The IAA Mobility 2025 show opens in Munich in a climate of change and uncertainty for the automotive industry. But with technological innovations, new European models and an offensive by Asian manufacturers, the event gives us grounds for optimism.
The IAA Mobility 2025, which takes place in Munich from 9 to 14 September 2025, confirms its status as the global platform for mobility. ECO MOTORS NEWS is already on site, having opened its doors to the press on September 8. At today’s press conference, the organisers and some of the 740 exhibitors from 95 countries highlighted innovations in electric and electrified mobility. Taking place both in the heart of the exhibition centre and in the city, this 2025 edition is set to be the most ‘general public’ yet also the most international. More than half of the exhibitors are non-German.
Volkswagen, BMW and Mercedes reign supreme, Opel creates a surprise at the Munich Motor Show
The IAA Mobility 2025 in Munich has opened its doors to manufacturers from all over the world, but it’s still the German brands that are taking the lion’s share. Leading the way was Volkswagen, which unveiled no fewer than four new electric models in its ‘Open Space’ area, accessible to the public in the city centre. Also from Volkswagen, but this time within the group, Skoda unveiled the Epiq, a small electric SUV expected to cost under €25,000. It further strengthens the VW group’s position in the highly sought-after entry-level electric segment. A little less ‘affordable’, Porsche chose Munich to present the 911 Turbo S equipped with a new hybridisation system (we’re not talking about a Prius, admittedly, but still!) as well as an electric version of the Cayenne, equipped with an innovative wireless recharging system. These two new products show that Porsche has not given up: the brand intends to preserve its DNA while making the transition to a more energy-efficient car.
While the Volkswagen Group, the world leader, was inevitably eagerly awaited on its home turf, it was a German manufacturer, but from the Stellantis Group, Opel, which created the biggest surprise. Opel caused a sensation at the IAA Mobility 2025 with two eye-catching new products: the new Mokka GSE, a sporty electric version of its compact SUV, and above all the Corsa GSE Vision Gran Turismo concept car. Futuristic, pop-coloured and sharp, it seems to point to future design changes at Opel.
Mercedes, for its part, presented the new 100% electric GLC, equipped with EQ technology and embodying the new phase of its « Sensual Purity » design philosophy. Last but not least, BMW caused a sensation with the launch of the iX3, the first model on the new ‘Neue Klasse’ electric platform, which promises a range in excess of 800 km and the possibility of recovering up to 370 km of range in just ten minutes. Available on the Old Continent from spring 2026, it is expected to cost around €69,000. Enough to stop the Chinese competition?
Chinese and Turks attack the European market
Chinese manufacturers are making a big impression at Munich. Whether it’s Leapmotor with its B05, which is due to go into production in Spain by the end of 2026, ready to take on the Megane E-Tech and the Volkswagen ID.3, or Xpeng with its P7+, with a price/performance ratio that could well shake Tesla and maybe even… Mercedes!
On the borders of Europe, there’s a young brand that’s determined to make its mark in the sun, starting with Germany. Togg, Turkey’s first national manufacturer and only 7 years old, has announced the arrival in Germany of its two models, the T10X SUV and the T10F saloon, whose BMW-inspired design could catch the eye of German drivers. And Togg’s survival depends on it. According to Reuters, the Turkish manufacturer would need 200,000 sales a year to be profitable, and its domestic market, although showing very decent results (30,000 units sold in 2024), is not enough. Germany is therefore, first and foremost, a strategic market to conquer, but also the ideal gateway for conquering other European markets.
Autonomous driving, from fantasy to reality
It’s not just hardware that’s on show in Munich. The IAA Mobility also welcomes exhibitors specialising in software, particularly for autonomous driving. Or rather, ‘driving aids’. More than 200 vehicles will be on display for visitors to get a real feel for the latest developments in these technologies, which are as fascinating as they are frightening! QCraft, for its part, is not afraid of anything. Quite the contrary, in fact. The Beijing-based company, which specialises in autonomous navigation solutions, has announced the opening of its European headquarters in Germany – which explains its presence in Munich – as well as a strategic partnership with American giant Qualcomm. Sounds promising!
Optimism at IAA Mobility Munich 2025
While the skies over Munich are not all rosy when it comes to electric mobility and even the automotive sector in general – Volkswagen’s Oliver Blume claims that US customs duties have cost the group billions and forced it to review its international policy, and Jean-Philippe Imparato of Stellantis is backtracking on all-electricity by 2030 – the 2025 edition of the IAA Mobility is nonetheless full of fine promises. With more affordable vehicles, new recharging technologies, autonomous driving, Chinese companies planning to produce in Europe and even the sporty Porsche 911, there’s plenty to be optimistic about.
