2016 Los Angeles Auto Show: what to expect

This month’s Los Angeles Motor Show will be an automotive debutante ball where several new models will be under the public gaze for the first time. Here are five that will be making their way into Australian showrooms following their global unveilings in California.

Mercedes AMG E63

There’s been no shortage of new AMG models lately, but one of the most anticipated will finally be revealed at LA. The Mercedes-AMG E-Class flagship, an all-wheel-drive, drift-mode-equipped monster will be powered by a modified version of AMG’s new 4.0-litre twin turbo V8 producing a planet-shaking 450kW of power and 850Nm of torque in its most powerful form. 0-100km/h is a claimed 3.4 seconds.

The German super saloon is expected to arrive here early next year, with a pricetag in the region of a cool quarter-million.

Mazda CX-5

Mazda has already teased us with a partial pic of the all-new version of its popular medium Mazda CX-5 SUV, but we’ll see the whole thing in all its splendour at LA. The CX-5 has been a consistent best seller in the Australian mid-sized SUV segment and while the 2017 model isn’t expected to be radically different, it will at the very least sport an updated design to bring its styling into line with Mazda’s newer products – principally the CX-3 and CX-9 that sit beside it. The covers come off at the Los Angeles Convention Centre on November 16.

Audi A5 and S5 Cabriolet

3

Audi just revealed the topless versions of the all-new Audi A5 but will show them in the flesh for the first time in LA. Both variants are expected reach Australia in late 2017. Audi claims the A5 rag top will have the stiffest body in its class, with its construction, reinforced sills and extra struts in the body increasing rigidity by 40 per cent over the previous Cabriolet, which should make it a decent ride.

Alfa Romeo Stelvio

3

Alfa will reveal its first ever SUV which promises to have a curvaceous shape worthy of the marque, despite the hideous body covering seen in testing that looked more Ssangyong than Alfa Romeo Stelvio. Named after the famous Italian mountain road, the Audi Q5-sized medium SUV is set to help spearhead the brand the brand’s return to the US market after 30 years - hence the LA launch.

Mini Countryman

The not-so mini SUV is the biggest car to ever feature the MINI badge, and shares its bones with the BMW X1. It will make its world debut in LA on November 18, when it will show off its extra space, bigger boot and range of powertrains including three- and four-cylinder turbo petrol engines, as well as a plug-in hybrid.