Because of the rapid development and adoption of tech-heavy features in modern vehicles, the Consumer Electronics Show has become an important car show on the yearly calendar, and the 2022 edition did not disappoint. With the electric vehicle race in full swing, big and small manufacturers alike came out firing, and we were blown away by some of the cars, concepts, and innovations on display, as well as thrilled by the announcement of some significant new models. In no particular order, these are our favourite cars from CES 2022.
Best Cars of CES 2022
1. Vinfast V5, VF6 & VF7
Vinfast may appear to be just another EV risk taker at first glance, but the Vietnamese company is quickly establishing itself as a serious contender, with plans for an entirely new SUV for the US market. The company unveiled three new models at this year’s CES: the VF5, a subcompact SUV, the VF6, a slightly larger SUV, and the VF7, a compact crossover. Although there aren’t many details about these new models yet, we do know that the VF8 has a range of 300 miles and costs $41,000, while the VF9 has a range of 420 miles and costs $56,000. If these new models are any indication, American EV manufacturers will be paying attention.
2. Chrysler Airflow
Let’s face it: Chrysler’s lineup isn’t as impressive as it once was, and the struggling American icon is in desperate need of a boost. The Airflow is one cool-looking machine, so we think Chrysler got the memo. The Airflow is a production-ready version of the Airflow Vision Concept, which was unveiled two years ago. It is powered by two electric motors that produce just over 400 horsepower and rides on an all-new EV platform. It can travel 400 miles between charges thanks to its 118-kWh battery. Thanks to STLA SmartCockpit software, which allows for customizable screens and user inputs, the Airflow promises Level 3 autonomous driving and an excellent user experience.
3. Cadillac InnerSpace Concept
The Cadillac InnerSpace Concept is the real eye-catcher at this year’s CES. GM showcased a number of new EVs that are sure to be big sellers, but the Cadillac InnerSpace Concept is the real eye-catcher. This two-passenger all-electric autonomous luxury vehicle has a futuristic design and a lot of technology. The InnerSpace Concept is powered by General Motors’ new Ultifi software platform and features AI-driven biometric input and interfaces on a massive SMD LED display. Even the tyres are cool: they’re made of soybean oil and silica derived from rice husks. Expect this exotic future-mobile to hit the streets in the near future, but be prepared for the technology it demonstrates.
4. Chevy Equinox EV
This year, Chevrolet went all out with its announcements. Not only is the Chevrolet Silverado EV on the way, but GM CEO Mary Barra also dropped two equally impressive bombshells at CES 2022: the Chevy Equinox and Blazer will be electric. The Equinox EV will be built on the Ultium Platform, which will also be used by other newcomers like the Cadillac Lyriq and GMC Hummer EV. The Equinox EV is expected to cost around $30,000. Barra also presided over the unveiling of an all-electric Blazer, though we still don’t have any specifics or even an idea of what it will look like. The Blazer EV is expected to sell for around $35,000.
5. Chevrolet Silverado EV
The electric truck market is about to explode, and competitors like the Rivian R1T are already demonstrating that they can be highly effective tools. Chevrolet is getting ready to launch the Silverado EV, not to be left out of the fray. The Silverado EV will share a new unibody design with the badass Hummer EV, unlike the Ford F-150 Lightning, which is an adaptation of an existing platform. The Silverado EV RST has 664 horsepower and 780 lb-ft of torque, can reach 60 mph in 4.5 seconds, and has a range of 400 miles. The limited-edition models have already sold out, so expect a long wait.
6. Sony Vision-S SUV
Sony may appear to be an unlikely car manufacturer, but the Vision-S isn’t its first rodeo. The Vision-S 01 Sedan was unveiled by the electronics giant two years ago, and now we’ve been treated to a stunning follow-up. The Sony Vision-S 02 SUV is currently in the testing phase and is based on the same EV cloud platform as the Vision-S 01 SUV. The Vision-S 02 SUV will be available as a four- or seven-seater, with a claimed 536 horsepower from its dual electric motor setup. Other notable features include a curb weight of 5,467 pounds and a top speed of 112 mph.
7. Mercedes Vision EQXX Concept
Mercedes-Benz is at the forefront of electric vehicle technology, with cars like the EQS 450+ demonstrating that it can compete with the best in terms of range and performance, but the Vision EQXX Concept takes things to a whole new level. This electric vehicle concept was built from the ground up and boasts a range of over 625 miles. What is the secret to achieving such a stunning figure? It all comes down to a lightweight bionic structure, a slick exterior design, and thoughtful thermal management. The 150 kW powertrain in the Mercedes Vision EQXX Concept isn’t the most impressive, but the fact that it’s 95 percent efficient is. . Combine this with recycled interior materials, a range of 15 miles exclusively on solar cells, and a stunning interior, and you’ve got one seriously impressive vehicle.
8. BMW iX M60
BMW has been on a roll with electric vehicles lately; just look at the i4 and the stunning BMW iX. The iX debuted in September of last year, but BMW has already decided that it’s time for a more powerful version: the iX M60. This is the world’s first all-electric M performance vehicle. Two electric motors produce a combined power output of 610 horsepower and a bone-crunching 811 lb-ft of torque, giving the M60 more aggressive styling and a big dose of speed. The M60 will be able to accelerate from zero to 60 mph in just 3.6 seconds. BMW also showed off its iX Flow model, which comes with the company’s new color-changing paint. The iX Flow is covered in a specialized “E ink” wrap that changes colors via electrical signals that manipulate an electrophoretic technology. All we know is that it needs to come to market ASAP.
