Paris Motor Show 2026: an electric 2CV, a Renault 5 Turbo 3E and the cars stealing the show
Retro-inspired EV concepts dominated the Mondial de l'Auto, with Citroën's surprise 2CV the crowd favourite and Chinese brands taking more floor space than ever.
At a glance
- The Paris Motor Show runs from October 12 to 18, 2026.
- Citroën's surprise electric 2CV concept previews an affordable car the brand plans to produce from 2028.
- Renault's limited-run 5 Turbo 3E produces 410 kW on an 800-volt platform; only 1,980 will be built.
- Peugeot brought two concepts, including an electric revival of the 205 Turbo 16.
After years of shrinking crowds, the Paris Motor Show is back with a bang. The 2026 Mondial de l'Auto, running from October 12 to 18, is packed with electric concepts that borrow heavily from France's motoring past — and with Chinese and American brands that now share the halls with Europe's big names.
Citroën's 2CV steals the spotlight
The biggest cheer went to a car nobody saw coming. Citroën, which had not teased it, unveiled an electric concept that revives the legendary 2CV. Reviewers on the floor said it was the clear favourite at Stellantis's preview night. Rather than an expensive, SUV-styled retro model, it aims at what the original "Deux Chevaux" stood for: simple, repairable, affordable transport. German trade publication Vision Mobility reports Citroën wants to put it into production from 2028.
Renault bets on heritage
Renault brought a trio of concepts, including the Renault 8 Gordini, an electric coupé mixing retro and rally styling, and the E-Space electric people-carrier concept. Its production showpiece is the Renault 5 Turbo 3E, an electric homage to the original mid-engined hot hatch. It produces 410 kW, rides on a fast-charging 800-volt platform and will be built in just 1,980 examples — a nod to the year the first R5 Turbo appeared.
Peugeot's double act and more
Peugeot came with two concepts: an electric reinterpretation of the 205 Turbo 16 rally icon and a new RCZ concept that reportedly uses a three-motor setup producing 880 kW and a 0–100 km/h time under two seconds. Alfa Romeo showed the Cuorerosso concept, previewing its next Quadrifoglio performance sedan, while Opel's STX concept hints at the brand's future design language. Volkswagen revealed its ID.Tiguan shortly before the show, and Volvo's EX60 makes its public debut.
The bigger picture
The show's real theme is the arrival of the affordable small EV, a segment Europe has long been waiting for. With Chinese brands such as BYD, Leapmotor, Geely and Denza on the floor, Europe's carmakers are using nostalgia as a weapon in an increasingly price-driven electric market.
Questions people are asking
When is the 2026 Paris Motor Show?
October 12–18, 2026, with the press day on October 12.
Will the Citroën 2CV concept go on sale?
German trade press reports that Citroën wants to bring the new 2CV into series production from 2028, focused on simplicity, repairability and affordability.
How we verified this story
GlobeHourly wrote this report in its own words after checking the facts against 4 independent sources: official statements, wire agencies and established news outlets. Read our standards.
