2026 Paris Motor Show: Paris Reignites Its Engines

There are certain dates you simply don't want to miss. The Paris Motor Show is one of them, and its 2026 edition is shaping up to be the most exciting in years. From October 12 to 18, at Porte de Versailles, one of the oldest motor shows in the world, heir to the Paris exhibition of 1898, will reopen its doors with renewed ambition — and a surprise that's bound to set many hearts racing. Here's everything you need to know about what's in store.

The show's big surprise: the 2CV rises again

This is the standout moment of this edition. Citroën will use the Motor Show to unveil the concept previewing the return of the 2CV, this time in a fully electric version. The chevron-badged brand made the announcement official on May 21, 2026: the future city car, expected in showrooms in 2028, will be built in Italy, in Pomigliano d'Arco, on the platform Stellantis has earmarked for its affordable small electric models. It's expected to carry a starting price under €15,000, which would make it one of the cheapest electric cars in Europe — a figure that, like its final technical specifications, has yet to be officially confirmed.

Citroën insists it will stay true to the spirit of the original rather than copy its design, so as not to betray the legend. The historical nod, however, is fully embraced: "In 1948, the 2CV gave millions of people the freedom to drive; eighty years later, the new 2CV will democratize electric mobility," sums up Xavier Chardon, the brand's CEO. The symbolism is powerful: the French icon is being reborn in the aisles of Paris at the very moment when others have chosen to pack their bags.

The grand return of the brands… and a few no-shows

For years, the Motor Show's aisles had been thinning out. Several major manufacturers had pulled out, deeming the exercise too costly amid the rise of digital alternatives. The tide has turned: for this 91st edition, more than 60 brands are confirmed, up from 48 at the previous edition, with organizers even eyeing the 70 mark. Volvo, absent from the Paris show since 2014, is making its big comeback, joined by Ford, while German brands Mercedes, Audi and Volkswagen will also be present alongside Renault, the seven Stellantis brands in attendance (Peugeot, Citroën, DS, Opel, Fiat, Alfa Romeo and Lancia), and Leapmotor, the group's partner.

The picture isn't without a few sour notes, though. BMW and Mini, who had confirmed their attendance earlier in the year, ultimately pulled out over the summer, with the group citing shifting priorities amid global results falling short of projections. Lexus, MG and Tesla are also missing from the exhibitor directory published so far by the organizer. Regardless, the show will spread across five halls of Paris Expo, with October 12 reserved for accredited press ahead of the show's opening to the general public from Tuesday, October 13 through Sunday, October 18.

A wave of new electric models

If there's one common thread running through the program, it's affordable electric mobility. European manufacturers are rolling out a new wave of small and mid-size connected electric cars designed to bring EVs to the masses. Expect to see the Cupra Raval, the Renault Twingo E-Tech, the Volkswagen ID. Polo and ID. Cross, the Kia EV2, and the Hyundai Ioniq 3, among others. These are models aimed squarely at the heart of the market, where the biggest sales volumes are at stake.

Performance enthusiasts won't be left out either. Peugeot is set to display its restyled 408 alongside an e-208 GTI that's already generating buzz, while Volvo will present its electric SUV, the EX60. Renault, the quintessential Parisian host, is expected to showcase its entire electric lineup — R5, R4, Twingo — including the very chic special-edition Renault 4 Roland-Garros, going on sale this fall. Between world premieres, dynamic test drives and areas dedicated to new mobility solutions, the show aims to recapture the buzz of its glory days.

China lying in wait

It's impossible to talk about a 2026 motor show without mentioning the Asian offensive. BYD, Leapmotor and Xpeng, all confirmed, will exhibit on large stands, showcasing their competitively priced electric sedans and SUVs. European audiences are getting acquainted with names that were unfamiliar just three years ago, and the show will serve as a solid barometer of this shifting landscape.

Much more than just a car exhibition

The Motor Show is about far more than cars parked on platforms. The 2026 edition is banking on experience: dynamic test drives to get behind the wheel of the latest electric models, a supervised test area for driver-assistance and autonomous-driving features, available by reservation in roughly twenty-five-minute slots, areas dedicated to new mobility solutions (e-bikes, micro-mobility, charging solutions), and activities designed for families. Manufacturers will also unveil several world premieres, still under wraps at this stage — a rare opportunity to see, all in one place, what the automotive world will look like in the years ahead.

Why you should go

Beyond the spectacle, a motor show remains the best place to compare, touch, and sit inside the cars. Seeing an affordable electric city car, a family SUV and a dream sports car all sharing the same hall lets you take the pulse of tomorrow's automotive world in a single visit.

While you wait to walk the aisles in October, there's nothing stopping you from planning your visit from your couch. On Brochure Auto, you can already browse the brochures for the models expected at the show, compare trims and powertrains, and arrive at the show with a clear idea in mind. It's the best way to avoid being dazzled by the spotlights.

Information verified on August 25, 2026, based on the program and exhibitor directory published by the organizer. The show's content, the models on display, and manufacturer announcements remain subject to change ahead of October.