Due to pandemic restrictions, the traditional February slot shifted to July for a summertime special edition of the 2021 Chicago Auto Show. Although smaller in size, the event still drew a wide array of new cars, trucks and SUVs to the McCormick Place showroom floors. Attendees also thrilled to the Camp Jeep and Ram truck indoor tracks. This year expanded outdoors with an all-new street fest and city test drives. Ford (on the site of Chicago’s historic Motor row) featured the Built Wild Bronco experience, driving show goers on a specially designed off-road course. A Built To Electrify exhibit showcased the blue oval’s contribution to the EV (electric vehicle).
Recognizing that an electric revolution is the future for the industry, here are the automakers who bought their latest and greatest EVs to the 2021 Chicago Auto Show:
2022 BMW iX
Introducing BMW’s 1st Sports Activity Vehicle EV, the iX. A dual motor AWD version projects a 300 mile range with an 80% fast charge in 40 minutes. The 0-60 acceleration is under 5 seconds. BMW will not offer a “frunk”, which may disappoint traditional EV buyers. The enlarged simulated dual grille may be hard for some to stomach. Pricing is expected at over $80,000. BMW is accepting deposits, with deliveries in spring 2022.
2022 Ford F-150 Lightning
Ford is joining the all-electric space with its ever-tough F-150. The two onboard motors power the standard 4×4 configuration with independent rear suspension. Maximum towing is expected at 10,000 lbs., with top payload promising 2,000 lbs. An extended range battery is good for 300 miles, while the targeted 553hp/774lb-ft means a 0-60 mph in a mid-4 seconds. The truck has onboard power, and backup to provide full power to your home for up 3 days on a full charge. A SuperCrew 4-door w/5.5 ft bed is the only body style. The “frunk” is tremendous! MSRP starts at $39,974, with top trims reaching over $94,000. Ford is taking reservations now, with availability spring 2022.
2022 KIA EV6
It’s an all-new global electric platform for the automaker’s first fully electric vehicle. The EV6 has a 300 mile range, and the GT performance version draws 576 hp with a 0-60 mph sprint under 3.5 seconds. Offered in RWD or AWD, it’s arguably the most attractive EV at the show. Reservations are being accepted now, and the price is yet to be announced.
2022 NISSAN ARIYA e-4orce
Nissan plans to make a big impact on the EV industry, in a vastly different automotive landscape since their introduction of the Leaf in 2010. Utilizing a new FWD/AWD electric platform, the Ariya’s anticipated range is 300 miles with the top battery pack. A $40,000 starting price is expected when this all-electric crossover SUV arrives later this year.
2021 VW ID.4 Pro
The ID indicates electric vehicle series for VW, and the ID.4 is their compact all-electric RWD SUV. Range is 260 miles on a 82 kw battery, with a 150 kw motor good for 201hp. An AWD is available later this year. VW’s goal is 20 million EVs by 2029. The ID.4 can be reserved and starts at $39,995.
The Chicago Automobile Trade Association (CATA), the nation’s oldest and largest metropolitan dealer organization, has produced the Chicago Auto Show since 1935. For more information, visit https://www.chicagoautoshow.com
The next big North American auto show is the New York International Auto Show August 20-29, 2021.
