The 2025 Montreal car show kicks off Friday for its 80th edition. Despite the end of subsidies, there is a big focus on electric cars.
In the eight decades since the city’s first car show, much has changed. Of the 30 car brands featured, most now have hi-tech dash boards with screens. General Director Luis Pereira says it can simplify the drive.
“It’s easier, I think, to navigate. Some people find it more difficult. I find it easier,” says Pereira. From a KIA to a Lincoln Navigator, screens are often kept low in a driver’s field of vision to minimize distraction.
As a new Hyundai EV is unveiled here, it joins many other electric vehicles in the car-show spotlight. Despite subsidies for EVs in Quebec being temporarily suspended from Feb. 1 to March 31, the car show has a full roster for attendees to try out.
“We have 25 vehicles to test drive all electric. We’re going from the Hummer to Cadillac optic, which just came out in the fall, the Lucid Air, the KONA Electric, that’s 25 electric vehicles to test out,” Pereira says.
One people can’t test yet is a protype car and camper van. Automotive expert Bertrand Godin says “the car industry works to prepare the future, and that’s why we have some kind of concept cars.”
That KIA WKNDR is not on the market yet - but this KIA E6is, a family car that can carry groceries & gear. Susan Bernardo of KIA Canada says “it’s a crossover.”
“It is deceptively large. It has phenomenal space and I fit hockey bags ... so that tells you an indication of how large it is,” she says.
“Large” could also describe some of the price-tags on display. A Lexus convertible for $135,000 or a 2025 Lincoln Navigator for $126,000.
Tammy MacNeil of Lincoln says their pricing is in line with competitors.
“If you look at the full Lincoln line-up we have a lot of value in our pricing,” she says.
She explains some of that value includes an in-car SPA effect. “You’re going to have an entire experience in our vehicle where it’s going to incorporate our beautiful audio, some gorgeous visuals, our massage seats, and it’s going to take you through a whole relaxation experience,“ says MacNeil.
These vehicles will get a whole lot of attention, as 170,000 visitors took in the car show last year .
The 2025 edition is open Jan. 17-26 Palais des Congrès.
