to last year's Defender six-wheeler. The Defender just retired a few weeks ago, and Kahn Design is ensuring that the venerable off-roader continues to attract plenty of attention. Its thorough overhaul includes an extra 35 in (880 mm) of length, an extra axle, selectable six-wheel drive, a wide body kit, alloy wheels with Continental General Grabber AT tires, "volcanic rock" paint and a red leather interior.
Peugeot 2008 DKR16
The Peugeot 2008 DKR was one of the big off-roader highlights of both the 2015 Geneva and 2014 Paris motor shows. It's an even bigger highlight in Geneva this year, coming off a redesign and Dakar 2016 domination. The big beast is that much more impressive to look at now that it's officially lived up to its potential, bringing Dakar victory back to Peugeot.
Maserati Levante
The much-anticipated Maserati Levante is the clear highlight of Geneva's road-oriented SUV segment. Its style is debatable, but it does finally answer the question of what the "Maserati of SUVs" looks like. Maser's first SUV is powered by a buyer's choice of 350- or 430-hp 3.0-liter V6 twin-turbo gas engine or 275-hp 3.0-liter V6 turbo diesel. The engine works with an eight-speed automatic transmission and Q4 intelligent AWD system. The 430-hp version sprints from 0 to 62 mph (100 km/h) in 5.2 seconds well before topping out at 164 mph (264 km/h).
Jeep celebrates the big 7 - 5
Jeep isn't showing any major new models in Geneva, but its booth is an interesting stop thanks to a 75th anniversary celebration. That celebration includes special 75th anniversary editions of models like the Grand Cherokee and Wrangler, as well as a few heritage models spread around the exhibit, including the pictured 1944 Willys MB.
Many more trucks, SUVs, vans and off-roaders await in our photo gallery.