Must See Vehicles at the 2017 Detroit Auto Show

2018 BMW 540i by Matt Carpenter ・ Photo by Matt Carpenter

Spurred by a particularly strong December, automakers sold 17.5 million vehicles in the U.S. in 2016, a record that brought some warmth to a chilly Detroit for the annual industry shindig known as the North American International Auto Show. Although some consider the 2017 Detroit Auto Show a bit quiet because only a few concept vehicles were revealed, there were plenty of other significant car, truck, SUV, and crossover introductions from the likes of Audi, BMW, Chevrolet, Ford, Honda, Nissan, Toyota, Volkswagen, and even from a Chinese company called GAC. At Autobytel, our experts have been roaming Detroit's Cobo Hall for two days with one purpose: finding (and presenting in quick-hit fashion) the absolute must-see vehicles from the 2017 Detroit Auto Show. If you're not able to visit this year's show, which runs from January 8-22, we're confident you'll enjoy this quick digital tour. 

2018 Audi A5/S5 Cabriolet

New soft-top convertible versions of Audi's compact two-doors. The new convertible Audis get a soft top that will open in 15 seconds at speeds up to 31 MPH. The A5 is powered by a 242 hp 2.0 liter turbo four, while the S5 gets a 354 hp turbo V6. A release date has not been announced. Not yet announced.

Photo by Matt Carpenter

Audi Q8 Concept

Audi says the Q8 concept combines the "emotional elegance of a coupe with all the functionality of an SUV." It also previews the future styling direction of the brand. It's a concept, a powerful plug-in hybrid with Quattro all-wheel drive, air suspension, even ceramic brakes. A production Q8 arrives in 2018, powered by a 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine, a 3.5-liter V6, or a hybrid powertrain. Unknown. Not yet announced.

Photo by Newspress USA

2018 Audi SQ5

A new hot-rod version of Audi's mid-size SUV. The SQ5 looks racy, and it has the hardware to back it up: 354 hp turbo V6, eight-speed automatic, and Quattro all-wheel-drive. Audi says it'll sprint to 60 MPH in 5.1 seconds. Passenger and cargo space are excellent. We're already in love with this hot-rod family hauler. Spring 2017. Not yet announced.

Photo by Newspress USA

2017 BMW 530e iPerformance

A plug-in hybrid version of BMW's new 5-series sedan. Iperformance is BMW's new line of plug-in hybrids. The 530e has a four-cylinder engine and electric motor combo that produces 248 hp. BMW claims an all-electric driving range of 15 miles and a 0-60 time of 6.2 seconds. Spring 2017. Not yet announced.

Photo by Matt Carpenter

2017 BMW 540i

A new version of the BMW 5-series. This is the all-new seventh-generation 5-series. The new styling shows the influence of the big 7-series, and extensive use of lightweight materials cuts weight by up to 137 lbs. The 540i variant will get a 335 hp turbocharged inline six, up 35 hp from last year. February 2017. Not yet announced.

Photo by Matt Carpenter

BMW Concept X2

The BMW Concept X2 gives us a preview of the production X2 that goes on sale next year in the U.S. As a concept, the X2 is unique, with a compact two-box design looks both practical and fun. Those 21-inch wheels look just right on this compact BMW crossover. The production X2 arrives in 2018. It will be built in Spartanburg, South Carolina. Likely about $30,000.

Photo by Matt Carpenter

2017 BMW M550i xDrive

The V8-powered version of BMW's new 5-series. The 5-series is all new for 2017, and this is the V8-powered variant with 456 hp, an eight-speed automatic transmission, and all-wheel-drive. BMW says this high-end 5 will blend luxury and performance, and they claim a 0-60 time of four seconds flat. Spring 2017.

Starts at $72,100

Photo by Matt Carpenter

2018 Chevrolet Traverse

The Bowtie brand’s three-row crossover has been completely redesigned for the 2018 model year, and it’s expected to boast best-in-class cabin measurements in three key areas: overall passenger volume, total cargo space and third-row legroom. Two new Traverse trims will provide more athletic and more luxurious options, too, while continuing to offer mobile Wi-Fi. Everything. This fall. Not yet announced.

Photo by Matt Carpenter

2018 Ford F-150

The best-selling vehicle in America, only it’s now backed by a new engine lineup with a new standard engine, a new EcoBoost engine and a new diesel engine—the first ever offered by the F-150. Beyond those new powerplants, F-150 customers also can look to mobile Wi-Fi, refreshed styling and new driver-assistance technology. Fall 2017. Not yet announced.

Photo by Matt Carpenter

GAC Enspirit Concept

This dramatically designed plug-in hybrid concept vehicle—a sporty crossover with a coupe-like profile—comes from the only Chinese brand at the North American International Auto Show: GAC Motor. And the cabin of the EnSpirit is as striking as its sheet metal, with plenty of exposed wood that includes an actual bonsai tree.     N/A. The EnSpirit is not meant for production. Not yet announced.

Photo by Matt Carpenter