Top 10 Mind Blowing Concept Cars of 2023
#10: Mercedes CLA-Class Concept
To kick off this list we’ve got a stunning EV concept from the German automaker, Mercedes. They’ve flexed their electric vehicle muscle already with their currently available line of EQ cars and SUVs, but this compact sedan is poised to open up their EV selection even further. Unveiled at the 2023 IAA Mobility show in Munich, the CLA-Class Concept shows off a stunning silhouette and has an estimated 466-mile range with a 235-horsepower single-motor, rear-mounted power source. This CLA-Class Concept should offer class-leading performance along with luxury and style. Let’s just hope those uber-cool, Mercedes Tri-Star patterned wheels and front grille make the final cut when the vehicle is produced.
#9: Ram 1500 REV
Ram might be last to the electrified-truck game, but it’s come in with a bang. The Ram 1500 REV, unveiled on the first day of the Consumer Electronics Show in Vegas this year, features suicide doors, a glass roof, a hard-to-miss full LED front grille, and a few other nifty amenities that are sure to impress - like an estimated range of close to 350 miles, along with full towing capability. The 1500 REV is scheduled to arrive in fall 2024. The Ram REV is definitely a direct jab at Musk’s CyberTruck, and we’ve got to admit we think the Ram is definitely better-looking than the all-too-futuristic Tesla.
#8: Sony-Honda AFEELA Concept
It seemed it was only a matter of time before a hi-tech company and an automaker truly joined forces to make a viable automobile together. Well, the time has come and Honda and Sony joined to create the AFEELA brand. As of its unveiling at CES this year, their vehicle has no name, but we have to admit it looks pretty cool even without a proper christening. Production is set to start in 2026, and the AFEELA-brand car is scheduled to feature 45 sensors and cameras as well as a partnership with AI company, Qualcomm.
#7: Porsche Mission X
Anyone who thinks electric vehicles will never rival internal combustion engines, the likes of the Porsche Mission X should change their minds entirely. Developed with a downforce that challenges the 911 GT3RS and with a charge 2 times quicker than that of the Taycan, the Mission X’s 900-volt system means this electrified Porker is set to be the fastest road-legal car ever to hit the Nurburgring. That is IF the electrified hypercar ever goes into production. Porsche hasn’t released any other specific specs on the Mission X just yet, but we have a feeling this super-quick EV will make a real-life appearance in the coming years.
#6: Pininfarina PURA Vision
When a vehicle is inspired by a luxury yacht, there’s a good chance it’s going to be pretty luxurious and large. That is definitely the case for the Pininfarina PURA Vision concept that made its debut during the hoity-toity Monterey Car Week. Automobili Pininfarina describes the vehicle as an “electric Luxury Utility Vehicle” or an e-LUV. While there aren’t any solid details on performance and specs, we do know that the PURA Vision features all types of doors including front-hinge, rear-hinge, AND gullwing. Yup, all in the same design. And the whole thing rides on massive 23” wheels. This Pininfarina really is a moving land yacht.
#5: Peugeot Inception Concept EV
If you thought the other cars on this list were futuristic looking, wait till you get a look at the latest to come from French automaker, PEUGEOT. The INCEPTION CONCEPT EV might just be one of the most space-age-looking vehicles we’ve seen in quite some time. Featuring a Hypersquare steering wheel, that is more of a tablet, as well as a fully changeable interior, and a Halo cluster in front of the driver that cycles through necessary information on a screen, the INCEPTION CONCEPT EV looks like something out of the “Fifth Element.” Featuring dual electric motors, the INCEPTION doesn’t just look fast, it IS fast with 680 horsepower and the ability to rocket (quietly) from 0-62 mph in under 3 seconds.
#4: Polestar Synergy Concept
Now, here’s a cool concept car that was born from Polestar creating a contest calling on automotive designers to come together and create something that not only “tells an advanced technical story in a sustainable way” but also captures out-of-this-world performance numbers. After a year of searching and submissions, Polestar discovered their top 3 designers (2 exterior and 1 interior) and the Synergy Concept came to life. Only 1 version of the vehicle exists in a 1:1 scale, and it debuted at the IAA Mobility Show in Munich. The design is nothing short of stunning inside and out, but details about potential performance numbers or whether the Synergy Concept will ever become a reality have yet to be revealed.
#3: Lamborghini Lanzador
Not only is the Italian automaker embarking on its new sustainable, emission-free future with the launch of the Lamborghini Lanzador, but they are also hoping to create a whole new vehicle segment, the Ultra GT. Planned for a 2028 arrival in showrooms, this GT 2+2 full-EV was unveiled at Monterey Car Week. Featuring two electric motors that will give it over 1,300 horsepower and AWD, the Lanzador promises to be every bit as Lamborghini as buyers would hope - with a little something extra like fully sustainable materials inside with seats made from 3D-printed recycled fibers. Lambo even teased some pretty rad engine noises available while driving the Lanzador, despite being fully electric.
#2: Porsche Vision 357
This gas-powered vehicle concept is a solid nod to the very first Porsche that was designed and patented by Ferry Porsche himself 75 years ago: the original Porsche 356. Ferdinand’s sports car dream became a reality that day, and Vision 357 is keeping it alive. With proportions reminiscent of the original 356, as well as a color scheme that harkens back to the 1950s, the 357 is a harmonious mix of nostalgia and futuristic features. The Vision 357 is actually based on the current 718 Cayman GT4 RS and features a 4.0L flat-six engine. This concept may not be completely new, but it certainly is an impressive addition to the German automaker’s lineup.
Before we unveil our top pick, here are a few honorable mentions.
Triumph TR25
This Speedster Concept From the British Automaker Is Truly a Triumph in Every Way Possible
Audi Activesphere Concept
Shapeshifting Design, Augmented Reality, Suicide Doors, Full EV Power: This Audi Has It All
#1: BMW i Vision DEE
When a vehicle’s name literally means Digital Emotional Experience, there’s a good chance it’s going to be a pretty cool and immersive ride. Oh, and did we mention that BMW’s i Vision DEE can also change its color scheme on a whim, and even has facial expressions via the front grille? That’s right, the i Vision DEE is more than just a car, it is a digital companion for your journeys. DEE features augmented reality, a fully digitized interior, and a completely customizable exterior. BMW even refers to DEE as a “she” and references her being more of a friend than a car. This combination of software and hardware from the German automaker is truly a glimpse into the future.
What’s been your favorite concept car unveiling this year? Drop a comment below so we can check out more futuristic cars!